An institution known for its classic Mexican cooking, today El Cardenal has locations all over the city, but the branch to try is on Calle Palma, in a three-story building in the florid style of the late 19th century. Inside, the atmosphere (think beige walls and white tablecloths) and food are old school; the best time to come is breakfast, when trays of pan dulces make for a pleasant prelude to eggs or chilaquiles. Other locations include the ground floor of the Hilton Alameda in San Angel ( Avenida de la Paz 32) and Lomas de Chapultepec (Avenida Paseo de Las Palmas 215, near Colonia Polanco).

An old-world elegance and delightful formality without any stuffiness or snobbery colors everything here—the space, staff, and presentation of the food. The lively, fun vibes come from the roaming musicians and the celebratory mood of nearly everyone sitting down to the classic Mexican dishes served using the dairy from the restaurant’s own farm. Big Mexican families dress up to celebrate all kinds of occasions at the grand round tables, ladies who lunch linger long at the smaller tables, and in between them, the groups of tourists soak in the atmosphere.

El Cardenal, which has a few branches across Mexico City, is a great option for edible-insect newbies who are looking to step out of their comfort zone. They’re particularly well known for serving the so-called delicacy of escamoles,otherwise known as ant eggs. Widely referred to as Mexican caviar, the thought of eating them might make you queasy, but when served up with fresh tortillas, they’re apparently very palatable.

To sample some traditional Mexican breakfast foods, join the locals and head to El Cardenal. While the restaurant is open all day and serves classic Mexican fare that’s worth waiting in line for, it’s the breakfast that makes it so beloved around the city. Enjoy a Mexican-style hot chocolate with nata bread to dip into it, and that’s just the appetizer.

The original restaurant on Palma a block from the Zócalo, was, for many years, a rather stuffy and forgotten veteran. But the grandchildren of the founder have spiffed up the dining rooms and revamped the extensive menu and it has become a good place to sample both traditional and “nueva cocina Mexicana.” A larger branch is in the lobby of the Hilton Alameda (built on the site of the Hotel del Prado which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1985.) Both offer the same changing menu featuring many interesting dishes such as tortas de huautzontles, tortilla de huevo con escamoles (ant eggs), esquites (fresh corn with chile and cream) and seasonal ingredients such as huitlacoche (corn mushroom) and bacalao (salt cod). Cardenal is particularly recommendable for a traditional Mexican breakfast: sweet rolls are house-baked and nata - like English clotted cream defies dieters.

With six locations across the city, El Cardenal is an undeniable classic, where love for traditions shines at every moment. In the morning, breakfast at El Cardenal starts with homemade pastries, like fluffy conchas, paired with the house’s signature hot chocolate, a foamy concoction prepared at your table. Next come morning favourites like Michoacán-style enchiladas and gorditas, while the lunch menu brings plenty of shareable goodness in the form of fideo seco (a local noodle specialty) and escamoles – ant larvae that are best enjoyed in a taco with fresh guacamole.

A favorite of downtown bureaucrats and white-collar office workers, El Cardenal is a white-tablecloth affair with multiple locations, specializing in lavish Mexican-with-a-capital-M breakfast guisados. I prefer the one at the Hilton Mexico City Reforma: The dining room is a large hall that clanks with the energy of spirited gossip. Start with the hand-whipped chocolate (pronounce that in Spanish in your head) instead of coffee — servers treat you with the extravagant yet modest ritual of an arcing pour — and natas (sweet milk curds) with warm pan dulce.

One of the city’s top dining spots for authentic Mexican cuisine, the bustling El Cardenal is famous for its Mexican breakfasts and homemade chocolate, fresh breads and tacos. The menu changes monthly and showcases seasonal dishes, ranging from Oaxacan moles and spicy stuffed chilies, to the tortilla con escamoles (ant egg omelets). El Cardenal boasts four venues located across the city – we love the picturesque Centro Histórico outpost with its lofty ceilings, stained glass windows and mahogany staircase.

El Cardenal has been a cornerstone of Mexico City’s culinary scene since 1969, and it’s not hard to see why. Every morning, locals and tourists alike queue up outside its Centro Histórico location, eagerly awaiting their chance to experience what many consider the finest traditional Mexican breakfast in the capital. The restaurant’s signature hot chocolate is a work of art in itself – served in delicate ceramic cups and whipped to perfection tableside with a traditional molinillo (wooden whisk).

I’ll be honest – the only reason I came to El Cardenal was to see the Diego mural (a replica of Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central, the original displayed nearby at the Diego Rivera Mural Museum) but actually, it’s a great place to eat breakfast in Centro. If nothing else, you must try the hot chocolate, best paired with a fresh, warm conche (sweet Mexican bread). They froth the hot chocolate at your table in an atmospheric display.

Recognized for its exquisite bakery and dishes that print all the tradition of our country with recipes of unique flavors. They produce their own tortillas, bread, cream, chocolate and cheese through careful processes that aim to offer all the quality and freshness to the public. Do not miss their chilaquiles, their egg pounding, the fresh tuna toasts, the Oaxacan stuffed chili and other options that will make you never want to leave there.

