Roma Norte
Colonia Roma Norte — “Hipster paradise”
Roma Norte is one of the neighborhoods that helped put Mexico City on the global foodie map. What was once a quiet, slightly crumbling residential area has become the epicenter of CDMX's creative class — world-class restaurants, mezcal bars on every block, design studios in restored mansions, and street art that rivals Bushwick. The tree-lined Avenida Álvaro Obregón is the main artery, but the magic is in the side streets: tiny taco stands next to natural wine bars, century-old bakeries beside concept stores. It's walkable, safe, endlessly interesting, and the best neighborhood to base yourself in.
One of the safer neighborhoods in CDMX. Well-lit streets, heavy foot traffic. Generally safe for walking day and evening, though normal urban precautions apply late at night.
Top things to do in Roma Norte
Álvaro Obregón & Street Art Walk
The boulevard is an open-air gallery. Walk from Fuente de Cibeles (a replica of Madrid's famous fountain) down the tree-canopied median. The murals on side streets like Tonalá, Jalapa, and Tabasco are constantly changing.
The best murals are on Calle Tonalá between Álvaro Obregón and Colima. Come with a charged phone for photos.
Mercado Roma
A gourmet food hall in a restored industrial space. Oysters, craft beer, artisanal mezcal, tacos, ramen, and a rooftop bar. It's touristy but fun, and the quality is genuinely good.
The rooftop bar is the real draw — great for sunset drinks. Weekday afternoons are much quieter than weekends.
Plaza Río de Janeiro
A beautiful oval plaza with a replica of Michelangelo's David in the center (yes, really). Surrounded by gorgeous art deco buildings and leafy trees. The Sunday antiques market here is excellent.
Visit on a Sunday morning when the antiques and curiosities market takes over the surrounding streets.
Mezcal Bar Crawl
Roma Norte has more mezcal bars per block than anywhere on earth. Start at Pare de Sufrir (smoky speakeasy), try La Clandestina (cozy and knowledgeable), and end at Bósforo (DJ sets and dancing).
Ask for 'mezcal de pechuga' — distilled with turkey breast. It sounds weird but it's unlike anything else you'll drink. Sip, don't shoot.
MUAC (Contemporary Art Museum)
Not technically in Roma but a quick Uber away — UNAM's contemporary art museum is one of Latin America's best. The building itself (by Teodoro González de León) is worth the visit alone.
Combine with a visit to the UNAM campus — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best food in Roma Norte
Contramar
Essential seafoodTostada de atún, pescado a la talla (red & green grilled fish)
One of Mexico City's most celebrated seafood restaurants. The atmosphere is buzzy and festive. Reservations now available via Resy.
Arrive at 1:30pm for lunch (easier) or 7pm sharp for dinner. The tuna tostada is mandatory.
Rosetta
Italian-Mexican fine diningFresh pasta with huitlacoche, seasonal tasting menu
Chef Elena Reygadas's masterpiece in a gorgeous restored Roma mansion. The pasta is genuinely impressive — Italian technique, Mexican soul.
Book 1-2 weeks ahead. Her bakery Panadería Rosetta around the corner has the best pastries in the city.
Tacos Orinoco
Regional tacosSonoran-style flour tortilla tacos with chipotle mayo
Carne asada on flour tortillas with a smear of chipotle mayo and a green salsa that haunts your dreams. Fast, cheap, perfect.
Order the 'gringa' — cheese melted on a flour tortilla with al pastor. Life-changing.
Lardo
Modern MediterraneanWood-fired dishes, natural wines, seasonal menu
A beautiful Roma restaurant with an open kitchen and wood-fire oven. The menu changes daily based on what's at the market.
The wine list focuses on Mexican and Spanish natural wines. Ask the sommelier for recommendations.
Churrería El Moro
ChurrosChurros with chocolate, cajeta, condensed milk, or strawberry
Operating since 1935 — the original is in Centro but the Roma location is equally good. Fresh churros 24/7.
The chocolate caliente with churros is the move. Try the cajeta (goat milk caramel) dipping sauce.
How to reach Roma Norte
Metro
Insurgentes station (Line 1, pink) at the western edge. Hospital General (Line 3) serves the south side.
Uber
10-20 min from Centro Histórico depending on traffic ($30-60 MXN). 5 min from Condesa.
Walking
15 min from Condesa (they're neighbors). 30-40 min from Centro via Avenida Chapultepec.
Metrobús Line 1 runs along Insurgentes through Roma. The 'Sonora' or 'Álvaro Obregón' stops are most central.
Insider tips for Roma Norte
Roma transitions seamlessly into Condesa at its southern edge — walk between them freely.
The best coffee shops: Almanegra (specialty roaster), Buna (cozy), Quentin (French vibes).
If you're a digital nomad, Roma is your base — fast WiFi cafés everywhere, walkable to everything.
The earthquake damage from 2017 is largely repaired, but you'll still see some empty lots — they're planned green spaces.
Thursday-Saturday nights are the best for bar-hopping. Sunday afternoon Roma feels like a village.
Explore more of CDMX
Every colonia has its own personality. See which one matches yours.