Must-see restaurants in Mexico

  • Mýkonos Cocina Mediterránea

    Zacatecas

    Hidden behind a simple exterior is this cozy and surprisingly upmarket restaurant that sells itself as being Greek, but with kofta, couscous, hummus and…

  • Los Aguachiles

    Playa del Carmen

    Done up in Mexican cantina style yet with one big difference: the menu – consisting of tacos, tostadas and the like – was designed by a chef. The artfully…

  • Rico's Cafe

    Mazatlán

    With three branches dotted around the city and a crowd-pleasing menu of crepes, waffles, omelettes, burritos and salads, Rico's is the Zona Dorada's top…

  • Café El Popular

    Centro Histórico

    So popular was this tiny round-the-clock, old-school diner that another more amply proportioned branch was opened next door. Fresh pastries, café con…

  • Lechoncito de Oro

    Oaxaca City

    You'll usually see a long row of cars double-parked on the street beside this popular late-night stall known for its tacos de lechón con chicharrón …

  • Victorias

    San Miguel de Allende

    This hazy-yellow place a short walk downhill from the old town has just four or five tables and a small selection of well-prepared and tasty enchiladas…

  • Don Comalón

    Western Central Highlands

    One of many restaurants lining Comala's main plaza that serves a botana (free snack) with every drink you order. If you haven't got time to make your…

  • La Joya

    Veracruz

    The plastic tablecloths, alfresco-only chairs and rustic open-to-view kitchen scream ‘Moctezuma’s revenge,’ but fear not: La Joya delivers where it…

  • La Flor del Café

    San Patricio-Melaque

    On a plant-covered, brightly hued patio, this place eschews the hottest part of the day but opens mornings for tasty smoothies, juices, coffee, sandwiches…

  • El Taquito Hidalguense

    Puerto Vallarta

    Hailing from Mexico's barbacoa (lamb or mutton) capital Hidalgo, this family prepares delectable tacos on handmade tortillas with tender meat that's been…

  • Burritos Gorditos

    Isla Cozumel

    This welcoming little burrito joint prepares the typical vegetarian, chicken and beef varieties, or you can experiment with Yucatán-inspired cochinita …

  • Café de Yara

    Palenque

    A sunny start to the day, this slightly dated, deep-orange-colored corner cafe has huge and tasty breakfasts. Next door, a hole-in-the-wall dishes out an…

  • D’Avellino

    Chiapas

    A cute Italian restaurant with a rustic old-world dining room and patio seating, D’Avellino serves fresh pastas and good pizza in a warm and convivial…

  • Restaurant Las Palmeras

    Sonora

    Just northwest of Plaza Alameda, this patio-set Álamos classic serves up fine breakfasts, memorable homemade tortillas and steaks, shrimp and carne asada …

  • Mauna Kea

    Central Pacific Coast

    Watch whales over organic morning coffee, pecan pancakes, waffles, eggs cooked a myriad ways and other dishes to warm the soul at this seasonal rooftop…

  • La Parrilla Tap

    Tapachula

    Share an arty and hearty platter of parrilla, snack on a quick taco or try the lush house pollo con mole (chicken with mole sauce) at this buzzing grill…

  • Siwapan

    Xalapa

    With its low prices, leafy murals and tasty slow-cooked food it's no wonder this laid-back place is a hit with Xalapa's student population. Try out the…

  • La Chaya Maya

    Mérida

    This is the original branch of the popular Yucatecan restaurant, offering a near-identical menu (tasty Yucatecan specialties) but slightly different hours…

  • Posada Alpina

    Guadalajara Region

    Right on the main plaza, Posada Alpina is a smart hotel-restaurant that serves the best molcajete stew (choose beef, chicken or prawn) and chilaquiles …

  • La Palapa de Don Juan

    Guadalajara Region

    A soaring palapa and two floors of waterfront dining, make Don Juan's a popular spot for daytime eats with locals and daytrippers alike. The menu ranges…

