El Cardenal

El Cardenal is a classic Mexico City restaurant that's been in business for decades. There are several locations all over town, each serving classic Mexican food in an upscale dining room. If you are near the Zocalo, or downtown, this is the restaurant to eat at. Its downtown location is on Calle de la Palma.

Bacalao gets served in December as a daily special. This is salt-cured fish which is rehydrated and served in a stew with olives and peppers. This is a very classic, traditional dish which harkens back to Spanish heritage. I recommend getting queso tapado, which is fresh cheese wrapped in squash blossoms and then baked in a banana leaf.