Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen Mexico City: Honest Review
Not sure if Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen lives up to the hype?
I was introduced to Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen by a local of Mexico City and it very quickly won my heart and became one of my favourite Mexico City spots.
If you’ve looked into Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen before you might be wondering if it’s expensive, elite, or all style and no substance. So, I’m here to put your mind at ease. I’m going to give you an honest look at what to expect from your visit to Cityzen, and why it should be on everyone’s Mexico City To-Do List.
About Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen, Mexico City
Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen is located on the 38th floor of the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma hotel, overlooking the Angel of Independence. Hidden in plain sight, this stunning wraparound rooftop lounge soaring over the Reforma neighbourhood is lux and comfortable at the same time.
With delicious small plates, perfect for sharing and excellent signature cocktails, Cityzen is the perfect place to pre-dinner drinks at sunset in Mexico City.
While prices have gone up in the last year, the standard and quality is high and justifies the price tag as a special treat.
Shareable small plates range from $220MXN [$12USD/$16CAD] to $410MXN [$23USD/$30CAD] per plate. Signature cocktails are $340MXN [$19USD/$25CAD] each and most other drinks are less.
Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen is accessed by two elevators. You may need to clear a metal detector and bag search to enter the hotel, not unlike what you’d see at an airport.
Cityzen Quick Guide
The Vibe
Finding Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen in Mexico City is an adventure from the get-go. Welcoming security and hotel staff may complete some security checks before directing you to your double elevator journey to the top.
After the first elevator the glamour that awaits is clear. An opulent lobby with floor to ceiling windows is your first hint of what is to come.
After taking the second elevator to the 38th floor you’ll be welcomed by a warm and friendly host. Every time I have visited Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen I have received a warm Mexico City welcome and have not had to wait for a table.
The indoor part of the lounge is moody and romantic with red and wood furniture offset against stone walls and funky architectural lighting. But beyond the huge floor to ceiling windows is the unbeatable rooftop patio.
High top tables with comfy stools wrap around the outside of the lounge, closed in with glass walls that don’t spoil the view.
Both sides of the patio overlook the beautiful and grand Paseo de Reforma with the mountains visible in the distance.
One side of the patio (my favourite side) also overlooks the Angel of Independence statue. Meanwhile, the other side has a fantastic view of the cityscape.
The vibe at Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen is casual while still feeling special and romantic. The crowd it draws is mostly Mexico City locals with a few in-the-know tourists here and there.
What makes this place so lovely is all the special touches. From L’Occitane products in the bathrooms to large gas heaters keep you warm by firelight and cozy blankets available upon request.
The service is friendly, helpful and unpretentious and there is never a sense of being rushed or out of place. This is also one of the places in Mexico City with English speaking staff and the overall experience makes it a memorable addition to any Mexico City itinerary.
The Food
The food at Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen is comprised of a compact menu of French and Mexican small plates.
I recommend ordering from the tacos and tostadas menu. Here you can choose from octopus, suckling pig, short rib, tuna or vegetarian tacos. Order one for yourself, or a few for the table.
My personal favourite is the short rib tacos at $330MXN [$18USD/24CAD] for three. The beef is incredibly soft and flavourful, topped with crunchy peppers, pickled onion, and a spicy salsa on the side.
I also recommend you not miss the desserts like the swoon-worth chocolate mousse for $220MXN [$12USD/$16CAD].
If tacos and tostadas aren’t your thing then Cityzen also offers classic dishes with a modern twist like calamari, sliders, and the grilled cheese with camembert and Iberian ham.
In addition to these tasty dishes, Cityzen has an excellent breakfast offering with a mix of French and Mexican dishes. This includes the Mexican classic, chilaquiles, a variety of eggs benedict dishes, sandwiches, and pancakes, as well as lighter fare.
The Drinks
While the food is great, the drinks are excellent. So often I visit rooftop hotel bars that are all the rage and so often the drinks are mediocre at best. This is not the case with Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen.
While the signature cocktails cost a little more than other drinks on the menu, to me they are worth the splurge. These are carefully crafted cocktails that are delicious, balanced, and beautiful, priced at $340MXN [$19USD/$25CAD] each.
Of all the signature cocktails I’ve tried at Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen, my favourite is the Montparnasse. This cocktail is gorgeous and feminine and may be my favourite drink I’ve had in all of Mexico City.
The Montparnasse cocktail is comprised of pink gin, sparkling wine, rose honey, and citrus, served over ice and topped with a lovely rose petal. This is a real showstopper of a cocktail and perfect for sipping while taking in the view.
If cocktails aren’t your thing Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen also has an array of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines available by the bottle and glass.
They also offer beer, a variety of carajillo Mexican coffee cocktails, and an extensive top-shelf liquor list. There’s something for everyone. For the non-drinkers or the under 18s there are also delicious mocktails.
Summary: Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen, Mexico City
Cityzen Rooftop Kitchen is a true gem of Mexico City and somewhere I think everyone should visit while in the city. Come for the view, stay for the cocktails and tacos.
Whether you’re a couple, flying solo, or out with friends this is a fantastic place to spend a few hours sipping drinks and munching tacos.
A truly special experience is to visit just before sunset so you can enjoy the view during the day and as it transitions into night when the city lights up. The view here is really unlike anywhere else in the city which makes it a must on any Mexico City travel list.
And if beautiful views are you thing, don’t miss the hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán, one of my favourite experiences I’ve ever had.
