Taverna CDMX
CDMX, a foodie’s paradise, boasts renowned restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil. But finding a delightful, affordable, and diverse spot that rivals the best can be a challenge.
Taverna was a lucky find. My friend Randy suggested I grab a table, which wasn’t easy, but I managed to secure a seat for one.
Hidden behind massive wooden doors in one of CDMX’s oldest and most historic buildings, Taverna is a true “hidden gem.” A small sign hints at its presence, but the moment you enter, the host downstairs and the warm welcome upstairs set the stage for a special experience.
I love traveling alone, but there are certain places I wish I could share with a special someone. Taverna was one of those places. It’s perhaps the most romantic restaurant I’ve ever visited. I indulged in a self-love feast, ordering whatever caught my fancy.
The ambiance is instantly captivating. Rustic yet modern, the space is surrounded by natural accents like trees, branches, and flowers, creating a breathtaking setting. I couldn’t stop taking photos.
The friendly and gracious service is no surprise. But it’s never stuffy or self-important, unlike some of the overrated restaurants in CDMX.
The cocktails are unique and inviting. I can’t recall the exact drink I ordered, but I suspect it was a mezcal-based cocktail, as that’s my preferred drink in Mexico.
The menu is equally tempting, offering a wide range of options that make it difficult to choose, especially as a solo traveler.
To start, I was served rustic bread with a delectable tomato-based spread (think Pan con Tomate).
For my main course, I enjoyed Chorizo-filled Dates, perfectly balanced in a slightly spicy-sweet sauce.
Vegetables are the star of the show here, with a wide variety of options like delicious carrots, salads, cauliflower, and more. I chose the carrots, which arrived looking beautiful, tender, and bursting with flavors. Even though I’m not usually a vegetable person, I could easily see myself eating these carrots every day.
Since I was dining alone, I could have easily finished my meal without trying anything else. But I couldn’t resist the temptation of the Crispy-Skin Suckling Pig entree. It was also served with a delightful potato salad and one of my favorite parts of the entire meal, a tangy and tart cucumber salad that perfectly complemented the pork.
The pork is a bit of a challenge to eat. The skin is incredibly thick and crunchy, so if you’re not a fan of pork skin, you might want to skip it and focus on the perfectly cooked meat underneath.
I definitely overindulged, but I have no regrets. I couldn’t stop going back and forth between the savory carrots, the tangy salad, the earthy potatoes, and the tender pork. It was an absolute culinary experience.
To end the meal on a sweet note, I savored a decadent chocolate tart that featured a layer of caramel and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. If you serve me chocolate without salt, I might just throw it in your face!
While waiting for my multiple courses, I took the opportunity to explore the restaurant. Each floor and room had a unique personality, all adorned with natural elements.
What sets this restaurant apart from others in the city is its reasonable price point. My entire meal cost less than $100 US.
Every time I visit CDMX, I always seem to discover a new favorite restaurant. And of course, Taverna was the highlight of my last trip. I’m sure I’ll find more great places to eat, but this one definitely stands out.
