San Miguel still has a flourishing restaurant scene, even in these tough economic times for Mexico. New notables for 2011 are:
– Casa Allende, Calle San Francisco #25; Tel: 152-1860
Celebrity chef Eduardo Osuna (who formerly worked at some of the best restaurants in Mexico City) has opened his fine, contemporary Mexican “alta cocina” restaurant to rave reviews. Appetizers are especially tasty: duck carnitas tacos, gorditas stuffed with fresh crabmeat and smoked marlin carpacchio. Some main dishes include a thick ahi tuna steak sauteed in a tequila cream sauce, mahi mahi steamed with vegetables and herbs in a parchment package, and poblano chiles filled with marinated squid and octopus. All served in three intimate dining rooms, or sit at the grand old bar. Website: http://www.casaallende.com.mx/
– Cumpanio, Calle Correo #29; Tel: 152-2327
This chic new dining room cum bakery to the side (hence the name) is run by the same chef who excels at the Dos Casas B&B restaurant. Eclectic selection of salads, fish dishes and meats, all accompanied by the wonderful bakery breads. Website features both bakery and restaurant photos at: http://cumpanio.com/
– Cafe Firenze, Salida a Celaya #3 (opposite the Longhorn); Tel: 121-0763
Charming, casual Italian fare dished up in the streetside dining patio or upstairs in the breezy dining room with open arched windows. Friendly talented chef/owners are Antonio and Gerardo. Order the melt-in-your-mouth braised ribs or delicate homemade raviolis. No wine list, but OK to bring your own (but be discreet about it – in a bag). Open 12 pm to 4 pm for lunch/comida and from 5:30 – 9:30 pm for dinner. Closed Mondays.
– Hotel Matilda Restaurant, Calle Aldama #53 (former site of the venerable, now gone Villa Jacaranda Hotel); Tel: 152 1015
Very chic, contemporary boutique hotel features a fine dining establishment. Menu items include: foie gras three ways; smoked duck breast, red mole rack of lamb, truffled asparagus; daily steak selections, plus a separate bar snack menu with custom pizzas and salads. You can check menu specifics at: http://www.hotelmatilda.com/enter.html. Special events are the Sunday brunch and Thursday ladies night. Popular with the weekend Mexico City crowd.
– Café Rama (newly expanded and reopening in June 2011), Calle Nemesio Diez #7 (street also is known as Calle Nueva or Paseo del Parque!), Tel: 154-9655
Gourmet café fare…but the real treat is Chef Jason’s special Friday night dinners, by reservation only, with a prix fixe of 400 pesos and a set tasting menu that changes each week, depending on what’s fresh and in season. One recent menu: oysters with truffle emulsion; an apple and mushroom salad; tilapia on spinach; pork with an amazing sauce; and your choice of chocolate crepes or a stunning carrot ginger cake. Another Friday night menu: Thai-style tuna carpacchio; prawns with fresh green curry and pineapple/coconut fried rice; rare beef salad with chayote/ginger/garlic; hot and sour seafood soup; dessert choice of warm coconut pudding with frozen lime parfait or chili-infused chocolate tarte. Regular café hours (with a la carte menu) from 8am to 6 pm on Tues – Sat. Friday night dinners begin at 8 pm. You can check out the changing menus online at: http://www.cafe-rama.com/
– 1826 Restaurant at the Rosewood San Miguel Hotel, Calle Nemesio Diez #11; Tel: 152-9700
Open from 12 noon daily and into the evenings, the main dining room of the new Rosewood San Miguel features a Wednesday “enchilada night,” a Thursday “BBQ night”, plus tequila tastings on Fridays, as well as a Sunday brunch. You also should visit the rooftop Luna Tapas Bar, open daily from 4 pm, with hands-down the best view of the San Miguel panorama, especially at sunset. It’s also possible to arrange for a private dinner in the wine cellar with a menu of your choosing – perfect for celebrating a special event. Check out the Rosewood dining website at: http://www.rosewoodsanmiguel.com/en/dining.cfm
– Mio Frio, Calle Mesones #66 (at the corner with Calle Hidalgo); Tel: 153 8639
Great new fat-free frozen yogurt shop, run by the same talented folks who own/operate the OKO Noodle Bar. Located in Centro, so good for picking up a frozen treat to go as you walk around town. Lots of flavors, plus a full array of toppings.
– Burrimania, Ancha de San Antonio # 2-A; Tel: 154-4141
Casual burrito and taco place, with fresh, local organic ingredients “California-style”. Great prices: 35 pesos for a regular burrito (variety of fillings, but love the pulled chicken); 45 pesos for a burrote (big size!); 40 pesos for a naked burrote (without tortilla); 35 pesos for an order of tacos – crunchy or soft; 45 pesos for side salads (rajas with chicken, nopales, jicama). Newly-wed owners Roberto and Antonieta dish up their large plates Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 pm during May and June 2011. After July 1st, they will be open on Sundays as well with expanded hours from 11 am to 11 pm. Delivery possible to houses located within Centro, Guadiana, La Aldea and the first few blocks of San Antonio across from the Instituto.