Must-see restaurants in Northeast Mexico

  • Fonda San Francisco

    Monterrey

    Knock on the metal door to gain access to this quirky and creative eatery, run by the iconoclastic master chef Adrián Herrera. It's a casual, pretension…

  • Il Mercato Gentiloni

    Northeast Mexico

    This shimmering new gastronomic complex houses some of Saltillo's best restaurants. Here you'll find gourmet Mexican fare, creative sharing plates,…

  • Las Delicias de Mi General

    Northeast Mexico

    Everywhere you look, this place has Mexican art and nods to those who create it. Murals of revolutionary heroes and film stars, life-sized catrinas (paper…

  • La Galería Café

    Monterrey

    Popular with a young and affluent crowd, this hip and contemporary restaurant-bar is a very popular pre-clubbing dinner and cocktail spot. It serves…

  • Fonda El Limoncito

    Monterrey

    Set in a century-old house, this atmospheric spot serves deliciously authentic, home-style Mexican cooking that would make your abuela (grandmother) proud…

  • Madre Oaxaca

    Monterrey

    One of the Barrio Antiguo's best restaurants, this charmer is set in a historic building and decked out with an extraordinary collection of handicrafts…

  • Gorditas

    Northeast Mexico

    A mom-and-pop eatery with plastic tables and chairs, Gorditas specializes in just that – gorditas, small thick tortillas stuffed to the brim with all…

  • Cantina El 40

    Northeast Mexico

    A swanky restaurant-bar with a colonial-meets-coyboy theme, Cantina El 40 serves up top-notch Mexican dishes with flair. Think gourmet street tacos and…

  • Taqueria y Carniceria La Mexicana

    Monterrey

    Done up like a Mexican party dress, this eatery/butcher shop is an explosion of colors – think Talavera tiles and piñatas. Tacos de Canasta (steamed tacos…

  • Taller Vegánico

    Monterrey

    A variety of healthy plant-based meals – Mexican dishes, sandwiches and Mediterranean delights – are offered at this 2nd-story restaurant in the Barrio…

  • Trece Lunas

    Monterrey

    If you like your decor eclectic, your spaces multicultural and your food purposefully slow, this innovative Barrio Antiguo place may just be right for you…

  • El Lingote

    Monterrey

    This amazing-looking restaurant inside the Horno3 museum is well worth a splurge. The cooking puts a modern twist on Mexican classics with fare such as…

  • Pabellón M

    Monterrey

    This new ultra-modern complex has a soaring atrium dotted with enticing midrange restaurants devoted to Italian fare, Asian noodle dishes, sushi, tapas…

  • La Misión

    Northeast Mexico

    La Misión serves up some of the best meals in town with quality ingredients and made-to-order care. The menu is mostly traditional Mexican, but there are…

  • Tortas y Tacos Cri Cri

    Northeast Mexico

    As the name suggests, this hole-in-the-wall serves up mouthwatering tortas (Mexican sandwiches), tacos and – surprise! – hamburgers too. Sitting on Plaza…

  • Flor y Canela

    Northeast Mexico

    A welcoming cafe with a boho ambience, Flor y Canela specializes in homey breakfasts, weekday set-lunch specials (three courses for M$120), paninis and…

  • Me Muero de Hambre

    Monterrey

    A few steps from lively Calle Morelos, this three-story building has a casual spot devoted to delectable tacos, another for antojitos (snacks) and…

  • Las Parras de Santa Maria

    Northeast Mexico

    Amid massive wood doors, 18-foot ceilings and whitewashed walls, this colonial beauty serves Mexican classics, as well as an excellent paella that comes…

  • Mercado Barrio Antiguo

    Monterrey

    Monterrey's new culinary destination is a photogenic food hall with communal tables ringed by over a dozen vendors selling street food and desserts. There…

  • El Rey del Cabrito

    Monterrey

    This local institution is synonymous with Monterrey and serves up its most famous dish: cabrito (goat). It's a masterwork of kitsch with an extraordinary…

  • El Tapanco Restaurante

    Northeast Mexico

    One of the most elegant restaurants in town, this family-run place has an atmospheric interior and courtyard seating accented by a gurgling fountain. The…

  • Gorditas El Borrado

    Northeast Mexico

    This no frills eatery serves up tasty gorditas (thick stuffed tortillas) hot and fast. There are 13 fillings to choose from, including eggs with ham,…

  • La Esquina del Marisco

    Northeast Mexico

    Seafood in the desert? You'll find just that at this inexpensive and informal place in the center of town. The menu includes a delicious cokteles de…

  • La Noria

    Northeast Mexico

    The restaurant at Hostal El Farol has tables in its smart dining room and outside in a lovely colonial courtyard. It's pleasingly formal, with white…

  • Mercado Juárez

    Monterrey

    Monterrey's main downtown market has many fondas (family-run eateries) with good home cooking.

  • Restaurant La Puntada

    Monterrey

    This large upscale diner offers a long list of Mexican faves, plus sandwiches and steaks, at fair prices. It's had a loyal following since 1955. An easy…

  • El Méson de Don Evaristo

    Northeast Mexico

    In the middle of town, this friendly courtyard restaurant serves up meals on tables surrounding a small fountain. You'll find reliable Mexican fare, juicy…