Mexican Franchises We Actually Recommend in Mexico City

Happy Tunna & Friends
May 21
3 min read

Let’s be real: Mexico City is one of the best food cities on the planet. From street tacos that will change your life to mind-blowing tasting menus, this place is a foodie’s paradise. So first things first — don’t spend your whole trip eating at franchises!

Seriously. There are so many incredible, one-of-a-kind places to eat here that sticking to chains would be like going to Paris and only eating at Starbucks. Just… no.

But! We get it. Sometimes it’s late. You’re tired. Your phone’s at 3%, your stomach’s at 0%, and you just want something delicious, fast, and easy — no food adventures, no surprises (except maybe surprise deliciousness).

So for those moments, here are some Mexican franchises we actually recommend in Mexico City. They’re reliable, tasty, local — and perfect when you just need something that hits the spot.

🍲 Casa de Toño

Want comfort food that hits like a warm blanket? This is the place for pozole (hominy soup), flautas, and quesadillas. It’s open late, usually packed, and always reliable. Bonus: they somehow make hospital lighting feel charming.

☕️ Tierra Garat

This is not your average coffee shop. Think: Mexican coffee, rich hot chocolate, cozy vibes, and pan de elote (corn cake) that tastes like a hug from your abuelita. Try the spiced coffee or chocolate with chili — trust us.

🐟 El Pescadito

Fish tacos from the north of Mexico that somehow ended up in your belly in CDMX. The battered shrimp taco and the chile relleno stuffed with marlin are both legendary. It's messy, it's crispy, it's perfect.

🥟 Pastes Kiko

Never had a “paste”? Imagine a cousin of the empanada that grew up in Hidalgo and now has a delicious range of fillings, from mole to pineapple. It’s warm, flaky, and makes for a great on-the-go bite. Bonus: it’s fun to say. Paste. Go on, say it out loud.

🌮 Tacos That Always Hit the Spot

When in doubt, taco it out. These franchises serve up consistently great tacos — fast, fresh, and full of flavor.

Tacos El Califa: Sleek, simple, and tasty. The "Gaonera" taco (thin steak cooked to perfection) is a fan favorite.
El Tizoncito: They "say" they invented tacos al pastor. We won’t get into taco politics, but they do make a solid one.
El Orinoco: A northern-style taco spot with cult status. Try the trompo (al pastor), chicharrón, or beef. Get all three. No regrets. Fun fact: their Condesa location is also a favorite among international celebs — Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Neymar, and Jared Leto have all stopped by. Because even global superstars know that good tacos are non-negotiable.
Tacos Atarantados: Known for their bold flavors and generous portions, these tacos bring that authentic street vibe with a twist. Plus, their branding? Chef's kiss. They have a beautiful, eye-catching branding that makes the whole experience even more fun — because tacos should look as good as they taste!

🍽️ El Bajío

Looking for a more traditional sit-down spot with regional dishes from all over Mexico? El Bajío serves high-quality food in a cozy, colorful setting. It's like going to your fancy tía’s house — if she were a chef.

🍩 El Moro

Churros and hot chocolate. Need we say more? Ok fine: crispy, golden, cinnamon-dusted churros served fresh with thick Mexican chocolate. El Moro’s been around since 1935 — and they’ve mastered the art of fried dough. Bless them.

📍 Where to find them?

The best part? Most of these franchises have locations in several neighborhoods across the city — think Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Centro, and even inside malls or near tourist spots. So chances are, you’ll stumble upon one without even trying. No need to travel across town just for a taco… unless you want to (and honestly, we wouldn’t blame you).

So there you have it! Here are the Mexican franchises we actually recommend in Mexico City, even in a city packed with amazing food options, sometimes you just want a safe (but still delicious) bet. These local chains have your back. Just promise us one thing: save some meals for the hidden gems too — your taste buds will thank you.

Happy eating! 🌮❤️

Xoxo,

Treep Troop 🧚‍♀️🌈🦄✨