  • El Farallón del Pacífico

    Central Pacific Coast

    The standout dish here is the pescado zarandeado (grilled whole fish), but the menu features an ample offering of favorites from the sea, including…

  • La Cigale

    Puerto Vallarta

    In the shadow of Templo de Guadalupe, this casual-chic French bistro with chalkboard menus and checkerboard floors serves everything from quiche Lorraine…

  • Garlapago

    Puerto Vallarta

    A tiny taquería favored by locals for bacon-wrapped fish-and-shrimp tacos, though you can get them without bacon too. The pulpo al pastor (marinated…

  • Delica Mitsu

    Guanajuato

    This tiny Japanese-run deli may not look like much (and is all but hidden in a side street off a pretty plaza), but it serves fresh, light and delicious…

  • Arte Sano

    Isla Holbox

    A small, intimate, palapa-roofed cafe with bright colored tablecloths and even cheerier service. A mix of veggie and meat options, with good green juice…

  • El Nicho

    Puerto Morelos

    Puerto Morelos' most popular breakfast spot, El Nicho serves organic egg dishes, eggs Benedict, chilaquiles (fried tortilla strips in salsa) with chicken…

  • Taberna del León

    Coyoacán & San Ángel

    Monica Patiño is a modern, female star chef stirring up traditional cuisine in innovative ways. Seafood is the specialty here, with the likes of robalo a…

  • La Comadre

    Ensenada

    Enjoy authentic, cheap antojitos (typical Mexican snacks) and friendly service in a family atmosphere. Stewed meats are the specialty and the menu often…

  • El Mesón del General

    The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico

    A traditional, formal restaurant that specializes in fish and seafood, with several styles of pulpo (octopus) and combo plates of various river delicacies…

  • El Paisano del 23

    Cancún

    A local favorite for more than 40 years, the paisano ('fellow countryman' – it's the owner's nickname) marinates pierna (pork leg) in red wine and then…

  • El Bastión de Campeche

    Campeche

    Don't let the drab exterior fool you – this plaza-side stalwart serves up some good campechano dishes. Cool off with a chaya juice (M$29) before tucking…

  • Merendero Lake

    Guadalajara Region

    This self-styled 'gourmet burger' joint does grill a decent patty (M$89 to M$95) but there are also salads (M$70) and prawn dishes (M$125 to M$140) on…

  • Mary's

    Sayulita

    Mary's keeps things simple, affordable and traditional with menu items such as fish tacos or grilled shrimp on handmade tortillas. The popular curbside…

  • La Lupe

    San Cristóbal de las Casas

    This very popular cafe has farmhouse decorations splayed across the walls and good, authentic Mexican country fare served in clay pots or on wooden boards…

  • Los Equipales

    Mulegé

    Just west of Zaragoza, this restaurant and bar has gargantuan meals and bright, enclosed balcony seating that’s perfect for an evening margarita with…

  • Helarte Sano

    Mazatlán

    Makes over three dozen flavors of paletas (popsicles), sherbets and Mexican-inspired gelato, including unconventional fruit flavors (lemon-rosemary,…

  • Restaurante Paraíso

    Valle de Bravo

    Restaurante Paraíso has fantastic lake views and a sprawling menu of seafood specialties, plus excellent and imaginatively prepared local trout. Come…

  • Mercado de Antojitos

    Coyoacán & San Ángel

    Near Coyoacán’s main plaza, this busy spot has all kinds of snacks, including deep-fried quesadillas, pozoles and esquites (boiled corn kernels served…

  • Gran Café del Portal

    Veracruz City

    The deft aim of the coffee/milk-pouring waiters at this historically atmospheric place just off the zócalo is as precise as any you'll find in Veracruz…

  • Casablanca Restaurant

    Bahía de Kino

    This upscale hotel restaurant is something of a local expat hub, with the famous eggs Benedict always doing a brisk trade at breakfast time. The rest of…

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