La Cicciolina - Café, Bistrot, Tienda

La Cicciolina sits quietly on Río Nilo street, a bit tucked away from the busier restaurant strip near Ángel de la Independencia. It works well as a hybrid café and bistro—balancing Italian-inspired casual dining with quality coffee that locals seem to appreciate for both a midday break and laid-back meals.

The vibe is comfortable and inviting, with warm lighting and plenty of greenery softening the city edge. Regulars tend to come for a relaxed early lunch or a casual dinner, especially on cooler days when sitting close to the wood-fired oven feels particularly cozy. The combination of coffee aromas and fresh-baked pizza makes it a spot where you might linger longer than intended.

The menu reflects traditional Italian flavors with local twists. Salads stand out as particularly fresh and thoughtfully composed, making them a good choice for something light yet satisfying. Pizzas baked a la leña, including the ham and mushroom and rotating “pizza del día,” draw in those after heartier fare. Pasta dishes like the salmon pasta or tagliatelle al pesto genovese offer comforting alternatives and pair well with a glass from their modest wine selection.

Coffee here is more than just a caffeine fix—options like Café Mauro Pat and authentic Italian-style coffee cater to those who appreciate careful preparation over rushed extraction. The “carajillo” and matcha latte have caught attention from visitors looking for something a bit different alongside their meal or simply as a treat on its own.

Service tends to be friendly and accommodating, noticeable especially for visitors managing language barriers. The clientele mixes locals who value a quiet spot away from the main avenue hub and travelers wanting a taste of CDMX’s diverse culinary scene without the noise and crowds.

La Cicciolina works best for casual meetups, solo coffee breaks, or relaxed dinners rather than formal dining. Ideal times to visit are weekday afternoons or early evenings, when the street noise is low and the soft playlist of eclectic music blends into the background. If you're in the mood for something fresh, simple, and grounded in Italian flavors with a Mexican neighborhood feel, this is a place where food and coffee feel thoughtfully crafted without fuss.