For the last couple of years San Miguel de Allende has become a benchmark in the foodie scene, so we wanted to check it out. Here are some of our favorite places! Breakfast spots, lovely terraces and more… much more.
Note: weirdly, we had a lot of sea food during this trip… maybe it’s got to do with the spring-summer season. Or have any of you noticed this all year round?
For the early birds
- Cumpanio
Don’t know about their breakfast options (the place seemed pretty), but their adjacent bakery, called ‘Panio’, selling freshly baked pastries… Oh my god! Our way to start a perfect day. Their scones just melt in the mouth!
- Café Lavanda
Their coffee infused with lavanda is what brought us here, but their breakfast is good too. We have to admit we were a little bit hesitant because we thought it would be extremely floral (like spraying glade on your mouth kind of floral), but it wasn’t! At all! It was a gooood cup of Mexican coffee with a small hint of lavanda at the end. Really enjoyed it, paired with some poached eggs with avocado, spinach and bacon.
Terraces with amazing view
- Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar
THE spot for sunset. Not only can you see the beautiful church, it’s also a 360 view to the cobblestone roads, colorful houses and the country side. If you get there before sunset (3-4pm), you may find a front row table to watch that golden hour do its magic. Order some drinks and an appetizer to munch on, relax and enjoy the view! Luna is one of the stars of the beautiful Rosewood Hotel.
- Atrio
If you are staying several days and want other terrace options, Atrio has a super close-up view of San Miguel de Arcángel Parish. To be honest, we weren’t impressed by the food (for those prices), but it’s beautifully decorated and the ambience is great for drinks.
Unique experiences!
- Finca Luna Serena
A tasting of olive oil wasn’t big on our list, but what Victor and Susan, two lovely former advertising executives from New York, have made with this experience is truly amazing. It’s now one of our favorite afternoon spots in San Miguel de Allende!
Don’t get discouraged by the initial part of the tour that includes sampling different flavors of olive oil straight out of the bottle –although very interesting, it still gives us the heebie-jeebies–, you’ll get to taste them in a more pleasant way later on.
The crown of the tour comes after strolling around their estate and seeing the olive grove: a four course lunch featuring their products (like a vanilla ice cream made with olive oil) at the most beautiful terrace overlooking the countryside… Susan and Victor are great company, as are their cute dogs!
- Mezcal-Art
Whether you are new to drinking mezcal or a total connoisseur, you’ll enjoy this tasting experience! Super informative, well guided (in English), with a great selection of brands and types of agave, and unique salts (rosemary, chapulín, oregano and hibiscus). Plus, some delicious sopes with chapulines to counteract the alcohol. You’ll have to come at least twice to take advantage of their wide variety!
Did you know, for example, that around 40 species of agave are used to produce mezcal and that each of those have many variations? Mind-blowing, right?
At night…
- El Tres
Probably the best place we ate at. Still dreaming about these tacos below with a mezcal cured chipotle chili stuffed with shrimp and Chihuahua cheese. In-cre-di-ble! We also recommend the Guacamole with deep fried Prime Rib Eye, the Chamorro (pork shank) and the Shrimp Aguachile.
- El Manantial
It’s the locals’ favorite! El Manantial dates back to 1920 and still preserves some details from that time, like the traditional ‘cantina’ doors and the urinal (no longer in service, of course) that’s next to those doors. Pretty cool, huh?
IMPORTANT: You must try the ‘Tostada de tiritas’ (it’s chopped fish with lemon in a tostada). We were extremely full from dinner and still had two of these tostadas each. Be careful with the habanero salsa they bring in a labeless bottle; Nils started sweating like crazy -I’m no macho, I just know better and trust when they say “it’s hot, be careful” (LOL).
A Must
You can’t leave San Miguel de Allende without trying the local beer! It’s called ‘Allende’.
Have you been to any of these places? We’d love to hear more recommendations!
For things to do in San Miguel de Allende, see our Travel Guide!
Useful information
Finca Luna Serena
– You can make your reservations and arrange transportation at: [email protected]
– They have breakfast (8-9am) and lunch (12-1pm) tours, both $400 mxn per person.
– The entire experience takes around 3-4 hours (can be done faster, if necessary).
– They can give the tour in English or Spanish.
Mezcal Art
– To arrange a tasting write in advance to: [email protected]
– The place is also open as restaurant/bar.
– Price depends on number of servings.
