The 28 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Mexico City
Searching for vegetarian food in CDMX? I’ve compiled the 28 very best vegetarian restaurants in México City into this food guide and included a map to help you find them all.
Tasty tacos and mouthwatering memelas— México City (CDMX) is the epitome of a food destination. What’s more? It’s a city brimming with vegetarian restaurants, including street food stalls and sit-down eateries. Whether you’re looking for wood-fired pizza or classic Méxican cuisine, CDMX has vegetarian versions of nearly everything you can imagine, and I’ve compiled all the best spots in this guide.
It isn’t always easy to be vegetarian in México. The country’s capital, however, makes meat-free eating a breeze. México City is filled with meat-free food options, and I spent three weeks eating my way through it. I never went hungry as a vegetarian in México City and, armed with this comprehensive list of the best vegetarian restaurants, you won’t either.
is it easy to be a vegetarian in México City ↴
As I mentioned before, it’s not always the easiest to be vegetarian in México, but México City is a cosmopolitan capital brimming with vegetarian food. There are even some restaurants and food stalls that are fully vegan. Restaurants that are not distinctly vegetarian may use lard, so it is up to each diner to do their research and make determinations as needed.
Financially speaking, there is certainly a “vegan tax” in México City. That doesn’t mean there is a literal tax on vegan food; it means many vegetarian and vegan restaurants charge more than your average meal in México.
how to order vegetarian food in México City ↴
Most vegetarian restaurants I ate at in México City, including street food stalls, had staff who spoke some English. However, this isn’t a guarantee, nor should it be given Spanish is the primary language of México. As a visitor in México City, a little Spanish to communicate your dietary needs is helpful, especially when “menu improvisation” is required. The phrases below should help you express your needs to the wait staff.
sin queso | without cheese
sin crema | without cream
sin leche | without milk
soy vegetariano/a | I am vegetarian
soy vegano/a | I am vegan
Méxican Vegetarian food to try ↴
If this is your first time dabbling in the delights of Méxican cuisine and you’re overwhelmed with where to start, fear not! Let this be an introduction to the many delicious Méxican dishes to try.
Tacos
Tacos are a quintessential Méxican dish you have to try! Traditionally, a taco is a small corn or wheat tortilla topped with beef mince or shredded pork or chicken, lettuce or cabbage, and beans. Vegetarian versions throughout México often use soy, wheat, or beans as meat alternatives. You’ll want to order three or more, as Méxican tacos are typically quite small.
Tortas
Tortas are Méxican sandwiches, most usually enjoyed for lunch. Served on either a telera or a bolillo. The best thing about tortas is that they are usually so full the garnishes spill out of the fluffy white bread meant to encase them. Avocado, poblano peppers, onion, tomato, and meats (in this case, vegetables) are common torta fillings.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are tortilla chips topped with salsa, tomatoes, chilis, onions, and cilantro, sprinkled with cheese, and drizzled generously with cream. You can expect a fried egg plopped on top. Chilaquiles are almost always vegetarian unless otherwise specified on a menu. Vegans can ask them to be made without cheese, cream, and eggs.
Elotes + Esquites
Elote is grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise and topped with chili spices, cheese, lime, and salt. I have never had any issues asking for mine without mayo and cheese. You can find elotes sold from street stalls and pushcarts throughout México City (and the rest of México).
Quesadillas
Based on my experience, there is always a vegetarian quesadilla option available. Whether dining at a sit-down restaurant or a street food stall, quesadillas in México City either are or can be made veggie-friendly. Some common quesadilla fillings I tried in México City included huitlacoche (a corn fungus that turns creamy when cooked) and flor de calabaza (zucchini flowers).
TLAYUDAS
Otherwise known as “Méxican pizza”, tlayudas are large, crunchy toasted tortillas that are covered in a lather of refried beans before being topped with cabbage, avocado, tomato slices, and cheese. They are usually served with spicy salsa and meat, but vegetarian versions are found nearly everywhere.
