If there are two words to describe what it was like eating and drinking our way through Mexico City, they’d be: utter joy. Each dish or drink was artistic, messy, refreshing, greasy, innovative, smokey…the list goes on. In a capital full of life, colors and growing urban development, here are some of the best places to eat and drink throughout CDMX. If you think you love Mexican food, get ready to truly dive even deeper into love.

Pujol is chef Enrique Olvera’s vision to create a gastronomic haven – a contemporary perspective regarding Mexican traditions and heritage. Its signature baby corn dish is theatrical from start to finish: glazed with coffee and costeño chilli, dramatically served inside an empty pumpkin followed by a mystical puff of smoke. The savory sauce is also made from mashed chicatana ants mixed into the coffee-mayonnaise sauce. Don’t miss the cactus sorbet, the sweet acidity stems from a touch of chamoy. Pujol is absolutely THE ultimate fine-dining experience in Mexico City.

One of the best seafood restaurants in Mexico City might just be Contramar, where a scallop tostada and grilled octopus can do more than satiating any foodie’s appetite. The menu solely features items that are freshly caught every day, so each dish arrives in the hands of the chefs as pure as it can be. Today, Contramar is one of the trendiest restaurants in the city, with an open-air outdoor made for any time of the day.

Want to taste tacos and panuchos that’ll make you want to dance? If you find yourself in Polanco and ready for a casual quick bite, then don’t miss mouthwatering panuchos at El Turix. The Mexican dish originated from Yucatán is essentially a crispy refried tortilla stuffed with chicken, pickled red onion, refried black beans and every heavenly goodness one can imagine. There’s nothing better than standing on the side of the street fainted by mouthfuls of panuchos. Ultimate happy place.

Churros at Churrería El Moro is a must! Despite that churros did not originate from Mexico – but rather, Spain and Portugal – they’re now wildly popular throughout the country. Pair it with a warm cup of cafe de olla (Mexican spiced coffee) and there’s the perfect combo of sweetness and autumn vibes.

Chilaquiles are divine all on their own, but having chilaquiles for breakfast is a bowl of savory paradise. The traditional Mexican dish comprises of corn tortillas cut into smaller triangles, slightly fried or baked. Then, green or red salsa are drenched over the tortillas. Various ingredients are added, like: chicken, cream, avocado, onions…etc. But having it for breakfast or brunch means that an egg on top gives this popular dish some extra gooey goodness. Head to Chilpa in Condesa for this splendid dish.

The word Filigrana, or filigree, refers to a technique used in artisan jewelry making by weaving various figures with fine gold threads. In the same manner, this Filigrana restaurant in Roma Norte embroiders through fine flavors, aroma, and textures. Its entire menu highlights an exquisite narrative that weave braid from guacamole with broad beans, insect salt, and martajado corn tostadas to a modern mole of pot with roast strip, and miniature vegetables. In Filigrana, chef Martha Ortiz gives us a traditional Mexican and artistic landscape that translates to a complete delight in sensory.

I have simply one word for Mexican street food: undeniable. Every morning, I walked outside of our building and smiled at the vendor who sold tamale, sandwiches, and coffee. He knew I’d want to try a different kind of tamale each day, so he’d wrap it up in a to-go plastic bag. Then, I’d walk a few more feet, approaching a juice stand to choose a different type of fresh smoothie that I hadn’t already tasted the morning prior. There are numerous vegetables and fruits packed in one plastic cup that I can only recognize them by colors. Yellow, green, orange. All are healthy and merely 30 pesos each.

One street food I profoundly fell in love with was esquites, or corn in a cup. Typically made with white corn kernels either boiled or soaked in salted water, then sauteed in butter and onion. Once it’s served in a cup, other ingredients are added: lime juice, hot sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, or chili powder. Devouring it on-the-go, by the spoonful makes it one tasty afternoon snack.

Dark, gothic, yet modern. Those are the vibes that Fónico gives. Start your meal at the stylish multi-level restaurant in Roma Norte with a flavored margarita. Although, you might want to venture in one of its three cocktail categories that include: Signatures, Classics with a Twist and Mocktails inspired by different Mexican folklores. Then, don’t miss a plate of fresh and floral oysters as starter. Whatever you decide to order, Fónico is known for using traditional Mexican ingredients, including: chiltepin, quelites, and plantains.

Having your go-to taqueria chain in Mexico City is just as important as having your favorite boulangerie in Paris. At El Califa, you simply can’t go wrong. During our trip, we went back several times, to different locations at different hours of the night (or day.) Make sure to order al pastor (slowly-cooked pork prepared in adobada, or marinade; made from spices, pineapple, achiote paste, chilies.)

Is La Gruta touristy? Yes. Does it serve the best food? No. Does it have the best service? Not really. But do you need to go there and at least have a drink? Yes. Why? Because eating inside a cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. La Gruta doesn’t require artificial décor since its natural setting is already a stunner. There’s nothing like indulging in a cave next to the pyramids in Teotihuacan.

Mexican cantinas are neighborhood institutions. To eat in one is opting for great food, cold beers, tasty cocktails and most importantly – local history. Or simply put, cantinas are a way of life in Mexican culture. Many of them are in Centro Histórico and proudly boast the rhythm of lengthy lunches, late night gatherings for the young and the old.

As an avid traveler, I’ve always been a huge proponent of market culture. Not only is it a beautiful way to support local artisans, most of the time, it’s also a feast for the hungry nomad. In Mexico City’s city center, both Mercado Roma and Mercado Medellín are perfect celebrations of food from all regions of Latin America.

As I sat down and munched on a crispy seafood quesadillas, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am: having the chance to experience the world through delicious bites and flavors.