Guanajuato is a foodie paradise! But finding outstanding places to eat can be a challenge, especially when traveling abroad. Spending hours browsing through Google for the best restaurants is the last thing that you’ll want to do on a vacation.
To make things easier, we have compiled a list covering 15 of our favorite places to eat & drink in Guanajuato. We have personally tried out these restaurants and bars on our latest trip to Guanajuato so you can expect first-hand knowledge of all the best joints in town.
From classic restaurants to fun rooftop terraces overlooking the city, there is something in Guanajuato for everyone to try out!
Tipping & Paying For Meals In Mexico
Tipping at restaurants in Guanajuato is typically accepted and appreciated, just like in the US. In Mexico, a good tip is 10-15% when eating in restaurants and cafes.
You can leave a tip in cash or on a credit card. For credit card payments, tell your server to add the tip to the total before they run the card. You don’t leave the tip on the receipt after it’s processed (like we do in the US).
Most restaurants & bars in Guanajuato accept credit cards for payment. Payments are typically processed by the server on a credit card machine next to the table so you can see how much is being charged and confirm the total for security reasons.
Keep in mind that smaller mom & pop restaurants and food stands might only accept cash. You can get cash from an ATM at the airport or in the city. The problem with larger ATM bills is that nobody ever has enough change. Even trying to break a 500 Peso bill (25 USD) was usually an issue for us.
Know Before You Go
Here are a few tips to keep in mind about visiting restaurants, cafes, and bars in Guanajuato:
- Many restaurants in Mexico close early on Mondays and Sundays. Be sure to check the opening hours on Google before heading out there.
- Get to the restaurants & bars well before closing time. We were being turned away even 30-45 minutes before posted closing hours. Don’t cut it close or you might miss out on a good meal!
- Be sure to keep your purse and phone close by when seated at a restaurant. I’ve had my backpack stolen before at a coffee shop when eating and not paying attention.
- If you start getting an upset stomach from eating foreign foods, you can go to the pharmacy and get anti-diarrhea medication and probiotics which will help calm your stomach within a few hours.
Restaurants In Guanajuato
Here are 15 outstanding places to eat & drink in Guanajuato City, Mexico:
1. Best Location – Casa Valadez Anfitrión & Gourmet
Casa Valadez is one of the best restaurants in Guanajuato that serves modern takes on classic Mexican dishes. They continue to get high ratings on Google with an average of 4.6 stars out of over 3,600 reviews.
Casa Valadez is located at the heart of the historic center on the corner overlooking the Unión Garden and Teatro Juárez. With an elegant and classy décor, Casa Valadez is more than just a restaurant!
The interior of the restaurant is very luxurious with leather seating and intricate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. I highly recommend asking for a window seat so you can enjoy a nice breeze and stunning views of the park during your meal!
Casa Valadez offers an extensive menu covering a variety of items. We came here for breakfast before sightseeing as this restaurant’s central location makes it easy to enjoy a meal before continuing to explore the town.
- Location: Casa Valadez · Anfitrión & Gourmet
- Website: Casavaladez.com
- Instagram: @casavaladez
- Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
2. Best For Catering To International Travelers – Costal Cultura Cafetera
Costal Cultura Cafetera was one of our favorite places to eat in Guanajuato. This is where you’ll want to go for a relaxing dinner and high-quality nourishment in a modern, upscale space.
Costal Cultura Cafetera restaurant is located on a second story within a boutique shopping space that features a yoga studio and an art gallery. This restaurant has a forward-thinking vibe that caters to ex-pats and international visitors (including a touchless menu in English).
For a cozy and romantic experience, you can grab a seat on the charming outdoor balcony that overlooks the Old Town.
Costal Cultura Cafetera serves a variety of dishes to choose from. For appetizers, we tried the octopus tacos with lard beans and charred onions that were to die for!
For mains, I went with the Azteca soup that comes with tomato and bean broth, tortilla chips, avocado, cherry tomato, cream, and panela cheese. The ingredients are served separately and then mixed at the table so they don’t get soggy. Joel also ordered the steak plate which was very tasty and filling.
- Location: Costal Cultura Cafetera
- Instagram: @costalculturacafetera
- Hours: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm Monday to Saturday, 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Sunday
3. Best For a Fancy Dinner – AMATXI
AMATXI is a top pick for fine dining or a special date night dinner in Guanajuato. This is the #3 restaurant on Trip Advisor for a good reason!
