El Cardenal — Restaurant in Mexico City

In short, we didn’t find the food worth the wait just to get a seat. We waited outside for nearly 45 minutes to be seated. As soon as you are seated they would bring coffee and chocolate milk pot and ask which one you want. We opted for the chocolate milk which was delicious. Then one person will bring a basket of breads to your table and ask which ones you want. We had the apricot and pineapple pastries. These happen before you are given the menu so if you are first timer or tourist you wouldn’t know how much these cost.

After this they give the menu. For the main order we had a chicken omlette and enchiladas with red sauce. They actually gave the beef enchiladas in green sauce. The sauce was pretty good so we didn’t mind. The flavours in the omelet were very mild. There was an orange sauce which was pretty less in quantity so didn’t make the bites enjoyable. This was served with 3 slices of boiled potatoes which was pretty bland. We also got guava and orange juices which were freshly squeezed with no added sugar.

Overall, everything apart from the main dishes were...

Great restaurant for a breakfast but the chain offers better locations in CDMX

El Cardenal is a famous mexican restaurant which has a multitude of venues across the city. Locals especially appreciate it for its breakfast.

Having been to several of their venues I confirm the quality of the food and service are great and similar to the other locations. A must try are the Conchas (type of pastry) and the hot chocolate milk which the server foams directly in front of you. Savoury meals like Chilaquiles or eggs are good yet not outstanding.

We were a bit unlucky by being seated on the terrace inside the mall. The interior is significantly better, however my favourite venue remains the...

El Cardenal came highly recommended by a friend, and it didn’t disappoint! I was promptly seated, service was spot on, and they even had the menu in both English and Spanish—smart move. I started with the tacos de suadero, one of my favorites. They give you enough tortillas to make your tacos as hefty or as light as you like. How do I know the meal was great? No food pics—devoured it instantly, no regrets. I did, however, snap a shot of my tres leches dessert, which was delicious. The waiter helped me navigate the dessert options, and tres leches was a win. If you’re after a more restaurant-like vibe with gourmet Mexican food that doesn’t break the bank, this is your spot....