Mercado de San Juan Pugibet

Fresh food market · Tabacalera

Mercado de San Juan Pugibet

Fresh food market · Tabacalera

5

2ᵃ Calle de Ernesto Pugibet 21, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06070 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Photos

Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by Getty
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by Photo by Julie Schwietert Collazo
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null
Mercado de San Juan Pugibet by null

Highlights

Mexico City's Mercado San Juan is a gourmet haven serving fresh seafood, exotic meats, rare cheeses, and adventurous bites in a vibrant market scene.  

Featured on Michelin
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

2ᵃ Calle de Ernesto Pugibet 21, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06070 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Get directions

lacocinadesanjuan.com.mx

$$

Information

Static Map

2ᵃ Calle de Ernesto Pugibet 21, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06070 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Get directions

+52 55 2248 6633
lacocinadesanjuan.com.mx
MercadoDeSanJuan77

$$

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@michelinguide

Where to Go in 2025: 10 Exciting Foodie Destinations to Explore

"Mexico City's culinary scene merges ancient traditions with modern creativity, offering everything from street-side tacos to Two-Star Mexican gastronomy. The city champions indigenous ingredients while elevating traditional recipes to fine-dining standards." - Rooksana Hossenally

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/best-places-to-eat-in-2025
View Postcard for Mercado de San Juan Pugibet
@afar

"Shop among Chefs at Mercado San Juan You may not know it, but as you peruse the stalls of vendors at Mercado San Juan, you just might be rubbing shoulders or vying for the plumpest, prettiest chayote with one of Mexico City 's top chefs. San Juan is the market for serious home cooks and pro chefs alike. Here, you can find everything from just-off-the-boat fish and seafood to wild game. There have even been rumors over the years (urban legend or fact?) that if you know who to ask, you can procure true exotics here, including tiger and bear meats. If you're not in the market for any goods to go, you can let your nose lead the way to a stall where prepared hot foods are sold. And don't miss trying chapulines, toasted grasshoppers, which are a Mexican snack specialty."

Wood grain pattern
The Best Markets in Mexico City
View Postcard for Mercado de San Juan
@afar

"Shop among Chefs at Mercado San Juan You may not know it, but as you peruse the stalls of vendors at Mercado San Juan, you just might be rubbing shoulders or vying for the plumpest, prettiest chayote with one of Mexico City 's top chefs. San Juan is the market for serious home cooks and pro chefs alike. Here, you can find everything from just-off-the-boat fish and seafood to wild game. There have even been rumors over the years (urban legend or fact?) that if you know who to ask, you can procure true exotics here, including tiger and bear meats. If you're not in the market for any goods to go, you can let your nose lead the way to a stall where prepared hot foods are sold. And don't miss trying chapulines, toasted grasshoppers, which are a Mexican snack specialty."

The Perfect Weekend in Mexico City
View Postcard for Mercado de San Juan
@cntraveler

12 Best Markets in Mexico City for All Your Souvenirs | Condé Nast Traveler

"San Juan Market (Mercado San Juan) is actually two buildings, located a block apart. One focuses on fruits, meats, and veggies, while the other is filled with stalls serving full meals (expect plates like flautas or birria), juices, and pastries. Food lovers, rejoice: Fresh fish counters offer catch-of-the-day from both coasts; wild meat markets have unique offerings (deer, alligator, iguana, wild pig, scorpion); and all over are imported European meats and cheeses." - Scarlett Lindeman, Lauren Stroh

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-markets-in-mexico-city
View Postcard for Mercado de San Juan Pugibet
@atlasobscura

Mercado San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico - Gastro Obscura

