I only occasionally go out for breakfast or brunch. So when I do go, I want the place to be fun and unique. My friends have helped me with a shortlist of fairly contemporary breakfast/brunch spots north of Centro. Here goes:
La Libertad
Start with a cup of organic coffee or a hot or cold latte, and then decide between the chicken and waffles (180 pesos) or a big serving of fresh French toast (125 pesos, plus another 20 for toppings). My favorite is the betabel sandwich (145 pesos), with roasted beets, black olives, caramelized onions, feta cheese, spinach, and avocado with a chipotle dressing. My friend Carla was so excited about her Croque Madam, she sent me a photo. It’s a sunflower seed brioche bread, stuffed with chicken breast, turkey, cheese and bechamel sauce and topped with a fried egg. La Libertad is a pet-friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Monday-Sunday 8-2, Avenida Temozon 18260, Temezon Norte; Reserve at 999-104-0567; Liberty Square Garden. Avenida Andres Garcia Lavin 334, San Antonio Cucul; Reserve at 999-363-0019
Artemia
After sipping on your cold brew, try a Toast Caprese, sourdough bread topped with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic reduction with a spinach side salad topped with walnuts (135 pesos). A great healthy option is the quinoa bowl, which has corn, nopales, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and of course quinoa (135 pesos). The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and is pet friendly. Tuesday-Sunday 8-2, Calle 39 140 between 26 and 28, Montes de Amé; Reserve at 999-498-2639
Pasto Caffé Recinto Botánico
What makes Pasto unique is their croissant geometrico, which is filled with toppings such as a creamy peanut butter sauce or with marshmallows and chocolate, like a smore (75 pesos). They also carry a smaller croissant filled with lemon pie filling topped with meringue or an Oreo cookie version (60 pesos). You can still get those great breakfast and brunch items like eggs benedict (135 pesos). They also offer vegetarian versions of some of their dishes. Monday-Sunday 8-2; Calle 25, 132, Col. México; Reserve at 999-958-0040
Ki’ichpam Premium Artisanal Bakery
This restaurant is worth a morning drive from the Centro for the coffee alone. My favorite breakfast item is Huevos Ki’ichpam, which starts with a tortilla, topped with fresh avocado, scrambled eggs, homemade salsa, arugula with sesame paste, and a side of beans (135 pesos). A panini filled with two bold cheeses and sliced apples melted to perfection is also high on my brunch list (125 pesos). If something sweet fits you better, go with a warm chocolate croissant (35 pesos). Monday-Saturday 7:30-3:30, Highway 176, Plaza Via Cholul; Reserve at 999-400-9259
