Authentic flavors, Mexican soil: the best Italian meal in CDMX.

Mexico City is hands down one of my favorite cities, even after spending only five days there for my best friend’s birthday. More to come soon on the logistics of planning a trip during the winter months. The food scene alone was so top-tier that I’m already plotting my return.

The most unexpected experience of the trip ended up being the most memorable—and the most delicious Italian meal of our lives: Santo Spirito. We stumbled upon it by pure luck. Trip itineraries can shift quickly, and one night we decided to skip our original reservation and grab dinner near our hotel instead. We landed on Santo Spirito, a local, genuinely authentic Italian restaurant in Roma Norte. We showed up right as the kitchen was closing (of course) and booked a reservation for later in the week.

We roamed next door to a wood-fired pizzeria, Sali & Tabacchi, where we met some really great people over dinner. When we finished and stepped outside, we learned it was actually Santo Spirito’s sister restaurant—both owned by the same chef from Florence. The interior alone was breathtaking. Beautiful design was a theme everywhere we went; Mexico City’s architecture completely impressed me.

When we returned for our reservation, we were greeted warmly by the restaurant manager and seated near the kitchen. It was a Tuesday night, so the place was quiet—just us and one other table. After we settled in, I ordered their only sparkling option, a glass of rosé, and my friend went with a Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh bread arrived AT the table, and we started with the sea bass croquettes. We also shared one of the specials, the vodka gnocchi, which was incredible. I’m not usually a gnocchi fan, but that night converted me. The pasta and sauce were both made from scratch, and every bite was wild in the best way. Everything at Santo is made in-house—the cheese, the pasta, the sauces, even the meats, which they age in their own kitchen.

The star of the night—the chef’s special—was the unforgettable two-layer white lasagna. It came highly recommended and is one of their most popular dishes. I have never in my life had a better lasagna or, honestly, a better Italian meal. The portion was huge, easily enough for two or three people to share.

If you ever find yourself in Mexico City, Santo Spirito is a must-visit, and the lasagna is a non-negotiable. The ambience, the service, and the food all stood out even among the city’s many strong contenders. CDMX is massive and offers so much, especially when it comes to food, and I feel lucky to have had such a standout experience completely by chance.

As always, thank you for reading, and tune in weekly for more.

Xoxo, Feline Shores