7 best Italian restaurants in Cuauhtémoc
If there’s one thing people from Mexico City truly know how to appreciate, it’s a perfectly al dente pasta and a sauce that instantly transports you to the streets of Rome or a terrace in Tuscany. And while the city’s food scene is endless, when it comes to Italian cuisine, the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood is home to some real hidden gems worth discovering. From tucked-away trattorias to more contemporary concepts that reinterpret tradition with a modern twist, this part of the city has become a magnet for those seeking an authentic Italian experience without leaving the capital.
In this guide, we take you through the 7 best Italian restaurants in Cuauhtémoc that you simply have to try. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with a glass of red wine in hand, a business lunch that makes an impression, or you just want to treat yourself to a great Neapolitan pizza, there’s a perfect spot here for you. Ready to fall in love with Italian cuisine one bite at a time? Keep reading—this list is absolutely irresistible.
1. Don Cannoli
In the heart of the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, Don Cannoli stands out as a spot that pays tribute to authentic Italian cuisine, with a special focus on Sicilian flavors. This Italian restaurant has won over even the most demanding palates thanks to its blend of traditional recipes, high-quality ingredients, and an atmosphere that transports you straight to a trattoria in Palermo. Its cozy setting, with rustic details, soft lighting, and gentle music, makes it the perfect place for those seeking a dining experience that goes far beyond simply eating.
Don Cannoli is ideal for a relaxed dinner after work or a weekend meal that stretches on with conversation and laughter. The menu shines for its handcrafted approach to every dish, from house-made fresh pastas to slow-cooked sauces prepared according to tradition. The pizzas, with thin and crispy dough, are baked in a stone oven and feature fresh, flavorful ingredients that truly elevate the palate. And as the name suggests, the star dessert is the cannoli, carefully prepared and filled with ricotta cream—perfect for ending the meal on a high note.
This restaurant is perfect for sharing with family, enjoying with friends, or spending a romantic evening with your partner. The service is attentive and warm, and the versatile ambiance adapts to any occasion, from a casual lunch to a special celebration. It is also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy the terrace with your dog without any issues. There are also more intimate indoor spaces for those looking for privacy or a quiet evening away from the hustle and bustle.
The average price per person ranges between 600 and 700 Mexican pesos, which is well justified by the overall quality of the experience, both culinary and service-wise. The wine list is another highlight, featuring Italian and Mexican labels that pair perfectly with each dish. If you’re looking for a place in Cuauhtémoc where the love for Italian cuisine is felt in every detail, Don Cannoli is a must-stop. This is not just a place to eat well—it’s a place to enjoy life, Italian style.
2. Ardente
Ardente is a fresh and vibrant concept that redefines what we understand as contemporary Italian cuisine in the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood. This Italian restaurant stands out for its innovative approach, where classic Italian recipes are presented with a modern twist without losing the essence of tradition. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere draws you in: high ceilings, industrial finishes with elegant touches, a bar that invites you to stay, and an open kitchen that reveals the heart of the space. Every detail is designed to create a multisensory experience.
This spot is ideal for a dinner with great company or a laid-back weekend meal filled with long conversations between courses. The menu features handcrafted pastas, creamy risottos, oven-baked pizzas made with carefully selected ingredients, spoon-worthy starters like soups and burrata, and meat cuts that rival those of a steakhouse. What truly sets Ardente apart, however, are its bold interpretations, such as squid ink pasta with garlic shrimp or a pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic reduction that takes flavor to the next level.
Its modern, relaxed vibe makes it perfect for going out with friends or surprising your partner with a special night. While it’s not your typical classic Italian restaurant, it successfully preserves the spirit of Italy while adapting to the city’s contemporary lifestyle. It’s a place that invites you to linger, order a bottle of wine, and let the hours go by. Although it’s not especially family-oriented, it’s ideal for those who enjoy great food in spaces with personality and strong design. It’s also worth noting that pets are not allowed, so keep that in mind if you were planning to bring your furry companion.
The average price per person ranges between 500 and 700 Mexican pesos, in line with the type of cuisine offered: creative, well-executed, and beautifully presented. The experience goes beyond the plate, turning each visit into an exploration of flavors, textures, and memorable moments. Ardente is the perfect choice for those looking for something different, backed by a solid kitchen that isn’t afraid to reinvent itself.
