Where to eat in Guadalajara: Checklist of the 12 best restaurants

The 12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Guadalajara for Your First Visit

Are you planning a trip to Guadalajara and want to dive into the local culinary scene? You’ve come to the right place!

Guadalajara, at the heart of Jalisco, is a city with a rich culinary heritage that offers everything from delicious traditional street food stands to gourmet restaurants, trendy bars, and classic cantinas.

After several visits to Guadalajara filled with amazing food recommendations from friends who live there, I’ve put together a guide to the 12 best places to eat in the city, featuring must-try dishes and can’t-miss locations!

Ready to discover the best of Guadalajara’s cuisine? Let’s go!

The Best Dishes to Try in Guadalajara

There are several great typical dishes, but on a single trip to Guadalajara, it might be tough to try them all!

Here are my must-tries:

Torta Ahogada

The torta ahogada is a dish invented in Guadalajara around 1920-1930, and has surpassed the city’s borders to become a symbolic dish of the state of Jalisco!

It’s a salty bread (called birote) stuffed with pork meat, bathed in a tomato sauce with a type of chili called chile de árbol. The torta ahogada can be accompanied by cabbage, radishes, onions, and lime.

Remember, I can’t stress this enough—the “birote” is sacred in Guadalajara! It should be golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold up in the sauce without falling apart too quickly.

Of course, there are several places to try a good torta ahogada in Guadalajara (60-70 pesos), and I have listed a few of them below in this restaurant guide to Guadalajara.

Carne en su jugo

The “carne en jugo” is another emblematic dish of Jalisco.

It’s a comforting and hearty dish that combines beef, beans, and bacon in a rich broth with a smoky flavour.

The Santa Teresita neighborhood is the best place to try it since it’s home to a great concentration of restaurants offering this dish.

Birria

Birria is another must-try dish of Jalisco.

It’s a traditional stew that requires slow cooking, made with goat meat (sometimes beef or lamb) marinated in a blend of chilies, garlic, and spices.

The result is a rich, flavorful broth with meat so tender it falls apart. It’s served in a deep dish, accompanied by tortillas, beans, onions, and vegetables. Occasionally, birria is also enjoyed as tacos.

To experience it during your stay in Guadalajara, visit Plaza de las 9 Esquinas, where you’ll find several birria restaurants.

Jericalla

According to legend, in the 19th century, nuns at the Hospicio Cabañas created this dessert for the orphaned children. It was named after the region of one of the mothers, Jérica.

The dessert is simple yet delicious, made from milk, eggs, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon—a close relative of flan! And because it’s light, it’s hard to resist, even after a hearty meal.

Typical Beverages

In Guadalajara, you absolutely must try the local drinks!

Tequila, of course, is a must since Jalisco is the proud birthplace of this iconic Mexican spirit.

While you can find excellent tequilas in Guadalajara, I highly recommend visiting the town of Tequila to explore the agave fields and enjoy tastings.

Book the tequila tour from Guadalajara here:

If straight tequila is a bit too strong for you, try a Cantarito—a refreshing mix of tequila, orange, grapefruit soda, and lime juice, served with salt and ice.

Personally, I prefer it when it’s served as a “Cazuela” in a traditional clay pot. The best one I’ve had was at Casa Luna restaurant in Tlaquepaque because it’s perfectly balanced, not too sweet.

For a non-alcoholic option, you must try tejuino.

Dating back to pre-Hispanic times, it was originally used in rituals by the Wixárikas. Today, it’s a popular drink in Jalisco, known for its refreshing qualities, and can also be found in Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacan.

Tejuino is made from naturally fermented corn over 24 to 48 hours, mixed with unrefined sugar, lime, and a pinch of salt, resulting in a sweet, slightly opaque, and tangy beverage.

The fermented taste might not be for everyone, especially if you’re not used to it, but personally, I love it!

Where to Eat in Guadalajara

1. Kamilo 333

You can’t visit Guadalajara without trying carne en su jugo. Skipping it was a big mistake I made on my first visit, and I was determined to make up for it the second time around.

So, despite the sweltering heat that day, we made our way to Kamilos 333.

The decor, with its brick and wood accents, and walls adorned with wrought iron and leather objects, brings to mind the old haciendas of Jalisco. The music of Jorge Negrete, a legendary Mexican musician known for his rancheras, transports you to another era.

Here, you come to savor hearty dishes with generous portions, especially the signature “carne en su jugo.”

As soon as we sat down, we were served a complimentary appetizer, frijoles kikos: a slightly spicy, thick soup made with beans and corn, topped with totopos (tortilla chips) and a sprinkle of cheese.

The description might seem simple, but I assure you, Doña Rosita, the founder of the restaurant and creator of this recipe, knew exactly what she was doing. After just one spoonful, we were already eager to explore the rest of the menu. 😋

For our first visit, we decided to try the carne en su jugo (195 pesos).

