The 24 Must-Try Restaurants in Monterrey, Mexico

Bola, brought to you by the creators of Bread Panaderos Artesanales, puts a modern twist on creamy ice cream delights. The parlor sources premium ingredients from local artisans — including artisanal cream, fresh milk, organic fruits, and seasonal produce — to craft uniquely Mexican cold treats with flavors such as chiapaneco cheese paired with candied pears, mesquite bean snickerdoodle, and ricotta accented with lemon jelly and pistachios. Don’t miss the burnt butter with nuts, one of their signature offerings. [$]

Chef Chuy Elizondo crafts long-fermented artisanal bread without any additives or preservatives from a quaint bakery nestled inside a garage. The menu also features breakfast options, including decadent French toast topped with caramelized pineapple, a drizzle of coffee-infused honey, and crispy bacon. While the focus here is understandably on house-made bread (a slice accompanies nearly every dish), diners particularly enjoy the green chilaquiles with chicharrón from La Ramos. [$-$$]

As one of the city's most iconic butcher shops, Carnes Ramos consistently attracts a loyal following across its various locations. In this renowned barbecue hub, it's a go-to spot for locals looking to purchase high-quality beef. However, visitors shouldn't miss the chance to try their legendary chicharrón, served in restaurants citywide under the moniker “chicharrón de la Ramos.” For a memorable takeaway, grab some machaca—dried meat that adds a savory kick to scrambled eggs. [$-$$]

This delightful upscale Mytoury is designed to resemble a grocery store, making it a perfect spot to explore traditional Northern Mexican cuisine. Indulge in succulent cuts of grilled meat and creative tacos. Begin with scallop crackers, then choose from options like the sirloin milanesa taco filled with fries, a beefsteak and bone marrow taco, or a beet tostada topped with chile morita sauce. Don’t forget to leave some space for the delicious pistachio cake for dessert. [$$$]

This laid-back taqueria boasts two locations in Monterrey and a lively spot in Mexico City. Choose from three mouthwatering meats: trompo (pork marinated al pastor style with dried chiles and spices), top sirloin beef sliced thin, and crispy Northern Mexican chicharrón (juicy pork cheek). Sample one of each, but don’t miss the specials like the campechana—an oversized flour tortilla stuffed with beef, trompo pork, cheese, avocado, cilantro, onions, and crunchy corn chips. While beer is a great pairing, the restaurant's Jamaica agua fresca with cinnamon and guava is also a must-try. [$-$$]

This beloved cafeteria franchise, cherished by locals, is famous for its traditional breakfast favorites like chilaquiles divorciados topped with both green and red sauces, and scrambled eggs paired with chorizo and migas (crispy fried tortilla strips). Diners resonate with the restaurant’s motto, “Eat like you are at home,” relishing simple, comforting dishes such as pork shoulder tamales and machacado, which features scrambled eggs blended with dried meat, tomato, onion, and chile. [$-$$]

Fiships introduces British fish and chips to Mexico, adding its unique twists. Thickened with breadcrumbs, the beer batter envelops generous slices of fish, while fried dishes may come adorned with sliced jalapeños and habaneros. The menu features other enticing options: fried calamari hot dogs, spicy prawns, tuna burgers, clam chowder, crispy mussels, and seafood samplers. Originally launched as a ghost kitchen during the pandemic, Fiships now offers a comfortable dining space, making it a great spot for meals with family or friends. Don’t forget to save room for key lime pie! [$$]

Established in 2003, this elegant white-tablecloth steakhouse is a beloved spot among politicians, executives, and families alike. Start your meal with fideo seco tacos, filled with pasta in a rich tomato-chile sauce. Follow up with grilled artichokes, and make sure to savor the salted rib-eye before you leave. As is customary throughout the city, the dishes are meant to be shared. [$$$$]

Pizza enthusiasts will discover outstanding pies at Milk, which also offers delicious meatballs, salads, and gnocchi. This venture, from the team at Bread Panaderos, features their ideal pizza: thin crust with puffy brown edges and a perfectly balanced tomato sauce. The team prepares porchetta, sausages, yogurt dip (for focaccia and chorizo potatoes), breads, and desserts on-site. Keep an eye out for special dinners every other month, where Mexican chefs take over the pizza parlor. [$$-$$$]

