Little Black Book: Mexico City

Welcome to the first edition of our Little Black Book travel guide series. Where we will be sharing insider knowledge and a unique perspective on our favourite destinations around the world, unveiling the best luxury and boutique hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and bars. Pack your bags and let our Little Black Book travel guides be your entry to the world's most incredible destinations.

Mexico City is a mecca for travellers seeking an authentic and immersive cultural experience, as well as a taste of the city's world-renowned cuisine and nightlife. We spent some time in this vibrant dynamic city last year prior to shooting our Arabesque collection and cannot wait to return. Below we take you on a journey through the best places to stay, eat, drink, and explore in our favourite CDMX neighbourhoods.

Condesa is a chic and lively neighbourhood with a vibrant nightlife. We loved this area for its creative vibe, lively atmosphere, and cultural richness. A must-see destination for anyone visiting Mexico City.

THE RED TREE HOUSE - The Red Tree House B&B is a charming bed & breakfast with a welcoming atmosphere. Try to reserve early - this place is recognised as one of the hardest accommodation bookings to secure in the city!

CONDESA HAUS - The Condesa Haus is a luxurious boutique option in Condesa. Offering beautifully designed rooms and suites, each with its own unique character and contemporary decor.

OCTAVIA CASA - Octavia Casa is a unique boutique property boasting elevated Mexican design and sleek elemental decor.

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BALTRA BAR - Baltra Bar is an intimate speakeasy style bar serving up unique cocktails with unusual ingredients and innovative techniques.

TACOS ORINOCOS - This cult-favorite taco spot is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican tacos.

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OLOLO SPEAKEASY - A hidden gem offering an immersive drinking experience. The entrance is hidden behind a refrigerator door, adding to the speakeasy atmosphere. Ask for a bespoke cocktail using The Lost Explorer Espadín Mezcal.

MEROMA - Meroma is a modern minimalist restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The dishes are creative and beautifully presented, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

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CALLE COLLIMA - designer boutiques and art galleries.

PARQUE MEXICO - A beautiful park with lush greenery, fountains, and walking paths.

CALLE AMSTERDAM - independent bookstores and vintage shops.

MUSEO CASA LUIS BARRAGAN - a stunning house and studio designed by one of Mexico's most renowned architects.

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One of the oldest and most iconic neighbourhoods in Mexico City. Located just a few blocks away from Condesa, Roma Norte is a cultural hub that offers a unique blend of history, art, and gastronomy. The neighbourhood is famous for its tree-lined streets, colourful facades, and beautifully restored Art Nouveau architecture.

CASA GOLIANA - Casa Goliana is a stylishly elegant boutique hotel, featuring 8 uniquely decorated rooms in a restored 20th century mansion.

NIMA LOCAL HOUSE - Nima Local House is a cozy and stylish boutique hotel. Comprised of only 4-rooms each designed with a unique blend of contemporary accents and traditional Mexican elements. This is a sophisticated choice for travellers who appreciate a modern aesthetic with a touch of local charm.

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HOTEL BRICK - Hotel Brick is a stylish and modern boutique hotel that is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. The hotel also features an excellent restaurant and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

LA VALISE - La Valise is a chic and intimate boutique hotel that is housed in a restored mansion.

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CONTRAMAR - Contramar is a buzzing seafood restaurant that has become a staple of the Roma Norte dining scene. The signature dish, tuna tostadas, is a must-try. As is their selection of impressive desserts. The lively atmosphere and colourful decor make it a great spot for a fun dining experience with friends - this is definitely one of our favourite places in the area.

LOUP WINE BAR - Loup Wine Bar is a cozy and stylish establishment, known for its exceptional selection of wines and gourmet cuisine. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a relaxing evening with great wine and food in a sophisticated atmosphere.

ROSETTA - Rosetta is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion and offers Italian-Mexican fusion cuisine. The menu features classic Italian dishes with a Mexican twist, such as homemade pasta with mole sauce.

PANADERIA ROSETTA - Enjoy their sister restaurant, Panadería Rosetta, for the most incredible breakfast/brunch menu, pastries, and coffee. We stayed within walking distance of Panadería Rosetta and started most mornings here with a coffee and pan dulce.

BLANCO COLIMA - Blanco Colima offers contemporary Mexican cuisine that is both innovative and delicious. The menu is inspired by traditional Mexican dishes but presents them in a fresh and modern way, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, yet warm and inviting.

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CASA LAMM - This cultural center is housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion and features art exhibitions, workshops, and a bookstore. The courtyard is a peaceful and beautiful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

LA ROMA RECORDS - This record store is a must-visit for music lovers. It features a wide selection of vinyl records, as well as CDs and cassette tapes.

SHOPPING - Some of our favourite boutiques to shop in Roma Norte are; Roma Vintage, Goodbye Folk, Aazar Vintage, Casa Bosques.

One of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Mexico City, known for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and luxury accommodations. Polanco is a hub for business, culture, and entertainment, attracting visitors from around the world.

LAS ALCOBAS - A stay at Las Alcobas is a truly luxurious experience. The boutique hotel features elegant and comfortable rooms and suites, each with its own unique design and attention to detail. Unwind at the spa after a day of exploring, take in breathtaking views of the city on the rooftop terrace, or enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Anatol.

CASA POLANCO - Casa Polanco is a boutique hotel that offers a unique and personalised experience. Comprised of just six spacious and beautifully designed suites, each with its own kitchenette, living area, and balcony. Casa Polanco Hotel is the perfect choice for those seeking a more intimate and private hotel experience in Polanco.

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THE ALEST - The Alest is an innovative hotel combining modern design with sustainability and wellness. The hotel features 25 rooms and suites, each with a distinctive design and all-natural materials. The hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with a garden, a gym, a sauna, and a meditation room, providing guests with a tranquil and rejuvenating experience in the heart of the city. The Alest Hotel's commitment to sustainability and wellness makes it a standout choice for eco and health-conscious travellers.

PUJOL - Pujol is one of the most famous restaurants in Mexico City, with a focus on traditional Mexican cuisine with modern techniques. The tasting menu features dishes such as octopus in black garlic and tortillas with cricket powder. It has been named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants multiple times.

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QUINTONIL - Quintonil is a renowned restaurant that offers modern Mexican cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. The minimalist decor and elegant presentation of dishes make Quintonil a must-visit for food lovers. It has been named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants multiple times.

MALIX - Malix Restaurant offers an elevated yet casual dining experience that is both innovative and accessible. The menu is inspired by traditional Mexican flavours, but with a contemporary twist, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and creative presentations.

MUSEO SOUMAYA - a stunning museum with an extensive collection of art, including works by Diego Rivera and Salvador Dali.

SHOPPING - designer boutiques and luxury shopping centers like Antara Fashion Hall and Paseo de la Reforma.

COOKING CLASS - learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes at the renowned Mexican Home Cooking School.

JUMEX MUSEUM - a contemporary art museum with an impressive collection of works by international artists.

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