El Cardenal · Restaurant · Mexico City
The city's benchmark breakfast, running since 1969
El Cardenal has been a Mexico City breakfast institution since 1969, when Oliva Garizurieta and Jesus Briz opened the first dining room near Moneda and Seminario. The Palma 23 branch, a few steps off Madero in the Centro Historico, occupies a French style building with high ceilings, wide stone columns and service across two floors.
The house makes almost everything from scratch. Tortillas begin at the nixtamal stage, the pan dulce is baked on site every day, and the chocolate is worked up from the tablet. The trio that made the reputation is chocolate, bread and nata, the thick clotted cream skimmed from fresh milk supplied by the family's own ranch, and it is the order most first-time guests are pointed toward.
Beyond breakfast the menu covers classic Mexican comida, and the dining roo
Address: Calle de la Palma 23, Col. Centro, Centro Historico, Cuauhtemoc, 06000 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX, Mexico, Mexico City
El Cardenal takes its own reservations direct in Mexico City. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go.
Hours of operation
- Monday: 08:00 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 18:30
- Thursday: 08:00 - 18:30
- Friday: 08:00 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:30
- Sunday: 08:30 - 18:30
Frequently asked about El Cardenal
How do I get a reservation at El Cardenal in Mexico City?
Tables at El Cardenal are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger Mexico City plan, MyRSVP handles the beach clubs and nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at El Cardenal?
El Cardenal is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at El Cardenal?
El Cardenal runs an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is El Cardenal located?
El Cardenal is in Mexico City, at Calle de la Palma 23, Col. Centro, Centro Historico, Cuauhtemoc, 06000 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX, Mexico. MyRSVP can build it into a full Mexico City itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
Featured in
Other Mexico City venues
- Blanco Colima · Porfirian mansion dining and late cocktails
- Botanico · Cactus-filled garden dining in a Condesa casona
- Contramar · The city's definitive seafood lunch since 1998
- Em · Lucho Martinez's one-star Roma counter
- Esquina Comun · Seven tables, one Michelin star, a Condesa rooftop
- Expendio de Maiz · Michelin star masa counter, no sign, no menu
- Gaba · Condesa cafe by day, one-star kitchen by night
- Hunan · Lomas landmark for upscale Chinese since 1993
- La Once Mil · The world's only Michelin-starred taqueria
- Lardo · Elena Reygadas wood oven all day in Condesa
- Masala y Maiz · Michelin star Mexico, India and East Africa
- Maximo Bistrot · Lalo Garcia's market-driven Roma Norte star
Browse all Mexico City venues · Build a custom itinerary · MyRSVP home