The restaurant is located on an enclosed patio and has a sleek and modern interior. AMATXI menu features contemporary plates with a lot of flavor and seasoning. Upon seating, we were treated to a light pear and Tajin appetizer. The server also brought us some delicious pork belly bites.
For my main plate, I ordered the Pulpo Vasco dish (Basque octopus). Octopus is always a hit in my book but AMATXI’s version had a bit more cajun seasoning and sauce than I’m used to. The plate comes with a side of bread to balance some of the spices.
AMATXI is the nicest establishment we ate at in Guanajuato so their prices are similar to what you would expect in the US. My octopush dish was 360 pesos (18 USD) and a glass of wine was 10 USD.
This restaurant is located 10 minutes outside of the historic center so you will need to grab a quick Taxi or Uber to get there.
- Location: AMATXI
- Menu: mimenudigital.com.mx/amatxi
- Instagram: @amatxi_cocina_autentica
- Hours: 2:30 pm – 10:00 pm on Monday & Wednesday to Saturday, 2:30 pm – 9:30 pm on Sunday, closed on Tuesday
4. Best Cocktails – Black Mamba 61
I have nothing but the best things to say about Black Mamba 61 cocktails and once you try one, you will too!
Black Mamba 61 is a hip bar in the historic center that is known for interesting craft drinks. They aren’t afraid to play around with flavor combinations to create something very unique like the Watermelon cocktail that comes with tequila, watermelon, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice. The drink was a bit fruity and sweet but refreshing at the same time!
Joel tried the Silver Bull cocktail that is made with tequila, a special Licor Ancho Reyes from Mexico, lime juice, and black pepper syrup. His drink was smoky and spicy but the flavors were balanced and worked together well.
The drinks were 120 pesos (6 USD) each which is a bit pricey for Mexico. But we loved the intimate atmosphere, thoughtful décor, and upbeat music at this bar and felt that the drinks were priced appropriately.
Along with an extensive drink menu, Black Mamba 61 also offers tapas and food such as Brussel sprouts and Argentinian chorizo. The main plates include a mix of Greek food and some healthier options like grilled salmon and Quinoa special.
- Location: Black Mamba 61
- Hours: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm Monday to Saturday, 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Sunday
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5. Best Breakfast – Street Garden
Street Garden specializes in breakfast plates so it’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast before heading out to explore the town.
This café has a cozy outdoor patio situated in a small, quiet plaza. There are a few tables set under a large, perfectly manicured tree with upbeat music playing in the background. The kitchen is located right next to the patio in an open building so you can smell the delicious scents from the kitchen as you wait for your meal.
For the food, I ordered the mushroom omelet that comes with potatoes, a side salad, and toasted bread. The omelet was light and tasty, perfect after eating so many other heavy local foods. Joel tried the green Chilaquiles plate that was perfectly balanced and not too saucy. For drinks, I recommend the pineapple ginger & lemon juice – so refreshing and yummy!
Street Garden was also one of the best-priced restaurants during our visit with generous portions. We paid only $4 per plate and the check was less than $15 for two plates and breakfast drinks including coffee and juice.
- Location: Street Garden
- Website: Street-garden-restaurant.negocio.site
- Instagram: @streetgarden_gto
- Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, closed on Wednesdays
6. Best Lounge – La Notaría Terraza Bar
On a hot day, nothing is better for cooling off than a refreshing drink on a rooftop terrace! This rooftop bar is located near the historic center on top of La Notaría Hotel Boutique and offers multiple levels of outdoor patio seating.
You can grab a seat at the bar or in the lounge area towards the back. We found a shaded table within the lounge area that felt like its own private hub enclosed from the rest of the space.
For drinks, I loved the Rosemary Hill cocktail which comes with champagne, vodka, lime juice, and rosemary honey with Jupiter – so delicious! While some rooftop bars only serve drinks, La Notaría Terraza Bar also has a great food menu.
For lighter fare, they offer plenty of delicious starters to choose from. Our favorites were the ceviche and the bruschetta which comes with toasted bread, blue cheese, prosciutto, shrimp, and grilled veggies. If you’re looking for something more filling, they serve heartier dishes as well including burgers, tacos, and pizza.