3. Coppola Pizza & Vinyl Bar
Located in one of the most vibrant areas of the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, Coppola Pizza & Vinyl Bar brings together two irresistible passions: great food and vinyl music. This Italian restaurant has created a one-of-a-kind concept that blends the laid-back spirit of a traditional pizzeria with the alternative vibe of a vintage-soul bar. The space is intimate and welcoming, with a carefully curated aesthetic where the aroma of freshly baked dough mixes with the sound of classic records spinning on the turntable.
Ideal for a casual dinner or a midweek meal, Coppola has earned its place as a favorite among those looking for an authentic experience—unpretentious yet full of personality. Pizza takes center stage here, featuring thin crusts, perfectly golden edges, and a range of combinations that go from classic to experimental. The margherita is a standout, but so are their creations with ingredients like truffle, gorgonzola, pear, or prosciutto. They also offer starters such as burrata, fresh salads, and simple yet well-executed pastas.
Coppola is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a relaxed date with your partner. The atmosphere is warm, casual, and always paired with great music. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to for the vibe, the friendly service, and the confidence that every dish delivers that homemade flavor only true passion for cooking can provide. If you love retro style with a gourmet twist, this is where you’ll find the perfect balance. And if you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you’ll especially enjoy checking out their collection while listening to whatever’s playing as you dine.
The average price per person ranges from 400 to 600 Mexican pesos, which feels very accessible considering the quality of the ingredients, attentive service, and thoughtfully designed atmosphere. It’s also pet-friendly, making it a great option if you want to bring your dog along while enjoying a pizza with a glass of wine or a craft beer. Coppola is one of those places you discover once and quickly make part of your favorite routine.
4. Lulo Pizza & Homebrew
Lulo Pizza & Homebrew is the place where a passion for artisanal pizza meets beer experimentation, all set in a laid-back corner of the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood filled with great vibes. This Italian restaurant has become a favorite among those looking for something authentic, with thoughtfully crafted flavors and an unpretentious atmosphere. From the very first moment, the aroma of freshly baked dough and house-made beer welcomes you into a cozy space decorated with an urban style, wood accents, and an energy that invites you to stay for hours.
Perfect for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner, Lulo offers a menu focused on sourdough pizzas fermented for 48 hours, resulting in a crust that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and slightly tangy—bringing out the best in every topping. The ingredient combinations are as flavorful as they are original, ranging from a classic margherita to creations featuring kale, roasted mushrooms, bacon, or burrata. On top of that, their house-brewed craft beer adds a unique value that’s hard to find at any other Italian spot.
The space is ideal for getting together with friends, enjoying an afternoon of pizza and beers, or spending a casual date with your partner. There’s no stiffness here—just a friendly, easygoing atmosphere that feels like an extension of your living room, with good music and relaxed yet efficient service. And yes, it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along and grab a seat on the terrace while enjoying a great pizza with the perfect beer pairing. Lulo has that natural charm of places that don’t try to be cool—they just are.
The average price per person ranges between 400 and 600 Mexican pesos, which is more than fair considering the quality of the ingredients, the artisanal process, and the well-executed ambiance. If you’re into truly great pizza, made with care, paired with a one-of-a-kind beer and served in a spot with real character, Lulo is a must-stop. More than just a restaurant, it’s an uncomplicated, authentic, and delicious experience.
5. Casi Esquina Pizza Bar
Casi Esquina Pizza Bar is one of those places that perfectly blends the urban spirit of the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood with the warmth of an authentic Italian pizzeria. This Italian restaurant offers a simple yet powerful concept: great pizza, a good atmosphere, and no-fuss service. Located on a quiet corner, its name reflects exactly what kind of place it is—casual, unpretentious, and full of flavor. The space is cozy, with a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on what truly matters: enjoying great food at an easy pace.
It’s ideal for a relaxed dinner or a meal with longtime friends. The menu revolves around thin-crust pizzas with combinations that respect tradition while allowing for a few contemporary twists. You’ll find classics like margherita, pepperoni, and four-cheese, alongside bolder options featuring ingredients such as figs, goat cheese, or spicy honey. They also offer house-made pastas, fresh salads, and shareable starters that are perfect for easing into the evening.
The vibe at Casi Esquina is informal and welcoming, making it great for going out with friends, but also cozy enough for a date or a spontaneous visit with someone special. The service is friendly and relaxed, helping you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. It’s pet-friendly too, so you can grab a seat on the terrace with your dog while enjoying a hot-from-the-oven pizza and a cold beer. It’s the kind of place you walk into without high expectations and end up adding to your list of favorites.
