Mercado Cristo Rey, Álvaro Obregón

The Mercado Cristo Rey is practically outside of the giant Unidad Habitacional Santa Fe. The neighborhood, and thus the market takes its name from the old Minas de Cristo Rey. Later, the same dedication was used for the spectacular circular church just across the way. It’s actually visible from the front of the market.

A late 2022 remodeling cost the market some of the distinctive pediment and even the name on the front of the market. But with the passage of the “Fruit-Stripe gum” era of public market painting, today it’s a commercial center that’s on the rebound.

The busy Santa Fe area suffered decades of auto-centric planning. That left pedestrians at something of loss, and international visitors often suffered the same fate. But the Mercado Cristo Rey is an easy-to-navigate place. Independent eateries and smaller vendors mean there’s plenty being prepared every day. The food bring local pride and it’s fresher than anything you’ll find in freezer-heavy chain restaurants with plastic menus.

A lot of the vendors here are women-owned and independent small businesses. They even pay their employees better. And for nutritional value, you can’t beat the places getting fresh produce deliveries every morning. Travelers get better food for less money, and even farmers do better.

The Mercado Cristo Rey is a must stop for those en-route to the historic Pueblo de Santa Fe, and even for those plunging westward into sparkling Cuajimalpa.

Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.