Entrepreneur Sergio “Checo” Gutiérrez has partnered with Edo Kobayashi, the visionary behind the rise of Japanese cuisine in Mexico, to establish a unique venue that combines a relaxed ramen shop with an intimate 10-seat sushi counter. Sushi Kadoya offers a premium omakase experience alongside outstanding a la carte selections, while the ramen section boasts 19 rich and flavorful ramen choices paired with appetizers like gyoza or crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with tonkatsu sauce and topped with bonito flakes. [$$-$$$]

Every Hotsie delivery box proudly boasts the phrase “straight outta 2020,” celebrating the birth of this fried chicken concept during the pandemic. Initially a takeout-only establishment, the restaurant has now opened its dining space to showcase popular items like the hot daddy sandwich, a Nashville-inspired hot chicken creation topped with coleslaw and pickles, along with the green jalapeño sandwich featuring cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, and a zesty jalapeño spread. Pair any meal with a Bocanegra michelada or indulge in one of the luscious frosties: milkshakes in tempting flavors like Kit Kat, Oreo, M&M’s, Ferrero, and Kinder chocolate. [$$]

Brothers Patricio, Rodrigo, and Daniel Rivero — a sommelier, chef, and pastry chef, respectively — operate this upscale dining establishment that has recently moved to a larger venue in the San Pedro Garza García area. The name “Koli,” meaning grandfather in Nahuatl, pays tribute to the culinary heritage and land of Northeastern Mexico. The lunch menu offers an à la carte selection featuring dishes such as cabrito (young goat) stuffed onions, northern burrata, asadero goat cheese with figs and pistachios, and pine nut pipián. During dinner, a curated tasting menu includes options like mole with suckling pig and fresh cheese, or grilled beef accompanied by yucca, black garlic, cauliflower, and onion. [$$$$]

For a relaxing drink and some tasty bites, visit this cozy, dimly lit bar adorned with wooden panels, where the playlist features tunes from The Strokes and Stevie Wonder. Pinto Bar boasts an impressive selection of mezcals and tequilas, along with a chance to sample other Mexican spirits like bacanora and sotol. The menu also includes cocktails and natural wines. If you’re feeling peckish, try the Pinto potatoes—crispy, extra-thin fries seasoned with chile, lemon, and Parmesan. Alternatively, indulge in the hamburguesa aplastada, a smash burger that resembles your dream patty melt. [$$-$$$]

This vibrant and lively restaurant, whimsically named 'cow face,' showcases its playful identity with emoji spellings on the menu. The bright interior features light wood, lush greenery, and ample natural light, while the kitchen focuses on serious open-fire cooking. Be sure to try the tacos tiesos, inspired by northern-style pork tamales, where tortillas filled with pork are fried and generously topped with three sauces: guacamole, tomatillo, and red jalapeño. Follow that with the cachetada de rib-eye, a flour tortilla overflowing with melted cheese, guacamole sauce, and crispy tortilla bits. The well-prepared steaks are also a must, and pair them with any of the natural wines available. Don't miss out on the guava pie for dessert; it’s truly remarkable. [$$-$$$]

This French bistro has been delighting diners for over ten years and has recently relocated to a sleek, modern venue. While the setting has changed, the beloved classics remain, featuring fresh oysters, a bountiful seafood platter, escargots a la bourguignonne, traditional beef tartare, and pan-seared duck breast with orange. On Sundays, the sunny terrace and dining area fill with brunch-goers savoring French pastries, croissants, and fresh breads, alongside dishes like avocado toast, eggs Benedict, charcuterie, and short-rib chilaquiles. [$$$]

Originally a 70-seat Mytoury focused on open-fire cooking and inspired by Mexican street fare, Colmillo has transformed into one of the city's premier modern Northern Mexican steakhouses, with locations in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tulum since 2022. On any given evening, diners flock to the chic black booths, grooving to funk classics or experimental rock while enjoying grilled meat tacos, piquin oysters, and the renowned roasted cabbage drizzled with parmesan and truffle sauce. [$$$]

A staple of fine dining in Monterrey for over 20 years, Pangea stands as the flagship restaurant of Grupo Pangea, which encompasses ten unique concepts throughout the city. Led by the esteemed chef Guillermo González Beristáin, a pioneer in elevating the Northeastern culinary landscape, Pangea showcases the artistry of head chef Eduardo Morali. His menu blends Mexican ingredients with French techniques and flawless presentation. Guests can opt for a la carte dishes or indulge in a tasting menu, featuring exquisite selections like duck breast with orange mole and cauliflower puree or Baja California jurel fish enhanced with spicy soy sauce and miso emulsion. Recognized nationally, Pangea frequently appears on the Latin America 50 Best Restaurants list. [$$$$]