"In the Mercado San Juan, you’ll find what many of the world’s best chefs already know: This place offers some of CDMX’s most exotic, hard-to-find, and freshest foodstuffs. The market’s vendors range from profferers of hyper-local ingredients, to gourmet hawkers offering delights from the northern parts of the Americas, Europe, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for seasonally available chapulines  and escamoles (pre-Spanish staples: grasshoppers and ant eggs), or perfect, plump artichokes, or bags of edible flowers (or various flours), or ostrich eggs, or recently slaughtered goats, or even fresh mozzarella, Mercado San Juan can provide. More adventurous diners can patron stands that flip burgers purportedly made from puma, crocodile, armadillo, and roadrunner meat, although to do so would be contributing to the illegal trade in wildlife currently causing Mexico’s crisis in biodiversity conservation. Established in 1955, the current market building developed on the site of the former warehouses of the Buen Tono cigar company. Today, it follows in the tradition of many Mexican markets in that it provides a social atmosphere where you can talk to vendors and sample their wares. However, Mercado San Juan remains remarkably unique to CDMX in that it uses a familiar setting to highlight and celebrate a diversity of food cultures from around the world. Take a sip of mezcal, chase it with a chili-dipped orange wedge, and marvel at a place that will whet your palate, indulge your eyes, and encourage you to take another bite. None" - pml33040, Rose Annis, Monsieur Mictlan, brittanyjones, Feathergirl77, Mario Yair TS

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mercado-san-juan
View Postcard for Mercado de San Juan Pugibet

Hils

Google
Out of the world market that sells all sorts of exotic consumables. We are talking about fried insects, scorpion liqueur and lion meat. Overall an interesting visit - albeit a rather touristy location that locals won’t normally visit; not your typical Mexican Mercado that sells regular groceries and fresh foods.

Erik Meltzer

Google
The food was tasty and pretty cool to walk around. No need to get a tour, very easy to navigate and the food is self-explanatory.

wanson luk

Google
We went there with our guide claiming that is exotic food market I can try everything just for fun But seeing they sell big cats meat like lion meat really turned me down. It is absolutely unacceptable and uncivilized Other than that trying insects is a fun experience

Tyler Hunt

Google
Perfect market to while away a couple hours around lunchtime, sampling fresh baguette sandwiches, exotic meats, quality seafoods, and interesting mezcals. Grab a cafecito to finish off the experience!

Maricruz Piecho

Google
A large variety of fresh fruit, tapas, fish etc. Etc. I would definitely recommend going to check it out.

Fang Ho

Google
Great market to try exotic food and cuisine. Fresh produce, seafood, and meat. There are several tapas bar and seafood stands in there. Fresh local produce was a bit pricy compared to other local markets. If you only have limited time in Mexico city but still like to try seafood and/or exotic foods (bugs and wild game meats) while exploring local produce (fruits/veggies/prepared mole and spices) and imported gourmet food (charcuterie/tapas/cheese/gourmet deli), this is the place to be.

Pamela Janes

Google
Great stop for fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, meats, fish and more. Lots of food counters and small restaurants. Reasonable prices and friendly, helpful vendors.

Sonali N

Google
Definitely a must visit on your Mexico city trip. Gives you a flavour of the culture through their fresh produce, variety of meats, spices, liquor and cheeses. Interesting mezcals with scorpions floating in the bottle. The animals are being skinned and chopped right there so have a strong stomach! Tried the famous chocolate pudding fruit here for the 1st time. Although it was really fresh, I personally did not prefer the taste. Also got some dried coriander since I had never tried it in my cooking before. Would recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds.
google avatar

Andrea S.

Yelp
Had an amazing pulpo tostada at Los Sirenos! The service was good and the tostada was so memorable!
google avatar

Steven K.

Yelp
This place has it all - fresh seafood, fresh chicken, mezcal paired with tequila - you name it! You'll want to stop here for lunch and walk around a bit before deciding on where you'd like to settle. We sampled some bugs and bought a Scorpio inside a travel sized tequila bottle to try as the man said it was muy delicioso! Highly recommend sitting at the seafood area and ordering: ceviche and some clams. The server was so nice and the owner will come and let you know which sauces work with which. Occasionally he will also cook your seafood for you. It's great watching them enjoy the business! Would probably come back every day while I'm here for lunch.
google avatar

Joop V.

