La Opera

The iconic establishment originally opened its doors in 1876 as an exclusive pastry shop run by the French Boulangeot sisters on the site now occupied by the Torre Latinoamericana. Its resounding success and the urban renewal of the time prompted its relocation in 1895 to its celebrated current address on Avenida 5 de Mayo, where it abandoned desserts to become the most sumptuous bar in the capital, quickly attracting the political and intellectual elite of the 20th century.

Visitors from all over the world are captivated upon entering its swinging doors, as its opulent Art Nouveau decor acts as a time capsule to the splendor of the Belle Époque. Baroque-style ceilings adorned with gold leaf, walnut cabinets, beveled glass, and a majestic back bar imported from New Orleans create an unparalleled atmosphere. The restaurant is world-famous for a bullet hole embedded in its ceiling, which, according to local lore, was fired by Francisco Villa during the triumphant entry of the División del Norte into the capital in 1914—a detail that all diners seek to admire and photograph.

Personalities such as Gabriel García Márquez, Octavio Paz, and Carlos Fuentes, as well as numerous figures from Mexican political and social life, have occupied its elegant red velvet seats over the decades. The culinary offerings of this establishment, now a popular family-friendly restaurant, specialize in elevating classic international and Mexican cuisine with time-honored recipes. Iconic dishes like the renowned snails in chipotle sauce, the exquisite tongue Veracruz-style, and the succulent Galician-style octopus dominate a consistent menu that pairs perfectly with cold beers, tequilas, and the unmistakable nostalgia of Mexico’s past.

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 1:00 PM to midnight; Sundays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.