Discover the TOP San Miguel de Allende restaurants! This colorful city doesn't lack options when it comes to dining. In fact, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. I've narrowed down the list to the very best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende! Stick to these spots and you won't be disappointed.
San Miguel de Allende really shines when it comes to the restaurant scene. I wasn't expecting such an extensive selection of places to dine. The choices really are endless and more than enough reason to extend your trip.
Rooftops with stunning views, cozy Moroccan courtyards, tiny coffee shops, and taco carts with a constant line of locals...there's something for every taste and vibe.
This post will focus on the absolute best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende. These were my favorite places and the spots I'll be returning to every time I'm in the city.
See also: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE + THINGS TO DO
Atrio
Best rooftops in San Miguel de Allende
The rooftop scene in San Miguel is where it's at. Once Jake and I arrived in San Miguel de Allende and had our first rooftop dinner, we canceled all dinner reservations that were not on a rooftop.
Perfect evening weather combined with spectacular sunsets and views, it just didn't make sense to not dine on a rooftop. The below places were my favorite by far. These are the absolute best rooftops in San Miguel de Allende for dinner and drinks.
Quince - voted the #1 rooftop in the world, this is a great place to share an assortment of appetizers and sushi rolls. The drinks are delicious, most notably the Black Forest made with activated charcoal, mezcal, lime, and rosemary syrup.
Ask to sit on the side facing the mountains to watch the sunset. The other side overlooks the cathedral and is a good option if it's cloudy or it's already dark and you want to see the cathedral lit up.
Atrio - this ended up being our favorite rooftop as it's the highest (i.e. incredible views) and a bit more relaxed. Quince is lively with a "party scene" vibe later in the evening. The food and drinks really stood out.
Order the Aloha drink and several appetizers including the guacamole, polpo tacos (octopus), and charred cauliflower. Skip the dessert. It wasn't that great and I would have rather had another appetizer or drink.
Consider joining a food tour like this Tacos and Tequila tour or this Downtown Food tour.
Views from La Posadita
La Posadita - located right next to Quince, and by right next to I mean you could throw a lime on their patio. La Posadito is perfect if you want a casual vibe. The guacamole was one of my favorites from our trip and they are known for their frozen pina coladas.
La Unica - beautiful views overlooking the city center and cathedral paired with an extensive drink menu, eight different types of tacos to choose from, among other classic Mexican dishes. The chocolate bomb dessert was pretty darn good. La Unica had a definite party atmosphere to it without being too over the top.
Views from Luna Rooftop
Luna Rooftop - this is the one rooftop that offers a different view than the rest of the rooftops listed. Instead of being in the center of the city and nestled right next to the cathedral...Luna rooftop is just outside Centro and offers views of the city center and cathedral from afar.
I will say, this is the most expensive place for drinks and appetizers (think $10 to $14 vs. $6 to $8), but I still think it's worth at least one visit for a different view and perspective.
La Azotea - a great rooftop spot for lunch. The jicama tacos are incredible...one of the best things I ate on the trip. It was more like a sushi roll taco than a true taco with fried leeks, crispy shrimp, and spicy mayo.
Kab'an - a newcomer to the rooftop scene in San Miguel de Allende, Kab'an offered some of the best prices for quality food and drinks paired with wonderful views. The restaurant is so new that they are still in the process of completing the multistory layout. A Lebanese restaurant will soon open on their second rooftop.
Make sure to have Google translate ready on your phone because the menu is entirely in Spanish. Try the whole octopus and the barbacoa.
On your way out, stop in the basement speakeasy, Xibalba. You'll feel like you've stumbled upon the best kept secret!
Bovine
Best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende that aren't rooftops
The Restaurant - if you're not feeling a rooftop, The Restaurant is a lovely spot with a gorgeous Moroccan courtyard. The menu is an assortment of "global comfort" food. Thursday nights are burger night which I heard several locals/ex-pats rave about.
Bovine - this restaurant is gorgeous! The design is eclectic and sophisticated. Rich green velvets, mirrored ceilings, gold tables, black and white tiled floors...interior designers would be in heaven here.
Prices are on the higher end (for San Miguel). $25 steak au poivre, $10 desserts, $10 cocktails. While this wasn't my favorite restaurant food wise, I still recommend it for those that love design and a stunning atmosphere.
Bastardo - a must for foodies. Enjoy sublime farm to table dishes served in a casual, beer garden atmosphere. The restaurant is actually made out of two shipping containers.
