At night, sit at the bar, have some natural wine, and order the fried chicken sandwich. Cicatriz is owned by a food writer and alum of Andrew Tarlow's restaurants in Brooklyn, and the vibe is legit.
Café Passmar supplies a lot of major restaurants (including Contramar) around the city. They take their coffee seriously, and it shows. Worth a detour for a cup at the source — inside a mercado.
You'll want to check out at least one cantina while in Mexico City. This would be a good one to try. Order some drinks and hang for a while.
Hip yet low-key restaurant with natural wines and simple, delicious Baha Med food. Definitely do the soft shell crab, and (if on the menu) definitely do the romaine salad with eggplant hummus.
Where you go for cochinita pibil. They make tacos, tortas, etc., but the panuchos are the move. 2 per person is plenty. Get a beer to help them down (a lil greasy). Service is quick and friendly.
A great spot for a substantial breakfast (think egg dishes, not just pastries, juice, and coffee). Avocado toast is very solid and quite filling. They do not skimp. Pricey for DF, but still not bad.
Wanting to drink mezcal because you're in Mexico but not a fan of the stuff straight up? Come here, get the Aztec King cocktail, then get another one. You're welcome.
Some next level quesadillas. Try the one with mushrooms (hongos.) On the plancha, not fried.
