Guanajuato and San Miguel Allende Gastronomy & Restaurant Guides

The state of Guanajuato is a great place to sample regional BajĂ­o cuisine. Favorite local dishes include enchiladas mineras (tortillas filled with meat, beans or cheese and topped with a sauce made from guajillo and ancho chiles) and pacholas guanajuatenses (ground beef with spices), empanadas de carnitas (meat quesadillas), Acambaro bread and the fiambre de San Miguel de Allende, which is a mixture of different types of beef, chicken and pork with fruits and vegetable in oil an vinegar.

Among the traditional drinks of Guanajuato state, you’ll find agua de betabel (beet
flavored water), and two different fermented drinks: colonche, which is made with prickly pear, and cebadina, a concoction of barley water, tamarind and jamaica (hibiscus) with baking soda added when it’s served to make it fizzy. Cebadina is reputed to be a great hangover remedy.

Guanajuato also has a lot of different options for dessert. You can choose between candied strawberries, charamuscas (caramel figures), cajeta (sweetened caramelized milk), jamoncillos (caramels), the traditional strawberries with cream, alegrias (honeyed amaranth and dried fruit bars) and the jaletinas (special jellies). / visitmexico.com

 

Guanajuato Restaurants

Casa Mercedes

Location: Calle de Arriba 6, San Javier Mexican Traditional
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 2:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday 2:00pm-6:00pm
Phone: 473 733 9059 Credit Cards Accepted

Casa Mercedes kitchen is commanded by the talented Chef Jesus Cardenas who creates the delicious trendy dishes in the menu. The ingredients in this restaurant come from local producers and the techniques are influenced by the slow food movement. The menu was designed around the traditional family recipes obtained from local people, resulting in a sum of dishes that preserve the traditional cuisine of Guanajuato. Because of that it often offers dishes not served in any other restaurant in the region.
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El Jardin de los Milagros

Location: Alhondiga 80 San Javier Mexican Contemporary
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 1:00pm-10:00pm
Phone: 473 732 9366 Credit Cards Accepted

El Jardin de los Milagros opened on 2004 in a former Hacienda of great architectural beauty. Located between walls of purple stone, white sapote trees and gardens it is the perfect spot to taste the cuisine of Chef Brice Dominguez. The atmosphere and warmth of the house are the perfect setting for the delights prepared by the chef Brice Dominguez, who likes to take special care of the ingredients used to prepare his cuisine with Mexican, Spanish and Mediterranean influence.

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Casa Valadez

Location: Union 3, Centro Mexican Traditional
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 8:30am-11:00pm
Phone: 473 732 0311 Credit Cards Accepted

The slogan of Casa Valadez restaurant is “passionate flavors” and they follow religiously this philosophy bringing just the best dishes with an impeccable service. This is a place with an elegant yet cozy atmosphere located in the middle of the city, surrounded by the most beautiful buildings as Teatro Juarez. Founded in 1950 they have preserved the excellence in every detail. Casa Valadez was nominated as one of the best restaurants in Mexico in 2016. When visit, do not forget to try the delicious desserts.

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El Midi Bistro

Location: Subida de San Jose 4, Centro French & Mediterranean
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Wednesday through Monday 12:00pm-12:00am; Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 11:00am
Phone: 55 5514 9217 Credit Cards Accepted

El Midi Bistro is a truly unique restaurant in Guanajuato because of its peculiar cuisine. It specializes in gourmet food from southern France. It has the perfect combination of harmonious space, amazing design, delicious food and also exceptional drinks. They provide a unique service in the city: a buffet of Mediterranean specialties, artisan breads, quiches, salads and desserts. The restaurant has live music on Sundays as well as a special brunch menu on weekends served from 11:00 am.

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La Capellina

Location: Sopeña 3, Centro International
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 1:30pm-12:00am
Phone: 473 732 7224 Credit Cards Accepted

La Capellina is a restaurant a wide variety of dishes. From a seafood molcajete to pizzas and pasta this place can satisfy the most demanding palate. It is a very famous restaurant among the locals because of its excellent cuisine and the unique environment that makes it ideal to enjoy an afternoon with friends. Its elegant decoration and live music featuring Jazz, Cuban, Flamenco and Blues groups make this place perfect for an amazing dinner after discovering the cultural richness of Guanajuato.

