Amid the chaos and confinement of the urban jungle, finding quiet outdoor spaces in Mexico City can be a challenge. If you’re looking to relax with a refreshing beverage and refuel with some tasty food, we can recommend these four hidden terraces to enjoy spectacular views and intimate and friendly atmospheres.
Pizza Félix
The red neon letters announcing Pizza Félix don’t exactly make it a hidden spot, but what many diners don’t know, even those who have visited before, is that Mexican Pizza Championship winner Chef Adriana Lerma’s famous pizzeria has a secret terrace.
There are tables on the street level along Roma’s bustling Avenida Álvaro Obregón. Further inside is a bar set in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, plenty of hipster and vintage vibes.
But if you continue walking down what seems to be an alley, following the sumptuous smell of their Neapolitan pizzas, you will come to their terrace with another bar, which serves natural, organic, and biodynamic wines alongside a menu with more than 10 varieties of pizza. At night the mood really sparkles
Av. Álvaro Obregón 64, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 5160 1791
IG. @felixpizzabar
Terraza Catedral
You’d never guess that the entrance to the Mundo Joven hostel in the Historic Center would lead you to one of the best terraces in the capital. Terraza Catedral is located just steps from the Zócalo, in a famous building from the 1940s. To access it, you have to pass the hostel’s reception and go up a rather retro elevator.
When you reach the top floor, you’ll find an open-air restaurant with impressive views of the Metropolitan Cathedral and beyond. This 360º view allows you to take in the Zócalo and even Plaza de Santo Domingo while you enjoy Mexican snacks, signature cocktails, and their “xolo” specialties with meat or vegetarian dishes. At night, there are live DJs, as well as jazz and swing bands.
República de Guatemala 4, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 5518 1726
IG. @terrazacatedral
El Mayor
The journey to El Mayor takes an intellectual and historical path. To enter, you have to go through the Porrúa publishing house and bookstore, located on República de Argentina in the Historic Center. After perusing some books, ask for the elevator that will take you to the terrace.
Upon arrival, you’ll find a contemporary restaurant filled with greenery, granite and wood floors, modern furniture, as well as 550 years of history. Enjoy a view to the Templo Mayor, the ruins, the domes, the backside of the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the majesty of the various buildings of colonial and modern Mexico. The menu consists of classic Mexican fare with a contemporary twist, as well as international dishes using local ingredients.
República de Argentina 15, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 5704 7580
IG. @restaurante_elmayor
Hilaria Terraza
In the heart of Mexico City, at number 21 Bolivar, golden letters reveal the “Edificio Don Alberto.” Don’t be misled by the jewelry store advertising, opticians, and doctor’s offices. If you continue down the hall to the elevator and go up to the 9th floor, you will arrive at Hilaria Terraza.
This gastropub declares itself “the paradise of craft beer” and it’s a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and a few good beers, as it offers more than 100 labels and 15 lines on tap. All while enjoying the privileged view of the Torre Latinoamericana, at one time Mexico’s tallest skyscraper.
The food and drink menu is extensive, so don’t be afraid to try a variety of options. How about a Páramo, Hércules, or Olympo beer with a pulled pork burger or a BBQ grasshopper pizza? Reservations are recommended, particularly for larger groups, as the space is small.
Calle de Bolívar 21, interior 908, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 1496 6405
IG. @hilaria.terraza
