From Puerto Vallarta to Mérida: My Real Experience with the Best Restaurants in Mexico
This post may contain external affiliate links. We earn a small commission if you purchase something through any of these links. If you want to support this blog, do not hesitate to click on it (you will have the same price as using other channels).
Pick your Language but sorry if in this case, the translation is not perfect!
A Humble and Personal Guide to What I Consider the Best Restaurants in Mexico from My 4-Month Journey
Let’s be honest, nowadays everything is about rankings: the best at this, the number one at that, and social media doesn’t help. Everyone is capable of creating a list, often without much knowledge on the topic and sometimes with a financial interest behind it.
I’m not saying everything is false or wrong, but it’s true that especially on social media, content is often recycled (the small fish copies the big one), or restaurant owners, aware of the power this type of content holds, invest more in marketing than in the quality of their food or service.
So after this little speech, you might ask yourself, why should I consider this pseudo-ranking you created about the best restaurants in Mexico and not some other list?
Simply because these are not the best restaurants in Mexico, but the best restaurants I personally ate at during my four-month trip. It’s my humble list of places where, in my opinion, things are done the right way.
As you can imagine, I ate a lot (a lot) in Mexico, so putting together this list was no easy task. But I hope you enjoy it…
If you want to know more about food in Mexico, I’ve written several other posts. Click here to check out the best burgers or the best tacos around. Of course, always and only according to my own taste.
PUERTO VALLARTA: BIRRIERÍA EL ROBLE
Let’s start with this iconic restaurant in the beautiful and touristy Puerto Vallarta.
Birria is a traditional dish from the Jalisco region (which also includes this town) and consists of a spiced stew made with shredded goat meat or, nowadays, also beef. It’s one of the signature dishes of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco. Still, at Birriería El Roble, I had the best birria of my entire trip.
SAN JUAN TEOTIHUACÁN (MEXICO CITY): LA GRUTA
Thinking about it deeply, I had never eaten in a place like this before, and I’m sure that if my chef friend hadn’t brought me here, I would’ve skipped it entirely. Restaurants that look this theatrical are often classic tourist traps with mediocre or low-quality food.
However, La Gruta, located just outside the Teotihuacán pyramids, was a pleasant surprise. Not only because of the setting (as the name suggests, it’s inside a cave), but also because the food was well-prepared and well-seasoned. We tried a bit of everything, and despite how crowded it was, everything tasted great and was made with care.
My chef friend explained that the owners have been focusing on quality ingredients for a while now, not just with proteins but also with vegetables, and that they have several gardens supplying the restaurant.
If you’re visiting the incredible pyramids near Mexico City, don’t miss this spot.
Tip: Book ahead, as it’s nearly always full.
MEXICO CITY: TAQUERÍA EL CALIFA DE LEÓN
Mexico City could easily deserve its own guide or probably even an encyclopedia. During my week-long stay in the city, I had two main culinary goals: to try some of the best burgers in town (here’s the article) and to sample the best street food CDMX has to offer.
This left little room for restaurants (I promise I ate a ton!). haha). That said, if I had to recommend one place, it would be Taquería El Califa de León. It’s not exactly a full restaurant, as there’s no formal seating (though they currently offer a few small tables nearby). Still, the renowned Michelin Guide awarded it a one Michelin star.
The meat tacos are delicious. The rib and pork chop tacos were my favorites. The meat was incredibly tender, the tortillas freshly made, and the salsas packed with flavor (and heat).
I won’t go into detail about why places like this deserve a Michelin star, regardless of the good food they serve, while others don’t, even if they meet all the criteria for inclusion on this list (and I have a theory about that). However, if you’re in Mexico City, this taquería is definitely worth a visit.
Grab your new travel sticker below and let the adventure begin!
PUEBLA: JACINTO Y YO
Puebla is a city with an incredible food scene, and from my personal experience, it’s one of the best in the country. Jacinto y Yo is definitely one of the crown jewels that deserves more visibility.
This restaurant is run by a young, highly skilled team who prepare traditional Pueblan dishes with a modern twist. The results are not only beautiful to look at but technically flawless.
We tried several dishes, and it’s hard to say which was the best. I still dream about the layers of flavor in their chicken mole, something I could happily eat every day.
Although I’ve noticed this spot already appears on some of the country’s most popular gourmet lists, I’m confident it will be talked about even more in the near future. If you find yourself in Puebla, this restaurant absolutely deserves a visit.
PUEBLA: MAÍZ CRIOLLO
As I mentioned earlier, Puebla really surprised me in a good way with its cuisine, and another example of that was Maíz Criollo. As you can guess from the name, this place revolves around Mexico’s most important ingredient: corn.
They offer modern Mexican cuisine, and all the dishes we tried were excellently prepared. They honor tradition while adding a modern twist that elevates the experience, both visually and gastronomically.
