Guanajuato is a state that has traditionally captured travelers’ attention with its rich cultural offerings, including two UNESCO World Heritage cities—Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende—both renowned for their extraordinary architectural beauty; as well as six Magical Towns (Dolores Hidalgo, Mineral de Pozos, Salvatierra, Yuriria, Jalpa de Cánovas, and Comonfort), where travelers can enjoy all kinds of experiences that transport them back in time to discover the history, customs, and remarkable artistic and cultural heritage of the state of Guanajuato.

However, recently, a “new attraction” has been gaining ground, delighting globetrotters searching for gastronomic experiences with its blend of ingredients, aromas, and flavors: the state’s delicious culinary scene. Proud of its past, it pays tribute to traditional cuisine while constantly reinventing itself to win over even the most discerning palates.

So, if you are already planning your next trip to Guanajuato, here are six restaurants you simply cannot miss along the Guanajuato City–León route:

1. Casa Valadez (Guanajuato). One of the most longstanding establishments in downtown Guanajuato City, it was founded in 1950 by the grandparents of its current executive chef, Karen Valadez. Today, it offers a delicious fusion of signature cuisine, traditional regional dishes, and international gourmet fare. Here, be sure to try its outstanding enchiladas mineras or the exquisite Molcajete Hidalgo, paired with a fine red wine from the vineyards of San Miguel.

casavaladez

2. Asador La Vaca Argentina (Guanajuato). Located inside Plaza Galereña, this restaurant may not specialize in traditional or regional cuisine, but it has earned a reputation for its Italian-Argentine-style menu, elegant atmosphere, and extensive wine cellar, featuring some of the finest bottles from the San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hidalgo areas, as well as labels from renowned international wineries. At La Vaca, we recommend ordering a bife or grilled beef tenderloin, one of the house specialties—and be sure to save room for its delicious dessert menu!

lavaca-argentina.com

3. Sterling Rooftop (Guanajuato). Located atop the elegant Nueve25 hotel, which has been awarded a Michelin Key, this rooftop terrace offers one of the best views of Guanajuato City, with the famous Juárez Theater right below and, in the distance, the unmistakable silhouette of the monument dedicated to El Pípila, one of the city’s most popular viewpoints. At Sterling Rooftop, be sure to order the Serrano ham croquettes, an aguachile, or the beef aguachile to share—dishes that evoke both the colonial spirit and modern character of Guanajuato’s capital.

nueve25hotel

4. Raíces (Silao). Along the highway toward León, in the municipality of Silao, you’ll find a wonderful complex that invites guests to unwind and completely relax: Hacienda Catrina. Alongside a charming hotel, spa, beautiful gardens, and a newly established golf course, visitors can also embark on a mini culinary journey through the flavors of Guanajuato at its acclaimed Raíces restaurant. Every day, it serves delicious traditional Mexican dishes, accompanied by freshly baked homemade bread and exceptionally personalized service. If your trip coincides with a weekend, don’t miss its famous Sunday morning buffets.

raicesbyhaciendacatrina

5. Casa Biznaga (León). Finally, in the northern part of the vibrant city of León, Casa Biznaga is a concept that is beginning to capture the attention of food connoisseurs with its exclusive restaurant-bar concept featuring Mexican fusion cuisine with international influences and signature mixology. Set in a space whose architecture evokes the nostalgic aesthetic of a late-19th-century hacienda, we recommend trying its original artisanal pizzas (the Pizza Biznaga, topped with pieces of this cactus and pesto, will delight your senses!), one of its certified imported Angus cuts, or its incomparable gourmet tacos (our favorite was the picaña with meaty pork crackling).

Thanks to its flavorful cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and innovative approach, this venue was selected for the latest edition of the Endémico Festival, an annual celebration of the gastronomic traditions of the largest state in the Bajío region.

casabiznaga