
Café De Tacuba
A century-old institution in a historic convent, blending colonial charm, vibrant mariachi music, and traditional Mexican cuisine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Café De Tacuba

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old institution in a historic convent, blending colonial charm, vibrant mariachi music, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
"Experience Mexico City's rich heritage and festive spirit in a stunning, historic setting."
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and can help avoid long waits.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the acclaimed mole poblano or enchiladas, considered house specialties.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
$$$
Phone
+52 55 5521 2048
Address
C. de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Website
cafedetacuba.mx/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance
Dine in a 1912 colonial-era convent, adorned with stained glass and hand-painted tiles, offering a journey through Mexico City's heritage.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Savor traditional Mexican dishes, including their renowned mole poblano and enchiladas, served with vibrant live mariachi music.

Live Mariachi Music
Experience the lively atmosphere enhanced by talented mariachi bands that serenade diners, adding a festive touch to your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and can help avoid long waits.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the acclaimed mole poblano or enchiladas, considered house specialties.
Request Song
Bring small bills if you wish to request a song from the mariachi band.
Visit During Off-Peak
Consider visiting during non-peak hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and can help avoid long waits.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the acclaimed mole poblano or enchiladas, considered house specialties.
Request Song
Bring small bills if you wish to request a song from the mariachi band.
Visit During Off-Peak
Consider visiting during non-peak hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café de Tacuba is celebrated for its stunning historic ambiance and the lively mariachi music, creating a unique dining experience. While many praise the atmosphere, some reviewers find the food to be average and overpriced, though others highlight specific dishes like enchiladas and mole as standouts. Service is generally described as good, but some have encountered less-than-ideal interactions.
"What a lovely restaurant. Fantastic service wonderful atmosphere. The mariachi performance was the cherry on top. Excellent choices and menu - will have to come back and try other items! Came back twice - for dinner and breakfast. Best service in town. No wonder Diego Rivera had his wedding reception here!!!"
Laura Wong
"🌟 Historic Charm with Warm Service
What an experience! Café de Tacuba is a stunning spot — originally a 17th-century hospital, it was transformed into a restaurant in 1912 and has preserved much of its colonial beauty. The architecture is absolutely beautiful, and the 17th-century paintings throughout the space add so much character and charm.
The service was excellent — fast, attentive, and very friendly. Our server made us feel truly welcome. While the food was just okay, the atmosphere more than made up for it. It’s definitely worth a visit for the history and ambiance alone.
One note: the live music was delayed and mostly centered around a birthday celebration at the back, which was a bit distracting. Also, it’s a popular place, so a reservation is highly recommended.
Overall, a memorable experience and a unique slice of Mexico City’s heritage!"
mahdi ibrahim
"A modest entrance hides a classically beautiful interior.
The staff are all polite and efficient, providing excellent service throughout. The food is traditional and on the pricier side, expect to spend around 400 pesos per person. The decor features religious symbols and paintings that add to the unique atmosphere. It’s a popular spot, so it can get a bit noisy, but overall, it's a charming and enjoyable experience."
Nils Volden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Café de Tacuba is famous for its historic ambiance, dating back to 1912, its ornate decor featuring stained glass and hand-painted tiles, and its live mariachi music.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, especially during peak hours or weekends.
Signature dishes include their renowned mole poblano, enchiladas, and traditional tamales. Many guests also enjoy their breakfast options like chilaquiles.
Yes, Café de Tacuba often features live mariachi bands that perform throughout the dining area, adding to the festive atmosphere.
There is no strict dress code, but smart casual attire is generally appropriate given the restaurant's historic and somewhat upscale ambiance.
While the menu is traditional Mexican, some dishes might be adaptable. The vegan pozole with mushrooms was specifically mentioned as a positive.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with some reviewers noting prices are higher than expected for the food quality.
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An essential, if touristy, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack stop downtown, this Mexican classic opened in 1912 in a section of an old convent. At the entrance to the main dining room are huge 18th-century oil paintings depicting the invention of mole poblano, a complex sauce featuring a variety of chiles and chocolate that was created by the nuns in the Santa Rosa Convent in Puebla. A student group dressed in medieval capes and hats usually serenades diners Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.
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Cafe de Tacuba very much blends in with the rest of the beautiful Historical Center of Mexico City. Since 1912, a 17th century convent has been transformed into this welcoming cafe, rooted deeply in Mexico’s traditions and history. With its beautiful interior, decorated with large oil-paintings and hangings to recall the 18th century, this is a classic brunch location.
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This well-known café, which opened its doors to the public in 1912, is famous for its excellent enchiladas, amongst other things. Not to be confused with the band Café Tacuba, Café de Tacuba serves up a dish called Enchilada Especial which has a hearty, spicy chicken and spinach filling. They douse them in sauce before giving them a quick grill and serving them up.
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Mexico City's historic center has a number of well-known restaurants, but perhaps none as famous as Café de Tacuba. More than one hundred years old, this restaurant has been popular among presidents and artists alike, and is even where Diego Rivera had his (first) wedding reception. If you're looking for a true, traditional Mexican meal, you'll find it here.
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In operation for over 100 years means Cafe de Tacuba must be doing something right. From the outside, the restaurant looks like a little hole in the wall, but once you’re inside, you’ll wonder why you haven’t heard more about this hidden gem.
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This old-time breakfast or after-theatre spot is a must-see; you don’t know Mexico City if you haven’t been to Cafe Tacuba. In business since 1912 and in the hands of the same family (that also runs Limosneros) the beautiful space is decorated in Talavera tiles and Colonial style paintings and furniture. The festive atmosphere might include strolling Estudiantina musicians who serenade diners while they gorge on tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles or mole.