MEMELAS
Memelas are one of my favorite Méxican dishes! They are essentially small, doughy masa tortillas that are grilled with a layer of lard or refried beans, slathered in salsa, and sprinkled with cotija cheese.
best vegetarian restaurants in México City ↴
Centro Macrobiotico Tao
The focus of the menu at Centro Macrobiotico Tao is, at first glance, utterly unappetizing: the macrobiotics needs of the human body. Don’t be fooled into thinking that nutrition-centered food is anything less than tasty. Attached to the restaurant is a store selling vegan snacks, alternative ingredients, and homemade tamales.
📍Cozumel 76, Condesa
El Jardin Interior
Located roughly 10 minutes from the Museo Frida Kahlo, El Jardin Interior is a completely vegetarian restaurant. It’s one of Coyoacán’s best-kept secrets. This is an ideal place to try classic Méxican dishes, including enchiladas, chilaquiles, empanadas, and chili rellenos (stuffed peppers).
📍José María Velasco 63, San José Insurgentes
La Esquina del Chilaquil
Eating vegetarian in México City doesn’t mean missing out on its UNESCO-recognized street food, and the tortas at La Esquina Del Chilaquil are proof of that. Though the food stall is unadorned, it’s easily spotted thanks to the long line of people eagerly waiting for one of these famous stuffed sandwiches.
📍Alfonso Reyes 139, Hipódromo
N Tlali
A quick glance at N Tlali on Instagram had me adding it to my México City itinerary. The food here is nearly too pretty to eat. “Fish” tacos, “chorizo” mole, and zucchini flower quesadillas are plated like art and served in an intimate dining space.
📍Av. de la Paz 57-Local 2, San Ángel TNT, San Ángel, Álvaro Obregón
Gatorta
The logo of Gatorta is a kitten (gatita) eating a sandwich (torta), and that sums the stall up. Powered by the belief that we are all animals, this unpretentious food stall serves tortas stuffed full of 100% vegan fillings. The tortas here are jammed with soya and wheat sausage, suadero, and chorizo. There are also vegan sweet treats if you fancy a dessert.
📍Puebla 182, Roma Norte
Paxil
I don’t love seafood, but Paxil’s plant-based seafood is another story entirely. The food stall is hard to miss with its bright blue and crisp white stripes. On the turquoise menus are fish tacos smeared with chipotle dressing and tostadas stacked with “tuna.” I was skeptical about just how good vegan fish could be, but as I devoured taco after taco, licking the spicy chipotle sauce off my fingers, I found my doubt dissipate.
📍Orizaba 77 (4to puesto), Roma Norte
Por Siempre
I had heard rave reviews about the al pastor tacos in México City but had resounded myself to the fact that, as a vegetarian, I’d never taste them. That was before Luke and I stumbled upon Por Siempre, a designated vegan street taqueria that uses cauliflower, jackfruit, and vegan meat substitutes to replicate the classic grilled pork flavors. If you buy the tacos a la carte, they’re a bit more expensive than other street tacos. However, Por Siempre has a “meal deal” of sorts: 5 tacos for 65 pesos. Top your tacos up with the homemade salsas, sauces, beans, and guacamole on offer, and you have a truly unbeatable vegan street food experience.
📍on the corner of Chiapas + Manzanilla, Roma Norte
Pulpa Amor Líquido
Pulpa Amor Líquido is another fully vegan restaurant in México City. Whether you go for a decadent breakfast or a satiating lunch, I promise Pulpa will deliver. The options here are overwhelming. French toast made with caramelized babka bread, chilaquiles with soy chorizo and potato, and a full English— and those are just some of what’s for breakfast.
📍Londres 46, Juárez
Vegamo
Vegamo makes nearly every list of vegan restaurants in México City and honestly, I can understand why. While there are plenty of menu items to pick from, the salads are what enticed me. The protein salad with quinoa and chickpeas was filling and flavorful, especially the dill dressing drizzled on top.
