There are literally thousands of restaurants, cafés and bars in Mexico City, catering to a large array of tastes. You’ll never be too far from good Mexican food, and those on a budget can eat well and cheaply at taco stands, markets or small family run restaurants, especially if you opt for lunchtime deals known as comida corrida.

After Mexican food, Spanish, Italian, Argentine and Chinese are the most popular varieties. The past few years have seen a sharp rise in sushi restaurants, although true connoisseurs aren’t likely to be impressed by the Mexican taste for Philadelphia cheese in their maki.

Mexico City is flooded with chain restaurants. International names such as McDonalds, Burger King and Vips are popular, as well as local franchises like Sanborns and Fishers. Comidas corridas are usually tastier and much better value for money though.

In the past, most of the city´s best restaurants were around the Zona Rosa. Nowadays, whilst this tourist hub still has more than it’s fair share of good eateries, there are several other restaurant zones around the city. Posh Polanco is THE place to go…if your wallet can stand the strain. Several colonial mansions have been converted into restaurants with outdoor seating and wandering minstrels.

Not really any cheaper but a bit younger and hipper- is the Colonia Condesa right next door. The area has a European vibe with its street-side cafés and intimate eateries full of beautiful young Mexicans and tourists with a few extra pesos to spend on nice wine and focaccia. The Centro Histórico has a lot of business-orientated places to eat, as well as several decent options in the five star hotels that ring the Zócalo. Another area to check out is San Angel/ Coyoacán, where good quality, trendy restaurants open all the time.

Touristy areas such as the Centro Histórico and Coyoacán are your best bet if you’re after Mexico City specialties such as huitlacoche (maize fungus) in a more formal setting. However, visit the stalls around markets such as La Merced and you’re guaranteed a cheap, fresh 100% authentic Mexican experience at a fraction of the price.

Mexicans tend to eat lunch from around 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., and dinner from around 9 p.m.