El Cardenal is a cherished establishment in Mexico City, renowned for its authentic traditional Mexican breakfast options. Situated in the historic center of CDMX, this restaurant has been a favorite for decades, drawing in both locals and tourists with its welcoming ambiance and genuine Mexican cuisine. The menu at El Cardenal showcases classic Mexican dishes such as huevos divorciados (divorced eggs), chilaquiles, and a variety of tortas.

If you’re more in a white table cloth mood this is always a great option. They have most typical Mexican dishes available like enchiladas, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, enmoladas and all of them are an accurate representation of flavors and presentation. Be sure to try their conchas with nata (clotted cream) along with some hot chocolate, turn the pastry upside down, slathere some of the creamy goodness and then dip in the chocolate.

El Cardenal (the original location in Centro is best IMO)- The first few times I visited the CDMX, every friend I went out with wanted to take me to El Cardenal as a classic example of Mexican breakfast. I’ve eaten a full gambit of dishes from chilaquiles with tasajo to an egg white spinach omelette but my favourite thing there is a concha with nata (clotted cream) served at the beginning with a coffee or hot chocolate.

For an authentic taste of Mexican flavors that kids love, opt for El Cardenal restaurant, known for its affordable local dishes and convivial vibe. Kids will delight in the freshly made tacos and quesadillas, while adults can indulge in more adventurous dishes like homemade salsas, “chapulines” or fried grasshoppers and an omelet with “huitlacoche” — a Mexican delicacy made of special fungus that grows on corn.

El Cardenal is a thriving bastion of traditional Mexican cuisine, taking pride in its time-honored recipes and authentic flavors. Since opening its doors in 1969, it has become a favorite for both locals and tourists alike. Their freshly made nata (clotted cream), warm bread rolls, and pre-Hispanic-inspired dishes such as escamoles and ant larvae create a direct link to Mexico’s rich cultural past.

El Cardenal makes the list for best places to eat in Mexico City because it is simply a classic!. Unlike the trendy cafes that are popping up around the city, this breakfast joint is frequented by the older, more traditional CDMX locale. There is just about always a line to get in, so make sure to go inside and put your name on the list as soon as your arrive (rookie mistake on our part).

Founded on the core beliefs that food should be made with the finest ingredients, that the seasonings used should please even the most demanding Mexican palate, that meals are produced with the strictest hygienic standards, that the service is excellent and that prices are affordable, we can think of few better places to recommend for breakfast in Mexico City that Restaurante El Cardenal.

A Mexico City classic – El Cardenal is one of the most famous restaurants for locals to go with their families for a weekend breakfast or brunch. If you decide to dine here you will have authentic Mexican food, impeccable service, and a true local experience. My local friend wanted to take me here to experience this popular Mexican restaurant and also to try their molcajete.

Many tourists who visit Mexico City look for restaurants with classic Mexican cuisine, places like El Cardenal or Nico’s, or if they are less purist, contemporary Mexican like Maximo Bistrot or Quintonil. But visiting the capital doesn’t always have to mean tortillas and chiles, especially if you already live somewhere else in Mexico and already eat great Mexican food there.

We featured this essential Mexico City Breakfast spot at the very start of our three days in Mexico City guide. El Cardenal has four restaurants across Mexico city and we recommend you simply go to the location nearest your hotel. However be warned that the branch in the Hilton Alameda has often been described as ‘soleless’, however, the food is still good there.

In order to discover the real Mexican flavours you should visit these restaurants: El Cardenal (Centro Histórico), Los Girasoles (Tacuba 8), Aguila y Sol (Emilio Castelar 229), while if you are looking for something cheaper you can enjoy Café Tacuba (Tacuba 28) and the several wine bars scattered in the city, as well as the ones located in the Centro Historico.

Born in the very heart of the city’s Centro Histórico, El Cardenal has grown to have four locations across the city. Despite this, it remains family-run and family-centered. Its comforting menu features appetizers like escamoles (ant larvae) if you’re feeling adventurous enough to eat some bugs, and entrées like traditional Oaxaca-style stuffed chili.

When you start looking into where to eat in Mexico City for an amazing breakfast, this is the place you will come across again and again. They have multiple locations so we chose the Centro location to start off our sightseeing day right. We arrived early since they don’t take reservations and were immediately greeted with their famous hot chocolate.

The majestic El Cardenal restaurant is situated in a structure that housed the Royal and the Pontifical University of America. The restaurant serves finest traditional Mexican meal, in a plush romantic setting. The ambience is uplifted with an artist playing melodious music in the background and the prompt service makes the guests feel comfortable.

El Cardenal is one of the most iconic places to eat breakfast in Mexico City. But honestly I was skeptical that the food wouldn’t live up to its reputation. While I wasn’t completely blown away, the dishes were traditional and flavorful Plus I was able to order my beloved cazuela of eggs in a savory tomato sauce and served with a side of bread.

One of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico, El Cardenal celebrates Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. Come here for the traditional breakfast of “Chocolate Doña Olivia”, freshly baked bread, and thick creams before exploring the neighborhood or the lunch and dinner menu that offers exceptional homages to classic Mexican dishes.