Yelp
Wonderful flea market with lots of local vendors! This is a place to go to if you are interested in seeing what people/locals here buy. The place is relatively clean and gives you a good idea of lives and cultures in CDMX. Lots of things to see. For me, I saw and tried some products from local vendors such as insects, mole, wild/exotic meats etc. Really great place to stop by! I think you would also benefit from having a friend from this area show you around...or if you know Spanish...or if you come here with a tour group! Highly recommended.
google avatar

Shay L.

Yelp
All I can say about the food markets is WOW! If you love food you have to check it out! Mercado de San Juan is the gourmet food market. They have companies that provide tours and showcase countless ingredients native to the region and other speciality imports.
google avatar

Austin G.

Yelp
Mercado de San Juan is a massive market with food stands, vendors selling produce and all sorts of things. During the pandemic, wear a mask when you enter. Before you can enter, a worker will give you hand sanitizer to use. If you love coffee, find Triana Cafe in the back!
google avatar

Ted S.

Yelp
This is a very interesting market with many exotic food items, including insects and meats and cheeses. Beware. Beware. Beware. Several vendors sell insects. Scorpions, scarab beetles, ants, crickets, tarantulas, giant cockroaches, all fried, and mostly just crunchy and bland, except for the crickets, which are flavored. If you do decide to eat these things, I beg you to avoid the guy near the front entrance. I had some bugs there. I got sick. So how can I blame the bug vendor? It was the only thing I ate that my wife didn't. Also, two days after I got violently ill, another guest at my bed and breakfast suffered the same fate. Her friend heard that I got sick at the same market, and after a short conversation we learned we both ate a scorpion from the same guy. It was also the only thing she ate that her friend, the not sick friend, did not. Sleuthing to a likely conclusion, perhaps this bug man is not the mosts sanitary of fellows. Another insect hawker in the back also offers some lovely cheeses and deli meats. We wanted to do a picnic so tasted some, ordered small portions of three meats and three cheeses. Maybe a half or three quarters pound in all. All wrapped up and ready to go... for $60 US. Maybe they thought they could just get us, since it was all sliced and packaged. We walked away, opting for a nice wine and charcuterie shop in Condesa instead. Better stuff and a fraction of the cost. From two days lost, to an attempted ripoff, Mercado de San Juan might be a nice place to visit for curiosity's sake, but take care, lest you too fall victim to Montezuma's scorpion.
google avatar

Jacques I.

Yelp
While in the area, we decided to walk to Mercado de San Juan, which was our first market visit in Mexico - and it did not disappoint. We had a good time, exploring all the local vendors and seeing items that you would not find sold in U.S. markets! We visited an hour before closing and many of the stalls were starting to wrap up. However, there were still plenty of vendors still in operation and allowing visitors to dine in. The market is not huge, so is easy to walk around. When we visited, there was even a guided tour of visitors trying different foods and learning about the vendors here. That would be cool to try for next time! Vendors are friendly and are happy to talk to you about what they offer, hoping to get your business. We ended up stopping by a vendor, which had chairs and tables set up and offered wine and international cheeses and meats. We had a nice time...especially observing all the other customers trying tarantula! I recommend visiting Mercado de San Juan if in the area.
google avatar

Efren S.

Yelp
Good stop in the center of Mexico City to see and try things you would normally only see Andrew Zimmern eat. Meats not usually seen in a meat market and especially bugs! Madagascar hissing cock roaches, scorpions, large ants, maguey worms, centipedes, spiders, etc. Actually, I have tried a few of these things and they really are not so bad-at least when eaten fried as they are most often prepared. Reason being because these are exoskeleton insects. Meaning that rather than having vertebrae or any skeleton inside, they have an armored body. So when you fry them the insides pretty much disintegrate and you eat the fried shell more than anything else. If you have eaten fried shrimp shells it's kinda similar, but of course you do get shrimp meat with that. With these little insects, there is not much there. Try them with beer or Mezcal and you won't really notice much more than a crunchy chippy companion to pair with your drink! Then you can tell your friends and family that you have eaten bugs without really having to eat their guts!
google avatar

Joseph T.