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La Virgen de la Cueva

Location: San Antonio 37, Noria Alta Mexican Traditional
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 1:00pm-10:00pm
Phone: 473 116 6764 Credit Cards Accepted

La Virgen de la Cueva’s team philosophy is to believe passionately in Mexico, its flavors, colors and people and to share this enormous passion through the amazing Mexican culinary tradition. The dishes served in this restaurant contain all the magic of a cuisine with a rich historic and cultural heritage. Mixing prehispanic techniques and ingredients with colonial influences with a contemporary touch the results are always very pleasant for every guest looking for the authentic Mexican cuisine.

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Los Campos

Location: 4th Alameda St., Plaza Baratillo Mediterranean
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 2:00pm-10:00pm
Phone: 492 927 7472 Credit Cards Accepted

Los Campos restaurant fusions the most representative Mexican ingredients with European techniques very successfully. Located in a small and cozy space with a sober design, this restaurant is part of the slow food movement. Its original offering includes tequila fondue, white bean soup and a black bean veggie burger. To make unforgettable the experience of visiting this place the dessert menu is obliged. This place is described for the majority of its guests as surprising, so new visitors must be prepared.

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La Taula

Location: Del Potrero 2, Centro Mexican Contemporary
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Monday through Saturday 8:00am-12:00am; Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 473 734 1848 Credit Cards Accepted

Anyone can cook, but just a few can create;that is the difference in the cuisine, Chef Antonio Castañon creates and stylizes in Guanajuato, making a difference in the palates of every guest. La
Taula also has an amazing wine selection for every taste. With a menu that includes grilled meats and fish, they are cooked to be crispy and to have the unique flavor that bring the flakes of sea salt used at the end of cooking. The goal is to surprise and delight the diner that visit, making the taste of ghd cuisine transcendent.

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[Download PDF for Printing: Guanajuato Restaurant Recommendations]
San Miguel de Allende Restaurants
 San Miguel’s traditional cuisine derives from a blend of indigenous and European flavors, and incorporates ingredients from throughout the Mexican plateau, including the states of Queretaro, Jalisco, Michoacan and San Luis Potosi. Besides traditional foods, in San Miguel you can also enjoy international and gourmet cuisine. /visitmexico.com

Aperi

Location: Quebrada 101, Centro Mexican Contemporary
Reservations: Mandatory Hours: Wednesday through Monday 2:00pm-4:00pm & 6:30pm-10:00pm
Phone: 415 152 0941 Credit Cards Accepted

In all senses, an open kitchen. Àperi, from the Latin “abierta”, explains the atmosphere, the kitchen and the space offered in the restaurant located in the Dos Casas Hotel & Spa. The love of cooking, respect for products and living space is their philosophy through which Chef Matteo Salas expresses all his imagination and national and international experience. Àperi offers a weekly menu proposal, a wine list and a tasting menu with a pairing to pamper the customers. In 2015 it was named “Best New Restaurant in Mexico” and “Best Hotel Restaurant” by Travel and Leisure México.
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The Restaurant

Location: Sollano 16, Centro International
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 12:00pm-10:00pm
Phone: 415 154 7862 Credit Cards Accepted

The Restaurant, housed in one of San Miguel’s most elegantly colonial settings, opened in 2008 featuring Chef Donnie Masterton’s world class cuisine. Offering a full bar, it serves lunch and dinner five days a week in a sun-dappled eighteenth century Moroccan courtyard, as well as in their elegant dining salon. Serving global comfort good, The Restaurant’s menu reflects the changing seasons with a focus on the simplicity of fine ingredients. The Chef collaborates with local organic growers, dairy farmers and ranchers to procure the freshest, highest quality and responsibly raised product available.
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La Parada