When the plate arrives, the aroma is irresistible. It’s a delicious mix of bayo beans, thinly sliced beef, crispy bacon bits, onions, cilantro, and a flavorful broth. And naturally, it’s best enjoyed with tortillas.

I quickly realize I’ve greatly overestimated my stomach’s capacity—especially after also ordering the melted cheese with chorizo (192 pesos) and guacamole, despite there being only two of us.

As the waiter comes to clear the table, he asks the inevitable question: un postre? dessert?

Despite being in a food coma just moments before, I find myself responding without hesitation: yes, a jericalla!

This typical dessert from Guadalajara was one I had never tried before, so I knew it was now or never.

Tapatíos (residents of Guadalajara) might disagree, but it reminds me a lot of crème caramel.

From the appetizer to the dessert, Kamilo 333 has truly been one of the highlights of my time in Guadalajara!

• Open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM
• C. José Clemente Orozco 333, Santa Teresita, 44200 Guadalajara, Jal.

2. Zuno Café

While wandering through the beautiful Colonia Americana, I happened upon Zuno Café by chance.

It’s rare to get a glimpse inside one of the neighborhood’s stunning 1920s houses, as they’re usually private or converted into reception halls. So, when one is open to the public, you have to take advantage of it. 😉

This former governor’s house now hosts a men’s designer store and a café—my favorite part being the cool terrace, shaded by a large tree.

It’s quickly become my go-to spot for breakfast in Guadalajara: the breakfast sandwich and huevos cabra (eggs with goat cheese) are both delicious, and the service is super friendly.

Plus, there’s good Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets. What more could you ask for?

• Tuesday-Saturday 8 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM (very quiet before 11 AM)
• C. José Guadalupe Zuno Hernández 1912, Col Americana, Guadalajara

3. Tropicosa

One of the beautiful houses in Colonia Americana has been transformed into a restaurant with high ceilings and stunning tilework.

Its decoration, reminiscent of a chic marisqueria – a seafood restaurant – is impeccable, complete with fun elements like an old romantic comic strip turned into a menu.

The oysters and tostadas are a must, especially the ostiones bronceados (braised oysters with butter, blue cheese, and a spicy kick), and the tostada Machin Rin (red tuna, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño sauce, avocado, and chili mayo).

I also thoroughly enjoyed the pulpo machin (grilled octopus with peanut butter and chickpea puree) and costra de camaron (grilled shrimp taco with cheese crust and chili mayo).

They offer classic cocktails, but I recommend trying their house cocktails such as the Estereo Beach, with mezcal, prosecco, Aperol, lemon, mint, and passion fruit pulp.

• Tuesday-Wednesday from 12 PM to 10 PM, Thursday to Saturday from 12 PM to 1 AM, Sunday from 12 PM to 10 PM
• C. José María Morelos 1551, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal.
• Instagram Tropicosa

4. Pilon de los Arrieros

The Pilon de los Arrieros restaurant is located at the Plaza de las 9 Esquinas, a quaint little square I absolutely adore for its picturesque charm.

Sure, it’s not surrounded by grand historical monuments, but the fountain, colorful facades, and terraces draw me back every time I’m in Guadalajara.

I was drawn into Pilon de los Arrieros by its hacienda-style charra decor, featuring wrought iron, brick and mosaic, complemented by plants and walls filled with photographs.

After ordering an enormous cazuela with tequila and citrus juice, I decided to try the tacos de birria out of curiosity, but also to prevent the alcohol from getting to my head too quickly😆

Indeed, the specialty of the restaurants on Plaza de las Nueve Esquinas is birria, a type of goat meat stew original from Jalisco. Nowadays, several other states have their own versions, mainly with goat, lamb, or beef.

• Open every day from 8:30 AM to 9 PM
• Calle Galeana 388, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal (Plaza de las Nueve Esquinas)

5. El Habanero Negro

El Habanero Negro was my first restaurant experience in Guadalajara – an instant favorite – and a few years later, during another visit, I returned for a second round.

Verdict: Still just as fantastic, with that unique ambience I so love about Guadalajara, which is somehow hard to put into words.

An exotic vibe in the middle of the city, yet not on the coast. Perhaps it’s the constant humidity that creates this vacation-like feel in the city.

El Habanero Negro feels like a spot created by the local cool crowd—a mix of tropical vibes, a hint of pirate spirit, and a touch of vintage, all wrapped in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends over drinks and food.

It’s beautiful, colorful, and their playlist makes you want to linger, feasting on their original tacos and sipping the refreshing chejuino: a must-try mix of beer and tejuino, a drink typical of Jalisco.

