My first day in Mexico City brought delicious dishes and desserts to help my friends and I acclimate with the area and set the tone of our vacation. While we went through the city together, on my second day I would separate from the group and navigate Mexico City on my own. It would be a morning of exploring without the input, suggestions, and direction of any one else. There was a part of me that was nervous about traveling by myself even if only for a few hours. However, the minute my hotel became a distant sight as the taxi drove away, I quickly got to see the city through a singular lens, my own. At that moment, I knew it was going to be a great morning.

I didn’t leave my friends behind because I needed to be alone. Instead, prior to leaving for the trip I connected with a PR executive and her boss, Michelle and Diego, and we set to meet for breakfast. I was excited because it meant I got to talk with people who both know and love the city better than any hotel room itinerary could convey. It only took a few minutes and few miles and I stepped out to the restaurant: Fonda Mayora.

The restaurant sits on the corner of a busy street within the city of Condesa (Spanish for “countess”). At first glance, it appeared quiet with a few empty tables at its exterior. Once you walk inside and you see the moderate decorations that present a coy personality. In spite of it seeming soundless against the busy city it feels welcoming. Almost patient as it waited for the morning rush from the street to slowly trickle in the same way I did.

Sitting at the table, I didn’t have much time to look over the menu since Michelle smiled as she entered the restaurant. A few introductions and chitchat kept us engaged until our stomachs made an interruption that drew us both to the calm green colored menu. I relied on her Spanish and familiarity with the restaurant to help guide me to the best dish. Before I could make a choice, her boss Diego joined us. The chitchat continued and yet again, then shortly after our stomachs brought us back to the menus in front of us. With their help, I ordered the Huevos Encamisados (110 pesos, $6). This was such a simple dish when it arrived to the table. On the plate were two corn tortillas that were covered with black beans. Once I sliced into the tortillas, I could see lightly baked eggs sat within a pocket of the tortilla; it was almost like a little surprise! Although the dish was barely seasoned, it carried an earthy taste thanks to the tortillas’. As the yolk and the whites of the eggs drained out of the tortillas, it added a smooth accent to the beans and the grain of tortillas. This is an ideal dish for someone looking for a light meal to start their day. Should you want a heavier dish full of great taste then this wouldn’t be the breakfast for you.

However, I think I know something that could be just right…

Opposite of my dish, was the order of Chilaquiles Negros con Pollo (99 pesos, $5.50). I can’t remember if this was Michelle or Diego’s dish, but either way it looked more exciting than mine and I wished I had ordered it. It was then that I entered that gray area where you’re trying to be professional with someone you just met, but you also want to stick your fork in their bowl like you’ve known him for years. I stuck with the former. But looking at the dish and inhaling the scent that cascaded my way, I could see that it was going to be delicious. Inside the bowl were scattered triangle-cut corn tortillas that were covered in a peppered salsa, shredded chicken, a Ranchero Queso Fresca cheese, and topped with sour cream.

Within the Fonda Mayora, forks and knives clicked across our plates and conversations flowed from person to person. Before we could stop to take another bite we realized that time had passed as quickly as our food was enjoyed. My casual meeting at a restaurant with complete strangers turned into my discovering two great people and a welcoming restaurant that would be the best way to start my day.

To see more photos from the restaurant, see below!

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Address: Calle Campeche 322, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
Phone: +52 55 6843 0595
Hours: Daily – 8:00am to 7:00pm
Social: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.