Roma Norte Mexico City: The Ultimate Guide By Local Expats
If youโre in the capital to have a good time, Roma Norte Mexico City is the place to be! Full of cool things to do, intoxicating bars, entertaining clubs, and fabulous restaurants, itโs one of the best Mexico City neighbourhoods for people who want to be in the heart of the action.
Even though weโre Condesa peeps at heart, itโs awesome to have Roma Norte on our doorstep, especially because itโs home to our favourite cocktail bar, Licorerรญa Limantour. Roma isnโt all about drinking though, it also has some unusual museums, beautiful gallery spaces, and plenty of indie shopping destinations.
In this guide to Mexico City Roma Norte, weโll take you through the places we like to visit on a repeat basis, from the weekly market at Ramรณn Lรณpez Velarde Garden to our number-one breakfast spot, Madre Cafรฉ.
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Roma Norte Neighborhood Mexico City: Introduction
So, where is Roma Norte in Mexico City? This trendy โhood is arguably one of the best-located places to stay in CDMX. Right in the middle of the action, itโs sandwiched between the oh-so-fashionable Condesa and the edgier Doctores, with excellent transport links to the Centro Historico.
In the pre-Hispanic era, the kernel of the area that is currently Roma was a Mesoamerican village known as Aztacalco. After the arrival of Cortes and his conquistadores, it was renamed La Romita and the surrounding area was made habitable by the draining of Lake Texcoco.
By the 1800s, it was a tale of two Romas. La Romita had become known as a hotbed of criminality, where public executions in the plazas were used to try and deter nefarious activities. The wider Roma area was home to the private estates of the nobility.
During the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz, investment in the Roma colonia turned what had once been haciendas into upmarket residential areas, a trend that continued after the Mexican Revolution with plenty of art deco architecture.
Although Roma experienced a downturn in the mid-20th century, it bounced back in the 1990s. Today, the beautiful mansions built in the early 1900s have become cool cocktail bars, chic restaurants, thumping clubs, and third-wave coffee houses.
Things To Do In Roma Norte Mexico City
#1 Try A Bit Of Everything At Mercado Roma
If you canโt decide where to eat, Roma Norteโs Mercado Roma has a selection of stalls selling a mixture of international cuisine, as well as Mexican favs like burritos, quesadillas, and tamales.
We come here for cocktails and light bites, as the big, open dining hall makes for a nice space to chill and chat.
For some of the best vegetarian tacos in Mexico City, head to Gold Taco, where they do vegan-friendly tortillas containing โchicharronโ made from seitan.
WHERE: Google Location
#2 Relax At The Plaza Rio de Janeiro
Right in the heart of the Roma neighborhood in Mexico City, the Plaza Rio de Janeiro is one of our top parks to go to for people-watching.
Itโs been a popular community hangout ever since it was built at the very beginning of the 20th century, which is probably why it was the first park in Latin American to get electric lights.
Today, itโs also notable for having a replica of Michelangeloโs David, which looks particularly marvellous when the fountain jets are on. The statue was installed in the 1970s, much to the horror of the conservative families that lived around the square, who objected to Davidโs eggplant facing a local church.
WHERE: Google Location
#3 Take A Roma Food Tour
Anybody who has sifted through our site will know that we love a good food tour!
Adventures in eating are near the top of our list of what to do in Roma Mexico City because this part of town has so many amazing places to dine. Going on a tour means you get to try a lot of little bites in one day, all introduced by a culinary expert.
The best tour we went on introduced us to several restaurants we still revisit today, including Broka (our go-to joint for birria and ceviche) and Cafรฉ Barajas (make sure to try the cafรฉ de olla).
It also visited Tres Galeones, which has some of the best tacos in Roma Norte Mexico City. We especially love their shrimp taco, which comes drizzled with a piquant mojo sauce.
#4 Snap A Pic At The Casa De Las Brujas
East of Plaza Rio de Janeiro is one of the most storied buildings in the Roma neighborhood Mexico City: the Casa de las Brujas (Witchesโ House).
The unusual name originally stems from the fact that one of the roofs looks like a witchโs hat, but this moniker was compounded a few decades ago when it was rumoured that a woman named Barbara Gerrero (aka Pachita) was using supernatural powers to perform surgeries.
Today, part of the building is a rather good female-run cocktail bar that serves up a delicious menu of drinks inspired by famous historical women.
WHERE: Google Location
#5 Lunch At Madre Cafe
Madre Cafรฉ is one of our favourite restaurants in Mexico City Roma Norte.
Set inside a colonial-era mansion, it has a pretty outdoor area where you can enjoy a leisurely brunch in style.
