Cardinal Casa de Café stands as one of Roma Norte's most reliable specialty coffee references, with baristas who command both espresso and filter methods - V60, Kalita, Chemex, Aeropress - using single-origin beans from Veracruz and Oaxaca that yield clean, fruit-forward cups. The Cortado Cardinal and Flat White are flagship drinks; the almond croissant and coconut cinnamon roll represent real pastry craft. The space balances a warm interior with an open terrace, functional WiFi, and thoughtful music. The honest caveat: table service is inconsistent - expect delays, occasional staff attitude issues, and documented overcharging incidents. Check your bill before paying.
Cardinal Casa de Café takes single-origin Mexican coffee seriously, and the almond croissant holds its own against any high-end bakery in the city. Service can turn cold without warning, and when it gets busy, orders lose their order
What to order
The Cortado Cardinal or Flat White; for filter, try the V60 - it's where their technique shows.
Reservations
No reservation needed. Arrive early for the almond croissant; it sells out fast.
Price range
Affordable for specialty coffee. Verify your bill before paying - past overcharging incidents documented.
Vibe
Cozy interior plus open terrace, solid WiFi, good music. Table service can be slow and uneven.