The average price per person ranges from 300 to 500 Mexican pesos, making it an accessible option without sacrificing quality or flavor. What stands out here is the honesty in every dish, the unpretentious atmosphere, and the feeling of being in a place that simply feels right. If you’re looking for a no-frills Italian restaurant with delicious pizza and a laid-back vibe, Casi Esquina Pizza Bar is a sure bet in Cuauhtémoc.
6. Vicinato
Vicinato is the kind of Italian restaurant that feels as if it were brought straight from a street in Naples or Rome to the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood. With a fully artisanal approach, this spot is a tribute to neighborhood-style Italian cooking—the kind made with heart, fresh ingredients, and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Its cozy space, filled with warm details, invites you to relax and savor each dish as if you were dining in an Italian nonna’s home.
Perfect for a Sunday lunch or a special dinner with your partner, Vicinato offers a menu defined by well-executed simplicity. Its Neapolitan pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven, are the soul of the place: airy dough, puffy edges, and that unmistakable wood-fired flavor that makes them unforgettable. You’ll also find fresh pasta options, starters like caprese or carpaccio, and classic desserts such as tiramisu or panna cotta. Everything is prepared with a level of quality that clearly reflects a deep love for detail.
The warm, calm atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a romantic evening, but it’s also ideal for a night out with friends who truly appreciate a great pizza paired with a glass of wine. The service is friendly, efficient, and often comes with daily recommendations worth trying. Its intimate size is perfect for those who value places that, while small, feel authentic and thoughtfully cared for. Pets are not allowed, so keep that in mind if you were planning to visit with your furry companion.
The average price per person ranges between 500 and 700 Mexican pesos, in line with the quality of the ingredients—many of them imported—and the carefully curated experience it delivers. Vicinato is not just another restaurant; it’s a culinary experience meant to be enjoyed slowly, with bold flavors, an intimate setting, and a kitchen that truly honors the essence of Italy. If you’re looking for something traditional with just the right touch of sophistication, this is the place to be.
7. Belforno
Belforno is an ode to the art of well-crafted Italian cuisine, located in the heart of the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood. This Italian restaurant blends elegance, tradition, and modernity in a space that invites you to slow down and enjoy. From the very first moment, the warm and refined atmosphere draws you in: industrial-style walls, soft lighting, and a visible wood-fired oven that becomes the soul of the place. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to make the experience as enjoyable as it is authentic.
Ideal for a special dinner, a business lunch, or a celebration with friends, Belforno stands out for its well-balanced and extensive menu. Its stone-oven pizzas are a reliable favorite, featuring thin crusts, fresh ingredients, and flavors that honor Italian tradition. The menu also includes fresh pastas, creamy risottos, refined salads, and desserts that will make you want to linger a little longer. The lasagna is one of the house favorites, as is the truffle pizza with mozzarella and mushrooms, which has earned a loyal following.
This space is perfect for family gatherings, outings with friends, or a romantic evening with your partner. The service is attentive, friendly, and always ready to offer thoughtful recommendations beyond the usual. While the ambiance is elegant, it’s never pretentious—it makes you feel comfortable and welcome from the moment you arrive. Pets are not allowed, making it a better option for calm, well-planned outings without furry companions.
The average price per person ranges between 500 and 700 Mexican pesos, consistent with the quality of the experience, the ambiance, and the high-end ingredients used in every dish. Belforno is the kind of place you return to time and time again, whether for its well-executed menu, intimate vibe, or excellent wine selection. If you’re looking for a complete Italian dining experience in Cuauhtémoc, this restaurant definitely deserves a spot on your list.
La dolce vita is alive and well in Cuauhtémoc
There’s no doubt that the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood is a true paradise for lovers of Italian cuisine. From classic spots that honor nonna’s time-tested recipes to modern concepts that play with flavors and techniques, these restaurants prove that you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to enjoy perfectly al dente pasta or a pizza that crunches with every bite. Each one has its own personality, making the experience of discovering them one by one even more exciting.
If your mouth is already watering and you’re thinking about your next culinary escape, don’t stop here. On our blog, you’ll find more food routes, neighborhood secrets packed with flavor, and recommendations ranging from brunch with friends to unforgettable romantic dinners. Because if there’s one thing we love, it’s helping you find that special place that becomes your new favorite. Ready to keep exploring?