We usually order either the enrijoladas with chicken and chorizo or the croque madam, but they also do several flavours of chilaquiles as well as tasty egg-based dishes. If you only fancy something light, try one of their pan dulce (sweet pastries).
As a perfect pairing, order one of their quality coffees or a refreshing cocktail like the Madre Spritz.
WHERE: Google Location
#6 Devour Delicious Street Food
Some of the best food in Roma Norte is found at street stalls scattered about the Colonia.
When weโre in the mood for some incredibly good (and incredibly cheap) street food, we head to the corner of Insurgentes and Alvaro Obregon. There is usually a collection of different guys selling various kinds of antojitos (literally โlittle cravingsโ), including tortas (chunky sandwich rolls) and tacos de guisado with stewed meat and veg.
The Roma neighborhood Mexico City is also home to the iconic Jenniโs Quesadillas, a pop-up spot run by a lady named, you guessed it, Jenni!
Her quesadilla tortilla wraps are made from blue corn masa and then stuffed with traditional fillings like flor de calabaza (zucchini flower) and huitlacoche (corn fungus).
#7 Journey Back In Time At The Plaza De Romita
A short detour to the Plaza de Romita should be among the top things to do in Roma Norte for anybody interested in history and/or absorbing neighbourhood vibes.
This square sits in the oldest part of Roma and dates back hundreds of years. At one point, it functioned as a place of public execution, but it has since become a community gathering point.
Although developers have been zoning in on the area in the past few years, for now the Plaza de Romita sits at the heart of an area that remains stolidly, refreshingly ungentrified.
WHERE: Google Location
#8 Try Local Speciality Drip Coffee At Cafe Barajas
In the past few years, CDMXโs coffee scene has exploded. Although the cultivation of coffee beans is nothing new to Mexico โ itโs been grown since the 1700s โ the capital has only recently become serious about its pour overs and cold brews.
Selling some of the best coffee in Roma Norte, Cafe Barajas is one of our fav coffee shops in Mexico City. We especially love their cafe de olla, a traditional coffee spiced with cinnamon and cloves, then sweetened with piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar).
WHERE: Google Location
#9 Eat Churros At Churerria El Moro
Weโve never had a bad churro experience at Churerria El Moro, a CDMX institution that first began selling its fried dough sticks in 1935.
Founded by a Spanish immigrant, the brand now has locations throughout the capital, selling their more-ish churros alongside little tubs of cajeta (caramelised goatโs milk) and chocolate milkshakes.
The Roma branch gets busy on weekend evenings, which is when we usually visit. Our solution? Grab the churros to go, then head over to the nearby Jardin Pushkin to sit and munch.
WHERE: Google Location
#10 Pass Through El Parian
Constructed in 1926 as Roma Norte was being transformed into a chichi residential district, El Parian is a gorgeous, covered passageway with plenty of flair.
Connecting Chihuahua with Alvaro Obregon, Romaโs main artery, it has only recently been renovated and reborn as a street of fancy eateries and boutique stores.
Whether youโre looking to do some Roma Norte shopping or just want to goggle at some pretty architecture, El Parian is worth walking through on your way around the Colonia.
WHERE: Google Location
#11 Have A Cocktail At Limantour
Limantour serves the best cocktails in CDMX.
OK, so thatโs just our opinion, but thereโs no denying that this mixology haven is up there as one of the best bars in Roma Norte Mexico City. In fact, it currently sits at number 7 on the list of the Worldโs 50 Best Bars.
The margarita flavoured with al pastor spice mix is a signature here, but we usually just tell the bartenders what flavours weโre in the mood for and leave ourselves completely in their very capable hands.
WHERE: Google Location
#12 Weekend Markets
Roma neighborhood Mexico City contains several attractive markets that only open during the weekends, when local residents shop for funky clothing, handmade beauty products, and edible specialties.
We like to pop into Bunker Bazar every once in a while because they tend to showcase entrepreneurs hoping to make a splash with their lifestyle brands. The basement space is relatively modest, but thereโs always an interesting array of bits and bobs, from essential oil-scented candles to handcrafted jewellery.
When the weather is nice, we head over to Ramรณn Lรณpez Velarde Garden, where the weekly Mercado El 100 sells organic produce, cheeses, sweets, and street food like tlacoyos and gorditas.
Another sustainability-focused enterprise, Huerto Roma Verde enables individual producers to sell their agroecological goods. Alongside the regular market, the space also runs exercise classes and live-music events, or you can just pop along to see the community-run gardens.
#13 Eat Pastries At Panaderia Rosetta
Weโve not been anywhere with more appetising pan dulce than Panaderia Rosetta. Run by Elena Reygadas, who was dubbed the Worldโs Best Female Chef in 2023, itโs one of the best places to grab breakfast in Mexico City.
