Where to Eat, Drink and Shop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Your Little Black Book for San Miguel

EAT In recent years, San Miguel de Allende has become a top destination for foodies who are looking for unique culinary experiences. The city has a growing number of notable restaurants helmed by creative and innovative chefs. The city holds many food festivals and culinary events throughout the year, including the annual San Miguel de Allende Food Festival, which celebrates the region’s food culture and showcases the work of local chefs and producers.

local cuisine rich in fresh ingredients

Here are some of the top restaurants in San Miguel de Allende:

  • Moxi – This restaurant located inside the Hotel Matilda features a contemporary Mexican cuisine with dishes made from local ingredients. The restaurant has an elegant and chic atmosphere and has received numerous accolades for its outstanding food and service.
  • The Restaurant – Located just steps away from the main square, The Restaurant offers chic fusion cooking in an 18th-century mansion courtyard & dining room. Come before dinner or stay after and listen to a DJ spinning Vinyl in the lively bar area.
  • Aperi – Aperi offers a fine dining experience with an avant-garde Mexican cuisine that fuses traditional flavors with modern techniques. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
  • The Rooftop – Located on the rooftop of the Rosewood Hotel, this restaurant offers stunning views of the city while you dine on international cuisine with a Mexican twist. The restaurant features an open kitchen, a bar, and a pool, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal with friends or family.
  • Hecho en Mexico – This restaurant offers traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant’s decor is inspired by Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
  • La Posadita – A charming and cozy restaurant located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, La Posadita serves delicious and authentic Mexican dishes in a traditional setting. The restaurant’s courtyard is adorned with lush greenery and colorful flowers, creating a serene and relaxing ambiance.
  • La Parada: This lively and colorful restaurant specializes in Peruvian cuisine, offering ceviches, anticuchos, and other classic dishes.
  • Fatima 7: Known for its delicious and authentic Lebanese cuisine, Fatima 7 offers a range of traditional dishes, including hummus, falafel, and shawarma.
  • Cafe Rama: This cafe is known for its delicious breakfasts and brunches. The menu includes a variety of egg dishes, chilaquiles, and fresh juices.
  • El Pegaso: This restaurant is a San Miguel institution that has been around for over 50 years. The menu includes classic Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor, enchiladas, and guacamole.

San Miguel de Allende elevates Brunch to an Art Form. Have brunch each day you are in town if possible! There are so many great options for a delicious brunch in the city. Here are some of the best brunch spots in San Miguel de Allende:

  • Lavanda Café – Lavanda Café is a charming spot that serves delicious breakfast and brunch dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Their menu includes everything from classic pancakes and eggs benedict to more unique dishes like shakshuka and avocado toast.
  • Cumpanio – This French bakery and café is a popular spot for brunch in San Miguel de Allende. Their menu features a range of sweet and savory pastries, as well as quiches, sandwiches, and other brunch favorites.
  • Rustica – This quiet spot slightly away from the center of town offers an outstanding brunch in a quiet and laid back garden setting. You will have a hard time choosing from the tempting menu. Do yourself a favor and order several things for the table to share!
  • Café Rama – This cozy café is known for its excellent coffee and delicious breakfast dishes. Their menu includes a variety of egg dishes, as well as pancakes, waffles, and other sweet treats.
  • The Rooftop – Located on the rooftop of the stylish Rosewood San Miguel de Allende hotel, The Rooftop offers stunning views of the city and a delicious brunch menu. Their menu includes a range of dishes, from traditional Mexican breakfasts to international favorites like eggs benedict and avocado toast.
  • Hecho en Mexico – This popular restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Their brunch menu includes a range of delicious dishes, from chilaquiles and huevos rancheros to more unique options like duck confit tacos and chile relleno.
  • Inside Café: This special spot has a cozy rooftop where you can enjoy a daily brunch in an open-air setting. Find the perfect latte or chai, or ease into your day with a craft cocktail made with freshly squeezed juice. When not serving brunch, the kitchen delivers Asian-influenced fare.
rooftop cocktails are mandatory at sunset

DRINK San Miguel de Allende is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. The spectacular sunsets highlight the dramatic colors and textures of this lovely city. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the city at sunset while sipping on a craft cocktail, there are several great rooftop bars to choose from.

Here are some of the best rooftop bars in San Miguel de Allende:

  • Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar: Located on top of the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende hotel, Luna offers stunning views of the town’s iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. This bar serves up delicious tapas and creative cocktails in a chic and stylish atmosphere.
  • The Rooftop at Hotel Nena: This rooftop bar is located on top of the stylish Hotel Nena and offers breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding mountains. The bar has a relaxed and laid-back vibe, and serves up tasty cocktails and small bites.
  • Casa No Name Rooftop Bar: This rooftop bar is located on the top floor of a beautifully restored colonial home in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. The bar offers stunning views of the town and serves up delicious cocktails and small bites.
  • Luna Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Another bar named Luna, this one is located on the rooftop of the Hotel Casa Blanca 7, Luna offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside. The bar serves up creative cocktails and delicious food in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere.
  • The Rooftop at Cielo: This rooftop bar is located on top of the Cielo hotel and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. The bar has a relaxed and laid-back vibe, and serves up tasty cocktails and small bites.
  • Quince Rooftop – This bar is located on the rooftop of the Hotel Quince and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The bar serves a variety of cocktails and light bites.
  • Mivida Rooftop: Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Mivida, this bar offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere with views of the city and surrounding hills. The menu features a selection of cocktails and light bites.
unique and handmade items with a Mexican flair.

SHOP Whether you’re looking for traditional handicrafts or contemporary art, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye in this beautiful city.

Here are some of the best shopping options in San Miguel de Allende:

Artisanal Markets & Handicrafts

  • Mercado de Artesanías: This is a great place to shop for traditional Mexican handicrafts such as ceramics, textiles, leather goods, and jewelry. The market is located in the heart of the city and is open daily.
  • Fabrica La Aurora: This is a former textile factory that has been transformed into a hub for art and design. The complex is home to dozens of galleries and boutiques, selling everything from contemporary art to antique furniture.
  • El Tianguis de los Martes: This is a weekly outdoor market held every Tuesday on the outskirts of town. Here you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
  • San Miguel de Allende Handicrafts Market: Located near the main square, this market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. You can find everything from textiles and ceramics to silver jewelry and leather goods.
  • Galería Atotonilco: This gallery specializes in Mexican folk art and is located about 15 minutes outside of town. Here you can find beautiful pieces of art from all over the country, including pottery, textiles, and wood carvings.
  • Onora Casa: This boutique is a great place to find unique home decor and gifts. They offer a curated selection of items from around the world, including textiles, ceramics, and other decorative objects. You’re sure to find something special to take home with you.

Luxury Boutiques

  • Galería Atotonilco: This stunning art gallery features a wide variety of Mexican folk art, textiles, and pottery. The prices are high, but the quality is exceptional.
  • Mixta: This chic boutique offers a carefully curated selection of women’s clothing, accessories, and home goods. The style is contemporary with a touch of bohemian flair.
  • Casa Armida: This high-end jewelry store specializes in handmade pieces using precious and semi-precious stones. The designs are unique and often incorporate elements of traditional Mexican jewelry.
  • Abrazos: This boutique offers a range of handmade leather goods, including bags, wallets, and belts. The quality is top-notch, and the designs are both stylish and functional.
  • La Calaca: This store features a wide variety of Mexican handicrafts, including ceramics, textiles, and pottery. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality is exceptional.