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Places like Café de Tacuba blend history with artistry in an informal yet enchanting setting. Local ensembles perform lieder, string quartets, and solo sonatas in intimate gatherings, creating an ambience conducive to dedications of art stemming from local culture. This independence in venue choices is symbolic of a vibrant and democratic music culture that encourages shared experiences amongst the audience and musicians.
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: This famous brunch spot in Mexico City is as much a museum as it is a tribute restaurant featuring a greatest hits list of the best food from central Mexico. Since 1912, few things have changed including the brass chandeliers, stained glass, and the roving Mariachi bands that serenade the crowds of hungry diners. : Sometimes dishes are best left the way they have been made since their inception.
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It is located on Tacuba Street, hence its name, in a 17th-century mansion still standing after four centuries. This centennial restaurant offers a space with unique decor that makes you travel in time through its beautiful murals of Mexican gastronomy and valuable paintings of historical figures. The authenticity of its recipes, the aroma, the Talavera, and the place have made it a classic.
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Easily one of the most famous places to eat breakfast in Centro CDMX is Cafe de Tacuba, an institution open since 1912. The food is tasty but it’s the atmosphere that draws people to this century-old restaurant where the staff are dressed in old-school uniforms and the interior is a sight to behold. Stained glass and beautiful murals make this one of the best places to visit in Centro.
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Café de Tacuba has been in business for well over 100 years, and it’s worth a visit just to admire the art, décor, and architecture. But you won’t be disappointed by the food. Give yourself some time with the menu, since there are lots of classic Mexican dishes to choose from, including different types of enchiladas, tamales, and beef, pork, chicken, and fish meals.
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They have been serving food at this very location since 1912. There are plenty of places around the city where you can get food of the same quality and price (or perhaps for slightly cheaper), but the experience here is worth every peso. The waiters and waitresses wear traditional uniforms, there are almost always bands playing, and the restaurant itself is huge.
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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.
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This restaurant, established in 1912, is the oldest on this list. Located just a few blocks from Zócalo in the heart of Mexico City, Café de Tacuba offers traditional Mexican cuisine and features live mariachi music. It’s a fantastic destination for experiencing Mexican culture and history while enjoying some of the best breakfast dishes in Mexico City.
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Café de Tacuba is a living testament to Mexico City’s rich history and culture. Operating since 1912, this esteemed eatery offers a step back in time with its classic Mexican cuisine and colonial-style grandeur. The old-school charm is present in its painted tiles, antique decor, and live mariachi music that fills the air with cultural vibrancy.
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A historic restaurant that first opened in 1912, and retains its lovely tiled interior and eccentric accumulation of hand-painted murals. Rivera, Kahlo, and many others ate or drank here over the years, and it remains a genuine, bustling local favourite. There’s also a huge menu of classic Mexican dishes covering every option.
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Mexican | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 555 521 2048. Cafe de Tacuba is probably the most popular place for brunch in Mexico City, and they’ve been feeding the people of CDMX brunch food for over 100 years. In that time, they’ve cultivated a reputation for having some of the best spicy mole in the world.
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Let the host walk you through the front double doors and step into what was once a convent. Entering you are not just stepping into a cafe but into a century-old scene from Mexico’s colonial past. The narrow first-floor dining room is dotted with hanging chandeliers and wall paintings that nod to an era long gone.
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Opened since 1912 – Café de Tacuba is definitely the oldest restaurant on this list!. Just a few blocks from Zócalo, this restaurant is located at the heart of Mexico City. Traditional Mexican food and live mariachi bands in such a historical establishment definitely makes Cafe de Tacuba worth visiting.
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And with over 100 years of history, eating here is like dining in a museum as one reviewer summed it up. The menu features classic Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles, enchiladas, chicharrón en salsa verde, and various egg dishes. The flavors are traditional but sometimes fall short.
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Located just north of the Zocalo in a colonial-era building behind the cathedral, Café Tacuba is one of the most traditional restaurants in the city. It has a marvelous feel of Old Mexico thanks to walls covered with paintings of Aztecs, conquistadors, and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz…
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We highly recommend seeking out a wonderful place we stumbled upon, Café Tacuba, which caught our eye with its beautiful stained-glass windows. Inside, a treat awaits. It’s an elegant, traditional Mexican restaurant, with female servers outfitted in starched white caps and aprons.
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This Mexican restaurant is a great place to have your breakfast and dinner. Aside from being one of the oldest restaurants in the city, they offer the best classic Mexican breakfast dishes. They offer egg dishes, grilled meat dishes, tacos, chilaquiles, gorditas, and more.
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A few steps away is a wonderful place to have lunch, Café de Tacuba. Located in a house built in the early 17th century, the restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine which you will eat while being serenaded by mariachis. The house has quite a history.
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The dishes are hit or miss by Mexico city standards- not too bad by American standards. I've had sensational cochinita pibil here and so so cesina. It is a fairly encyclopedic menu and I consider the place a sort of academy of Mexican dining.
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Every morning there’s a queue to have breakfast and coffee here, a good marker for a great cafe. Founded in 1912, this coffee spot is still thriving. As you walk in, the tightly packed restaurant is full of people enjoying their breakfast.
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It’s a traditional, hacienda-style café and restaurant located in the heart of Centro. It originally opened its doors in 1912, making it one of México City’s oldest eateries. Café de Tacuba is truly a piece of history.
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Cafe De Tacuba: Calle de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit