A Local's Guide to Mexico City

La Camelia Cantina, San Ángel, Mexico City

A traditional Mexican cantina. When I was in college, I played dominoes there every Thursday with some good girlfriends. 3 Francisco I. Madero 52/55-5616-4668

As told to Nathalie Jordi. This story appeared in the March/April 2010 issue. Photo by...

San Ángel Inn, Mexico City

This used to be a hacienda but was turned into a restaurant almost 50 years ago. The food is phenomenal and the margaritas are famous—in fact, they’re my favorite thing on the menu. They always have a trio or pianist playing. 50 Diego Rivera...

Puntarena Restaurant, San Ángel, Mexico City

One of the best seafood restaurants in Mexico, as far as I’m concerned. They havetostadas de atúnwith a chipotle sauce, a thin sashimi-like slice of tuna with avocado and fried leek on top. Absolutely delicious. 57 Avenida de la Paz...

La Plaza de los Arcángeles, San Ángel, Mexico City

Right off the market hubbub is this colonial square flush with bougainvillea. You go through a narrow alleyway, and all of a sudden you’re in the most tranquil placein Mexico City. Near Calle del Arbol and 2a Cerrada de Frontera.

As told to...

Galería Doce, San Ángel, Mexico City

My friend’s mother, Teresa Barnetche, paints these astonishingretablosof gold-plated Guadalupe virgins. They’re incredibly ornate, very Mexican and beautiful. 12 Amargura 52/55-5616-2040

As told to Nathalie Jordi. This story appeared in the...

Churros el Convento, San Ángel, Mexico City

This place, near the 16th-century Convento del Carmen, is famous for its churros, fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar. A mandatory stop. 4 Plaza del Carmen 52/55-5616-0978

As told to Nathalie Jordi. This story appeared in the March/April 2010...

Bazaar Sabado, San Ángel, Mexico City

An arts and crafts market that sets up every Saturday. Don’t leave without grabbing a quesadilla and a beer. Plaza San Jacinto, Saturdays, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

As told to Nathalie Jordi. This story appeared in the March/April 2010 issue. Photo by Holly...

Alfonsina Peñaloza’s San Ángel, Mexico City

Name:Alfonsina Peñaloza
Age: 31
Neighborhood: San Ángel, Mexico City, Mexico
Occupation: Alfonsina works for Ethos, a nonprofit that conducts research and advises governments and other organizations on economic, gender equality, and human rights...