Mexico City - Place to eat in Centro Historico?

[simply be]

We will be arriving in the Centro about 6:00 pm on a Friday evening. Looking for ideas for a casual dinner we can walk to. We're staying at the Hotel Catedral on Donceles if that helps. We know about Cafe Tacuba, but would like other suggestions.

[Strangewine]

http://www.cafedetacuba.com.mx/

[simply be]

Anyone been to Pitahaya lately, on Calle Regina? Is it open for dinner?

[comiendosiempre]

In that area we really liked El Cardinal. There is one near to the Zocalo and another in the Sheraton Historico. Both are filled with locals. Both are excellent. Good luck.

[Anonimo]

I have read (but can't confirm) that El Cardenal, on Calle Palma, Centro, closes at 6 p.m. Best to email or call them.

[ChefJune]

The El Cardenal that I know is only open for breakfast and lunch. I'm not sure which location that is.

[cristina]

That's the location at the Hilton Alameda, by far the better of the two downtown spots.

Link: http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

[bronwen]

I've stayed at the Catedral before, close by is Las Sirenas with a view of the cathedral. I'd go though to the Opera Bar, it's so much fun, they've got musicians and a great bar. It's on the street next to Cinco de Mayo (can't remember the name), about a ten minute walk.

[bronwen]

Also, the balcony at the Holiday Inn on the Zocolo is rather nice and the food is surprisingly good. Their icecream is fabulous! There are two other lovely balcony dining rooms on the Zocolo too, at the Majestic and the Gran. It's a great introduction to Mexico City.

[Anonimo]

What sort of cuisine interests you?
We enjoy El Huequito, a nice, sit-down taquería/carnes restaurant on Calle Bolívar, between Calle Rep. de Uruguay and Calle Rep. de El Salvador. It fits your criteria for casual and within walking distance. It's also low to moderate priced.

I especialy enjoy the Tacos Ingleses; sliced beef seasoned with Worcestershire Sauce plus melted cheese. But there's a lot to choose from on the menu. The Frijoles de Olla are not to be missed.

We have also enjoyed most of our meals at some splashier Spanish restaurants, such as Centro Castellano, El Danubio and Casino Español, but we haven't dined at the first two in a long time.

[simply be]

Thanks Anonimo,

El Huequito is the type of place we had in mind.

[cristina]

Hop in a cab and hie thyselves to Colonia Polanco, not far from the Centro Histórico, for your first supper at JASO. You will definitely not be sorry--the meal will be incredible. CIA graduate American Jared Reardon, in charge of the kitchen, is a creative force to be reckoned with. And don't miss dessert: Sonia Arias, the CIA-trained Mexican pastry chef, creates the most delectable sweets you can imagine. Take plenty of $$$$, it's expensive but totally worth it. Make reservations in advance, this place is super-popular in the evenings.

Jaso
88 Newton, Polanco, Mexico, D.F.
Tel. [phone]
Open Monday – Saturday: 2pm – 11:30pm
http://www.jaso.com.mx/
All credit cards accepted

Link: http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com