Chef Jorge Arendano worked at Noma in Denmark. Noma is incredibly famous as it's made the list of best restaurants in the world more times then I can count.
The menu is always changing based on what's in season. Don't fill up on the fresh baked bread as this is a spot you'll want to save room for dessert. Order the burger if it's on the menu.
Bastardo will require an Uber ride as it's a little bit out of town (about 15 minutes). This is a great place if you want something unique and a change from the city center restaurants.
Live Aqua - a new hotel on the outskirts of the city center with two globally inspired restaurants. Zibu offers a fusion of Mexican and Thai flavors and is located on the ground floor. Try the bone marrow and octopus tacos, soft shell crab tacos, oriental seafood rice, and coconut ice cream.
Spice brings forward the flavors of India, China, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam in a BoHo setting. There's an indoor and rooftop space...though the views aren't the best as much of the rooftop is lined with plants and other foliage. Even so, I really did enjoy the overall vibe and atmosphere. This would be a great spot for appetizers and drinks as the menu is primarily small plates. Get the pork bao buns!
Casual restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
Hecho en Mexico - a great option for a casual meal with an extensive menu including plenty of vegan options and salads. If you're feeling adventurous, try the fondue de huitlacoche (think queso). Huitlacoche is considered a delicacy in Mexico. It's basically a mushroom that crows on corn cobs.
Inside Café - touts itself as a meeting point for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and open like-minded people in a space that promotes art, music, culture, and hospitality.
Go here for brunch/lunch. There are several filling breakfast bowls to choose from with both vegan and gluten free options. Or go all out and order one of their insane grilled cheese combinations. The coffee is also great and the prices are cheap. $7 for a breakfast bowl, $2 for a flat white, and $8.50 for a pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich.
La Parada - seafood is king at this affordable Peruvian restaurant. The ceviche and octopus dishes are by far the most popular.
Best brunch restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
1826 at the Rosewood hotel - Sunday brunch is a must at 1826. For about $26 you get access to all the live food stations with Mexican classics, unlimited coffee, tea, juice, and an a la carte item of your choice.
This was one of the best meals of the trip. The courtyard is gorgeous and the service is outstanding. I only wish I didn't eat the night before so I could have enjoyed more of the stations!
Marsala - another wonderful (and very filling) Sunday brunch option. For $30 enjoy bottomless mimosas, unlimited pastries, scones, yogurt, fruit, and coffee, plus a breakfast entree of your choice. Request to sit in the courtyard and try the duck and waffles.
Cafes and coffee shops
Lavanda Cafe - the best coffee shop in San Miguel de Allende (don't worry I tried them all and will be publishing a San Miguel coffee shop post soon). I visited Lavanda at least once a day. There are two locations, one by the San Miguel market (perfect for a shopping pick-me-up) and one in the very center of town.
Try the lavender latte, or my personal favorite, the mareado lavanda. This drink took me back to my espresso freddo days in Greece. Frothed espresso, poured over ice, with lavender and a touch of brown sugar.
Panio - located in the heart of the historic center, Panio is a great choice for coffee and pastries. The coconut eclairs are scrumptious and the breakfast migas were also wonderful.
Ki'bok - after gaining quite the following in Tulum (Ki'bok's first location), a second cafe was soon opened in San Miguel de Allende. The cold brew is especially good and this is one of the best spots to hang for a while as there's plenty of seating and a sunny rooftop patio.
Zenteno - solid iced Americans, insanely good mini pies and tarts, and a charming little atmosphere.
Drinks and Cocktails
Casa Buen Viaje - a trendy little mezcal bar serving up unique and inventive drinks. If you're serious about your mezcal, this is a must!
Street food/taco carts
Andy's Taco Cart - I can't not include Andy's taco cart when discussing San Miguel de Allende restaurants...even if it's not technically a restaurant. Andy's by far was Jake's favorite. I say Jake because it was Jake's mission on this trip to try all the top taco carts.
Not only is Andy beyond friendly, but his el pastor tacos truly were the best. The cart opens up at 7:00 pm and can be found on the corner of Hidalgo and Insurgentes. In fact, these tacos were so delicious, Jake would often get an "after-dinner" snack on our way back to the hotel.
In Summary
I hope this helps plan your dining excursions around the city. These are without a doubt the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende. You'll be spoiled for choices when it comes to rooftops, trendy restaurants, and tiny cafes. My goal with this post was to narrow down your options and list the best of the best so you can focus your time on enjoying the city!
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