- Location: La Notaría Terraza Bar
- Menu: Lanotariarooftopterraza.wordpress.com/menu
- Instagram: @lanotariaterraza
- Hours: 1:30 pm – 11:00 pm Monday to Friday. 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm Saturday & Sunday
7. Best For Creative Dishes – Mestizo
Mestizo has it all – charming décor, great food, and friendly service. This is one of the highest-rated Guanajuato restaurants on Trip Advisor for its overall ambiance and menu. Mestizo has an authentic and lively décor that matches the colorful Guanajuato streets and alleyways.
This restaurant is best known for creative plates by Chef Javier Hernandez. A few standout plates include the Mestizo-style bone marrow and grilled octopus.
The bone marrow dish comes topped with salsa-like seasoning and tortillas on the side. They don’t skimp out on it – this is the most bone marrow we’ve ever been served in a restaurant! The bone marrow was so tender and simply melted in my mouth.
We also tried the grilled octopus plate. I was expecting a small appetizer but the octopus plate was served with grilled potatoes and veggies and is a full meal of its own.
- Location: Mestizo
- Menu: Facebook.com/MESTIZO
- Instagram: @mestizo_gto
- Hours: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm Tuesday to Saturday, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday, closed on Mondays
8. Best Courtyard – Las Vieyras Restaurante
With a charming historic patio, beautiful decor, and relaxing ambiance, Las Vieyras Restaurante is a great breakfast spot for couples on a romantic getaway. Las Vieyras Restaurante combines the best of a laid-back atmosphere and excellent food.
For drinks, I got the Latte which was one of the best I’ve had in town. For food, I went with the granola fruit bowl that came with fresh locally sourced fruit, yogurt, honey, and granola. After eating so many hearty, meat-based dishes it was great finding a place that serves lighter options!
Joel was in the mood for something opposite so he ordered the Chilaquiles with smoked meat and eggs on top for protein.
This restaurant is located within the historic Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique so you will need to pass through their lobby to get there.
- Location: Las Vieyras Restaurante
- Instagram: @lasvieyrasrestaurante
- Hours: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 10 pm Wednesday to Monday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on Tuesday
9. Best Rooftop Bar With Views – Hotel Fusion Antigua Trece
If you get to visit the Antigua Trece Hotel Fusión rooftop terrace, you won’t regret it! This is a relaxing rooftop bar that is part of the Antigua Trece hotel. This was one of my favorite Guanajuato rooftop terraces, especially for the panoramic views that it offers from up top!
The outdoor patio is very spacious and features plush lounge chairs and comfortable furnishings. With an extensive drink menu, the Antigua Trece rooftop bar is a great spot to come and relax in between sightseeing.
The drinks at Antigua Trece bar are a bit pricey costing 180 per cocktail (around 9 USD). These prices are comparable to the US, but Antigua Trece is one of the best bars and hotels that we visited in the historic zone!
- Location: Hotel Fusion Antigua Trece
- Instagram: @antiguatrece
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10. Best Coffee Shop – Café Conquistador
If you are a coffee lover, Café Conquistador is one of the best coffee shops in Guanajuato’s historic zone. There are plenty of coffee drinks on their menu to choose from including Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, and Espresso.
The coffee shop itself is very small. With only a few tables available for guests, this is more of a “grab-and-go” type of coffee shop where you can get your caffeine fix before heading out to explore the town.
The interior of Café Conquistador is very interesting and eclectic with money bills entirely covering its walls. Not a big coffee drinker? Try the chai tea – so delicious!
- Location: Café Conquistador
- Instagram: @cafeconquistador.mx
- Hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm on Sundays
11. Best For Cheap Eats – Mercado Hidalgo
If you’re looking for something quick & cheap to eat in the Historic Center, the Mercado Hidalgo is the largest market in the city known for casual food stands. While you’re at the market, you can also browse through various shops and get a few souvenirs to bring back home.
Mercado Hidalgo is located indoors and consists of two floors. The bottom floor has stands that mostly sell food, meats, fruits, and veggies. The second floor is dedicated to touristy gift items such as clothing, purses, magnets, keychains, ceramics, and more.
At this market, you can find stalls selling a variety of authentic Mexican dishes from shrimp cocktails, to ceviche, Menudo, carnitas, tacos and so much more!
