The 18 Must-Try Mytouries in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is celebrated as one of Latin America's colonial-era treasures. This charming town, tucked away in the central mountains of Guanajuato, has been a sought-after destination since the 1960s, captivating artists and poets like Allen Ginsberg and Stirling Dickinson with its vibrant creative scene. Key attractions include its breathtaking architecture, picturesque cobblestone streets, and a distinct bohemian atmosphere present in local art galleries and boutique hotels, all while offering outdoor adventures for eco-tourists.
Despite its small size, San Miguel de Allende boasts a diverse culinary landscape, enriched by the local ranches, farms, vineyards, and orchards, as well as a thriving community of expatriates with varied palates. It's important to note that while it's a popular tourist spot filled with potential tourist traps, a knowledgeable guide (and a solid list) can help steer you clear of them. Moreover, this city is not known for street food, but the established restaurants are definitely worth discovering. Here’s Dinogo’s selection of the must-visit dining and drinking spots in San Miguel de Allende.
Pricing Guide (per person, excluding drinks): $ = Under 200 pesos (less than USD $10) $$ = 200 - 380 pesos (USD $10 to USD $20) $$$ = 380 - 570 pesos (USD $20 to USD $30) $$$$ = Over 570 pesos (more than USD $30)
Important: The presence of restaurants offering dine-in options should not be interpreted as a recommendation for indoor dining. Research shows that outdoor dining reduces the risk of COVID-19 exposure, though this depends on proper social distancing and safety protocols. Please verify with each restaurant for the latest information on their dining services, and consult the CDC for the most current updates on coronavirus cases in the region.
Natalia de la Rosa is a food writer and an enthusiast of tacos and mezcal, currently residing in Mexico City. She hosts a podcast called The Latest Food.
Zibu Allende
At Zibu, nestled within the Live Aqua San Miguel hotel, Chef Eduardo Palazuelos showcases his innovative Mexi-Thai cuisine. Renowned in Acapulco for blending two seemingly contrasting culinary styles, he offers house specialties like golden noodle shrimp with creamy turmeric sauce and beef marrow tacos featuring ajillo-marinated octopus. The cocktail menu is noted as one of the finest in the city. ($$$$)
Garambullo Fonda Gourmet
Make sure to stop by this fonda (casual Mytoury) for a laid-back breakfast or an affordable lunch before you leave San Miguel. This small, unassuming spot offers classic Mexican diner favorites like chilaquiles with eggs, tortas, and mole enchiladas. Expect friendly service and exceptional in-house baked goods. ($)
Tacos San Francisco / Andy's Taco Cart
This popular taco stand is known for its tacos al pastor, suadero, and gringas—a cheesy version of al pastor served on flour tortillas. Every night, the beloved taco cart sets up on a cobblestone street in downtown San Miguel, drawing in locals and tourists alike looking for a tasty bite to complement their mezcal. Note: Tacos San Francisco is affectionately referred to as “Andy’s Tacos” among the local expat crowd. ($)
Marsala, Cocina con Acentos
For one of the finest brunch experiences in town, head straight to chef Marcela Bolaño’s restaurant and request the a la carte menu. Enjoy a weekend feast featuring pork terrines, baked egg casseroles, croque-monsieurs, and refreshing mimosas. The shabby-chic decor pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean-inspired menu, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Like many Mytouries in San Miguel, Marsala partners with small organic producers to source incredibly fresh vegetables and dairy, offering gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and organic options on the menu. ($$)
Tacos San Francisco
This popular taco stand specializes in tacos al pastor, suadero, and gringas—a cheesy take on al pastor served on flour tortillas. Each night, this beloved taco cart sets up on a cobblestone street in downtown San Miguel, drawing locals and visitors alike in search of tasty bites to accompany their mezcal. Note: Tacos San Francisco is also known as “Andy’s Tacos” among the local expat community. ($)
Ocre
Chef Daniel Durán crafts Mexican delights such as slow-cooked tongue tacos, shrimp tostadas, and black aguachile spiced with habanero. Ocre’s drinks are irresistibly delicious, featuring options like the Mandarin sour or Clover club. While the daytime atmosphere is laid-back, it transforms into a vibrant scene at night. ()
Trazo 1810
Located within Casa 1810, a boutique hotel, Trazo 1810 specializes in modern cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The terrace is perfect for enjoying a substantial Mexican breakfast featuring enmoladas made with rich black mole, fried plantains, and sour cream. For dinner, don’t miss the beer-braised short ribs accompanied by carrots and brussels sprouts. ()
Antonia Bistro SMA
Antonia Bistro is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy both great food and stunning views. The terrace provides a sweeping vista of the city’s colonial architecture, making it an ideal setting for lunch prepared by Alejandro Cuatepotzo, one of Mexico’s talented young chefs. Indulge in comforting dishes such as succulent suckling pig served with its own juices, roasted aged ribeye, and fresh fish ceviche. ($$$)
