wSan Miguel de Allende is considered one of the great colonial-era jewels of Latin America. The quaint town, nestled among the central mountains of the state of Guanajuato, has been a must-visit destination since the 1960s, when artists and poets like Allen Ginsberg and Stirling Dickinson fell for the creative spirit of the place. The main attractions are, of course, the stunning beauty of its architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, and the general bohemian vibes you’ll find throughout the local art galleries and boutique hotels, while outdoors enthusiasts and eco-tourists find plenty to love here too.
For a relatively small city, the gastronomic offerings of San Miguel de Allende are wide-ranging, thanks to the bounty of the area’s surrounding ranches, farms, vineyards, and orchards, as well as a flourishing community of foreign expats with diverse tastes. Two things to know: This is a popular tourist destination, which means tourist traps abound — a local guide (and a good list!) can help you avoid them. Also, this is not a city for street food, but the fully fledged restaurants here are absolutely worth exploring. Here, then, is Eater’s list of the essential places to eat and drink in San Miguel de Allende.
Price Key (per person, excluding alcohol):
$ = Less than 200 pesos (less than USD $10)
$$ = 200 - 380 pesos (USD $10 to USD $20)
$$$ = 380 - 570 pesos (USD $20 to USD $30)
$$$$ = More than 570 pesos (more than USD $30)
Note: The inclusion of restaurants offering dine-in service should not be taken as an endorsement for dining inside. Studies indicate a lower exposure risk to COVID-19 outdoors, but the level of risk is contingent on social distancing and other safety guidelines. Check with each restaurant for up-to-date information on dining offerings. Please check with the CDC for updated information on coronavirus cases in the area.
Natalia de la Rosa is a food writer, taco and mezcal lover based in Mexico City. She is a podcast host at The Latest Food.
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