If you only order one pastry, go for the rol de guayaba, a guava-flavoured bun thatโs like a mouthful of tropical paradise. The pan de muerto and the Berliner dough are also top-notch.
WHERE: Google Location
#14 Art Galleries
The art scene in Mexico City Roma Norte is one of the best in the country. Along with neighbouring Condesa, itโs been a long-time enclave for creative types.
There are plenty of cool places where you can scope out the work of local artists, from the diminutive Mooni to the sprawling Galeria OMR.
One of our favourite galleries in this colonial, though, is MAIA Contemporary, located in a mansion from the Porfiriato. They feature a different contemporary Mexican artist every few months in thoughtfully curated exhibitions.
WHERE: Google Location
#15 Party At Departamento
Departamento literally means โapartment,โ which is the ambience that this laidback bar club attempts to give off. Itโs a little more souped up than any apartment party weโve ever been to, though!
Spanning three floors, we come here when weโre in the mood to dance the night away to some electro beats. Thereโs also a spacious rooftop terrace if you want a breath of fresh air and something to eat.
WHERE: Google Location
#16 Try The Fondas At Mercado Medellin
Another option for shopping Roma Mexico City has to offer, Mercado Medellin is a more traditional style of food market than Mercado Roma.
We usually come here for a comida corrida (lunch set menu) at one of the fondas when weโre in the area and want something tasty and filling, but there are also stalls selling fresh produce, bouquets of flowers, and a random assortment of household goods.
The market is also a good place to find goodies from other Latin American countries, including Venezuelan arepas and Cuban ice cream.
WHERE: Google Location
#17 Have A Drink At Supra Roma Rooftop Bar
Thereโs always a buzzy atmosphere at Supra Roma, one of the best rooftop bars in Mexico City. Situated up on the 14th floor, itโs a stylish spot to look down on the CDMX cityscape.
We usually come here to enjoy the banging tunes in the evening, but the place is also open during the day if you want a chiller vibe.
As for drinks, Supra Roma serves an extensive menu of inventive cocktails, various types of tequila and mezcal, and wine.
WHERE: Google Location
#18 Imbibe Knowledge at Romaโs Museums
One of the more cerebral things to do in Roma Norte is to visit the museums.
In the running for the most unusual museum weโve visited in Mexico is MODO (Museo del Objeto del Objeto). Their exhibitions use everyday objects to look at how design and function work together in different contexts.
At the moment, thereโs a fascinating show on about political propaganda, but previous exhibits have included an examination of music gig posters as well as a retrospective on the work of designer Gonzalo Tassier.
On the other side of Roma Norte, the Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Museum offers an alternative way to experience history: by walking through it.
The house dates from the early 1900s, but the interiors have been dressed with furniture and objets dโart that would have adorned the homes of the aristocracy in Mexico in the 1800s Bonus: itโs free entrance!
#19 Hide Away In Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar
We canโt resist including another of the top cocktail bars in Mexico City on our list of things to do in Roma Mexico City. Considering how many good ones there are, weโve actually been pretty restrained!
Hanky Panky is a speakeasy-style joint that, in true speakeasy fashion, has a concealed entrance โ we wonโt tell you where, as thatโs part of the experience!
Itโs quite a small drinking den, so make your reservations in advance. We always request to sit at the bar because itโs a bit more social. Plus, you get free entertainment watching the bartenders at work!
WHERE: Google Location
#20 Shop Till You Drop
Weโve already mentioned a few places where you can pick up a souvenir or two, but Roma is also home to some cool boutiques.
One of the best weโve come across is 180 Shop. Although itโs on the small side, they stock an interesting mix of designers and frequently rotate whatโs on sale so that thereโs usually something new to try on.
Weโre also a little bit in love with the apparel at Goodbye Folk Vintage Boutique, which is a large space that stocks some cool retro clothing. Itโs definitely on the expensive side, but weโre not averse to splurging on the right piece!
Is Roma Norte Mexico City Safe?
Roma Norte is among the safest areas of Mexico City, along with Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacan. The only area weโd caution a bit more self-awareness is on its eastern side, where it abuts Doctores. This colonia is a bit sketchier, particularly in the evening, so we tend to steer clear once the sun sets.
Best Places To Eat In Roma Norte Mexico City
The best places to eat in Roma Mexico City are a mixture of casual brunch spots, earthy taco stalls, and chic cafes. Weโve found something for all occasions amidst this dining smorgasbord!
Best Places For Breakfast & Brunch
๐ฅช Cafe Nin – Another concept helmed by Elena Reygadas, Cafรฉ Nin is in the running for the best breakfast Roma Norte Mexico City has to offer. We could stuff endless amounts of their pan dulce into our mouths!
