Foodies, prepare your palates for an exciting culinary journey to the heart of Jalisco! If your next adventure brings you to the vibrant city of Guadalajara, a true flavor festival awaits! Forget those run-of-the-mill tacos; Guadalajara’s gastronomy is a passionate embrace of tradition, coupled with an exciting drive to innovate using the finest local ingredients. So, where should your eager taste buds land for a truly authentic gastronomic immersion? Here’s a curated list of some of the best Guadalajara restaurants, handpicked by Air Transat.
Classic dishes to eat in Guadalajara
- Birria: A spicy and slowly simmered meat stew (goat, beef, or sometimes lamb), often served in its flavorful broth with onions, cilantro, and tortillas.
- Tortas ahogadas: Hearty sandwiches made with crusty birote bread, filled with carnitas-style pork, and drowned in a spicy tomato sauce.
- Carne en su jugo: Literally translated as “meat in its juice,” it’s a substantial soup of thinly sliced beef cooked in a savory broth with beans and bacon. Often garnished with onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Rosca de Reyes: A crown-shaped holiday brioche dessert served in December and January.
- Tejuino: A refreshing and traditional drink made from fermented corn, often mixed with piloncillo (cane sugar) and a touch of lime juice. Perfect for quenching thirst on a hot day!
- Jericalla: A creamy and delicate dessert, often compared to crème brûlée, made with milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, with a slightly burnt surface.
Top restaurants in Centro Guadalajara
La Docena
Craving coastal vibes in the capital of Jalisco? La Docena is your answer! A vibrant fusion where the freshness of the sea meets the zest of Mexico, with oysters getting a spicy kick and grilled dishes bursting with unexpected flavors. It’s lively, it’s delicious, and it’s definitely not your average seafood joint!
Hueso
Enter a surreal realm where art and gastronomy converge. Prepare for bold cuisine — the seasonal tasting menu is essential — that reinvents classics with a stroke of genius. The immaculate setting is defined by striking large communal tables, encouraging shared dining experiences, and whimsical details. Its name, “Bone,” hints at the unexpected within…
La Postrería
If you think you know dessert, think again! La Postrería is the best place in the city to see gourmet works of art worthy of the greatest restaurants come to life behind the open kitchen’s window. Jesús Escalera, the owner, was even named Latin America’s best pastry chef in 2018. You can take away or eat in, but the modern decor in itself is an invitation to linger and fully enjoy the food.
El Habanero Negro
Nestled on one of city’s prettiest streets under the canopy of a huge leafy tree, this very cool and trendy place lives up to its name… because everything is spicy here! The lovely all-green decor is very pleasant for recovering from the explosive sensations in your mouth. Excellent cocktail menu!
La Jericallería
For a straightforward taste of Guadalajara’s iconic dessert, this no-frills takeaway counter is the answer. Choose from three sizes, but why deny yourself the full-size enjoyment of this local sweet?
Karmele
Yes, to cultural immersion. Of course! But sometimes, all you need is an oat milk latte. At Karmele, you’ll find the traditional offerings of third-wave cafes in a bright and quite pleasant Mexi-Cali decor. Our favorite part The excellent pastries to boot!
Alcalde
Guadalajara native Francisco Ruano, often hailed as his generation’s finest Mexican chef, showcases culinary brilliance at Alcalde. Since 2013, tradition and innovation intertwine, highlighting seasonal local ingredients with contemporary refinement. For an exceptional experience, reserve the chef’s table for a tasting menu paired with exquisite Mexican wines and spirits. Simply divine!
El Gallo Altanero
Welcome to the most esteemed agave sanctuary in the city! Exceptional tequilas and mezcals await you, served with contagious passion. Specialists guide diners through the complex flavors and the soul of Jalisco in a cozy, and colorful setting.
Birrieria la Victoria
More than just a dish, the birria here is a local legend, its recipe meticulously maintained since 1948. Ordering is straightforward: select your portion size and cut of meat. Prepare for a deeply flavorful and unparalleled meat stew, served with grilled corn tortillas, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Taste a true piece of the city’s culinary history.