📍multiple locations across México City
Vegetal - Vegan Carnicería
Steps away from Por Siempre sits Vegetal, a small vegan canteen covered in stickers. You can get tamales here for a little more than USD $1. I was tempted by the lasagna but thought that might be a bit much for a midday snack. Instead, I opted for a kombucha and vegan muffin from their cabinet selection.
📍Manzanillo 22B, Roma
Veguerrero
The one thing you need to know about Veguerrero: birria (marinated beef) tacos. Of course, it’s not “real” birria, but the flavors and spices used to marinate the vegan alternative are indistinguishable. I’m still drooling over the taste.
📍Calle Ignacio Zaragoza #53 col, Buenavista
Querida Simona
There might not be anything as quintessentially “Roma” as Querida Simona, a vegan restaurant housed in the back of a vintage clothing boutique. There are no more than four two-seater tables located behind the racks of beautiful secondhand attire. This and the low lighting give the place a romantic feeling. There is a small list of vegan taco options, all made with soya meat.
📍Colima 220, Roma Norte
Tacos Gus
Taco Gus is not a designated vegetarian spot. However, it has earned a reputation amongst veggies and vegans for its vegetable-filled tacos. Its cactus tacos are just as flavorful as I imagine any of their meat tacos are. Be prepared to wait at typical meal times, as Taco Gus is very popular.
📍Calle Ometusco 56, Condesa
Tacos Hola El Güero
This simple taqueria is nearly impossible to miss. A line of hungry patrons is almost always weaving out of the tiny, no-frills eatery. Tacos Hola has a number of vegetarian and vegan taco fillings on offer, all of which are served alongside delicious fruit waters (aguas frescas).
📍Ámsterdam 135, Hipódromo
Soe Vegano
Luke and I walked past Soe Vegano’s modest facade multiple times. We finally decided to stop in for a meal, we ordered some vegan cheese and “chorizo” tostadas to share. I also grabbed a bowl of the Aztec veggie soup, since it was a rather cold December day. The veggie soup was exactly what the day called for— zesty and refreshing but not particularly adventurous. The chorizo tostadas had a lovely bit of crunch and spice. Soe Vegano is ultimately a lovely little dining spot for casual fare.
📍C. Atlixco 147, Colonia Condesa
Plantasia
Asian food in Mèxico might seem like a crime, but I promise you will not regret a meal at Plantasia. Inspired by the flavors and dishes across Asia, Plantasia is a quiet oasis, drowning in jungle plants. On its many low tables, patrons fill their bellies with vegan versions of their favorite dishes from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and China. Everything from spicy dim sum to ramen and sushi has been carefully created without any animal products.
The yuzu sorbet was not at all what I expected, and the sushi (a recommendation from my vegan travel friend, Lola) was toothsome. I also ordered the miso salad, and it’s one of my favorite non-Méxican dishes I had in México City. Sober? Try the gorgeous cocktails at Plantasia’s Botanical Bar, the first 100% alcohol-free bar in México City. The drinks here go down easy and are equally easy on the eyes.
📍Puebla 120, Roma Norte
La Pitahaya Vegana
Along the streets of Roma Norte sits La Pithaya Vegana, a vegan eatery serving local classics, including tacos and nachos made with pitahaya (dragon fruit). Here, you’ll find raw breakfast bowls and delicious desserts, but the menu star is the restaurant’s pink tacos.
📍Calle Querétaro 90, Roma Norte
Jenni’s Quesadillas
Jenni’s has earned a reputation for serving some of the best blue corn masa tortillas and filling them with tasty zucchini flowers, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and cheese. There are multiple vegetarian options available from a laminated list, but my personal favorite was the potato, cheese, and peppers, while Luke devoured multiple mushroom and cheese quesadillas. In my opinion, grabbing two of Jenni’s hot quesadillas makes the perfect lunch. Please note: like most traditional Méxican restaurants, they do use lard here.
