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If I only had one meal in CDMX it would be at:
Contramar · Mexico City
"Contramar, always. A 3:30 pm Friday lunch feels like a local holiday—everyone’s dressed, tables are flowing with mezcalitas, and the energy is electric. It's where the city gathers to gossip, indulge, and linger long past lunch. My dream order? Tuna tostadas to start, pasta con almejas dripping in butter and clams, pescado a la talla (always split), and a carajillo to keep you going—with a strong pass at the dessert tray."
Hotel I tell all my visitors to stay at:
La Valise mx City, an SLH Hotel · Mexico City
"As a Roma local I may be a bit biased, but La Valise is pure magic. The Atlas Suite boasts a view from the bath (my favorite!), while the Cilene Suite offers a perfect mix of romance and design."
Hotel San Fernando · Mexico City
"For something more budget-friendly but still well located, San Fernando is a gem—think leafy plazas, morning coffee strolls, and the heartbeat of Roma right outside your door (just don’t mind the noises)."
Ideal date:
"I’m a sucker for a half- or full-day date that unfolds like a story. Start with a laid-back picnic under the trees in Chapultepec with fresh French bread from Patisserie Dominque paired with some cheese and jamon iberico, a bottle of wine from Vigneron, and a medley of fresh fruit from Mercado 100. From there, grab a coffee to go from LagoAlgo and wander over to the Museo de Arte Moderno and stroll through the sculpture garden there. As the sun dips, head to the bar at ER RRE Un Bistro for a casual but elevated dinner. End the night in the moody, candlelit haze of Ticuchi. It’s romantic and layered, for just the right amount of indulgence."
Favorite local dish:
Tacos Los Alexis - Roma Norte · Mexico City
"A Mexico City resident must always have a favorite taco place. For me, my local spot is Tacos Alexis. I go weekly (and sometimes bi-weekly) for two tacos, Costra Especial and Costra de Carne Asada, sometimes paired with a mezcal. It never gets old, regardless of how often I go, and they also have a special place in their heart for furry friends."
My morning routine is:
"I love a slow morning in Mexico City—there’s something magical about hearing the city stretch awake through its layers of sound. I usually start with a coffee from Post Café which is truly the best in town, then stroll through Jardín Ramón López Velarde with my dog, Santiago. It’s my favorite kind of ritual: quiet, grounding, and full of subtle beauty. If I’m feeling indulgent, I pick up a croissant from Panadería Brûlée."
Favorite workout studio:
The Mat MX · Mexico City
“I’m a big fan of The Mat, a heated Pilates class that seriously kicks your booty. It’s the perfect reset after a stretch of indulgent meals and one-too-many mezcalitas. A little sweat, a lot of release.”
Boutique or vintage store I never miss:
Mooni · Mexico City
“For rising stars in Latin American art, I head to Mooni. Teo, the owner, has a few other stores with contemporary clothing designers right next door. For oddities, Pinguino. For great designers, I love Proyecto Republica. Finally, for the ideal shirt, Chava Studio is always worth a visit.”
The late-night spot only locals know:
Club San Luis · Mexico City
“I love a night of dancing and full-blown revelry at Club San Luis—it’s like stepping into a time capsule of Mexico City nightlife. Picture a smoky, mirror-lined dance hall with velvet booths, neon lights, and a band that plays everything from cumbia to salsa with wild abandon. It’s bottle service only and the crowd is there to dance—uninhibited, joyful, and sweaty.”
Most underrated museum or cultural space:
Chapel and Convent of the Capuchinas Sacramentarias · Mexico City
“I will always go out of my way to experience anything designed by Luis Barragán—his work moves me every time. One of his lesser-known masterpieces, Capilla de las Capuchinas, is especially powerful. It’s the kind of place that can make even the least religious person feel something sacred.”
Parque Quetzalcoatl · Mexico City
“And when I’m craving a dose of nature and whimsical wander, I head to Parque Quetzalcóatl—it feels like stepping into a dreamscape.”
The best thing to do here on a rainy day:
“There’s nothing I adore more than a rainy day at home—windows wide open, jazz playing softly, and the scent of petrichor drifting through the air. It’s my idea of heaven."
Tetetlán · Mexico City
"But when I venture out, I love tucking into Tetetlán, cozying up, and losing myself in their beautifully curated library. It’s the perfect extension of the peaceful rhythm I have at home."
If I need to get out of town for 24 hours, I go here:
“Tepoztlán is always my go-to when I need stillness, fresh air, and a deeper connection to nature.”
Amomoxtli · Mexico City
“For luxury wellness, Amomoxtli is a dream—lush gardens, mountain views, and an expansive wellness program.”
Posada del Tepozteco · Mexico City
“If you're craving something more traditional and charming, Posada del Tepozteco hits all the right notes.”
Margarita Concept Garden · Mexico City
“Hike as much as your legs will allow, and don’t miss Margarita Concept for sunset or Parcela for a long, delicious farm-to-table lunch under the trees.”
The three places that are next up on my hit list:
“Bhutan, Pantelleria, and Namibia.”
Most visitors don't know that...:
“I truly believe Mexico City is one of the best walking cities in the world. The magic lies in getting lost—wandering aimlessly through its tree-lined streets, stumbling upon hidden cafés, lush plazas, and unexpected beauty. It’s the fastest way to fall in love with the city.”
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