Leche de Tigre Cocina Urbana
Craving a vibrant Peruvian detour during your Mexican escape? On the edge of Santa Teresita, discover this colorful urban kitchen. Leche de Tigre offers zesty ceviche in a lively atmosphere brimming with music and contagious good vibes. A refreshing and flavorful interlude!
Xokol
Prepare for a culinary revelation in the city’s Santa Teresita neighborhood! Xokol, meaning “black corn” in Nahuatl, is the innovative kitchen of chefs Xrysw Ruelas Díaz and Óscar Segundo. They artfully showcase the richness and diversity of this sacred grain in dishes deeply rooted in Mexican culture, drawing particular inspiration from pre-Hispanic indigenous practices.
Tikuun Comedor Local
For an authentic taste of Mexican family cooking, Tikuun stands out. Each dish is crafted with care using the freshest market finds, offering a heartwarming and flavorful journey into Jalisco’s culinary heritage.
La Tequila Cocina de México
Savor traditional Mexican food with a distinctive New York City flair at La Tequila Cocina de México. Their renowned tortas ahogadas are a must-try, highlighting the quality of local ingredients in a charming and attentively serviced setting.
Allium
Experience the vibrant freshness of Jalisco directly on your plate at Allium. This inventive restaurant stars local, seasonal ingredients, many sourced from their own rooftop garden, resulting in an explosion of pure, authentic flavors.
El Sacromonte
Immerse yourself in a culinary legacy spanning four generations at El Sacromonte. Here, the rich flavors of Jalisco are masterfully combined with refined techniques, creating a truly memorable dining experience within a classic colonial setting.
Caligari
A delightful hybrid of espresso bar, wine shop and taqueria, this Santa Teresita gem defies easy categorization. Appreciate its mid-century charm while indulging in small, traditional dishes like chilaquiles and jericalla, alongside incredibly refreshing iced lattes – perfect any time of day.
PalReal
For a post-mezcal night revival, PalReal is a great spot that hits all the right notes. Expect a selection of genuinely appetizing and comforting dishes in a welcoming, tropical atmosphere filled with local diners. It’s the kind of place where you simply can’t go wrong!
Casa Luna
Step into the festive ambiance of a traditional Mexican hacienda at Casa Luna, located in charming Tlaquepaque. Enjoy warm hospitality, live music, and authentic Jalisco cuisine. Their tortas ahogadas are a definite highlight.
Octo
Recipient of the prestigious Prix Versailles, Octo stands out as a must-visit fine dining experience in Guadalajara. Here, the intricate decor is meticulously crafted, revealing new details with every glance. The menu celebrates the sea, perfectly complemented by the mixologist’s expertly balanced flavors. It’s a truly sensory indulgence, a once-in-a-lifetime treat.
Bruna
We appreciate the view of the gardens at this modern and original restaurant. Our tip? Get the traditional holiday cake, the rosca de Reyes, available in December and January.
Tacos de Barbacoa Arturo (Los de Antaño)
It would be unthinkable to go to Mexico without eating 1 or 2 (or 12) tacos! So we happily settle down at this unpretentious taqueria in the historic center which offers diners several regional specialties (considered by many to be among the best in the city), including peinecillo, carnaza, and of course, al pastor — all topped with spicy red salsa. Beautiful, good, and inexpensive. We love it!
Yunaites Menjurjes Pueblerinos
Yunaites is located in the Mercado IV Centenario and offers authentic Mexican cuisine at affordable prices in a friendly atmosphere, thanks to the spacious shared tables. The specialty? Encotijadas, tacos with mushrooms and cotija cheese, as well as foods doused in the famous mole sauce.
Farmacia Rita Pérez
In the heart of the laid-back Colonia Americana neighborhood, favored by Guadalajara’s expat community, Farmacia Rita Pérez is a trendy bar halfway between a traditional cantina-style tavern and a cocktail bar. The majority of spirits are from small independent brands in the nearby town of Tequila, famed for its agave fields, and the drinks are inspired by the many formerly medicinal herbs of Jalisco. At the sun sets, the jukebox lights up and sets the tone for the evening. No wonder it’s one of the tapatíos‘ favorite spots!
