El Cardenal

"You’re at this decades-old institution to have a traditional Mexican breakfast, whether you visit their iconic branch on Calle de la Palma in Centro Histórico or one of the other five locations throughout the city. The ritual should start with these three courses: their baked-in-house conchas—the most famous bread in the Mexican pastries playbook—an order of natas, the creamy, fatty layer that forms on boiled milk, sourced from their own dairy farm, plus a cup of hot chocolate. Then move on to a busting plate of eggs with escamoles, chilaquiles, or enchiladas that never disappoint. There will be a crowd but don’t be discouraged. Although the wait time is typically 20-30 minutes, the attentive and efficient service makes it all worth it." - Mariana Camacho

"El Cardenal is a buttoned-up and beautiful traditional Mexican breakfast spot with multiple locations. The Centro one is particulaly alluring because it has an elevator to the second floor and delightful stained glass windows of the restaurant's namesake, bright red cardinals. Many people come here for its egg, tortilla, and black bean-heavy breakfasts, but we like it best for spiced hot chocolate and concha con nata  (sweet, shell-shaped pastries sandwiched with cream) before exploring the neighborhood." - Naomi Tomky, Scarlett Lindeman

"Don't let its location in the Centro's Hilton fool you into thinking this is a tourist trap: El Cardenal has been around in several incarnations since the 80's and is one of the more formal restaurants for Mexican food, where high-fliers take their business clients and families do Sunday lunch. The menu is extensive and for newcomers, a perfect introduction to regional cuisine, from their traditional Chiles en Nogada to Enchiladas, to whole roasted fish and tacos de Arrachera (steak)—the best in town. Beyond lunch, though, breakfast is where it's at with a selection of freshly baked pastries, authentic hot chocolate, freshly squeezed juices, and traditional egg dishes—the ultimate mix of sweet and savory."

"El Cardenal is a buttoned-up and beautiful traditional Mexican breakfast spot with multiple locations. The Centro one is particulaly alluring because it has an elevator to the second floor and delightful stained glass windows of the restaurant's namesake, bright red cardinals. Many people come here for its egg, tortilla, and black bean-heavy breakfasts, but we like it best for spiced hot chocolate and concha con nata  (sweet, shell-shaped pastries sandwiched with cream) before exploring the neighborhood." - Scarlett Lindeman