Restaurants with terraces overlooking the Zocalo / La Terraza, a very Mexican menu complemented by an extraordinary view
Restaurant located on the fifth floor of the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de México, overlooking the impressive Zócalo.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
I love this job. I learn things I never would have imagined, and that’s very gratifying. As a friend of mine used to say: "The trick is to become wise before you get old." Confess: did you know that the Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo Square, is the second-largest square in the world (it spans 46,000 square meters), only surpassed by Tiananmen Square in China? And do you know why it's called "Zócalo"? It's hard to guess: in 1843, a monument was planned to be built in the center of the square, but only the base was made — that’s the "zócalo." I also didn’t know that the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de México, back in 1899, was a department store and that the fabulous stained-glass windows on the ceiling were designed by none other than Tiffany and brought over from France. Wow!
Visit the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de México
If you haven’t been to this hotel, I urge you to go and take a look — both at the stained-glass windows and the steel and concrete elevator, which was the first of its kind at the time. I highly recommend taking a ride up to the fifth floor, where the Restaurant La Terraza is located. From the moment you enter and gaze at the impressive square, you’ll lose your breath, and your gaze will be forever captivated by the majestic buildings that surround it.
Mexican Cuisine
The food can be described as "gourmet Mexican." It features a menu called "flavors of autumn": sweet potato carpaccio, mushroom cream soup, salmon with quince sauce, or glazed pork belly. To top it off: creamy pumpkin or mini pan de muerto filled with cream… If you don’t order from the menu, you can choose from the following: battered shrimp tacos, vegan ceviche (with roasted cauliflower), cactus tostada, chicharrón cream, pumpkin pasta, Monterrey-style cabrito, slow-cooked short ribs, barbacoa cooked in a charcoal oven, mixiote, pibil-style pig’s shank, or pastor-style octopus. The breakfasts and weekend brunches are also noteworthy, and if you’re feeling romantic, you can book a "romantic dinner on the terrace" for just $2,025 pesos. (From there, if you’re still feeling "sweet," you can book the master suite with a view of the Zócalo for $4,800 pesos).
- What we love and you should try: The barbacoa.
- What we’re not as fond of: The pastor-style octopus.
- Address: Avenida 16 de Septiembre 82, Centro Histórico, CDMX.
- Hours and Days of Operation: Every day from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: Dining.
- Payment: Cash and credit cards.
- Accessibility: No.
- Parking: Valet parking.
- Reservations: For special occasions or national holidays.
- Phone: +52 55 1083 7721
- Nearby Public Transport: Zócalo Metro station.
- Pet Friendly: No.
- Kid-friendly: Yes.
- Vegan options: Yes.
