Just over two hours from Mexico City, Puebla de Zaragoza captivates with an irresistible blend of history, beauty, and flavor. Its cobblestone streets, lined with treasures of colonial Baroque architecture and crowned by one of Latin America’s most imposing cathedrals, invite leisurely exploration. Yet it is at the table where the city reveals one of its most memorable facets: a culinary tradition deeply rooted in convents, markets, and celebrations, now harmonizing with high-end contemporary creations.

Speaking specifically about its culinary scene, several of Puebla’s colonial convent kitchens were the birthplace, during the Colonial period and the 19th century, of some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and beverages, including chiles en nogada, cemitas, mole poblano, and the traditional rompope.

To help you start planning your next trip to the “City Planned by Angels”, here are four restaurants, celebrated on top culinary platforms, that should not be missed:

1. Restaurante Hook Black. Located right in front of Puebla’s Zócalo, this venue features a stunning terrace overlooking the Cathedral towers and offers a unique contemporary cuisine concept that blends national and international specialties with chef-driven creations. Don’t miss the Tomahawk, a premium beef cut cooked sous-vide and finished on the grill.

@HookBlackPuebla

2. Mochomos Puebla. This is a branch of the acclaimed Sonoran chef-driven project, where meat cuts are the specialty. In Puebla, it has quickly become a favorite among locals and travelers alike. The dish we recommend is the Rib Eye Mochomos.

@mochomospuebla

3. Áttico 303. A successful concept blending Mexican, Latin, and international cuisine with a contemporary approach. While it has two locations (Centro and Lomas Angelópolis), we suggest visiting the Centro Histórico branch, right in front of the Cathedral. Standout dishes include grilled salmon, arrachera tacos, and during the chile en nogada season, their signature version of this iconic Mexican dish that evokes the colors of the national flag.

@attico303

4. El Mural de los Poblanos. Just a few steps from the Zócalo, this traditional cuisine hotspot is a must for any food lover. Be sure to try their mole, enchiladas with three moles, green or red pipián, and mezcal shrimp. For dessert, the flan is simply unbeatable! 

@muraldelospoblanos