๐ฅช Lalo! – We come to Lalo for that great Mexican breakfast classic, chilaquiles (fried tortilla pieces topped with salsa roja or verde, crumbled cheese, and onions). The huevos game is also strong at this casual hangout, which has a devoted following that keeps it busy.
๐ฅช Tierra Garat – This CDMX-wide chain has a couple of branches in Roma. Itโs not quite as unique as Cafรฉ Nin or Lalo, but itโs reliable and comfortable and has a broad menu of hot coffees, frappes, and tea infusions. They also do a rather good pound cake.
Best Coffee Shops in Roma
โ Cafe Memorias de un Barista – This cute hole-in-the-wall is one of the best coffee shops in Roma Norte for people who know their brews. The staff always seem happy to chat to us about the beans and their preparation โ hardly surprising, given the cafรฉ also offers barista courses.
โ CUMBร Coffee Roasters – Another haven for coffee connoisseurs, CUMBร is one of the prettiest little cafes weโve found in Roma, with a cosy indoor area and a leafy outdoor area. Staff are welcoming, and thereโs a good range of brunchy eats like tlacoyos and chilaquiles.
โ Cafe Barajas – We discovered Cafe Barajas on a coffee shop tour and have been coming back ever since. Run by two brothers, this quirky-cool joint does a delicious cafe de olla, a traditional brew that blends ground, washed beans from Veracruz with cloves, cinnamon and piloncillo.
Where To Find The Best Tacos In Roma Norte Mexico City?
๐ฎ Los Tacos de Homero – Named for the Simpsons dad, Los Tacos de Homero has the best tacos with cochinita pibil. The costra (a large flour tortilla with Oaxacan cheese) is a filling, one-and-done option, but weโre also partial to the crispy panuchos with frijoles and habanero sauce.
๐ฎ Orinoco – Orinoco is a funky chain of taquerias with locations throughout CDMX. We love the red-and-white canteen style almost as much as we love the delicious tacos, which come in three main styles: trompo (aka pastor), chicharron (fried pork rinds), and res (beef).
๐ฎ Tacos Los Compas – Los Compas is one of the cheapest, most authentically local taco stands weโve encountered in CDMX. Tacos are sold for just 15 pesos (80 cents) and come in traditional styles like suadero, campechano, and cabeza de res.
Best Dinner Spots In Roma Norte Neighborhood Mexico City
๐ด Restaurante Rosetta – For something a little fancier than a cafรฉ or a taco stall, head to Elena Reygadasโ flagship restaurant, Rosetta. Mexican ingredients are incorporated into a variety of international dishes, from corn tamales to pappardelle pasta.
๐ด Broka – Set in a beautiful mansion courtyard, Broka does our favourite versions of two abundant Mexican dishes, birria and ceviche. They also do a good line in veggie meals, with recipes like beetroot carpaccio and plantain gnocchi.
๐ด Altanera – Altanera is where we go when we want to celebrate a special occasion. A rooftop restaurant with lovely views, they do contemporary takes on Mexican dishes like grasshopper guacamole and chicken with mole negro. The service is exquisite every time we dine here.
Roma Norte Mexico City Nightlife
Topping the list of what to do in Roma Norte Mexico City is party! The area is famous for its cocktail dens, clubs, and nightlife in CDMX and youโre never far from a mixologist or a DJ.
Weโve already mentioned two of the trendiest bars in Roma Mexico City, Limantour and Hanky Panky, but youโve also got Midnight Monkey, which we go to on the odd night weโre in the mood for live jazz.
As for dance venues, the colonia is awash with them, from electro-pumping Funk Club to salsa-centred Mama Rumba.
For something a bit more old-school Mexico, head to Club San Luis, a historic venue where people shimmy across a checkerboard dancefloor to the sound of live Latin music.
Roma Norte vs Condesa Mexico City
We love both Roma Norte and Condesa, and you canโt go wrong staying in either one. Before you book your accommodation, however, here are some points to consider:
To sum it up, Roma feels a little more happening, but Condesa is more genteel. Take your pick!
Best Places To Stay In Norte Mexico City
Here are two top hotels in Roma Norte:
THE LOCAL WAY – JARDIN ROMA
The Local Way operates 18 apartments throughout CDMX, including Jardรญn Roma, a multiple-bedroom space that can accommodate numerous guests.
Roma Norte Mexico City: Wrap-Up
We could go on listing things to do in Roma Norte Mexico City, but hanging out in this neighbourhood is more about absorbing the feel than it is about seeing specific places or doing particular things.
Nowhere else in the capital feels as vibrant and as exciting, exuding effortless boho chic from every perfect pore.
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