This is where I tasted chicatana ants for the first time (if you don’t know what those are, here’s an article). Not only are they exotic from my perspective, but they’re also delicious.
If you would like to explore the richness of Mexican cuisine through the lens of high-quality maize and innovative cooking, this restaurant is a must during your stay in Puebla.
Our Tip: Wise is a great card when you are travelling to a country with a different currency than yours like Mexico. We use this online bank during our trips and we never had problems, even in remote places around the world.
OAXACA DE JUÁREZ: LEVADURA DE OLLA
Oaxaca is considered by many to be the best state in Mexico for food. Maybe it’s because of its deep-rooted history, the excellent native ingredients found and produced here, or its varied geography that includes many ecosystems. Whatever the reason, I ate incredibly well in Oaxaca de Juárez.
The best example of modernized local cuisine and the best restaurant I dined at was, undoubtedly, Levadura de Olla, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Traditional flavors and dishes are cooked using modern techniques, plated beautifully, and presented with top-tier ingredients in a charming interior courtyard.
Everything I’ve just described is Levadura de Olla. It’s a unique culinary experience I highly recommend if you’re in Oaxaca. It’s not just a way to understand Oaxacan cuisine but simply a great place to eat.
P.S. Be sure to book a table in advance.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO: BELLO PUERTO
Puerto Escondido is a beautiful and laid-back coastal town, also located in the state of Oaxaca. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days exploring the Oaxacan coast and its culinary offerings.
It was here, at the restaurant Bello Puerto, that I experienced a beautiful blend of ocean flavors and local ingredients. I discovered this spot by chance while browsing online, and honestly, I loved it.
Not only were their seafood dishes excellent, but I was also impressed by the young, talented team working there, full of character and passion. There are many seafood places in Puerto Escondido, but if you want to trust my personal foodie instincts, give this one a chance. I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised too.
SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS: COMAL, COCINA DE BARRIO
San Cristóbal de las Casas, although not the capital of the state of Chiapas, is probably the most visited by both local and international tourists. People come here to enjoy the natural beauty of the state, its rich history, and of course, its gastronomy.
Naturally, being a touristy city, it offers a wide range of culinary options, a bit of everything, though not all of it is great. Still, if I had to recommend just one place for a wonderful dinner experience, it would definitely be Comal, Cocina de Barrio.
Heads up: it’s not a restaurant in the traditional sense. It’s more like a patio. They don’t have many dishes because everything is cooked on a single comal (as the name suggests), and it’s not located in the center, but rather on the edge of the Guadalupe neighborhood.
That said, it’s the best food I had in San Cristóbal, and you absolutely need to try their comal-cooked dishes, made with care, love, and intention.
Check the opening hours ahead of time; they’re usually open only for dinner. Enjoy the comal magic.
TULUM: WANG TULUM
Now we’re stepping outside the box. This is not a Mexican restaurant; it’s Chinese food.
And it’s not a full restaurant, more like a small window from which food is served.
There’s no fancy plating; your food comes in metal containers (yes, you read that right).
Still, it deserves a spot on this list because the flavors are incredible and unforgettable.
You have no idea how addictive their Biang Biang beef noodles are: rich in umami, spicy, tangy, chewy, and simply delicious. If I had to sum it up in one word: exceptional. I could eat bowl after bowl without stopping.
Like I said, it’s not a formal restaurant. You order your food from a small window, sit on one of the tiny stools or sofas in a courtyard facing the street, and wait patiently while the chefs prepare your noodles or other dishes.
Despite the wait and the casual setup, this is a place you can’t miss. Tulum is lucky to have it.
CAMPECHE: LA MARÍA COCINA PENINSULAR
Campeche is a very beautiful city that, surprisingly, still sees relatively little tourist traffic. Maybe that’s actually a good thing for the locals.
Its cuisine, very similar to that of Yucatán, is full of flavor, nuance, and spices. It’s a true celebration for someone who loves good food, like me.
During my stay, I ate at several different places, from street stalls to full-on seafood restaurants.
Still, the one that stood out the most was La María Cocina Peninsular.
Typical Campeche cuisine with a modern touch, but with all the flavor and heart of the classic homemade meals that mothers and grandmothers used to prepare with so much love.
The team was very well trained, and along with the chef, the servers were incredibly kind. Friendly, down-to-earth people who even recommended other great places to eat.
Even so, the best of Campeche is undoubtedly this restaurant. Whatever you eat here, you’re going to have a great time.
MÉRIDA: PANCHO MAÍZ
Pancho Maíz is living proof that when you use quality local ingredients and cook with love, everything turns out great.
