San Luis Potosí
This simple spot is a breakfast institution and at times queues of locals form outside the doors waiting for them to open in the morning. The delicious…
Must-see restaurants in Mexico
Zona Rosa & Reforma
This golden cafe-restaurant looks plucked from belle epoque Paris with glorious patisserie and bakery treats as part of the Rosetta Panadería empire. The…
Puerto Vallarta
If you only dine out in one fine establishment in Vallarta, make it Tintoque. Chef Joel Ornelas dazzles when it comes to creative, beautiful reimaginings…
Cancún
Peter’s Restaurante has a homey charm and some of the best cooking in the city. Dutch chef Peter Houben has blended European, Mexican and international…
San Miguel de Allende
This gorgeous place with friendly English-speaking staff has some of San Miguel's best contemporary Mexican and European cuisine. Try its signature dish,…
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Bite into these authentic, fresh French pastries and you might have to recalibrate your location; a whiff of Paris comes with a sugary hit. There's pain…
La Paz
Often – and rightfully – packed with locals, this casual restaurant serves heaping plates of the most delicious seafood in La Paz. Try the molcajete…
Central Pacific Coast
A local fixture since 1953, this famous seafood eatery seats 1000 and opens every day of the year. Strolling mariachis entertain the crowds, kids frolic…
Tapachula
Held in high regard by locals, this Italian restaurant has a sophisticated and softly lit indoor dining room and an outdoor patio cloaked in dramatic…
Chetumal
Yucatecan snacks such as panuchos (fried tortillas topped with beans, chicken and pickled onion) and salbutes (puffed deep-fried tortillas filled with…
Sayulita
A cute taco stand helmed by a team of no-nonsense ladies, where tortillas are stuffed with your choice of sliced poblano peppers, potatoes, green beans…
Xalapa
Housed in a delightful high-ceilinged colonial lounge, El Brou gets it right on all counts. The varied menu offers a delicious and arty take on…
Akumal
A popular breakfast spot, this appealing cafe slings a wide variety of gringo comfort food ranging from breakfast burritos to eggs Benedict. The lunch and…
Mazatlán
Five mornings per week, El Veneno (The Poisoner) and his son El Venenito do a brisk business in tacos dorados (crunchy tacos) topped with stewed machaca …
Mérida
This contemporary restaurant with black-and-white tiled floors, Edison light bulbs, designer chairs and an open kitchen is a magnet for the local smart…
Zihuatanejo
From his curbside barbecue, grill master Mauricio Cancino cooks up fresh fish (usually tuna or mahi-mahi with grilled veggies) to perfection, then he…
Cuernavaca
Set in a lush courtyard, Cuernavaca’s oldest restaurant also has some of its best traditional Mexican food – from brocheta al mezcal (skewered meats…
San José del Cabo
Pair flavorful, unique tacos – including Mediterranean octopus, duck mole or miso fish – with mezcal cocktails, amazing margaritas, live music and an all…
Querétaro
Being hidden away on the fringe of the old town and discreetly signed inside the entrance to a building means that this is one of those 'in the know' kind…
Mérida
The stunning historic home, at the end of Paseo Montejo, sets the scene for what's to come: a high-end, gourmet meal that will end up setting a very high…
Monterrey
Set in a century-old house, this atmospheric spot serves deliciously authentic, home-style Mexican cooking that would make your abuela (grandmother) proud…
Guadalajara
This narrow, barnlike restaurant on a delightful Zapopan side-street of pastel-colored houses is bedecked with sunny colored textiles and specializes in…
The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico
Built over a gob-smacking fissure in the canyon walls – and with floor-to-ceiling windows and plexiglass flooring to prove it – the views from this…
Chiapas
Ever had an octopus tentacle burger? No, we didn't think so. Highly imaginative and quirky modern Chiapas dishes are served up at this easygoing place…
Playa del Carmen
'Okay, but first, coffee' is the motto here, and they sure do coffee well. They do everything well, actually: from tasty fruit-and-yogurt bowls to green…
Sonora
Huge juicy burgers, fresh and made to order, are served at this hopping restaurant. You'll find 15 varieties – everything from classic to pineapple – and…
Isla Holbox
El Chapulím has no menu and the kitchen closes when the food runs out – usually before 9pm – so come here aware of the quirks involved. Food is excellent,…
Troncones
On the southern end of Playa Majahua, Johny and his wife dish up some mighty fine fresh fish and seafood at this rustic oceanfront restaurant in a small…
Northern Central Highlands
This utterly delightful lime-green cafe is quite the find in a small town like Jerez. Housed in an old pharmacy, Botica del Cafe serves delicious chapatas…
Central Pacific Coast
For honest and delicious home-cooked cuisine, head to this family-run place on the main street. It's a simply but appealingly decorated setup that does…
Sonora
Eponymous chef Mickey has been cooking up a storm here for years, and you'll be hard pressed to find better quality and innovation elsewhere in town…
Puerto Vallarta
It's nighttime and the chefs are doing a brisk business at this unmarked taco stand, deftly slicing chunks of red-tinted, spit-grilled and marinated pork…
Querétaro
A delightful French bakery that has a lovely semi-open-air upstairs terrace. As well as doing excellent coffee and pastries to go, it serves up delicious…
Veracruz City
At the best restaurant in the city, the six-course tasting menu is the way to go, each small dish is supremely satisfying and brings a new taste angle to…
Playa del Carmen
The 'Monkey's Cave,' known for its fresh and natural ingredients, has seating in a jungly palapa setting or a verdant garden out back. Service is friendly…
La Paz
Largely undiscovered by tourists, locals have been coming here in droves since 1992. Expect pristine stainless-steel surfaces and the best fish tacos in…
Mahahual
Nohoch Kay, aka the Big Fish, definitely lives up to its name. Don't miss this beachfront Mexican-owned restaurant, where they prepare succulent whole…
Puerto Morelos
You definitely can't go wrong with the fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza here, but this Uruguayan grill is best known for its steaks. The star cuts are a…
Mérida
This hip, friendly bakery and breakfast joint has an open kitchen, a stylish bar counter for single diners and a great jazz and blues soundtrack. You'll…
Playa del Carmen
Good, healthy breakfasts (some vegan!) and a range of yummy baked goods are what keeps this French-run bakery-cafe busy. Savory croissants with smoked…
