Breakfast and Lunch in San Miguel de Allende
- Amy Dresser
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
You won’t find any “fast casual” chains in San Miguel—and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Breakfast and lunch here are meant to be lingered over, shared with friends in peaceful courtyards or leafy terraces, offering a slow, delicious pause in the middle of the day. Some of my favorite spots only open for these two meals, focusing all their energy on crafting inventive dishes that are as beautiful as they are satisfying.
Here are a few of my go-to places for breakfast and lunch in San Miguel de Allende.
Rustica has long been a favorite among locals in San Miguel de Allende. While it sits on a busy street, stepping through the front door feels like entering a hidden retreat — with a tranquil, shady courtyard tucked away at the back.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu is both healthy and hearty. You’ll find elevated takes on classics like egg casseroles, French toast, and avocado toast. But for the more adventurous, there are some standout surprises — like pesto, mushroom, and mozzarella toast, or a serrano ham and fig pizzetta.
Rustica is popular for good reason, so expect a wait during peak midday hours — but it’s well worth it.
A fonda is traditionally a small, family-owned restaurant serving simple fare. But at Garambullo, the word “gourmet” truly earns its place. Here, familiar dishes are delicately transformed into elevated versions that are both visually stunning and a joy to eat.
Tucked down a quiet side street, the restaurant’s open-air courtyard is a mecca of tranquility. Under the dappled sun, you might savor lemon-curd pancakes, poached eggs atop perfectly creamy polenta with expertly roasted vegetables, or a breakfast tamale drizzled with green mole, paired with oyster mushrooms and a poached egg.
And if you’re a cat lover, there’s an added bonus: the restaurant’s fluffy black, brown, and white cat often makes the rounds, offering a soft greeting at your table.
It’s easy to overlook this popular brunch spot — marked only by a small sign beside a staircase across from the Biblioteca on Calle Insurgentes. But if you’re curious enough to climb three narrow flights of stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a charming rooftop terrace and a seriously satisfying meal.
You’ll find all the traditional breakfast favorites here — avocado toast and hearty breakfast bowls — but the real surprise is the lineup of house-specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. Think pulled pork grilled cheese or a French toast pastrami sandwich (yes, really).
Prefer something lighter? Try one of their inventive salads, like the Asian-inspired tandoori chicken salad served on a bed of fresh greens and herbs.
It’s all absolutely worth the climb.
Hierba Santa means Holy Herb in Spanish, but I say, “Holy cow, is this food delicious!”Tucked away down an alley near the Fábrica de Aurora, Hierba Santa serves traditional Mexican dishes with next-level flair.
My favorite? The rolled chicken tacos — lightly fried and served in a rich, flavorful consommé. But I can just as easily be swayed by the cream of poblano soup, topped with a delicate puff pastry filled with squash blossoms… or the pork belly with green mole… or… well, you get the picture.
No matter what you order, you must get the French toast to share at the table — it’s absolutely gorgeous. Your belly and your camera will thank you.
The term “hidden gem” is often overused, but in this case, it feels exactly right — this place is both truly hidden and genuinely special.
Posada de Corazón is a small hotel in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, steps from the Parroquia. There’s no sign — just a small, unassuming door that opens onto a surprisingly massive plot of land. Inside, you’ll find a 1960s-inspired hotel with a gorgeous courtyard, lush gardens, fruit trees, and even chickens that help supply the hotel’s small restaurant.
Most of the hundreds of visitors who stroll down Aldama have no idea there's such a special treat tucked behind that door.
You’ll need a reservation for brunch, which you can make via WhatsApp. Just ring the bell, and someone will eventually let you in. It feels like a breakfast speakeasy.
The food is traditional Mexican fare — think tortas, a small buffet of cheeses and fruits, and a basket of sweets. The food is good, but the real draw is the chance to experience this secret corner of San Miguel de Allende.
Lavanda Café was the very first brunch spot I tried when I arrived in San Miguel. Back then, it was tucked away in a little shady courtyard, where a guitarist often played classical music while you sipped their famous Lavender Latte. I was smitten from the very first sip.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one. Lavanda quickly grew too popular for that tiny courtyard and now lives in a much larger space on Loreto, just steps from the Artisan Market. The new spot may not have quite the same charm, but trust me—the food makes up for it.
The menu is full of tempting choices, but the star for me is the Cazuela. Picture an earthenware dish layered with thin slices of potato, mushrooms, and cheese, gently simmered in a light chili sauce, then topped with a fried egg and crispy bacon. It’s rich, cozy, and absolutely unforgettable. (Or, you can just peek at the photo to the right and prepare to drool.)
On my last visit, I must have had a look of pure bliss on my face after the first bite, because one of the cooks caught my eye from the kitchen. She smiled knowingly, as if to say, “Yes, I know—it’s that good.”
A few insider tips before you go:
The staff speaks very little English, so keep Google Translate handy.
They’ll always take your drink order first—don’t rush with your food order, that comes later.
The menu says cash only, but they do, in fact, take credit cards.
Lavanda Café might have outgrown its little courtyard, but it hasn’t lost its magic—and that Lavender Latte is still the sweetest way to start your day.
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