In this restaurant, every dish revolves around maíz criollo (native corn) from the Yucatán Peninsula. I can assure you that every single plate is delicious and thoughtfully made.
The space is simple: it’s an old Mérida house, looking much like thousands of others in the center. But it’s inside where the magic happens.
The restaurant is open only in the morning, focusing on breakfast and traditional Mexican antojitos. And everything is incredible.
From the cactus salad to the hibiscus tostadas, and then the gorditas, quesadillas, and chatas.
If you have room, save a little space for dessert and order a cocktail. You’ll have a great time.
I found myself wishing for a Pancho Maíz in the city where I live for those days when a craving for great Mexican food hits.
I’ve been here several times and always left satisfied and smiling. I hope you do too.
MÉRIDA: MICAELA
Before going to this place and just reading the reviews, I thought it was the typical tourist trap restaurant, all show and no substance.
Instead, I found a place where not only is the food great, but it was probably the restaurant where I was served and treated the best in all of Mexico. And with that, I promise to trust a little more next time.
The food was delicious, well seasoned, and beautifully presented. The grilled octopus, in this case, was definitely the winner.
Still, it was the warmth and friendliness of the professional staff that made me add this place to my list.
To end the meal, we ordered a cocoa dessert that took me back to my childhood. The flavors reminded me of a treat I used to eat as a kid on the other side of the world, and that added a bit of magic to the moment.
If you’re looking for a great spot for a lovely evening in Mérida, Micaela is the right place.
SUMMARY LIST
| City | Restaurant | What to Expect | Price (USD / MXN) | Opening Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Vallarta | Birriería El Roble | Spiced goat or beef birria in a rich broth; tiny local favorite. | $4 – 8 / 70 – 140 MXN | 06:00 – 13:00 (or till sold out) |
| Teotihuacán | La Gruta | Cave restaurant near the pyramids serving regional classics. | $15 – 30 / 255 – 510 MXN | 11:00 – 18:00 |
| Mexico City | Taquería El Califa de León | Michelin-starred stand for wood-grilled beef tacos. | $3 – 5 / 50 – 85 MXN per taco | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Puebla | Jacinto y Yo | Pueblan classics re-imagined by a young kitchen in a rustic patio. | $10 – 20 / 170 – 340 MXN | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Puebla | Maíz Criollo | Modern Mexican menu celebrating native criollo corn. | $25 – 40 / 425 – 680 MXN | 18:00 – 22:00 |
| Oaxaca de Juárez | Levadura de Olla | Michelin-star tasting menu marrying Zapotec flavors and technique. | $60 tasting / 1 020 MXN | 13:00 – 22:00 |
| Puerto Escondido | Bello Puerto | Beach-casual seafood kitchen run by a young local crew. | $10 – 20 / 170 – 340 MXN | 13:00 – 22:00 |
| San Cristóbal | Comal, Cocina de Barrio | Back-yard patio cooking heritage-corn dishes on a single comal. | $5 – 10 / 85 – 170 MXN | 18:00 – 22:00 |
| Tulum | Wang Tulum | Window-service Chinese hand-pulled noodles; cult favorite. | $8 – 12 / 136 – 204 MXN | 12:00 – 22:00 |
| Campeche | La María Cocina Peninsular | Modern Campeche home-style dishes in an airy colonial house. | $12 – 25 / 204 – 425 MXN | 12:00 – 22:00 (closed Tue) |
| Mérida | Pancho Maíz | Morning corn-focused kitchen in a restored Mérida home. | $6 – 12 / 102 – 204 MXN | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| Mérida | Micaela Mar & Leña | Seafood and grill with standout service and Yucatecan flavors. | $20 – 40 / 340 – 680 MXN | 13:00 – 22:00 |
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT BEST RESTAURANTS IN MEXICO
Above, I’ve shared my personal list of the best restaurants in Mexico that, in my experience, are worth visiting.
Mexico is a big country, and in such a vast place, it’s hard to make a precise ranking. This was just my experience, but I hope it helps if you ever find yourself unsure about what to eat in any of these Mexican destinations.
Now let me ask you something. Do you know any restaurant I should try on my next visit to Mexico?
Have you already been to any of the places I mentioned?
I’d love to hear from you. Write to me here in the comments or on any of my other channels. I’m always happy to chat about food with fellow lovers of good eating.
Alright, that’s all for now. I hope to see you again soon here on the blog.
A big hug from me and Mika, the funfoodtravelling team.
Our tip: When we travel we always make sure to have travel insurance. Our personal recommendation is Truetraveller as they have great support and health coverage around the world. And don’t worry if you forget about it, you can purchase the insurance during your trip!
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE and Travel with us!
Continue to read our most RELATED posts:
Other languages to read our blog
We apologize again if this automatic translation does not always translate perfectly, please love us anyway, a big hug 🙂
