Santo Habanero — Restaurant in Mexico City

It was breakfast time in Roma Norte CDMX, so we headed out the door mid-morning from where we were staying and followed many incredibly delicious aromas wafting food scents down the streets for a while. It dawned on us; we had spotted an interesting resto the day before which we noticed served breakfast – so we headed there. Before we even walked in the door, the incredible smells of grilling, herbs and spices were filtering through our nostrils inducing us and making us hungrier. This quaint yet well laid out restaurant with comfortable seating and quiet yet cultural vibes made it the more inviting. By the time we left, we were absolutely, positively sure, we’d have our best breakfast in CDMX! We started our morning round with Café de Olla (pot brewed coffee); Jugo de Frutas de Temporada (fresh local seasonal fruits) and some Agua Embotellada (bottled water) as we worked our way through their extensive menu (its extensive even for their lunch, Merienda and Dinner service). Without fail, as a starter, we ordered a magnificent serving of their incredible Guacamole. The group of us finally settled on our breakfast desires, starting with my selection of Huevos Poblanos of a couple of eggs, with a rich and tender roasted poblano pepper, incredible fresh chorizo, chopped potatoes, some pepper jack cheese, a perfect inkling of paprika, the right amount garlic, with sour cream and cilantro to make it tastier and more pretty! Another in the group ordered the Huevos Cholula with two sunny side up eggs on a scrumptious tortilla with just the right amount of Oaxaca cheese, immersed in a delicate Pasilla sauce, accompanied by fresh avocado and almost perfectly refried beans. Someone in the groups ordered an excellent rendition of Huevos Aztecas, very similar but more extravagant than Rancheros. And one ordered the Sope Tolteca. A large handmade corn masa sope prepared on our griddle, with refried beans, two perfect eggs, excellent chorizo, panela cheese and topped with sour cream. I’ve got to say that not only were we satisfied with the flavors, preparation, service and atmosphere, but we really could not eat another bite until much, much later that afternoon. Santo Habanero, your breakfast is fabulous, and if your lunch and dinners are half as good, Santo Habanero you are commended and recommended. Mui bueno y buen...

Tourist trap!! Avoid!! Prices way too high, slow service, below average food. Guacamole served - supposedly to be made tableside - was PREMADE - like from a Costco container. Cold, creamy - not made by a hand. But was served in a nice stone pestle (obviously not used). Taco trio was way overpriced $22 USD - chicken and beef were meh, fish looked like shrimp but was mainly dough. So disappointing - you can literally get better in the states without leaving your couch. Food came out very slow - first dish (guacamole) 40 min after ordering (only after we asked). Rest came out over course of another 15 minutes. Tuna tostada was ok, but will check back in in the morning to see if it salted down. Three orders of enchiladas had been placed - only two came out. We called it quits in the third after waiting another 10 minutes. Very average. The manager was apologetic and said he didn’t know what had happened in the kitchen. This was strange for two reasons: 1) he had spent most of this time in the kitchen talking and 2) what good manager doesn’t know what is going on in the kitchen? 4 mains for 5 people w 1 drink and guac came to $2500 mxp. Go elsewhere! Eat better, pay less, get your food in a reasonable time! Don’t be fooled by other reviews - we found no good reason to return. Not even the free shot of mezcal the manager offered if...

Santo Habanero is the kind of neighborhood spot that punches way above its weight—bold flavors, a thoughtful menu, and a vibe that keeps you coming back. Whether you’re a meat-lover or vegetarian, there’s something here for everyone, which makes it a go-to for my wife and me.

My wife, a vegetarian, had no trouble finding solid options—especially the veggie tacos and the mushroom quesadilla, both of which are fresh, flavorful, and far from afterthoughts. It’s clear the kitchen puts effort into making sure plant-based dishes are just as exciting as the rest of the menu.

But the real star for me was the chicken torta. I usually steer clear of tortas, but this one was a revelation—crispy chicken, perfectly balanced spice, and just the right amount of richness. It completely changed my opinion of tortas and honestly brought them back into my life.

Other standout dishes include the al pastor tacos and the habanero salsa, which lives up to the name with real heat and depth. The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and the food comes out fast.

Santo Habanero hits that sweet spot between casual and crave-worthy—definitely worth the stop, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a...