This is the second part of the the previously pubilished article “A Foodie’s Guide to San Miguel de Allende” by Food writer Thomas Rees for The Culture Trip. In the article, Thomas picks his top 10 restaurants to enjoy in San Miguel de Allende:
Hecho en Mexico
Popular with members of San Miguel’s expat community and with good reason, Hecho en Mexico offers a varied menu which ranges from well-executed Mexican staples, including Veracruz-style grilled talapia and stuffed poblano chilies, to burgers and club sandwiches. The restaurant’s elegant courtyard, with its flowering trellises, is a further draw. So too are performances from Cuban-born violinist Pedro Cartas and his quartet who take to the stage on Friday and Saturday evenings between 7.30 and 10pm. If you’re overwhelmed by the choice try the arrachera, chargrilled flank steak marinated with limejuice, chilies and spices. It’s a Mexican classic, and remains the most popular dish on the menu.
Ancha de San Anotnio 8, San Miguel de Allende, GuanaJuato, Mexico, +52 415 154 6383
La Virundela
Smokey grilled mushrooms and crisp empanadas feature on the menu of this family run Argentinian and Uruguayanestablishment, but it’s the steaks that are the main event. Cooked on a grill over smoldering mesquite wood coals that impart their subtle aroma to the meat, they’re the best in town. Many of the tables are set in and around a leafy courtyard while the main dining room is hung with chandeliers and modern art. La Virundela‘s affable owners also keep a cellar full of Latin America wines, including bottles from selected Argentinian bodegas, and are on hand to advise on pairings.
Hernández Macías 48, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, +52 415 152 4400
MuRo Cafe
Consistently among San Miguel’s top rated restaurants, MuRo is regularly praised for the warmth of its staff. Breakfast is a highlight and the extensive menu runs from huevos a la mexicana (Mexican-style eggs with onion, green pepper and tomato) to pastries and French toast. Lunchtime offerings include burritos, tortilla soups, salads, and seasonal specials such as chiles en nogada, poblano chilies stuffed with ground meat and served with pomegranate seeds and a cream sauce. A wide variety of freshly made juices are on offer too and there is regularly live music in the tranquil fern-fringed courtyard at lunchtimes.
Loreto 10-B, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico , +52 415 152 6341
Cafe Rama
Next to the Rosewood Hotel just outside the center of town, Cafe Rama is another popular spot with San Miguel’s visitors and resident expats. With mismatched furniture and the contemporary art on the walls (much of which is for sale) it’s heading in the direction of trendy, but the food remains reasonably priced. Good coffee, a wide selection of teas, and classics such as eggs Florentine make it an excellent option for breakfast, while the evening menus offer something to suit all tastes. Open until midnight, Cafe Rama also keeps a well-stocked bar with a long list of cocktails to choose from.
Calle Nueva 7, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, +52 415 154 9655
Baja Fish Taquito
The best of San Miguel’s budget options and a strong introduction to Mexico’s hallowed-street food tradition, Baja Fish Taquito serves fish tacos, seafood cocktails and vibrant, lime-laced ceviche in an informal cafe-style setting. Portions are generous, piled high onto soft maize-flour tortillas and topped with fresh salsas and pico de gallo (a Mexican garnish made with chopped tomato, onion and chili), while the service is swift and accommodating. With it’s low prices (around US$1 a taco) and central location, Baja Fish Taquito is ideal for a quick stop amidst a full day of activities.
Calle Mesones #11-B, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, +52 415 121 0950
Source: The culture trip