Do you love getting lost in aisles filled with delicious wines, imported cheeses, and top-quality cured meats? If you’re someone who enjoys good food and drink in the city, you’re probably familiar with this iconic spot, but discovering the history of La Naval will make you appreciate every bite even more.
It all began in 1932, just as the grounds of the former racetrack were being transformed into what we now know as the vibrant Condesa neighborhood. Back then, the Galician Docal family decided to open a small shop in an Art Deco building located on the corner of Insurgentes and Michoacán.
What happened next to this gourmet paradise? In 1941, the business passed into the hands of the Sánchez family. It was Don Higinio who envisioned something bigger and expanded the space by incorporating an adjacent post office and workshop to make room for the coveted imported goods, officially bringing the Ultramarinos La Naval concept to life.
As if that weren’t enough, its fame attracted the cream of the crop of the era: after visiting the nearby Rioma restaurant owned by Mario Moreno “Cantinflas,” stars like Irán Eory and Olga Breeskin became regular customers at the shop.
Of course, no great legacy is immune to change. In 1984, the Otegui family took the reins and, drawing on their extensive experience, added an incredible bakery section. However, the arrival of the 1990s brought challenges; following the passing of the Otegui family’s patriarch, the store fell into slight disrepair, lost customers, and eventually leased part of its rear space on Michoacán Street to the company Seguros Tepeyac.
But the great renaissance was just around the corner. Between 1996 and 1997, the current owners acquired and remodeled the place, just in time to ride the wave of prestige and increased property values that Condesa was beginning to enjoy. The effort paid off, and the space regained its luster as a mecca for wines, spirits, and gourmet products.
Starting in 2000, the group began opening branches throughout the city, each specializing in specific selections, expanding into key areas such as Félix Cuevas, Pedregal, and Campestre.
The most recent developments have been spectacular for foodies; in 2018, they expanded to the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, opening their fantastic restaurant La Quilla—the ideal spot to sample Iberian specialties and breakfasts.
Without a doubt, every bottle or piece of cheese you take home for your gatherings is a direct result of the passion, flavor, and unparalleled history of La Naval.