Location: El Recreo 94, Centro Peruvian
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Wednesday through Monday 12:00pm-9:00pm
Phone: 415 152 0473 Credit Cards Accepted

La Parada is a restaurant with Peruvian flavors at its core. The objective is to share with you the love for the country. Try the variety of Pisco Sours and Chilcanos while sitting in the patio. Enjoy the company of friends while sharing the plates influenced by such a diverse country. The menu is divided into 4 sections: Peru’s coastal dishes with a twist, soups and salads, “Pa’Llenar el Tanque” the main dishes section and the cocktails made with Pisco. Special soups and salads are also offered depending on seasonal produce and ingredients.
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Luna Rooftop

Location: Nemesio Diez 11, Centro International
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 2:00pm-11:00pm
Phone: 415 152 9700 Credit Cards Accepted

Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar is one of the most spectacular restaurants in San Miguel de Allende and is a destination to savor at leisure. A menu of authentically prepared International tapas sustains guests as they enjoy expertly prepared margaritas and cocktails. This relaxing venue invites guests to linger and absorb San Miguel’s ever-changing colors and skyline views. Throughout the day and night, this al fresco
setting presents breathtaking views of the iconic La Parroquia, spires, bell towers and rooftops across town.

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CAFÉ RAMA

Location: Nemesio Diez 7, Centro International
Reservations: Not Necessary Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 8:00pm-11:
Phone: 415 154 9655 Credit Cards Accepted

Café Rama has a shabby chic welcoming decor. This is an art restaurant where the walls express the essence of Mexico’s Contemporary artistic movement. It is located very close to the Rosewood Hotel and is a great place for casual breakfast, lunch or a fun dinner. At night it is a low-light cozy space ideal for enjoying a couple drinks. Named as one of the best choices among local restaurants for the locals and visitors, this place offers gourmet dishes with fresh local ingredients and a very select variety of wines and crafted beers.
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Zumo

Location: Orizaba 87, Centro International
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 6:00pm-10:00pm
Phone: 415 152 0489 Credit Cards Accepted

Indulge yourself with the unforgettable experience of a live cooking. Savor the best of international gourmet cuisine with the Mexican touch and personal chef. In this restaurant the Chef works with local producers to ensure that the production is sustainable and season selected daily. Do not miss the experience of lunch in an elegant outdoor dining room. Discover the Zumo culinary magic when you reserve your place in the exhibition kitchen. To complement your gastronomic experience you will enjoy a spectacular view of the City from the terrace.
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Moxi

Location: Aldama 53, Centro Mexican Contemporary
Reservations: Mandatory Hours: Daily 7:00am-11:00pm
Phone: 415 152 1015 Credit Cards Accepted

Enrique Olvera is Mexico’s globally celebrated chef who has received numerous awards and whose Mexico City restaurant, Pujol, is #17 on the San Pellegrino list of the world’s 50 best restaurants. At Moxi, he unites traditional Mexican dishes with the latest techniques and cosmopolitan concepts, creating a menu with a Mexican soul and an international palate. Chef Olvera’s Moxi has fired a reputation for Hotel Matilda as a culinary innovator and destination for gourmands and food lovers from all over the world.
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1826 Restaurant

Location: Nemesio Diez 11, Centro Mexican Contemporary
Reservations: Recommended Hours: Daily 7:00am-11:00pm
Phone: 415 152 9700 Credit Cards Accepted

In 1826 the town of San Miguel de Allende was renamed to honor its most famous son, the Mexican Independence hero Ignacio de Allende. At Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s, 1826, Mexico’s rich heritage and culinary traditions are celebrated. The menu features traditional and innovative Mexican cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. Embracing the “farm-to-table” philosophy, 1826 Restaurant has established partnerships with nearby farms and food producers that work with the culinary team to supply various fresh organic products.
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[Download PDF for Printing: San Miguel de Allende Restaurant Recommendations]
San Miguel de Allende Shopping & Galleries

La Aurora

Location: Calzada de la Aurora s/n fabricalaaurora.com
Phone: 415 152 1313 Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-7:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm

Fabrica La Aurora is one of San Miguel’s most unique destinations, a beautiful art and design center housed in a former textile factory from the turn-of-the century. Explore and enjoy:Working artist studios, contemporary art galleries, ageless antiques, unique furniture, textiles, and home goods, designer jewelry and clothing and gourmet restaurants and cafĂ©s.

