A Perfect Weekend in Colonia Roma, Mexico City
After several visits to Mexico City, one neighborhood consistently pulls us back: Colonia Roma. Nestled just west of the historic center, Roma is a perfect blend of old-world charm and new-school creativity. Originally a wealthy enclave for Spanish elites, the area was marked by beautiful colonial mansions, many of which were damaged during the 1985 earthquake. But in the years since, Roma has reinvented itself as the city’s artistic and culinary hub, where restored town houses now house some of the best restaurants, indie boutiques, and cafés in the capital.
Think of it as the Silver Lake or Williamsburg of CDMX, hip but lived-in, full of character, and effortlessly cool. During our latest stay, we decided to fully hunker down in Roma, and it felt like slipping into a stylish, slower-paced side of the city. We met great people (including a charming English bulldog named Gordo), explored on foot, and tasted our way through block after block of pure deliciousness.
Below, you’ll find our curated guide to sleeping, sipping, and savoring in Colonia Roma, a must-visit neighborhood for any traveler with a love for food, design, and street-level culture.
WHERE TO STAY
Casa Ofrenda
📍 Jalapa 90
A boutique guesthouse that blends Mexican tradition with Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Expect colorful textiles, curated art, and a serene courtyard. Bonus: our favorite cafés and restaurants were literally across the street.
Nima Local House Hotel
📍 Colima 236 | nimalocalhousehotel.com
Tucked inside a beautifully restored mansion, Nima is everything you want in a luxury stay: personal service, high design, and a killer breakfast on the rooftop terrace. It’s boutique, it’s intimate, and it’s perfectly located.
COFFEE + PASTRIES
Tierra Garat
📍 Jalapa 99 | garatcafe.com.mx
With interiors by Esrawe + Cadena, this stylish café is a design lover’s dream. They serve one of the best cappuccinos in CDMX, and bonus, they open at 8 a.m., which is early by local standards.
Quentin Café
📍 Álvaro Obregón 64 | quentin.mx
Ask any local barista where to find the best espresso in the city, and they’ll likely point you here. A cool, quiet spot for serious coffee drinkers.
Panadería Rosetta
📍 Colima 179-A | rosetta.com.mx
Quite possibly the best bakery in Mexico City. The guava and cheese danishes are legendary, and the vibe is effortlessly chic. Arrive early for the freshest selections.
Cachito Mio Quiches & Tartas
📍 Guanajuato 143 | cachito.mx
Perfect for a late-morning snack or afternoon pick-me-up. Their pies and tarts are 100% handmade and served in a charming space that feels like a local secret.
Churros El Moro (Roma Norte location)
📍 Frontera 122 | elmoro.mx
This beloved chain started in the 1930s and now has outposts throughout the city. The Roma location adds a modern twist with fun interiors and cozy seating. Get the churros with hot chocolate, classic and comforting.
Patisserie Dominique
📍 Chiapas 157 | Facebook
A charming French-style patisserie offering buttery croissants, pain au chocolat, and excellent coffee. One of our favorite quiet breakfast spots.
Delirio
📍 Monterrey 116 | delirio.mx
Owned by chef Mónica Patiño, this café-deli hybrid offers elevated breakfast and lunch options, strong coffee, and rustic vibes. Try the avocado toast with poached egg and a side of fresh juice.
WHERE TO EAT
Rosetta
📍 Colima 166 | rosetta.com.mx
Chef Elena Reygadas, named Latin America’s Best Female Chef, brings seasonal Mexican ingredients into the realm of Italian cooking with a twist. The handmade pastas and cocktails are divine. Book ahead, this is one of the city’s most sought-after tables.
Lardo
📍 Agustín Melgar 6 | lardo.mx
Another gem by Reygadas, Lardo has a more casual, Mediterranean vibe. Sit at the bar and watch the kitchen in action. Don’t miss the burrata pizza, roasted cauliflower, and grilled octopus.
El Parnita
📍 Yucatán 84 | elparnita.com
A lively, no-frills taquería with strong mezcal margaritas, colorful characters, and solid tacos. Arrive before 2 PM to beat the crowd, it’s packed with locals for a reason.
La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill
📍 Álvaro Obregón 31 | ladocena.com.mx
Originally from Guadalajara, this seafood-forward restaurant serves some of the best oysters and ceviches in CDMX. Sit at the raw bar for the full experience. Ideal for a boozy lunch or stylish dinner.
WHERE TO DRINK
Colonia Roma’s bar scene is just as stylish and laid-back as its culinary counterpart. Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner to sip mezcal or a high-energy venue to close out the night, Roma delivers. Here are some of our favorite places to grab a drink:
Páramo
📍 Yucatán 84 | Facebook
Located above El Parnita, Páramo is where you go when dinner turns into drinks. The vibe is low-lit and lively, with a great cocktail list and the kind of atmosphere that invites hours of conversation. A favorite for late-night hangs with friends.
Félix
📍 Álvaro Obregón 64 | Yelp
Grab a front patio seat and people-watch the Roma crowd over beautifully crafted mezcal cocktails. It’s casual, upbeat, and ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a slow, stylish afternoon.
Departamento
📍 Álvaro Obregón 154 | departamento.tv
For something more local and unexpected, Departamento offers a mix of indie music, low lighting, and a bar setup that feels like you’re hanging out at a creative friend’s apartment. Think live sets, vinyl nights, and great cocktails.
M.N. Roy
📍 Mérida 186 | mnroyclub.com
Named after the Indian revolutionary once exiled in Mexico, M.N. Roy is housed in a modernist building that once served as his actual residence. Today, it’s one of CDMX’s most exclusive nightclubs. If you have the energy to stay out late, this is the spot to end the night.
Insider Tips & Travel Notes
- Walking is the way to go. Roma is incredibly walkable, and you’ll want to wander. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the leafy side streets, you’ll likely stumble on a hidden art gallery, bookshop, or boutique.
- Thursday–Saturday nights are lively. Many of Roma’s cocktail bars and speakeasies come alive after dark. Ask your barista for recommendations, they’ll often point you to somewhere you’d never find on Google Maps.
- Reservations matter. Popular restaurants book out in advance, especially on weekends. Call ahead or use platforms like OpenTable or Resy for peace of mind.
- Mind the Monday closings. Many cafés and bakeries close on Mondays. Always double-check hours before heading out.
Final Thoughts
Colonia Roma is more than a trendy neighborhood, it’s a window into the modern soul of Mexico City. Whether you’re here for the food, the design, or the daily ritual of café-hopping, Roma rewards you with creativity, charm, and incredible hospitality. It’s stylish without being pretentious, historic without feeling stuck in the past.
Already planning our return, and this time, Gordo the bulldog better remember us.
Need help planning your CDMX trip? Let Nomoon Travel craft a custom itinerary tailored to your vibe, whether that means boutique hotels, chef-led food tours, or off-the-beaten-path design experiences in Roma and beyond.
