Krystal & Noah
Things To Do in SMA
Lavanda Café
Lavanda, a charming little cafe tucked away on Dr. Ignacio Hernández Macías street, is serious about coffee. Indeed, their coffee options take up twice the menu real estate as the food. Don’t miss your chance to try one of the infamous lavender-infused coffee creations. And while chilaquiles can be found on most menus around town, Lavanda has some of the best—crunchy tortilla chips atop black beans, smothered with salsa verde, cotija cheese and a perfectly cooked sunny-side up egg.
Ki'bok Coffee
What began in hip Tulum has made its way to San Miguel de Allende, thanks to owners (and our friends) James and Veronica Chippendale. The beans are 100% Arabic, grown by a co-op of organic farmers in Veracruz. The preparation is elite—the manager Joel honed his skills serving discriminating Italian customers in the original location. The atmosphere is relaxed boho chic. Don’t miss the double Americano with hand-mixed chocolate (a heavenly blend of cacao and fragrant spices like cinnamon); the poached egg in a ham cup served on a bed of vegetables and quinoa, topped with hollandaise; the halved avocado stuffed and baked with eggs and manchego cheese; and a selection of locally-made pastries.
Dôce 18 Concept House
The Dôce-18 Concept House is a ritzy collection of eateries and boutiques, including a coffee bar, chocolatier, florist, library, art gallery and more—all under one roof. Though most of the treasures found here are on the pricier side for San Miguel de Allende, head toward the back of the building and check out Taco Lab or squeeze in for a tequila tasting at Casa Dragones.
Tequila Tasting at Casa Dragones
Casa Dragones is the small batch 100% blue agave sipping tequila with a cult following that has landed on Oprah’s annual king-making list of “Favorite Things” for six consecutive years. Book ahead to schedule a tasting. A bit of a splurge.
Taco Lab
Taco Lab was started by California chefs Joe Hargrave and Donnie Masterton. 135 pesos will get you 3 tacos. Don’t miss the charred octopus (pulpo) with avocado, fresh lime and cilantro on a hand-pressed corn tortilla.
La Mezcalería
Everything on the menu at La Mezcaleria is incredible. The restaurant was born out of owners (and our friends) Monica and Alexander’s passion for cooking and entertaining for their friends and family. The short yet highly curated menu is filled with unique and inspired Mexican dishes. The quality is impeccable. The flavors are bold. After landing from your 3-part flight of the house mezcal—served with fresh orange slices and chile salt—work your way through the menu. Don’t miss the arugula salad with grilled pear and goat cheese; fresh tuna tartare with thinly sliced red onion, black and green olives and habanero chiles; grilled jumbo prawns with roasted cherry tomatoes and rosemary; coffee and dry herb crusted beef with grilled guava; the platter of grilled zucchini, pickled beets and roasted sweet potatoes; and the vanilla panna cotta and fresh berries drizzled with local honey.
Don Taco Tequila
*NOW VEGAN* The very first restaurant we ate at on our first trip to SMA. We loved it so much we went back a second time. The hand-shaken margaritas are frothy and fresh. The house salsas (four of them) are addictive. Our sources tell us the restaurant has since gone vegan -- some say for the better, others disagree.
La Parada
An authentic taste of Peru in San Miguel de Allende. A variety of fruit and spice infused pisco sours? Check. Assortment of interesting ceviches? Check. But don’t miss the hidden gems on the menu, including the incredibly fresh salad of chopped tomatoes, peas, lima beans, sun dried tomatoes, sweet corn, queso fresco and a light drizzle of pesto; and the Que tal lomo, a masterfully prepared fillet of beef sautéed with onions and tomatoes, served with sweet corn jasmine rice and crispy smashed gold Peruvian potatoes.
Andy's Tacos (Street Cart Nightly)
For a transcendental taco experience, Andy’s is the real deal. When the lines are five deep, you know you’ve found the best taco on the streets of San Miguel. Written up in the Wall Street Journal, his savory al pastor is legendary; pork marinated in dried chilies, spices and pineapple, then slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie, fried, sliced and covered with a spicy, red chipotle salsa. Always a favorite of partygoers looking for the after-hours feast.
Nicasio Comedor Mexicano
Very high-quality food, most dishes priced under 120 pesos. An authentic, down home experience. The chef grows what he can on a small balcony just outside the back window.
BUENOS AIRES BISTRO
Our friend Lauren's husband, Mariano Alvarez, is the owner and chef. Handmade empanadas, grilled meats and vegetables accompanied by the house chimichurri and — in homage to Mexican cuisine — a smokey five-chile sauce that you can't resist drizzling over everything. Don't miss the golden crusted provoleta served in a cast-iron skillet with housemade sausage.
Jacinto 1930 (Inside Dôce-18 Concept House)
Fresh tortillas with incomparable flavors and texture. A menu that is made with the best ingredients of the region. The cocktails are some of the best in SMA.
Atrio Restaurant & Lounge
Fatima 7
Highly anticipated new restaurant from Donnie Masterton. Delicious Mediterranean mezze platters. Only question is whether it will be open by October (currently slated for end of September).
Marsala
Mediterranean cooking. Homemade pita bread with za'atar and tzatziki. Legendary caramel pudding. It’s no wonder the chef was on "Top Chef Mexico."
Áperi
Lauded as one of the best restaurant in SMA. On the pricier side. Great for vegetarians!
Inside Cafe
Quirky little coffee shop with rooftop seating and housemade kombucha.
San Agustín Chocolates & Churros
Freshly-made churros that are worth the wait. Don't miss the "filled" churro with cajeta (caramelized goat's milk, similar to dulce de leche).
Artesana at Rosewood Hotel
Top pastries in town. Don’t miss the chocolate cookie; it will be the best 15 pesos you ever spend.
Panio (3 Locations)
One of the best bakeries in Mexico. Some say they also have the best eggs Benedict (thinly sliced brioche topped with Canadian bacon, spinach, two poached eggs and the perfect amount of hollandaise sauce containing a small touch of vinegar). Many items on the menu are around 100 pesos.
Rooftop Bar at Casa No Name
The rooftop bar at Casa No Name is no longer SMA's best kept secret. Some of the best Margaritas in town.
QUINCE
Rooftop at sunset is where it's at. Beautiful views of the city. Creative cocktails.
El Tres
Nice cocktails, outdoor patio
Luna Tapas Bar (at Rosewood Hotel)
Great views, excellent tapas and drinks.
Vino + Tapas
Variety of interesting tapas. Wine parings are spot on. New rooftop patio. They even offer free rides home.
Mercado Sano
Gourmet food market open daily, with a farmer's market on Saturday mornings.
Mente Cacao Chocolate Shop
Artisan bean-to-bar chocolate.
The Spa
Massages, facials and more. Full hour massage starts at about $17 USD.
Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market)
Open daily. All the trinkets your heart desires.
La Calaca
Unique art, carvings, silver jewelry and textiles
Mixta
Funky boutique with lots of cool housewares, jewelry, clothing and more. This is where you buy tickets for Zandunga (600 pesos), but note that they are closed on Sunday. Open 10-5 Mon - Sat.
Art Gallery (Name Unknown)
Beautiful gallery with handcrafted rugs, pillows and macrame. Located below the first Airbnb we stayed at in San Miguel de Allende!
Casa R Concept Store
Nice boutique worth a pop in. I got one of my most beloved floppy hats here.
The Mayan Baths
Advance reservations required. Book ahead.