 

Ezcurdia Studio

Location: Fabrica la Aurora 9C ezcurdia.com
Phone: 415 154 8286 Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm & 4:00pm-6:00pm; Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm

Juan Ezcurdia was born in Mexico City in 1962. He is a self-taught artist. His first national illustration prize 1997 awarded by the National Ministry of art and Culture. He has worked for several publishing houses: Barco de Vapor, Santillana, FenándezEditores, Cidcli, Trillas, Alteridades (UAM), SEP, among others. His work forms part of private collection in San Francisco, Houston, Toronto, Barcelona, Chicago, Bilbao, BuenosAires, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Bogota, New York y Madrid among others.

Cristi Fer Art Studio

Location: Federico Montes de Oca 6, Independencia cristiferart.com
Phone: 415 121 2311 Hours: By appointment

CristiFer Art Studio is a unique blend of atelier, gallery and painting classes. Mexican muralist and painter Fernando Gonzalez and Rumanian artist, educator and art therapist Cristiana Marinescu. They relocated their studio to San Miguel de Allende to bring a wealth of experience, outstanding art and 35 years of knowledge as accomplished painters, muralists and educators. The also offer one day to one month workshops for beginner to advanced painters.

 

Atenea

Location: Jesus 2, Centro atenagallery.net
Phone: 415 152 0785 Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00am-7:00pm, except Thursday closes at 3:00pm; Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm

Atenea Gallery was founded in 1985, the second gallery to exist in San Miguel de Allende. Today, it is one of the leading galleries in the country. In 1995, it was granted the Grand America Award for Quality and Service in its category. It is located in a colonial, 19th-century building in the historic district. It features several showrooms and a beautiful courtyard filled with plants and sculptures. One of the rooms is a showroom of internationally renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante. Over the last 22 years, the gallery has contributed to the artistic and cultural growth of this town thanks to the experience of owners Isaac Uribe and Carlos Acuña, both bilingual and bicultural. National and international shows featuring different art trends are frequently organized at the gallery.

 

Casa Diana

Location: Recreo 48, Centro galeriacsadiana.com
Phone: 415 152 0885 Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00am-7:00pm; Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm

The first floor operates as a gallery with regular working hours. The gallery, which has been in operation for five years, offers a wide variety of fine paintings, sculptures and photographs.Tichenor, a photograph by Deborah Turbeville, a painting by Pepe Parra and a painting and a tapestry by Carmen Gutiérrez.Featured in architectural digest, casa Diana was rebuilt by the surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg, whose work can be found through out the house. A lion face chimney adorns the sitting area, the horse room, takes his name from its three horse stucco chimney and on the second floor terrance there is a life size miniature indian temple (previously Diana´s doll house) relief work is found outside of David´s room and above Diana´s room on the central patio walls.

 

Izamal

Location: Mesones 80, Centro artistsofsanmiguel.com
Phone: 415 154 5409 Hours: Sunday through Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm & 4:00-8:00pm

GalerĂ­a Izamal is an artists’ cooperative gallery founded in San Miguel in 1992. Sales are artist-direct, with no gallery commission, so prices are more than competitive. Member artists include painters and jewelers.

 

La Buhardilla

Location: Fabrica a la Aurora 4A noyolaantincuarios.com
Phone: 415 154 9911 Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm

The Gallery was founded in Monterrey Mexico, in April of 1971. From the start, our goal has been to satisfy the taste of our most demanding collectors of antiques and modern art. After 35 years of experience, we now give lectures on Antiques and art restoration at the InsitutoTecnologico y de EstudiosSuperiores in Monterrey as well as the Center of Design of Monterrey. We are also qualified appraisers in art and antiques.

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