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Welcome to El Cardenal

El Cardenal is a beloved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Mexico City, celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Renowned for its extensive breakfast menu, the restaurant specializes in traditional dishes like carnitas enchiladas and flavorful tacos. Guests rave about the generous portions and the rich flavors found in each bite, particularly in dishes such as tuna ceviche and beef tongue tacos. The service is consistently warm and efficient, making every visit enjoyable. With a charming outdoor seating area and proximity to local attractions, El Cardenal captures the essence of both local culture and family dining, ensuring it remains a staple for both tourists and locals alike.

El Cardenal: Reviews & Ratings

Tania M.
Tania M.

Located next to the Munal (Mexican museum of art) it is conveniently located for a great bite. On a quick visit to Mexico city this place is a must for their assortment of breakfast pastries, warm and delicious hot chocolate. I had the carnitas enchiladas after a Conchita with hot chocolate. Then ended up tasting the mango/guava/orange home made juice. I have to say I was so full and the constantly refilling cup of coffee added a cherry on top. Service is very efficient, friendly, and fast! The outdoor patio seating has to be the best option if weather permits. You can see all the happenings around while enjoying a great plate of simple food. This will be on my will return rotation for the future.

Christina N.
Christina N.

Portions here are pretty big as reflected in the price so be careful about how much you order! The fish ceviche was delicious! It had the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus and crunch. The beef tongue taco was good too as it was cooked to the perfect amount of tenderness. The carnitas taco required self assembly and the meat was super flavorful and well seasoned. Overall a bit on the pricey side but not a bad option if you're in the area. Overall vibe/ crowd makes this place feel like a family restaurant.

Moshi M.
Moshi M.

Ambience. A Service. A Food. A Price. A Found in middle block in main city area. Long wait and seating area. We came at 4:00 pm and had to wait 45 mins for a table of 6. Preorder drinks while waiting. It was worth the wait. Authentic preordered to order dishes. We had lengua tongue , breaded veal, seared pounded beef, reds green chicken and lamb on bone! All delicious. Cactus was tender ! Sauces delishes. And likes the tomatillos avocado and goat cheese I'm a FaN!!!

Anat S.
Anat S.

Nice atmosphere, quick service and traditional dishes. Great location in the middle of the historic area. We walked in and were able to get a table right away. The tuna ceviche was amazing.

Kristin F.
Kristin F.

My favorite restaurant in Mexico City! I can't say enough about it. The staff is always so lovely and kind, especially because I'm usually traveling for work and dining solo. The food is also absolutely delicious. You can pick any item on the menu with your eyes closed and it's going to be a great meal. Absolutely guaranteed. This place gets super packed for lunch but there are multiple seating areas on different floors. The best treat in CDMX!

Esther Z.
Esther Z.

Considering the relatively low forCDMX prices, the large portions, the quality of our entrees and the prompt service, I am forced into a 5 star rating. For such a large dining area on level 1, the noise level was low. Our waiter took one look at us and asked if we need an English menu. Yep! Trying not to over order, we ordered1 entree each no starter or soup. I thought I was cutting back when I ordered the Chile Ancho relleno a la oaxaquena, 1 piece. Nope, the very large ancho pepper was fully stuffed with shredded yummy pork. My partner ordered Chamorro al Pibil(ham hock) in sauce. That ham hock was huge. She took about half home. We could have shared the ham hock and been done. So yes, I would highly recommend this place to my family and friends if they ever have the opportunity to vacation in CDMX.

Dulse Natalie M.
Dulse Natalie M.

Was my first time going to this place. I found it through a video I saw on tik tok. The overall look is gorgeous! Looks very fancy a bit bougie. The service they provide was amazing! We got hot chocolate and pan dulce, to start off with. Food tasted great, but the portions did seem small. Prices were a bit on the higher end but not too bad. I definitely say go check this place out!

Brianna R.
Brianna R.

They may have the best pan dulce of any restaurant in Centro. This location has 4 levels. We sat up top because the other levels seemed packed, even on a weekday. Order the hot chocolate! They brought us fresh bread and fresh tortillas as well. My meal was just fine, I may be should have got something different. But overall it was a good meal. Staff is great as well. Lots of locals here, not super touristy despite the location. This place was pricey though. About $800 pesos. We had an equally good meal at another place nearby for half the price.

Jasmine R.
Jasmine R.

This was the best pan dulce I had on my whole trip to CDMX. The hot chocolate was so delicious, not too sweet, and made traditionally. I didn't get many pictures because I wasn't feeling well that day but the staff was very accommodating. I ordered scrambled eggs and beans. So simple but so delicious. The restaurant definitely gives a traditional feel. I think this is a staple for any traveler.

Location

  • El Cardenal
    C. de la Palma 23, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Hotline: +52 55 5521 3080

Welcome to the vibrant world of El Cardenal, a celebrated gem nestled in the heart of Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México. This unclaimed Mexican eatery is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that harmonizes the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Located conveniently at C. de la Palma 23, El Cardenal stands out as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

From the moment you step inside, the enchanting ambiance envelops you. With options for outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to savor a meal while soaking in the vibrant street scenes around you. The casual setting exudes a sense of community, making it ideal for friends and families. The restaurant offers an array of utilities that cater to various dining needs, including reservations, takeout, delivery, and a robust menu for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

  • Reservations
  • Family- and pet-friendly options
  • Happy Hour specials to savor flavor-packed delicacies
  • Full bar selection to complement every meal
  • Outdoor seating to enjoy the lively atmosphere

The highlight of El Cardenal is undoubtedly its menu, which boasts a rich selection of traditional dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. Delight in the savory carnitas enchiladas, perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. Enthusiastic diners rave about the fish ceviche, a delightful balance of sweetness, citrus, and crunch that perfectly embodies the essence of Mexican culinary traditions. The tantalizing beef tongue tacos and self-assembled carnitas tacos showcase the expertise behind the restaurant’s offerings.

According to patrons like Tania M. and Christina N., the quality of the food here is surpassed only by the warmth of the service. The staff at El Cardenal consistently deliver a friendly and efficient dining experience, making each visit feel like a homecoming. Furthermore, with generous portion sizes, getting more than your money’s worth is a delightful bonus.

Your culinary journey wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the beloved homemade juices or a cup of hot chocolate. The free Wi-Fi and TV ensure that you can stay connected while enjoying a leisurely meal, and the availability of bike parking adds to the appeal for adventurous diners looking for a delightful pit stop in the city.

As many reviews highlight, El Cardenal is more than just a restaurant; it’s an integral part of the Ciudad de México experience. Whether you're enjoying a quiet breakfast on the patio, indulging in a hearty lunch, or sharing joyful moments with family over vibrant flavors, El Cardenal’s dedication to tradition and quality makes it a beacon of culinary excellence. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this culinary treasure on your next visit to Mexico City—it truly is a culinary experience you’ll want to savor time and time again!

For reservations or inquiries, feel free to reach out at +52 55 5521 3080. We can’t wait for you to discover what makes El Cardenal a beloved staple in the heart of Mexico City!