Valentin Restaurante & Bistro

Xochimilco (sho-shi-milco) in Mexico City is most famous among foreigners for its trajineras, the colorful painted boats. However, this region is also known for great restaurants and cafes – these are the best ones.
A project begun in 2008, Pethra Café was a family-run operation initially located in a small village in the región of Xochimilco called Santa Cecilia Tepetlapa. Now relocated in a more central location in Xaltocan, Chef Isidro has once again taken control of this quaint café whose specialty is coffee, but American snacks and light bites are also served. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City and relax in the colorful, warm interior of Pethra Café, with its full-wall paintings and and homey feel.
Lobelia 1 on the corner with Septiembre, Xaltocan Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 6363 4672
Mole is the specialty of El Acuario. Purported to have originated in Puebla, Oaxaca or Tlaxcala (all three states maintain that mole originated there), mole is a typical Mexican dish. It is rich, spicy and chocolatey all at once and usually served with plain rice and chicken. There are several variations of it. They use different chilis and spices but are all as delicious as the last. If this is the kind of dish you’re searching for, then El Acuario is the perfect place, with its welcoming atmosphere and quesadillas starters.
Belisario Dominguez 76, Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5843 2781
Simple, Mexican dining can be found at Los Alcatraces. They offer a range of classic dishes, including tinga de pollo, chicharrón en salsa verde, picadillo (spiced meat and potato mix) and rajas con crema (creamy sauce with sliced poblano peppers). If none of that takes your fancy, how about a gut-busting taster board of avocado, fresh cheeses, beans, rice, cheesy nopal (cactus) and meat? Not the healthiest of options, but perfect if you want to try out a range of Mexican delights.
Violeta 140, Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5479 6251