When Maleza opened in the fall of 2024, we were lucky to be there for breakfast on their first day. The menu has thoughtful and fresh items, with creative twists on familiar dishes. The service, on the other hand, was still finding its rhythm, but that’s the nature of day one, and it didn’t take long for things to settle in. We’ve returned several times since, and it’s been smooth sailing.
Maleza is the restaurant attached to Casa Cuenca, a boutique hotel on a quiet street in Condesa, but it runs independently from the hotel. Chef Christina Lecki – I highly recommend reading about her – is in charge of the kitchen, and what she’s created is a menu that feels both rooted and fresh. The cooking draws on European influences, but the ingredients are local—sourced from small producers and farms around Mexico—and the results are full of personality.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and are equally strong across the board. For breakfast, it all starts with top notch specialty coffee (with all the now-standard milk options), as well as fresh juices. If you’re easing into the day, you can go light: a coconut and passion fruit oatmeal, a slice of sourdough with jam and butter, or a morning pastry. But if you’re leaning into the fuller side of a “Mexican breakfast” –that is, a hearty start to the day–you’re also covered. I’ve heard the bone broth is a must—not my first choice for the morning, so we will have to trust the word of mouth—and the avocado toast with radish and a soft egg is one of my go-tos.
Lunch and dinner carry the same spirit: thoughtful food that doesn’t shout for attention but rewards it. The dishes are familiar in form but made with a kind of quiet precision and creativity that makes you want to come back. It’s fancy in concept, but not at all pretentious.
The space matches the tone of the food: light wood, calm colors, and a cozy layout that feels warm without being too polished. It’s a genuinely welcoming place. There’s something about Maleza that makes you want to linger. It’s the kind of place you find yourself recommending without hesitation.
If I had to bet, I’d say that despite the fierce competition, Maleza will become one of the top recommendations for places to try when visiting CDMX.