Yelp
Awesome market! Come here to enjoy the great variety of stalls! We had ceviche, dried insects, and fried scorpion! Lots of fun. Restrooms are 5 pesos.
google avatar

Stacie F.

Yelp
I have been coming to this market for as long as I have been coming to Mexico, at least 15 years. They have just about every tyoe of store and service that you can thinknof here. From the dozen or so reataurants, to the various little stores that sell fruit, they have got it all. There is even a cyber cafe and barber shop! I have mostly come here to purchase various vegetable and fruit items. For example, bananas, pears, strawberries, different salad tyles, and watermellons. There are also a couple of places that sell special fruit drinks, that are prepared right in front of you. The reason foe today's visit was to pick-up five lairs of pants that I had dropped off for repair. I brought the pants from my country to get the hokes fixed. Five pants fixed for $20.00! Indeed it's much more affordable to get things like that done here, rather than in my county, and I would argue that they do a comparable job. Rhis market is great for so many reasons, if not only to explore and check things out.
google avatar

Natalie Z.

Yelp
Not to be confused with Mercado San Juan down the street, which is a little bit more chaotic, less kempt, and frequented by locals. This one is known as a chef's market and purveyor of "exotic" foods. There was an entire boulevard in the market of stores selling different kinds of cooked insects, including chocolate-covered scorpions. Towards the back of the market, there are some butcheries selling wild game meats (and bushmeat??) and sausages. We arrived during the late afternoon after a long day of sightseeing--the market was less cramped but found it a little overstimulating as many vendors at food stalls were heckling us to patronize their business and sit down for a meal. Although I love exploring local markets, I find that they're pretty cramped and a little bit overwhelming when you don't really have a particular agenda. It's kind of hard to just take things in when you're constantly squeezing by people. However, there truly is an amazing assortment of foods and spices being sold here, so it is definitely worth the trip.
google avatar

Cindy D.

Yelp
I am giving this place 4 stars because it is way too clean for a supermarket, especially in CDMX. We arrived here for lunch and I was expecting to see and smell something awful in the market. I was wrong, everything here is nicely organized, covered and sanitized. We walked around the market after having lunch at Don Vergas Mariscos (highly recommend this place for best seafood in Mexico City). I discovered a lot of exotic meat from lion's ear to tiger's heart and armadillo. Nope we did not try any of those. I did tried a baby scorpion and it was crunchy, almost like a charcoal taste. Good thing it came with a mezcal. We noticed people bring their motorcycle to transport goods inside the market. I definitely recommend this place to all the tourists, it is not far from the city. Although I was told to not go to Mercid (another market but more legit where you can see a lot of crazy things there including witchcrafts and etc). Next time I am in town, I am going there.
google avatar

Shane S.

Yelp
This was the strangest and most unique market I have been in. Fresh produce, fresh fish, meats, wine, cheese, coffee and prepared food. They have many vendors to please anyone's pallet. They have several options of exotic tastings, such as iguana, insects, lion and tiger. Yes you can get lion and tiger at this place. Bizzare and interesting market.

Jim V.

Yelp
Pretty cool place. The prices have really gone up over the years because of its popularity. Too many of the little stalls are now serving Spanish foods; you may be wanting Mexican considering where you're visiting. Everyone is very friendly. You vegans should avoid due to the butchering.
google avatar

Es H.

Yelp
Okay! So you want an interesting and adventurous market experience? This will fulfill it and so much more. Where else can you try a wide array of critters including tarantulas, cockroaches and lion and buffalo tacos? If you have a crazy palate, you have found your match here. Came here as part of a market tour and this was so fun! My plate of bugs that included a cooked tarantula, centipedes, ants, scorpion, and others costed $30 and the lion tacos (tasteless though) was $6. So, you are also wondering how the star of the dish tasted? ... the tarantula legs tasted fleshy and actually, quite okay. But then the regret came when I ate the body! Instantly my mouth numbed and then it felt like a ton of canker sores erupted in my mouth. This feeling in my mouth lasted for quite some time. The rest of the bugs started tasting similar because of the manner they were cooked. Anyways this market just made my visit to Mexico city much more memorable :) check it out if you have a chance.
google avatar

Harris M.

