Lardo is one of those places that everyone seems to know about, and likely featured in most guides to the area. But with fame comes the inevitable downside of long waits for a table. While I’m usually not one to stand in line for anything, I’ll admit that Lardo’s charm and food is worth the wait.
From the outside, the restaurant is covered by plants. The greenery spilling over the windows softens the view and adds a sense of privacy. Inside, warm wooden accents and the filtered light through the foliage create an atmosphere that’s both cozy and vibrant. It’s not exactly spacious and can feel a little cramped, but nowhere near the level of a Parisian café. If you’re seeking a quiet, tranquil retreat, though, Lardo might not be your ideal spot—this place buzzes with energy.
Breakfast and Brunch
When it comes to food, Lardo knows how to take familiar flavors and give them a unique spin. Take the chilaquiles, for example: a staple of Mexican breakfasts, but here they’re reimagined with nopal (cactus) and fresh burrata. Purists might call it sacrilegious, but I found them refreshing and creative. Just a heads-up: they also add cilantro, which I know not everyone fancies.
Breakfast options don’t stop there. They’ve got sandwiches, fruit plates, oatmeal, pancakes, and a range of egg dishes like eggs with avocado, arugula, and bacon, or eggs with hoja santa –Mexican pepperleaf–, queso fresco, and cascabel pepper.
And then there’s the pastry selection. With so many delicious options, you could spend a month coming back daily just to work through the menu. If you try just one thing, make it the Rol de guayaba (Guava Roll). It’s the kind of pastry you’ll dream about for days after. Pair your pick with one of their excellent coffee drinks.
Dinner and Drinks for Every Taste
Lardo’s dinner menu is diverse, with a little something for everyone. They don’t seem to define themselves by one specific cuisine, which makes for an eclectic and exciting selection. Start with one of their incredible salads—I recommend the arugula, artichoke, and parmesan salad. Move on to a wood-fired pizza or explore their range of mains, which include seafood, chicken, pork, and lamb. While the menu isn’t strictly designed with Vegetarianism in mind, there are still several satisfying options to choose from.
If you’re here for drinks, Lardo has you covered with a great selection of cocktails and wines. They also serve delicious nibbles to keep the conversation flowing as you relax with friends.
Lardo is located at the corner of Mazatlán and Agustín Melgar. Although I always think of it as the corner where Veracruz and Mazatlán meet. Mid way between parque España and Chapultepec’s fuente de Belén. If you’re not in Condesa but happen to be near Roma Norte or Juárez, try Café Nin, Lardo’s sister restaurant. It’s just as delightful as Lardo.
