Experimental Bar, Organic Restaurant, Art Spaces in Mexico City: Canopia Founder Maria del Rosio Shares Her Local Favorites

Maria del Rosio Bribiesca Contreras studied oenology and viticulture, moved to Mexico City in 2016, and opened Canopia in 2020 — right in the middle of the pandemic, with no previous restaurant experience. She built it from the ground up with her brother Francisco, a bioconstruction architect.

Five years later, Canopia has become one of the city’s most-loved dining spaces — a bar and restaurant that quietly draws locals, expats and food-and-wine people, known equally for its biodynamic and natural wine list, its experimental Siqe bar, its own mezcal label, and its bespoke, low-lit, artisan-made interior.

For Locals Insider, Maria wrote about the wine degree that led to a restaurant, the collaboration with her brother that shaped every surface of the space, what Canopia actually is (and isn’t), the Mexico City she now calls home, and her personal picks for anyone visiting the city for the first time — the museum, the Barragán house, the iconic restaurant, the gallery she keeps returning to.

Follow her on Instagram at @rbribc and Canopia at @canopia__.

The Wine Degree That Led to a Restaurant

I’ve always loved traveling, good food, wine, art, and a healthy lifestyle. In 2020, I founded Canopia — a project built around thoughtful curation. It reflects the way I see the table: as a place to gather, enjoy, connect, and share.

I have a degree in oenology and viticulture, and after finishing my studies I knew I wanted to do something related to wine. Then an opportunity came along, and the perfect space to start this project became available. I began working together with my brother, who is an incredibly talented architect specializing in bioconstruction, and together we built Canopia from the ground up.

It’s my first venture as a restaurateur. I love the way it has turned out, especially because none of us had any previous experience in restaurants — it all happened very organically, right in the middle of the pandemic. And now, a little over five years later, it has become so much more than just a restaurant: delicious food, wine, mezcal, music, late nights, and, most importantly, a community that has formed around it.

“It has become so much more than just a restaurant — delicious food, wine, mezcal, music, late nights, and, most importantly, a community that has formed around it.”

What Canopia Actually Is: Food, Wine, and the Siqe Bar

Canopia was established in Mexico City in 2020. Our kitchen offers a refined blend of flavors rooted in high-quality local ingredients.

Our wine selection features labels from different countries, regions, styles, and varietals, with a strong emphasis on biodynamic, organic, and natural wines. Siqe is our experimental bar, offering specialty coffee, herbal-based mixology, and its own mezcal label.

Canopia is a space where the senses are stimulated through our curatorial approach — both aesthetic and experiential — bringing together every element that shapes a timeless experience.

Over the past five years, we have collaborated with a wide range of national and international chefs, creating a space for exploration and exchange that has continuously nourished the identity of our project. In parallel, we have partnered with projects both within and outside of Mexico, bringing our proposal into their spaces and sharing what defines us.

The Design — Charred Wood, Linen, and My Brother’s Bespoke Vision

My brother and partner, Francisco B., designed the entire space under his brand SIQE. He’s incredibly sensitive and has extraordinary taste, and everything — from the furniture and lighting to the finishes and decorative elements — was designed specifically for Canopia, with a very high-end, bespoke approach.

The aesthetic combines raw, natural materials, strong architectural lines, and a sense of imperfection and simplicity. We worked directly with artisans to create many of the pieces, so there’s a very personal and tactile quality throughout the space.

The charred wood, linen, candlelight, earthy textures, and dark palette create an intimate and warm atmosphere. For us, the interior is as important as the food and drinks — it’s all part of the same experience.

“For us, the interior is as important as the food and drinks — it’s all part of the same experience.”

Mexico City: Chaotic, Sophisticated, and Impossible to Get Bored In

Mexico City is chaotic and sophisticated, traditional and contemporary, all at the same time. There’s an incredible energy here, and you find unexpected things happening around every corner — from food and art to incredible architecture.

I moved here in 2016, and over the years it has become home. I love that Mexico City is such an international and inspiring place, while still feeling super authentic. It’s a city with an incredible cultural richness, and I love how much there is to discover — from museums and galleries to architecture, food, and design.

It’s a city that never stops. It really has the best of both worlds: cosmopolitan and deeply rooted, constantly evolving but still very authentic. I think that energy and contrast are what make it so special.

My Favorite Places in Mexico City

Casa Pedregal (Architecture)

One of my favorite places is Casa Pedregal, designed by Luis Barragán, where architecture, landscape, light, and materials come together in a very special way. I love how quiet and timeless it feels.

Museo Vivo del Muralismo and Museo Anahuacalli (Museums)

For museums, I really love Museo Vivo del Muralismo. It’s a fascinating place to experience Mexican muralism. I also love Museo Anahuacalli, which is such a unique and atmospheric place. The architecture itself is incredible, and the collection of pre-Hispanic art makes it a very special experience.

San Ángel Inn (Restaurant)

For restaurants, one of my favorites is San Ángel Inn. It’s such an iconic place, not only for the food but also for the atmosphere, architecture, outstanding service, and overall authentic experience. I love that it feels like stepping into another time while still being very much part of Mexico City. It’s a beautiful way to experience a more traditional and timeless side of the city.

MASA (Gallery)

I don’t really go to bars that often, mostly because I spend a lot of time at Canopia. It has become a meeting point for me and my friends, and I’m lucky enough to have access to all the wines I love there, so it’s usually where I end up spending my evenings.

For galleries, one of my favorites is MASA, in San Miguel Chapultepec. I really love their curation and the artists they work with. It always feels fresh and inspiring, and I think the gallery is a great reflection of the creative energy that makes Mexico City so special.

Here is a list of the best seafood places in Copenhagen.