La Nueva Opera

La Nueva Opera Restaurant Review:

One of the most famous establishments in Mexico City, La Nueva Ópera opened its doors in the 1870s, an era in which Mexico looked toward France rather than the United States for its cultural inspiration. As such, it is a fine replica of a Belle Epoque restaurant, with mahogany fixtures, red velvet, gilt trim and baroque ceilings. About that ceiling: There is a small hole in it, said to be from a bullet fired by Pancho Villa’s gun when he took Mexico City during the Revolution in 1914. The Mexican and Spanish food is good, but hardly inspiring, so you may choose to come here for drinks and snacks only. The best dishes are the stranger offerings, like sesos (breaded sautéed brains) and caracoles (snails in a piquant mole sauce), but there is also a perfectly creditable Veracruz-style red snapper, served with a tomato, onion and olive sauce.