Best upscale dining spots in San Miguel de Allende
- Amy Dresser
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Dinner isn't just another meal when you're traveling — it's often the highlight of the day. Great food, a beautiful setting, and good conversation can turn a simple evening into one of your favorite memories. In San Miguel de Allende, the upscale dining scene delivers all that and more, with creative menus and stunning views that stay with you long after you leave.
These are a few of my go-to spots for a truly memorable dinner in this magical town.
Important Note - all of these restaurants are very popular, so reservations are highly recommended.
If you’re looking for the total package—great food, excellent service, and stunning views—this is the place to go. The western sunset over the distant mountains is always beautiful from the bar, but the real show (for me) comes later, when the Parroquia is illuminated and casts a magical glow over its pink cantera marble.
The menu covers all the classics—steaks, fish, chicken, and pasta—but also sneaks in some surprisingly good Asian options like duck gyozas and sushi. Honestly, I could be perfectly happy just with the bread course: warm, croissant-style mini loaves served with creamy, salted butter. Absolutely addictive.
Add in the setting—soft contemporary music, cozy blankets, and heaters on cool San Miguel nights—and you’ve got the perfect spot for a romantic date or a lasting memory with friends.
Reservations: Call +52 415 688 1405 / 1406.
This place is a classic. Ask any local for a “can’t-miss” dining spot, and The Restaurant will probably come up. Tucked into a historic hacienda in Centro, it’s one of those places that feels special the second you walk in—fountain, stone walls, warm lighting—it’s all very San Miguel in the best way.
Chef Donnie Masterton has been doing amazing things here for years. The menu leans into upscale global comfort food—think dishes like pork chops with sweet potato purée or miso-marinated salmon. Everything is beautifully plated and consistently delicious.
Heads up: Thursday is Gourmet Burger Night, which locals love, but if you’re only in town a few nights and want the full dinner menu, plan accordingly. Either way, you’re in good hands.
Reservations: Book on OpenTable.
No flashy view, no need for it. Bocaciega lets the food do the talking—and it speaks fluently. Just a short walk from the Centro, it’s got this modern, relaxed vibe with creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes that hit the spot every time.
You’ll usually find some standout seafood—like the potato-crusted sea bass—but the lamb rack is also fantastic. And if you spot the Fatouchi salad on the menu, order it. Trust me, (it's my husband's favorite salad in the world:) lettuce, sesame truffle oil, Parmesan, fried leeks—it’s the kind of combo that sounds weird until you try it, and then you wonder why everyone isn’t doing this.
This is the kind of place locals keep in their regular rotation, and once you go, you'll see why.
Reservations: Book on OpenTable.
Trazo 1810 was the very first restaurant I tried on my first visit to San Miguel, and honestly, it felt like a perfect first date with this magical city.
Perched on the rooftop of the gorgeous Casa 1810 Boutique Hotel in the heart of Centro, the setting alone will sweep you off your feet. At sunset, I’m always torn—do I soak in those dreamy rooftop views, or cozy up by the fireplace in the stylish covered dining area with the bar? Truth is, you can’t go wrong either way.
The cocktails are as artful as the views. Favorites of mine include the smoky-spicy twist on a Paloma and their signature drink, The 1810. The food hits the same sweet spot: hearty, comforting mains like braised lamb, beef ossobuco, and short ribs share the stage with lighter, elegant dishes like grilled fish or shrimp risotto. And if you’re the type who wants it all, their seven-course tasting menu is the way to go.
Every time I come back to Trazo 1810 for date night, it reminds me why I fell so hard for this city—and why I’ve happily stayed “married” to it.
Reservations: Book on Open Table
This one is for the foodies—or really for anyone who loves dining on dishes that taste as incredible as they look. The Michelin Guide does not yet cover this part of Mexico, but when it does, my bet is on Áperi becoming the first Michelin-starred restaurant in San Miguel de Allende.
Chef Jesús Vádquez Reyna, trained in Mexico, France, and Turkey, is at the top of San Miguel’s elevated dining scene. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu, as well as a five-course tasting menu and a seven-course Chef’s Table experience. The setting is understated, located in a quiet courtyard in Centro, letting the food remain the true star. Each dish bursts with flavor and arrives beautifully plated—culinary art at its finest.
Start your evening with a perfectly balanced cocktail, then enjoy a curated wine pairing with the tasting menus or select something from their well-rounded wine list.
For the ultimate indulgence, book the Chef’s Table, which seats up to eight guests inside the kitchen itself. It’s an immersive experience where you can watch the artistry unfold right before your eyes.
Dining at Áperi is undeniably a splurge by San Miguel standards. Still, while pricier than many local options, it’s on par with (and often more affordable than) fine dining in the U.S.—and absolutely worth every peso for the experience.
Reservations: Book on Open Table
San Miguel has a way of turning dinner into something more—whether it’s a glowing rooftop view, live music drifting in the background, or simply lingering over a glass of wine under the stars. These upscale restaurants set the stage for unforgettable evenings, whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or just the magic of being here.
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