A combination of Mexican and Spanish gastronomy: Serrano ham croquettes, Yecapixtla beef jerky or anchovies are some of the dishes you will find at Prendes. The oldest restaurant in the CDMX.
There is an endless list of anecdotes and historical episodes that happened in this place, which was founded in 1892. It was originally located on the site where the Palacio de Bellas Artes is today.
Its founders were the brothers Manuel and Rafel Prendes, businessmen of Asturian origin. The project was always one of haute cuisine, elegant rooms and a service ready to receive any celebrity, politician or artist who came through the door.
Personalities such as Frida Kahlo, María Félix, Dr. Atl, Octavio Paz, Jorge Negrete, Adolfo López Mateos and even Walt Disney enjoyed the recipes. Also Pancho Villa, who entered the restaurant on his horse.
Diego Rivera became a frequent customer because he loved maguey worms, so Prendes became the first restaurant to bring them to the table.
Prendes moves in and moves out again
Let’s remember that at the beginning of the 20th century, and during the Porfiriato, the construction project of the Palace of Fine Arts began. So Prendes had to move; its new location was on 16 de Septiembre Street in the Historic Center (very close to the Alameda Central).
By this time the restaurant no longer belonged to its founders, but to the restaurateur Lázaro Álvarez García, who years later formed a group of restaurants that continues in the hands of the family.
For several years the restaurant continued in the Historic Center and then took a break. It was not until 2016 that it activated its operation again.
However, it did not do so in its usual location, but in the Polanco neighborhood. Today it continues as one of the centennial restaurants with the greatest legacy.
How much does it cost to eat at the oldest restaurant in CDMX?
On the menu you’ll find classic and sophisticated dishes. Cream of asparagus soup, onion soup au gratin, grilled arrachera and even the iconic Chemita steak, in honor of a loyal customer. The average check per person is $1,000.
There is no doubt that Prendes is a place you must visit at least once in your life. It is located in the Palacio de Hierro de Polaco and its opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.