Spain vs. Argentina: the best restaurants to watch the World Cup final

MEXICO CITY, Thousands of fans gathered in central Mexico City to celebrate Spain’s victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, marking the end of the tournament with massive celebrations that filled public squares, restaurants, and fan zones across the city. The festivities began early, with crowds arriving before dawn to secure spots at the FIFA Fan Fest in the Zócalo, the main plaza in the capital. Fans wore green jerseys, waved flags, and carried foam, creating a vibrant atmosphere as they cheered for their new champions. The Zócalo was packed within minutes of opening, according to authorities who reported attendance of approximately 110,000 people. Despite restrictions on alcohol, some attendees managed to bring cans of beer into the area. The crowd swelled further as the match progressed, with many moving to other popular gathering points such as the Angel of Independence monument and the Fountain of Cibeles in the Roma neighborhood. There, Spanish and Mexican supporters mingled, waving both national flags and chanting support for the European team while expressing disappointment for Argentina. Families and groups of friends were among the most visible participants in the celebrations. One family, consisting of Ana, Carolina, Luis, and Lucía, traveled with Spanish team jerseys and a flag they had preserved from a previous trip. They expressed pride in Spain's win, saying, “Spain and Mexico are brothers; we won, everyone won.” Similar sentiments echoed through the streets, with many emphasizing the shared joy of seeing a European nation triumph on Mexican soil. Restaurants and venues throughout the city transformed into hubs of celebration, offering special menus and entertainment tailored to the occasion. Estación Maizajo converted its space into a temporary venue for fans to enjoy the game alongside traditional foods and community spirit. W Mexico City set up a street-level setup complete with screens, food trucks, and guest chefs. Salazar near the Angel of Independence became known as "Grada," a nod to the stands of a stadium, providing a communal experience for fans. At Jesús Pedraza’s restaurant, a Spanish-style tavern in the Condesa district, the focus was on creating an environment where people could connect over food and football. The menu featured dishes like croquettes, ham, and creamy rice, all designed to complement the emotional highs and lows of the match. Similarly, The Cocina del Bizco offered a blend of flavor and ambiance, making it a spot where strangers could bond over shared experiences. For those seeking a more traditional Mexican setting, Plaza Garibaldi hosted a unique celebration featuring mariachi music, tequila, and Jalisco cuisine. The venue, which has witnessed three World Cups held in Mexico, adapted its repertoire to include live renditions of national anthems and a tribute to the winning team. A surprise artist performance added to the spectacle, showcasing how Mexico turns any event into a collective celebration. Los Panchos, a historic eatery in Anzures, played host to generations of families, offering special editions of its beers, tacos, and tastings of mezcal and tequila. The restaurant even set up a small soccer field for guests to engage with the sport beyond just watching it on television. Meanwhile, the Hotel W in Polanco turned part of its entrance into a food truck, where seven chefs reinterpreted dishes from host countries, catering to spontaneous visitors looking for a festive atmosphere. As the final whistle blew and the dust settled on the World Cup, the streets of Mexico City remained alive with energy, reflecting the deep connection between the host country and the global spectacle of international football.