📍Merida 83, Roma Norte
Gracias Madre Taquería Vegana
Gracias Madre ranks as one of my favorite vegan spots in the city. The restaurant’s florescent neon lights and atmospheric patio make it one of those places you want to linger. Luke and I were so hungry the night we went to Gracias Madre that we decided to taste a bit of everything: Oaxacan-style mole, cheese empanadas, vegan nachos, and tacos de arrachera marinade (“steak” tacos). It was way too much food, but we couldn’t help but eat most of it— every dish was too good.
📍Tabasco 97 B 06700, Roma Norte
Forever Vegano
Plant-based and health-obsessed, Forever Vegano is free of animal products, refined sugar, and additives. A majority of their ingredients are organic and sourced from within México. There are also several gluten-free menu items. I recommend their vegan tacos! My stomach was delighted by the Baja cauliflower tacos and the tacos de pastor.
📍multiple locations across México City
Milk Pizzeria
While not a particularly cultural eat, Milk Pizzeria serves remarkable wood-fired pizza in the heart of Roma. We ate here twice during our three-week stint in CDMX. The crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh basil topping every slice was the right balance of textures and tastes. Thinking about it now, it may have been the best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy. Milk is located on the basement level of a modern building in Roma, surrounded by other restaurants and twinkly lights. The inside is dimly lit, giving a sense of intimacy to the place. I highly recommend it for a date night or a chatty night out with friends.
📍Colima 159, Roma Norte
Lalo!
Another less-than-traditional restaurant, Lalo! is one of my favorite spots for brunch. I would highly recommend going for the coffee and stacked berry French toast. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Lalo! also has vegetarian-friendly food options for lunch and dinner, including pizza, pasta, soups, and fries.
📍Zacatecas 173, Roma Norte
Restaurante Rosetta
Sitting amongst the tree-lined avenues of Roma lies Restaurante Rosetta. As you walk through two heavy mahogany doors, a courtyard opens up into a sprinkle of tables topped with vintage china. Restaurante Rosetta is likely the most expensive restaurant on this list, but it’s also the brainchild of chef Elena Reygadas, who has been voted the top female chef in the world. It’s also frequently listed as one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The menu features several vegetarian starters and entrees, including the delectable ricotta and lemon ravioli! The vegetable minestrone soup, which I had as my appetizer, was also much more flavorful than I first anticipated.
📍Colima 166, Roma Norte
Lardo
The best way for me to describe Lardo is elevated without the pretense. Lardo is a sister restaurant to her other fabulous Restaurante Rosetta and its twin bakery, Panaderia Rosetta. On a sunny day, when Lardo opens its French doors, there are few better places to be in Condesa. Similar to Lalo, Lardo is a top pick for brunch, but the lunch and dinner selection here should be on every visitor’s radar.
📍Agustín Melgar 6, Colonia Condesa
Los Loosers
Los Loosers is an innovative, fully vegan restaurant. Inspired by Oaxaca’s produce markets and a deep love for Asia, Los Loosers has served plant-based food in México City for more than a decade. As someone who doesn’t particularly like mushrooms, eating here was a bit of a gamble. However, the Korean BBQ tacos made with oyster mushrooms blew every expectation I had out of the water. I also ended up loving the mushroom-filled gyoza.
📍Sinaloa 236 B, Roma Norte
Pan Comido
Pan Comido is a small vegetarian café Most of the dishes here are vegetarian, and the menu details vegan alternatives. I went to Pan Comido to try the vegetarian burger that had been recommended to me but found out that the menu changes almost daily.
📍Tonalá 91, Roma Norte
Yug Vegetariano
Yug Vegetariano is one of the original fully vegetarian restaurants in México City. Since 1963, Yug has been serving vegetarian Méxican cuisine. This is one of those rare instances where the busiest time to visit is also the best— breakfast! I can think of few better ways to start the day than with fresh, homemade tortillas slathered in spicy sauces and topped with hearty chunks of soy chorizo.
📍Varsovia 3-b, Juarez
Maria Bonita Veganos
Maria Bonita Veganos is a small, vegan food cart that sells massive burritos (among other dishes). You get great value for money here!
📍Calle de Durango 65, Roma Norte
