Isla Cozumel
Drawing on recipes handed down from her father, Guido, chef Yvonne Villiger has created a menu ranging from wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas to…
Must-see restaurants in Mexico
Zipolite
The Alchemist is delightfully sited alfresco in a quiet sandy cove, and atmospherically lit by oil lamps and candles at night, conjuring up an…
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…
Tijuana
Step inside and you are transported to the 1950s. Sepia pics of Hollywood movie stars line the walls, while the dark-wood decor oozes elegance. The…
Monterrey
This new ultra-modern complex has a soaring atrium dotted with enticing midrange restaurants devoted to Italian fare, Asian noodle dishes, sushi, tapas…
Ruta del Vino & Valle de Guadalupe
Everyone's favorite breakfast in the valley. Doña Estella's is a welcome slice of traditional Mexico with huge egg dishes including the house specialty…
Isla Mujeres
The ‘Little Hill’ serves good, cheap Mexican food in a small, colorful setting. Seafood and chicken dishes predominate. Try the fantastic bean and avocado…
San Agustinillo
A slightly more refined palapa than is standard in these parts, La Ola (the wave) is right on the beach and delivers fine fish concoctions to its wooden…
Manzanillo
This locally renowned taquería does one thing and does it very well: tacos de barbacoa, with the marinated pork meat smoky and redolent of spices, served…
Sonora
The menu changes often at this artful restaurant, but typically delivers big with traditional Mexican dishes as well as lamb, steak au poivre and truffled…
Cancún
Definitely one of the best seafood spots in the Zona Hotelera, the palapa-covered Mocambo sits right on Playa Caracol and serves up excellent seafood…
Cancún
In this casual open-air restaurant on the second floor of a shopping center, Québec native Christopher Vallieres prepares exquisitely refined dishes…
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…
Guadalajara
This elegant and sprawling place leans toward fine dining, with a full cocktail bar, refreshing garden patio and a rather stately feel. It’s popular with…
Acapulco
Step into the air-conditioned chill of this high-class establishment and prepare yourself for some theatrics and fanfare, as the chefs cook seafood and…
Isla Cozumel
If you're headed to the windward side of the island or just want to see a different aspect of Cozumel, drop by the Camarón Dorado for a bite, assuming you…
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…
Tulum
Reasonably priced (by Zona Hotelera standards), this inviting spot serves excellent house-made cocktails that can be enjoyed immensely at sunset on the…
Bahía de Kino
This thatch-roofed shack is the most popular place in Kino Nuevo and is often full of regulars enjoying delicious fish dishes and hearty Mexican…
Isla Holbox
Like most pizzerias in town, the hot item here is the seasonal lobster pizza and Roots' version ranks among the best of them. All of the wood-fired, thin…
Sonora
A great anytime spot, Maria's whips up tasty traditional fare, with an appealing menu of sopa de tortilla (tortilla soup), breaded mango shrimp, and fish…
Tulum
This hotel's beachside restaurant is candlelit at night, making it a beautiful, romantic place to dine. The fantastic food, including pasta, is made fresh…
Tulum
With its 'A meal without wine is called breakfast' sign, this spot tickles the taste buds with delicious tapas plates and fine seafood paella. And wine –…
Guadalajara Region
This popular, bustling food truck sells flavorful and hearty middle eastern eats: falafel, kabobs, stuffed pita pockets. All meals come with a fresh,…
Mazunte
Under-the-radar Maralto makes its own marmalades, freshly baked bread and pastries, bagels, pizzas, sandwiches and more. The Reuben, a corned-beef…
Isla Holbox
Despite sky-high prices, seafood here is actually hit or miss, but you can't argue with the location: any closer to the beach and waves would be washing…
Guadalajara
A boho cafe in a patio-like setting with cozy couches, repurposed tables, and chilled out tunes. Dishes use whole foods and minimal fats and sugars –…
Guadalajara Region
Among the best of the touristy lakefront restaurants, Cozumel sits just up from the boardwalk and bills itself as a 'Caribbean Escape on the Chapala…
Tulum
Somewhat pricey but worth it, this spot has grilled arrachera (flank steak) served with sides of potato, nopal (cactus paddle) and sausage, which pairs…
Isla Mujeres
See the south side of town and drop by Mango Café for some self-serve coffee and a hearty Caribbean-inspired breakfast. The hot items here are coconut…
Cancún
This elegant restaurant has a lovely courtyard dining area, just off Parque de las Palapas. The specialty is the cocobichuela (shrimp and lobster in curry…
Zipolite
So close to the ocean you barely need to get off your surfboard, the ‘Salt & Pepper’ serves unsophisticated but delicious comida from plastic tables set…
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…
Isla Mujeres
The undeniable king of the breakfast providers on the island is this cute little cafe with tables out front and chilly air-con inside. The menu covers the…
The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico
A row of taco stands, set up in stand-alone concrete huts, do brisk business in all manner of grilled meats, from al pastor (seasoned pork) to cabeza (cow…
Guadalajara Region
Overlooking a pleasant church plaza, El Palomar serves up delicious and hearty típico – quesadillas, chilaquiles, enchiladas –with a long menu of coffee…
Chihuahua & Central North Mexico
Strung with fairy lights, this cool-cat cafe specializes in crepes, which go nicely with the teas, coffee drinks and smoothies. Seating is open-air, at…
Bahías de Huatulco
Huge portions of fish (try the mahi-mahi if it’s available) served in a no-nonsense family-run restaurant that has most locals sighing with affection…
Chiapas
Mixing classic white-tablecloth elegance with blue-and-red disco lighting, this upmarket restaurant, which is inside the Marriott Hotel, serves creative,…
Northwest Mexico
Los Mochis' creative set flock to this art-filled space of hanging plants, exposed bulbs, black-and-white tile floors and eclectic furnishings. A great…