• Mon-Tue from 2pm to 10pm, Wed-Sat 1pm to midnight, Sun 1pm to 11pm
• Lopez Cotilla 1228A, Guadalajara, Jalisco
• Habanero Negro Instagram

6. Torta Ahogada Reina Eterna

You can find Reina Eterna street stand, at the corner of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and Ignacio Vallarta.

This place is a must-visit for a torta ahogada in Guadalajara, any day of the week: weekdays for the workers, and weekends for friends and those strolling around the neighborhood (including those recovering from hangovers).

There are a few chairs and tables, the couple’s welcome is friendly, and the portions are generous – that’s why we strategically decided to share a torta between two of us.

• Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday-Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm
• C. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 77, Col Americana, Lafayette, Guadalajara

7. Tortas Ahogadas Lion

And yet another unique spot different from Reina Eterna, Tortas Ahogadas Lion is a simple small storefront in a not so touristy street of the Colonia Americana. Which makes it even more special!

The reception is definitely one of the best in Guadalajara and I particularly appreciated being served on a real traditional terracotta plate rather than a plastic one (yes, I’m charmed by details).

• Open every day from 9 am to 4 pm
• Av. de la Paz 1555, Col Americana, Guadalajara

8. Romea

Romea is a bistro with vintage and industrial vibes featuring wood, metal, weathered walls, and tiles from local artisans.

Here, the star products are wine, cheeses, and charcuterie, but they also offer breakfasts (Friday to Sunday) which apparently have famous pastries. I have no doubts about their quality, since their baguette is anything to go by.

Personally, I’ve been there multiple times for lunch as I was pleasantly surprised by their lunch menu with quality products – even the gazpacho as a starter was delicious!

• Mon 5 pm to 11 pm, Tue-Wed 1 pm to 11:30 pm, Thu 1 pm to 12:30 am, Fri 10 am to 12:30 am, Sat 9 am to 12:30 am, Sun 9 am to 3 pm
• C. José María Morelos 1360A, Col Americana, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Where to Drink (Bars) in Guadalajara

9. Cantina La Fuente

When we arrive at Cantina La Fuente, almost all the tables are already taken.

We barely get acknowledged, a gentleman behind the bar swiftly opens beers in series, and the waiter zigzags between the tables. There’s no time for greetings, apparently, as it’s already rush hour even though it’s still early.

Open since 1898, it’s the oldest cantina in Guadalajara!

The only table left is next to the bathrooms, emitting a faint odor of bleach and cheap soap.

As I start to wonder if I really want a beer with that lingering chemical smell, a spot opens up at the back, next to a musician and a few boisterous patrons. Alright, let’s go for it.

I notice that large blocks of ice are lined up against the wall – truly a vintage element! They probably don’t have enough refrigerators for the amount of bottles sold.

Here, plates and glasses accumulate on the table without being cleared, except when it’s time to leave.

The place attracts an eclectic crowd: elderly regulars treated with great respect, leaning against the faded yellow walls; young thirty-somethings coming to have a good time among friends; and my favorites, two gentlemen singing their hearts out.

I’m surprised to see one of the two drinking buddies holding a guaje (a container made from an emptied gourd). And I’m fairly certain it doesn’t contain water, but alcohol, as I see him occasionally pour some into his glass.

Later on, they’ll tell us they come from the State of Veracruz and are just passing through Guadalajara. I love people from Veracruz; they have a cheerful spirit.

The musician, who is clearly their friend, takes the opportunity to tease us by saying we don’t know any of the songs, what a shame!

Ultimately, La Fuente was one of my favorite spots in Guadalajara. Not for its somewhat bland tacos, nor for its indifferent service (though quite adequate), but for the people who enrich the atmosphere.

I understand why the place is always full.

• Open from 12 PM to midnight, closed on Sundays
• Calle Pino Suárez 78, Zona Centro, Guadalajara, Jalisco

10. Patan Ale House

As I’ve already mentioned in My Guadalajara guide, Mexico boasts over 1400 craft breweries, and Jalisco state leads the national production with more than 9-Million gallons of beer per year!

So, it’s a no-brainer that when you visit Guadalajara, you need to try some of the excellent local beers.

I stumbled quite by chance into Patan Ale House which was on my path. This bar has an industrial look and a bit of a rebellious vibe, reminding me of the bars from my youth – minus the punk music.

Since the menu is extensive and it’s impossible to try everything, we went for the 4 tasters (4 samples of 5 oz for 145 pesos), asking the waitress to bring us her best IPAs. From Guadalajara, of course!

My favorites among them were Montaña from Colablanca with its grapefruit, guava, and lemon aromas, and Neippólita from Fortuna with notes of mango, passion fruit, peach, and a hint of herbaceous flavor.

• Tuesday-Wednesday: 6 PM – 12:30 AM, Thursday: 6 PM – 1 AM, Friday: 6 PM – 2 AM, Saturday: 5 PM – 2 AM, Sunday: 2 PM – 10 PM
• C. José María Morelos 1281, Col Americana, Americana, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal.