A most-visit place in Mexico is El Cardenal, one of the most popular places and widely recommended by Mexicans. It has a very long history of excellence over its shoulders, as well as a wide variety of Mexican food. However, we wll talk about that variety in some other time, and we will focus only in insects on this article.

Let me be clear: Mexico City is the breakfast capital of the world. Nowhere else invests more in a proper first meal. In the coming days I will indulge at the famous Fonda Margarita, a family-friendly dive beneath a corrugated roof in a quiet southern neighbourhood, which stops serving at noon or whenever the food runs out.

Since it opened in 1969, El Cardenal has been something of a Mexico City institution. It's the place for a traditional brunch in the historic center – complete with a festive atmosphere and warm hospitality. Start off with El Cardenal's famous hot chocolate (made tableside!), along with a pastry.

If we are talking about exquisite, authentic, and very Mexican food, El Cardenal has to be here. It is a restaurant that takes you to live the best gastronomical experience in the whole world. El Cardenal has been showing for years why it is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A Mexico City classic, El Cardenal is known for its bountiful and varied breakfasts, which aren't complete without the conchas (a sweet bread) served with nata , the Mexican version of clotted cream. Go for a true Mexican favorite: chilaquiles, which are day-old tortilla chips…

The historic center of Mexico City isn’t just an area for tourists. The neighborhood is still home to long-time residents, offices, and lots and lots of government buildings, from federal departments to the capital’s congress. This means lots and lots of politicians and officials!

I’ve never been to El Cardenal but after publishing this post SO MANY readers told me that the breakfast at this particular spot was unmissable. They even noted that it definitely wasn’t a tourist trap. So, I bowed to peer pressure, and I’m adding this recommendation into the mix.

Perhaps consider ant eggs – or escamoles – a jump from beginner bugs to intermediate. But you should seriously consider tasting this local delicacy, also known as Mexican caviar. One of the best places to try it (and Intrepid guide Ubish Yaren’s recommendation) is El Cardenal.

Located in Centro Histórico, El Cardenal ranks highly in reviews on all platforms. What surprised me was the size of the place with multiple floors and a multitude of dining rooms with tables that can accompany huge parties. El Cardenal offers a large array of food options.

This restaurant is a classic among Mexicans, as it has more than 50 years sharing Mexican dishes with a very good quality, this is a small chain but with a lot of class and style. You can check which one is closest to your location. $300/400 MXN $15/20 USD per person

Traditional Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 555 521 3080. El Cardenal is one of the local hot spots in Mexico City for traditional cuisine. There are actually three different El Cardenal locations around CDMX, but they’re all equally as tasty.

Restaurante El Cardenal, located in the historic center of Mexico City, is renowned for its traditional Mexican cuisine and authentic recipes. Founded in 1969 by Olivia Garizurieta and Jesús Briz, the restaurant began as a means to support their family.

El Cardenal is a must-see for history buffs and foodies alike. Right in the middle of Centro Historico, it’s a perfect stop after exploring Templo Mayor and Plaza de Zocalo and offers several traditional Mexican dishes such as mole and chilaquiles.

It has different locations in Centro, Lomas de Chapultepec, and San Ángel. In this restaurant, typical Mexican tables are recreated, and breakfast has become a tradition. In addition, they develop the tortilla process starting from scratch.

Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine in a beautiful setting at El Cardenal. This traditional Mexican restaurant makes its own raw ingredients. It may be one of the best restaurants in Mexico City for anyone who loves traditional cuisine.

This is perhaps the most popular spot to enjoy your first meal of the day in Mexico City: El Cardenal. It rests in a historic spot. Once you step inside, it will give you that old Mexican dining tradition vibe.

El Cardenal: This spot feels like a traditional family diner, so go get here early if you plan to go on a weekend. Expect authentic Mexican hot chocolate and Mexican breakfast featuring all the huevos.

Food – traditional, old school Mexican, love the conchas with nata and hot chocolate, great breakfast. Ambiance – slightly upscale family-friendly, an after-church weekend lunch kind vibe.

El Cardenal: A historic restaurant known for its traditional Mexican breakfasts. It’s a great spot to enjoy dishes like chilaquiles, pan dulce, and hot chocolate made with artisanal cacao.

Another breakfast spot popular with the locals for a more buttoned-up affair, El Cardenal has been in service since the ‘80s. The extensive menu has a range of freshly baked pastries.

BTW: El Cardenal has several locations, but the best one is on Calle de Palma. Get there early to secure a table or you might have to wait an hour before getting seated.

El Cardenal (Historic Center + other locations) – Beloved by locals for traditional Mexican breakfasts in a refined setting. Order the nata with sweet bread.

Late lunch at El Cardenal: traditional Mexican lunch with fresh tortillas, cheeses I’ve never tasted before (but they were so yummy), and a cerveza or two.

We visited to try their famous breakfast and loved the steak chilaquiles. I also tried something a little different for me which is eggs and ant eggs!