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Transformación: ARLIS/NA 51st Annual Conference Mexico City : The Dining Experience

Helpful resources for exploring Mexico City

Introduction to Dining in Mexico City

Mexico City is home to a world class dining scene. Whether you are looking for fancier dishes or something more simple, you will be sure to find something delicious wherever you are.

There are three restaurants within the Hilton Mexico City Reforma hotel. Los Dones is also available in the hotel for buffet and à la carte meals. Many restaurants closer to the Historic Center are highlighted on the local guide map. Peruse the restaurant guides below for more in-depth exploration of restaurants throughout Mexico City.

Lunch and dinner tend to be more leisurely experiences, so please allow plenty of time at restaurants, especially with a group. This could be over an hour for lunch and several hours for dinner. Many restaurants do not split bills, so either use one card, or pay in cash. It may be helpful to split particularly large groups into smaller tables. Tipping in Mexico City is customarily around 10%.

Helpful phrases

  • Estoy (Estamos) listos para ordenar = I (We) are ready to order
  • Quisiera ____, por favor = I would like _____ please
  • Soy alérigico a ______ = I am allergic to _____
  • ¿Tienen algún plato vegetariano? = Do you have any vegetarian dishes?
  • ¿Qué recomienda usted? = What do you recommend?
  • Necesitamos más tiempo para decidir = We need a moment to decide
  • Señor/Señora, la cuenta, por favor = Mr./Mrs., the bill please

Refer to your phrase guide or various websites (ex: this Guardian article) for other helpful phrases to know when dining.

Restaurant Guides

For recommendations specifically within the Historic Center:

For recommendations throughout the city: