The 20 best restaurants in Guadalajara you must try

This is another restaurant that celebrates the seasons and makes the most of seasonal ingredients to feature them on its menu. Under the direction of Chef Paco Ruano, this place puts a new spin on our country’s traditional cuisine, transforming our flavors into presentations you might never have imagined.

Xokol means “black corn” in Nahuatl, and this gives us an idea of where this restaurant is headed: a celebration of this ingredient so important to Mexicans. The dishes are a blend of ancient techniques, local ingredients, and creativity, presenting familiar flavors in a fantastic way.

We start the list with a spot that celebrates local and national ingredients and producers, as well as the garden they have on the restaurant’s rooftop. The result is an unbeatable menu where every dish is perfect. Nothing more, nothing less. And that bread!

This is another option for sampling reinvented, quintessentially Mexican flavors. The result? You’ll most likely be planning your return visit. Plus, they offer an extensive wine list to perfectly pair with your dishes. All in a very pleasant atmosphere in the heart of the Americana neighborhood.

If you want to experience the flavors of the sea with a unique twist, La Docena is the place you’ve been looking for. Here, the scallops and clams sourced from different parts of the country are the perfect way to start, but the menu also features poboys, shrimp, octopus, and other seafood dishes with the restaurant’s signature touch.

With a concept that fuses global flavors with Mexican traditions, this place will give you a unique dining experience. Plus, its menu changes every month, so you’ll always have a reason to come back.

Decenizas is a must-visit in Guadalajara if you lovecontemporary Mexican cuisine:native corn, creative flavors, and an experience that spans from the bar to the terrace. From the first tortilla made with their own corn to the milpa tacos—such as the one with quelites and mole prieto or the lobster taco with squash blossom curry—everything is designed to surprise.

Unhurried and with completely personalized service, Kasuga takes the omakase experience in Guadalajara to another level. During the day, the menu is à la carte, but when night falls, everything changes: you don’t choose what to eat. You sit down and let yourself be guided.

All dishes are made with ingredients from local waters and vegetables from the garden. Plus, they take the time to create their own sauces, breads, pickles, liqueurs, and more. It’s something many places claim, but here it’s evident in the flavor: fresh and unique.

Bruna is an incredible spot where the central garden provides the ideal view for a perfect meal. Chef Óscar Garza has crafted a menu where Mexican flavors serve as the guide but are reinvented so that each dish looks like a work of art. The drinks from its Mixology Lab deserve a special mention.

The interior of this restaurant deserves a review all on its own, as every corner and detail is off-white. Based on the concept of a cuisine made for sharing, you’ll find long tables and dishes designed to be placed in the center. You can’t leave without trying the suckling pig or the citrus-marinated fish.

We close our list with another city favorite. El Sacromonte revives the most authentic Mexican flavors and presents them in a way that will make you feel right at home. Their chiles en nogada (in season) are a dish that undoubtedly keeps us coming back year after year.

A beautiful place that celebrates the sea and its flavors in a unique way. Here you’ll enjoy seafood taken to the next level and one of the city’s best cocktail bars. All in a spectacular setting where every detail is meticulously curated: the clock-face mosaics and hexagonal walls will provide the perfect backdrop to accompany your meal.

A concept created by Chef Berny Soto, here you’ll find international cuisine with Mexican roots. Originally from the state of Puebla, his recipes respect traditions while offering unique flavors. Some of his specialties include mussels in white wine, prime rib, and, of course, chiles en nogada.

This sushi bar —with a very intimate atmosphere—is perfect for a sensory experience. We recommend opting for the omakase: the chef will serve you a selection of the day featuring dishes and nigiri prepared with high-quality ingredients.

A true institution, here you’ll find cuisine inspired by Buenos Aires. Start with an empanada and a pizza to share, and follow up with something from the grill, like a sirloin steak, flank steak, or ribeye. Everything cooked to perfection.

Under the direction of Chef Jhonatan Zambrano, this fine-dining restaurant serves only 10 guests at a shared table with an open kitchen. The tasting menu consists of 10 courses, and the dishes delight with their original preparations and flavors.

This is an old favorite among Guadalajara locals, famous for fusing the flavors of Mexico, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Let yourself be enveloped by the incredible decor of this restaurant to enjoy a great meal.

This is a well-known spot among Guadalajara locals for its simple yet elegant concept: taking theflavors of Jaliscoto the next level. It gained fame for its breakfasts, but it also offers a great lunch and dinner menu. It was recently recognized in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand section, which highlights restaurants that offer exceptional food at a price the guide considers excellent.

A hidden gem that has become increasingly popular for its superb seafood dishes. It’s best to make a reservation here to ensure you get a table. Our recommendations? The enchilada tripe tostada, the enchilada shrimp taco, and tripe aguachile with chiltepin, shrimp, octopus, and tripe.