What should I order at El Cardenal?
El Cardenal
Pastries (Chocolate croissant, Concha pastries, Pan dulce)
Mentioned multiple times as fresh, soft, delicious, and a must-try before a meal. The sweet bread and pastries are highlighted for their exceptional quality and are a significant reason for repeat visits.
Hot Mexican Chocolate
Frequently recommended alongside pastries for its rich, authentic flavor and table-side preparation, making it a standout beverage choice.
Enchiladas with red sauce
Praised for fresh ingredients and wonderful flavor, not too spicy, and complemented well by the chicken addition.
Chile Relleno Oaxaqueño
Highly recommended for its great taste and unique mole sauce, representing traditional Mexican flavors.
Escamoles (ant larvae)
Noted as incredible and delicious despite sounding unusual, often served in butter and considered a great starter.
Squash blossom dishes (Quesadillas with squash blossoms, Omelette with flor de calabaza)
Described as spectacular and incredibly tasty, with the squash blossom omelette being both beautiful and flavorful.
Beef filet with goat cheese
Mentioned as amazing, showcasing a delicious combination of flavors.
Shrimp tacos
Called spectacular and well-liked for their flavor.
Lamb shoulder barbacoa style
Praised for its fall-off-the-bone texture and great, balanced flavors.
Tuna ceviche
Highlighted as amazing and fresh, a favorite among diners.
Chicken in black mole
Noted for being soft, moist, and expertly cooked, emphasizing traditional mole preparation.
Location details
Calle Palma 23 Cuauhtémoc, C. de la Palma 23, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico City, 06000, MX
Open in Google MapsHours
| Monday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
About El Cardenal
El Cardenal is a Mexican restaurant and brunch spot in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico City. Reviewers consistently praise its traditional Mexican breakfast, fresh baked bread and pastries, especially conchas and pan dulce, along with table-side hot chocolate. It is also known for dishes like chile en nogada, escamoles, enchiladas, and other classic recipes served with attentive table service. The atmosphere is described as historic, cozy, quiet, romantic, and upscale, and the restaurant is popular for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Frequently asked questions
What is El Cardenal known for?
El Cardenal is best known for its traditional Mexican breakfast, conchas, pan dulce, and table-side hot chocolate. Reviewers also repeatedly highlight chile en nogada and freshly baked bread as signature items, with many saying the flavors and pastry quality are a major reason to visit.
What dishes are most recommended at El Cardenal?
Frequently recommended dishes include chile en nogada, escamoles, enchiladas with red sauce, squash blossom quesadillas, and the beef filet with goat cheese. Reviewers also mention shrimp tacos, chile relleno Oaxaqueño, lamb shoulder barbacoa style, and the hot chocolate with fresh bread as standouts.
What is the atmosphere like at El Cardenal?
The atmosphere is described as historic, cozy, quiet, romantic, and upscale, with white-tablecloth service and a classic Mexico City feel. It suits breakfast or a longer meal for couples, groups, tourists, and solo diners who want a more traditional sit-down experience.
Is El Cardenal good value, and what is the price range?
El Cardenal is priced at MX$200–400, and reviewers often say the food and service make the cost worthwhile. People mention that the quality of the bread, breakfast, and classic dishes justifies the price, even when there is a wait.
Do you need a reservation or should you expect a wait at El Cardenal?
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and reviews say weekends get very busy. Several diners mention waits of around 30 minutes, so it is better to plan ahead if you want breakfast or brunch.
Is parking available at El Cardenal?
Yes. Paid parking lot is available.
Does El Cardenal have vegetarian options?
Yes, El Cardenal offers vegetarian options.
Is El Cardenal kid-friendly?
Yes, El Cardenal is good for kids.
Restaurants like El Cardenal in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
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