Renowned across Mexico, the breads and pastries from Bread Panaderos are crafted by Alejandro Reyes and Bernardo Flores, who embrace artisanal techniques using natural ingredients and innovative ideas. Their signature offerings include tangy sourdough and buttery croissants, along with unique creations like chapulin flour bread (made from Mexican grasshoppers). The pastry selection features delights such as kouign amann, conchas (traditional sweet breads), pain au chocolat, and muffins. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the bakery pairs cocktails with pizzas and open-faced sandwiches. Inside, Café Pistola delights coffee lovers with expertly brewed drinks made from specialty Mexican beans. [$-$$]

Nestled within the stylish Parque Arboleda shopping center, a culinary hotspot in the city, Libertad features a spacious and beautifully designed interior adorned with vintage newspaper wallpaper. The menu harmoniously blends classic Mexican cuisine with international influences, offering delights like taquitos al albañil (crispy corn tortillas filled with chorizo and beans, topped with melted white cheese) and duck barbacoa, slow-cooked with a tamarind and chile sauce. Vegetables shine too, with standout dishes such as eggplant chicharrón paired with herbs and jocoque (sour cream), along with roasted beets drizzled with chipotle honey and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds. Tostadas serve as the exceptional bread accompaniment, delivering on their delicious promise. [$$-$$$]

Spanish chef Bruno Oteiza brings a fresh and personal perspective to Northern Mexican cuisine at Sibau. His adventurous menu features creations like oysters topped with ponzu-marinated toro tuna, tangerine, and serrano chili, as well as pulpo tacos accompanied by bone marrow and roasted salsa verde. The elegant dining space is adorned with zigzag patterned flooring, gray marble walls, and plush indigo velvet chairs. Outside, the lush terrace sets a different tone, perfect for enjoying evening cocktails. Be sure to try the comforting habanero cream soup served in a sourdough bread bowl. [$$$$]

Owner and sommelier Ludovic Anacleto sought to blend his Parisian roots with his new life in Monterrey. This French restaurant, nestled in a quiet residential area, is celebrated for its beef Wellington and chicharrón risotto, but it truly shines with an exceptional wine list featuring over 700 carefully selected bottles. The wine program has rightfully garnered Grand Cru both national and international acclaim. [$$$$]

If you're craving grilled baby goat, a staple of Northeast Mexican cuisine, make your way to this classic restaurant chain run by a third-generation family. The vertical grill is prominently displayed in the dining area, allowing diners to watch the goats roasting slowly. San Carlos is also known for its delectable beef dishes, especially the rib-eye aguja, an incredibly tender cut served with flour tortillas, beans, totopos (crispy masa chips), and a variety of sauces. [$$]

Commonly referred to as Tacos del Muerto due to its location near the Dolores Cemetery, this street cart has been delighting patrons for over 48 years, drawing a diverse crowd for mañaneros (morning tacos) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can choose from a select variety of fillings: rich cabeza, tender pork shoulder, flavorful picadillo, or a mix of beans with bacon, egg, and chorizo. They also offer chile relleno stuffed with cheese or meat. Opt for any filling as a torta if you prefer, and when asked about adding beans spread with pork fat, definitely say, “Yes, please.” Top it off with the robust salsa borracha (drunken sauce) made from tomatoes cooked with chile and onion. [$]

If you find yourself at Monterrey airport, don’t miss the chance to dine at El Jonuco, located just 10 minutes away in the Apodaca industrial area. Former banker turned chef Hugo Guajardo showcases Northeastern Mexico's regional cuisine with contemporary twists. He blends cherished family recipes, like his grandmother’s pear tart, with local favorites, such as a chicken-stock-infused wedding rice from Zuazua, enriched with raisins and poblanos. Indulge in the empalmes, which are sandwiches of atropellado (dried meat with tomato, chile, and onion) nestled between crispy tortillas. You might also enjoy the criollo avocados that you eat with the peel, or the delightful grilled panela cheese drizzled with agave honey and chile piquin sauce. Don’t forget to visit on Sundays for their tender, grilled cabrito (baby goat). The ambiance is laid-back, complemented by the sounds of Northern Mexican accordion music. [$$-$$$]