- Location: Mercado Hidalgo
- Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
12. Best Dessert – Kurtosh
Kurtosh is a small dessert stand that sells delicious Hungarian ice cream treats served inside a bread cone. This stand is managed by a friendly Hungarian man who has a passion for creative desserts.
You can choose between traditional, premium, or savory bread treats. We went with the premium Strawberry dessert that comes with ice cream, cream cheese, strawberries, syrup, and a freshly made bread cone doused in sprinkles. The bread is hand-made and baked fresh right there on the spot so it takes a few minutes, but is well worth it!
- Location: Kurtosh
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Friday to Monday
- Instagram: @kurtoshpanartesanal
13. Best Tacos – Taquería Chela & Chuchita Sucursal Alonso
You may pass this small, unassuming eatery without giving it a second look, but their tacos are some of the best we’ve had!
Tacos y Huaraches La Peque is a great choice for cheap and casual food. This is a small joint that serves mouthwatering tacos that puts a twist on your typical tacos. This restaurant is a step up from street tacos, but still at very affordable prices (one taco costs less than 1 USD).
The menu consists of a few types of meats made in various combinations. I tried the tacos but my husband ordered the Chuchita which is a quesadilla stuffed with cheese and grilled onions. From meat choices, my favorite was the Cerdo – Tocineta which tasted just like pork belly!
Along with your order, you will be served a variety of fresh sauces from the mild green sauce to a super spicy red sauce. The tacos are made by the cook right there in front of you. If you’re still hungry, you can keep ordering until you’re stuffed and pay at the end.
- Location: Taquería Chela & Chuchita Sucursal Alonso
- Hours: 10:00 am – 11:45 pm on Monday to Saturday, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Sunday
- Instagram: @chelaychuchita
14. Best Bar With a Pool – Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique
Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique has an open-air bar that blends beautifully with the surrounding trees creating an oasis in the midst of the busy downtown.
The attached outdoor pool area is decked out with plush lounge chairs that are separated from the rooftop bar. This rooftop terrace features the only infinity pool in Guanajuato, a refreshing treat for those staying at the hotel downstairs.
The Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique rooftop bar is a gorgeous place to come enjoy views of the city, especially at sunset.
- Location: Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique
- Instagram: @casadelrector
15. Best Street Tacos – Tacos Juan
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with street tacos! On our first night, we arrived in downtown Guanajuato at 11:00 pm, well past restaurant closing hours. A few locals pointed us towards the Tacos Juan food stand and it did not disappoint. For a quick midnight meal, it sure hit the spot!
Tacos Juan is a local spot where you can get tacos for just 1 USD. I ordered the steak tacos while Joel tried the chorizo and pastor tacos. If you want to try something different, they also sell quesadillas and a “volcano”. The tacos are made within a few minutes and after getting the order you can add a few toppings like salsa, onion, and cilantro.
Location: Tacos Juan
Where To Stay In Guanajuato
From sophisticated stays in historic buildings that date back hundreds of years to contemporary and modern lounging, there is a fabulous place to stay in Guanajuato for everyone! Most visitors choose to book a hotel in the historic zone where all the top attractions are within a walking distance.
Here are some of the best hotels to stay in downtown Guanajuato:
- Casa del Rector Hotel Boutique. This boutique hotel offers visitors a classy stay in the Old Town not far from the city’s historic attractions. Onsite amenities include a cozy courtyard restaurant, rooftop bar, infinity pool, and a coffee shop.
- 1850 Hotel Boutique. This elegant boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city next to the Unión Garden. Each room features unique decorations in classic, French and contemporary styles. Starbucks is conveniently located next door for those who need to get their daily caffeine dose before heading out into the town. This hotel also features a trendy rooftop bar with some of the best views in the city!
- El Viejo Zaguan by Lunian. This hotel is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of the busy city center. The Old Zaguan is a great option for budget travelers or those seeking a smaller, laid-back hotel. Grab a morning cup of coffee at the onsite coffee shop or from the complimentary coffee stand in the lobby. Top-rated restaurants such as Mestizo and La Table de Andree are located nearby.
Read More: 12 Best Hotels In Guanajuato For An Incredible Travel Experience
Can’t get enough of Mexico travel inspiration? Be sure to check out some of our other popular Mexico travel posts below:
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- 10 Hotels In Bacalar, Mexico For a Perfect Tropical Escape
- 11 Best Hotels In Tulum, Mexico For A Relaxing Getaway
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