Al fresco diners enjoy the lovely gardens at the Nirvana Restaurant/Retreat near Atotonilco.
Visitors who want a sense of the lovely countryside around San Miguel often combine a country outing with a Sunday brunch or weekend comida at a “destination” restaurant. Some of our favorite places for dining in the country are:
Patsy’s Place… At a rancho north of town, off the road to Dolores Hidalgo. Turn right just opposite the Atotonilco Pemex station and follow the signs through a small village and across alfalfa fields and a cattle ranch to end up at Patsy’s Place, also known as Rancho Las Hadas Madrinas (Rancho of the Fairy Godmothers). Local caterer and event planner Patsy DuBois opens her wonderful country kitchen and dining terrace to weekend visitors for a special prix-fixe brunch. Reservations are a must. Tel: 185-2151. You also can make arrangements with Patsy for private cooking classes at her rancho.
Ristaurante da Andrea at Hacienda Landeta… East of town on the Carretera a Dr. Mora at Km. 2.5. On the grounds of an old hacienda, Italian restauranteur Andrea runs arguably one of the best restaurants in the area, with lunch and dinner available Thurs – Sun. His homemade raviolis are to die for, and the seasonal menu of grilled meats and fish is recited by the waiters tableside, since there are no printed menus. You simply order what is fresh that day. Reservations needed to secure an outside table. Tel: 120-3481.
Nirvana Restaurant/Retreat… Inside Rancho Las Palmas, near La Gruta and El Cortijo north of town off the road to Dolores. The adobe structures and lovely grounds of a private rancho have been turned into the new (as of April 2010) locale of Nirvana Restaurant, long a favorite dining spot in town for Mexican fusion cuisine, which has now moved to the country. Plans include adding several guest rooms and a spa to transform the rancho into a true nirvana retreat. Call ahead to check which days it’s open (variable). Tel: 185-2194.
The Bistro at Los Senderos… Part of the Los Senderos development just 2.5 km north of town but entered off the Libramiento, which includes a winery, an equestrian center, residential areas and lots of green space. The Bistro overlooks a bucolic setting from its open-air dining knoll alongside the restaurant’s organic garden. Open for lunch Wed – Sun and evenings by reservation. There’s also a weekend brunch and tapas menu in addition to contemporary seasonal offerings and grilled items. Tel: 155-9571 or 155-9594.
La Burger… A fun roadside café, about 7 km north of town on the road to Dolores before you get to La Gruta hotsprings. This casual open-air dining spot features a simple menu, superbly prepared, of grilled hamburgers and steaks over the large mesquite BBQ, with homemade parsley fries. Open Wed – Sat, 1 – 9 pm and Sun from 1 – 6 pm. Tel (cell only): 044-415-114-0073.