Balcón del Zócalo

About

An elevated dining experience, both physically and experientially, awaits at Balcón del Zócalo. This fine dining hotspot is on the 6th floor of the Zócalo Central Hotel and offers chef tables and thematic dinners.

Overlooking the Zócalo, the restaurant commands one of Mexico City's coveted views. From such heights, you'll witness panoramic views of the Historic Center, home to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

Chef Pepe Salinas oversees the menu, and is a pioneer of forward-thinking approach to Mexican cuisine. His seaonal menus set this restaurant apart, ushering in new entrees regularly. Such diversity ensures a unique dining experience, no matter when you visit.

Balcón del Zócalo offers hand-crafted menus and awe-inspiring views, connectubg guests to Mexico City. It invites those who dine there to pause, absorb, and reflect—not just on their surroundings but on the world at large.

Vibe

Its location in the heart of Centro Histórico offers unobstructed views of the sprawling Plaza de la Constitución. Viewing the Colonial-era architecture while savoring gourmet cuisine make for a memorable dining experience.

Stepping inside, the decor combines rustic elements with contemporary amenities. Picture wood ceilings, wainscot, and bookcases with modern furniture, lighting, and tables.

The stylish black and white tiles connect with the wood floor, blending the old with the new. The room's key attraction is the open design to the balcony. Whether you dine al fresco or indoors, the gentle breeze and views of Mexico City's antiquity heighten Chef Salinas's cuisine.

These elements create a homey vibe, pushing aside pretentiousness and replacing it with an inviting dining experience. Here, history, beauty, and culinary artistry converge, making for an unforgettable meal.

Menu & Drinks at Balcón del Zócalo

What makes dining here appealing is the Breakfast, the Chef's Selection, and the Tasting menu. Each is unique, offering something for every palate and budget.

Before heading off to explore nearby Chapultepec Park or Paseo de la Reforma, feast on breakfast. The offerings range from gourmet and stuffed pastries to toast with smoked salmon and avocado. If you have a hearty appetite, consider any of the omelets, huevo (eggs), tortillas, and tacos.

The Tasting Menu showcases 9 courses that rotate seasonally. Here are some examples of what you may experience:

Begin your culinary sojourn with an appetizer featuring roasted pumpkin seed wafer, Melipona bee honey, and avocado truffle.

Homemade bread and butter.

Main course of pheasant with apple mole sauce, asparagus marbré, and green peas pistachio roulade.

For the ultimate experience, consider the Chef Selection. Once more, the offerings rotate frequently. But rest assured, no matter when you visit, you'll dine on only the best.

An appetizer standout is the Veggie Taco with avocado, cherry tomatoes, Ocosingo cheese, pickled cactus with squash blossom. Also on point is the Beef Tenderloin Sope with pasilla pepper sauce, purslane, and avocado.

The main courses are where Chef Salinas flexes his culinary muscles. One example is the Wagyu cross flank steak with flat bread featuring Cuaresmeno pepper, jocoque, and Quelites pesto.

Another delicious option is the pistachio and requesón cheese ravioli. This Italian-inspired entree features a squash blossom sauce and seasonal veggies in chamomile butter.

Celebrate a day of sightseeing at Plaza Garibaldi and Museo Nacional de Antropologia with any of the craft cocktails or wines.

Mezcal-based cocktails are a star feature, offering smoky characteristics unlike traditional tequilas. One example is the Naked and Famous cocktail featuring Montelobos mezcal, yellow chartreuse, and Aperol. Cocktails made with classic tequila, rum, and bourbon are also available.

Wine lovers will also find something to savor, as Balcón boasts expertly curated pairings that enhance the culinary experience.

Dining at Balcón del Zócalo connects one's palate with Mexico City's culture, history, and artistic innovation. Whether for breakfast or dinner on the balcony, the experience enriches any Mexico City getaway.

Local Tips

Make reservations in advance for the best balcony views.
Grab breakfast before exploring Zócalo.
The tasting menu lets you explore Chef Salinas's curated dishes.
Arrive before sunset for photos on the balcony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to fly to Mexico City?

As of 2022, there are two international airports in Mexico City. The most frequented, and much more conveniently located, is the Mexico City International Airport (MEX, AICM) also known as the Benito Juarez International Airport. This is a major hub for domestic and international flights, with convenient access to the city’s center and outlying areas via public transport and taxis. Services such as Uber or Didi are permitted, though solely in certain areas and generally a longer walking distance from terminals.

The newest airport, Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), is located approximately 45 minutes north of the city. You may find less expensive flights to AIFA, though the present lack of easy-connectedness to the city can be a disadvantage.

How's the weather in Mexico City?

Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate, with consistently mild temperatures throughout the year and low humidity. The area tends to have mild winters, with temperatures reaching into the low 40s at night and 70s during the day. Warmer summer temperatures rise into the 80s during May, the hottest month, with evening averages in the low 60s. The rainy season in CDMX is roughly from June thru September, often with brief heavy rains.

What is the best way to get around Mexico City?

Taxis, Uber and Didi services are popular among travelers for getting around the city. However, the metro system in CDMX is a less-expensive and very convenient option, particularly if you can avoid rush hour times. You can pay as you go, or purchase a Metro Card available at Metro stations. Check Metro maps and download into your phone to help plan your day accordingly. NOTE: Metro service in CDMX available only until midnight.

What are the must-see attractions in CDMX?

Mexico City, CDMX, is full of rich experiences for people of all ages. As one of the cities with the most museums in the world, as well as a wealth of archeological sites within and just outside the urban area, there never seems to be enough time to explore all that CDMX has to offer.

Historic Center: This encompasses the city’s large square, zócalo, flanked by the National Palace, remnants of the Aztec Templo Mayor, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Latin America. Additionally, this quarter of the city includes the breathtaking Palacio de Bellas Artes Fine Arts building and the Torre Latinoamericana, providing a panoramic view over the city.

Chapultepec Park & Museums: This vast green space in the heart of CDMX is one of the largest urban parks in Latin America and home to the historic Chapultepec Castle (National Museum of History), lakes, monuments, art galleries, gardens, a zoo, and more. The absolute must-visit National Museum of Anthropology is located just across from the park.

Pyramids of Teotihuacan: Located 45 minutes from CDMX, this ancient Mesoamerican city boasts the majestic Pyramids of the Moon and Sun, and in 1987 was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Xochimilco: Colorful chinampas floating gardens and highly decorated trajinera flat-bottomed boats are distinctive traits of this valuable part of Mexican culture. Located in the southeastern part of CDMX, Xochimilco provides approximately 110 miles of waterways.

Coyoacan: Historic and artistic neighborhood on the southern side of CDMX, renowned for the home of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and the San Juan Bautista church. Coyoacan’s relaxed bohemian vibe is enhanced with vibrant local markets, art galleries, awe-inspiring plazas, and the National Museum of Popular Art.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Located in the northern part of CDMX, this complex is the most visited Catholic site in the world and pays homage to Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgen de Guadalupe.