11. Insurgente Tap Room

As luck would have it, Insurgente Tap Room has recently opened just 300m from Patan Ale House.

Four years earlier, I had visited Insurgente Tap Room in downtown Tijuana, where I made a strategic stop before heading to the Valle de Guadalupe to discover Mexico’s fine wines.

So, you can visit both places in one go, convincing yourself that walking the short 4-minute distance will help make some space in your stomach.

Here, it’s a different vibe from Patan: smaller, with nice design and lively music.

I appreciate that they only offer products from their brewery, in limited options: 8 beers, some of which are seasonal.

I really enjoyed Tormenta Tropical which notes of mango, peach, nectarine, low bitterness, and a robust body. (8oz for 80 pesos, 16 oz for 110 pesos)

I paired it with the Quesacoa: quesadillas with Jalisco-style beef barbacoa, mozzarella cheese, onion, and cilantro (2 for 110 pesos).

• Tuesday-Saturday: 5:30 PM – midnight, Sunday: 2 PM – 10 PM
• Calle Argentina 16, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal.

12. Bienvenido Pariente

Speaking of atmosphere, I’ve saved the best for last!

Bienvenido Pariente loosely translates as “Welcome, Family Member”.

And indeed, here people talk loudly, laugh, in a friendly vibe, with cumbia music in the background and – fortunately – several fans to lighten up the terrace ambiance, because it gets hot in Guadalajara. 🥵

You’ll find a colorful, relaxed, and varied crowd here; generally young, but with a few greying beards hiding among them, with whom I share a certain love for tropical shirts.

As for food, they also serve some tasty little dishes like tacos, aguachile, tuna tostadas, and my personal favorite, guacamole with grilled cheese. A delight!

• C. Pedro Moreno 1155, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal.
• Tuesday-Saturday 13:30-1:00, Sunday 14:30-22:30

Where to Stay in Guadalajara

Here are my top picks for the best hotels in Guadalajara:

• Hostal Hospedarte Centro: A cozy and colorful hostel in the heart of Guadalajara, close to the Cathedral and Plaza de Armas. Dorm or private room with shared bathroom, from 34 $usd per night, breakfast included. Highlights: free walking tours of the city, friendly staff, lively common areas – this is my choice for a cheap and fun stay in Guadalajara!

• Hotel Dalí Plaza Ejecutivo: A modern and comfortable hotel 320 ft meters from the Teatro Degollado and the Plaza de la Liberación. Room with private bathroom and cable TV, from 44 $usd per night. Highlights: central location, rooftop terrace, free parking.

• Hotel de Mendoza: A historic and elegant hotel next to the Teatro Degollado and the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. Spacious room with balcony and panoramic view of the city, from $67 usd. Highlights: outdoor pool, gym, colonial charm, restaurant.

• Casa Habita: A restored 1940s mansion in the Colonia Americana neighborhood, 3 km from the historic center. Very elegant and comfortable room with terrace and pool view, from 150 $usd per night, breakfast included. Highlights: the outdoor pool, the bar, the retro atmosphere.

• Boutique Hotel Villa Ganz: A renovated mansion in the Colonia Americana district, 3 km from the historic center. Cozy and elegant room with fireplace and garden view, from 200 $usd per night. Highlights: the personalized service, the gourmet restaurant, the beautiful decoration, it’s my favorite hotel in Guadalajara for a romantic stay!

Renting a Car in Guadalajara

Renting a car is definitely the best way to explore Guadalajara and maximize your stay!

When it comes to car rentals, I personally always use Booking.com Cars for a few key reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Just click the green button to find the best rental car deals:

Finding the Best Price for Your Flight Ticket

Guadalajara International Airport hosts numerous international flights from the USA, Europe, and beyond, as well as domestic flights, such as Mexico City (1h30), Cancun (2h45), Tijuana (3h), and Puerto Vallarta (1h).

To get the best deals on flights to Guadalajara and throughout Mexico, use our flight comparison tool, powered by Skyscanner. It’s the most effective way to secure great rates!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• TOP 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions in Mexico – All the best places to discover

• Guadalajara (Jalisco): Top 40 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• 1 Day in Guadalajara (Jalisco): Must-See Places + Itinerary
• 2 Days in Guadalajara: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)
• 3 Days in Guadalajara: An Epic Itinerary
• The 5 best coffee shops in Guadalajara (Colonia Americana)

• Ajijic (Lake Chapala): Best Things to Do + Tips
• Tlaquepaque (Guadalajara): 16 things to do and must-see attractions

• Puerto Vallarta: Top 35 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• The 17 Best hotels in Puerto Vallarta: My Selection for Every Budget!
• Sayulita: the 15 Best things to discover

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
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• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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