Yelp
This is a great mercado in Mexico City, and there are dozens of them. I loved it because I was able to experience a farmers' market in the true sense of the term. All kinds of provisions: meats, groceries, cheeses, artisanal products and the, of course, great food. This is a must visit on a trip to Mexico City if you have even the slightest love for food. I had lunch at one of the stalls and it was heavenly. Purely authentic with a selection that would blow your mind. Mind you, I am talking about a store front with 6 stools. But heaven. Look at the pictures. This place offered a selection of insects, exotic meats like crocodile, tiger, armadillo, deer, etc etc. i had the venison and it was sublime. So I loved it and so will you if you are a fellow foodie. Cheers!
google avatar

Brian C.

Yelp
Got into town and walked directly to this market. Good choice. This is a food market-half cooked half uncooked. We walked around and saw the beautiful produce and then checked out the abundance of meat counters. THIS IS NOT FOR VEGETARIANS. You will see animal heads and eyeballs and feet (so many feet). After we looked at all the little food stands, we settled on a small cheese plate a sandwich and paired those with some glasses of wine. We ate in a little 4 table area above the shop which overlooked the market-so cool. Everything was wonderful. Tips: folks are gonna try to sell things to you, be polite and move on with a smile. The hard sell isn't as abrasive as it seems at first. A smile and a nod is all you need. Oh, and this may seem like it should be fast service, but it is a casual experience. Don't expect to get things fast. Relax.
google avatar

Michael U.

Yelp
Considered to be one of the city's premier food markets, and one of the few open daily, Mercado de San Juan poses the novelty of items as diverse and bizarre as Scorpions, Worms and Ant Larvae alongside more spices than one count, though the general quality of produce seems to be lacking compared to some of the better Markets found throughout the United States and Europe.
google avatar

Elise M.

Yelp
Fresh seafood at Puerto de Alvarado. The best grilled shrimp with lime. Don't forget to look around the regular market portion as well. I'd shop for fruit and fresh seafood here daily if I lived here.
google avatar

Megan S.

Yelp
If you are in Mexico City this is a must visit spot. First, you get to see lots of interesting cuts of meats that you don't normally see in US markets. Second, everyone working there was beyond friendly to us. If you can, stop at the little cafe in the middle of the market. The coffee was amazing and the owner was beyond sweet to us.
google avatar

Phil D.

Yelp
The best market in Mexico city for local products and asian also. There is a lot of meat and fish here, and it never smells bad like some places. The quality of fruit and vegetables is very high. The quality of the meats and fish is also very high. Aged cheeses and meats are plentiful. The biggest prawns i have seen are here. You can buy a whole baby piglet, a whole baby goat, any type of fish. Its possible to buy Boar, Crocodile and many other wild meats not available elsewhere. Fantastic place to spend a few hours. Bring cash not card as cards are not normally accepted.
google avatar

Julie M.

Yelp
It's important to know that there are quite a few large indoor markets in the San Juan neighborhood. One is edicated to exotic and gourmet foods, and there's another with traditional Mexican food. Both are exceptional. The artisanal and flower markets are just okay.
google avatar

Don N.

Yelp
This too is on my list of go to places in Mexico City. I was a little concerned because the area looked a little sketchy, but don't worry about it. Inside it is crazy busy and you see so much food. We ate at a little storefront that sold sandwiches and wine. Man it was good. Excellent way to start the morning. Wine is pretty affordable!
google avatar

Adam M.

Yelp
We actually like the other Mercado de San Juan better. But this one is really interesting with lots of high end charcuterie. Well worth the visit... though my kids were grossed out by the butchering. (I thought it was cool)