Mercado Santa Isabel Tola, No. 221

The Santa Isabela Tola Market is the essential center to the nearly northernmost neighborhood of Santa Isabela Tola, far in the north of Mexico City. Folks head to Tola especially for the FARO Indios Verdes. You’ll have a tough time finding a better place to eat in an otherwise residential neighborhood. The market is your best bet.

This one is busy, but not enormous or overwhelming. Vendors have come to accept the punkeros, artists, reggaetoneros, tattooed kids, and generally creative types who arrive to the FARO. (It’s a big deal in the neighborhood and one of the most successful in the FARO system.)

For savvy international guests, it’s just a matter of having confidence and a little gumption. To gather courage, please review the Guide to the Mexico City Fonda. There’s usually a daily prix-fix menu or menu del dia, a three-course meal. Once you’ve had your fill of tacos, and you’re out exploring the further reaches, public markets are a lifesaver for variety.

The Santa Isabela Tola Market has been here for generations. The seafood is one of the market’s leading businesses and highlights. You can also check-out the church and cemetery while you’re there. But for lunch, the market is going to be hard to beat. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Indios Verde Metro.