Bovine
Why visit an Australian steakhouse in Mexico? Because it’s Bovine, an extraordinary dining experience and one of the finest establishments in town. Helmed by renowned Australian chef Paul Bentley, Bovine offers a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse, featuring dishes like steak frites with pepper sauce, porchetta with white bean stew, and Bourguignon short ribs. Here, the phrase “large format” is taken seriously, so gather some friends or listen to your server’s recommendations. ($$$$)
Áperi
This is the spot to savor San Miguel’s local ingredients at their finest. Áperi’s acclaimed tasting menu features produce sourced directly from regional farmers and seafood from northern Mexico, with dishes that showcase Mexican flavors accented by a hint of French influence. The intimate chef’s table experience at Áperi is a must-try—just remember to make your reservation well in advance. ($$$$)
La Mezcalería
You come here for one reason: to enjoy mezcal. Just a few blocks from the main square, this delightful bar features a concise yet impressive mezcal menu showcasing selections from various regions in Mexico, particularly Oaxaca. You'll find all the favorites, from Espadin to Tobala and even Tepeztate, making it a perfect spot to explore Mexico’s beloved spirit. If sipping it neat isn’t your style, try a mezcal margarita with flavors like ginger, mint, hibiscus, chile, or tangerine. A small range of Oaxacan-inspired dishes rounds out the experience. ($$)
Cumpanio
At Cumpanio, it’s always time for cocktails. This cozy bar features signature creations by Welsh bartender Adrian Evans, with tequila mimosas and his unique take on the negroni among the top choices in San Miguel. The service is also welcoming. ($$$)
Lavanda Café
Housed in a charming ochre-and-blue building, Lavanda Café is a quaint specialty coffee shop celebrated for its unique drinks infused with lavender. For those who prefer classic brews, they offer various drip and espresso options (Chemex, V60, cold brew), using single-origin beans that showcase Mexico’s finest coffee regions, including Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Nayarit. Don’t miss the latte lavanda or the mareado lavanda, a double espresso shaken with ice, lavender, and sugar cane. To balance out the caffeine, enjoy a hearty breakfast like eggs Benedict or a BLT. ($)
The Restaurant
Tucked away in the courtyard of a historic mansion, just a stone's throw from San Miguel de Allende's main square, The Restaurant has been a staple of the local dining scene for over ten years. Led by American-born chef Donnie Masterton, the menu features California-style comfort food infused with Mexican flavors that consistently impress. Don't miss the mahi mahi à la Veracruz or the creamy shrimp risotto with seasonal veggies and Parmesan. And be sure to check out the weekly burger night, featuring grass-fed beef, house-made pickles, and heaps of garlic fries. ($$$$)
Ki'bok Coffee SMA
This specialty coffee venture originated in Tulum and has now made its way to San Miguel de Allende. You can choose from various brewing techniques such as drip, pour-over, and Chemex, using beans sourced from co-ops in Coatepec, Veracruz. Complement your coffee with a delicious egg- and cheese-stuffed avocado or a vegan quinoa bowl paired with hummus. ($)
Cantina El Manantial
Steeped in history, the century-old Cantina El Manantial is one of San Miguel de Allende’s cherished gems. Though cozy, this bar is the perfect spot to kick off your evening with classic cocktails or fine sips of tequila and mezcal. Frequented by the local artistic crowd, expect to mingle with creative souls. ($$)
Moxi Restaurant
Nestled within Hotel Matilda, Moxi is a laid-back restaurant that elevates the dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and global culinary techniques. Don’t miss the roast chicken with pumpkin seed sauce and the cheese ravioli filled with seasonal wild mushrooms. The hotel’s terrace bar offers stunning views and is a must-visit spot in San Miguel. ($$$$)
Luna Tapas Bar
The stunning skyline of San Miguel de Allende features the Bajío plateau, majestic Baroque cathedral towers, and vibrant, historic tiled rooftops. Enjoy this picturesque view along with refreshing drinks at Luna Rooftop Bar. Situated within the Rosewood Hotel, this bar offers a fantastic vantage point of the city’s architecture. While it caters to hotel guests, it’s also a perfect spot for visitors to unwind with tapas and the bar's renowned margaritas on a warm evening. ($$$$)
Panio
Begin your day at this acclaimed French-inspired bakery, regarded as one of the finest in San Miguel de Allende. Panio features a delightful mix of classic viennoiserie, boulangerie, and patisserie delights, including cinnamon rolls, croissants, and éclairs to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s also a great spot to indulge in traditional Mexican pastries like conchas, orejas, and garibaldis, as well as the seasonal pan de muerto for Day of the Dead. There’s a cozy seating area perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or hot chocolate alongside your leisurely breakfast. ($)
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