San Cristobal, Chiapas’ cultural hub, has a lot to offer tourists and locals alike. Slow cuisine is produced proudly at San Cristobal restaurants, which claim to provide wonderful food but not quick food.
This reflects the whole mood of San Cristobal, which is quite relaxed back and has an artsy appearance and feel wherever you go. Several residents openly use marijuana on the streets or in their businesses.
The small alleyways of San Cristobal reminded me of Cusco and were equally delightful. There are also several art galleries and shops to explore, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés, and pubs that you must visit while in town.
If you’re wondering where to dine in San Cristobal, go no further than our guide, which includes the greatest Chiapas restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops.
Now, before you go seeking for your next dinner in San Cristobal, let me tell something we discovered fascinating. We had a hard time locating genuinely distinctive local meals, or Chiapas food. You’ll see on the list that there are Asian eateries and pizza, but when we wanted to sample really traditional local cuisine, this proved difficult.
We partnered with Tomate Quesillo, a fantastic local walking food tour that not only showed us about town but also assisted us in finding real local delicacies. You may learn more about the trip at the conclusion of this piece, but if you want to try true local cuisine, I strongly suggest organizing a tour for yourself.
Check out my packing list for Mexico and this article regarding whether or not you need travel insurance for Mexico before you go.
When in San Cristobal, don’t miss out on the following activities that will let you immerse yourself in the city (get them while they’re hot!):
- Sumidero Canyon Excursion from San Cristobal de las Casas
- From San Cristóbal: Agua Azul and Palenque Day Trip
- San Cristobal: Chiflon Waterfalls & Montebello Day Tour
- Agua Azul & Palenque Ruins: Full-Day Tour from San Cristobal
- Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Day Tour from San Cristobal
- Chamula and Zinacantán Day Trip from San Cristóbal
Contents
- 1 The 20 Greatest Restaurants in San Cristobal, Mexico
- 2 San Cristobal’s Finest Bars and Coffee Shops
- 3 FAQs
- 3.1 What food is San Cristobal de las Casas known for?
- 3.2 What is the traditional food in Chiapas?
- 3.3 What is the most high rated restaurant in the world?
- 3.4 Is San Cristobal de las Casas worth visiting?
- 3.5 What do you wear to San Cristóbal de las Casas?
- 3.6 Is San Cristobal expensive?
- 3.7 What is the most popular food in Chiapas?
- 3.8 What is the most traditional food in Cuba?
- 3.9 What are four Colombian foods?
The 20 Greatest Restaurants in San Cristobal, Mexico
Most of the restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas concentrate in native Mexican food, while some integrate influences from across the globe to create unique gastronomic experiences. A couple of them are described in the list below. Costs range from low to high-end and exorbitant, so you should be able to find something for everyone on this list.
El Cau
+52 967 631 7298 57A Real de Guadalupe
Come to El Cau, one of the greatest places to dine in San Cristobal de las Casas, which is situated in the center of the city. Come for the greatest tapas and wine in San Cristobal, as well as live music and a stunning patio and garden.
Feel like though you’re enjoying a fine wine in Barcelona. When you’re ready to eat, just order anything from the kitchen and keep your wine!
Asiarico7
+52 967 105 4931 Colonia Centro, Belisario Dominguez 3A
Asiarico7, a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant, delivers superb traditional Korean food combined with Mexican cuisine for a completely unique eating experience. Menu items include fried chicken teriyaki, Chiapas roll, Bibimbab, Kimchi tacos, bulbobi kimbab, and more.
They always utilize the freshest ingredients, and their customer service is exceptional. If you like sushi, you should certainly visit this establishment.
Kokono
+52 967 138 5897 97 Calle Diego de Mazariegos
Kokono is a fantastic alternative for vegetarian visitors since the chef concentrates on indigenous recipes, which means that the meat was only served on rare occasions until the Spanish arrived and imported domestic animals.
We ate at this restaurant twice throughout our visit since we had heard excellent things about the breakfast and knew we wanted to try it.
The chef worked for more than a year at the renowned Pujol before returning to her hometown to launch her own restaurant.
Everything you order, whether for breakfast or lunch, will be delicious!
Terrazas de Habanero
+52 967 147 3809 12A Calle Periodista Isauro Rossette
This family-style seafood restaurant also provides our favorite San Cristobal brunch. At Habanero Terrazas, the pastor eggs and combo omelet are must-order breakfast items.
Come for lunch for some of the greatest and freshest seafood dishes in town, accompanied with your choice of wine or beer.
El Punto Pizza Restaurant
+52 967 678 0047 No. 13 A Calle Comitan | Barrio el Cerrillo
This neighborhood pizzeria features a terrace with views of the Real de Guadalupe, a full bar, and wonderful antique decor. Fresh ingredients are used to make crispy, handmade pizzas. If you don’t like pizza, they also provide a variety of pasta meals.
Pizza El Punto is small, but the service is excellent and the rates are extremely fair.
Terra and Sky
+52 697 678 0354 Zona Centro 1, Benito Juarez
Tierra y Cielo is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It’s a little pricy, but it’s definitely worth it for the atmosphere and the cuisine. Marta Zepeda, a well-known chef, founded the restaurant in 2007 as a thesis project to construct a culinary restaurant that reflects Chiapas’ cultural riches and natural resources.
Enjoy classic Mexican cuisine like you’ve never tasted before. They feature a 7-course tasting menu that will satisfy your palate. This is the San Cristobal restaurant that both local and worldwide celebrities frequent.
Xut
Dr. Felipe Flores 17-A +52 967 674 5563
XUT restaurant specializes on fusion cuisines from throughout the globe, utilizing exclusively local products. The goal is for cooks and visitors alike to experience delicacies from across the world, all created from scratch in XUT’s kitchen, and for everyone to feel at ease.
Brunch, lunch, desserts, and some of the greatest wines in town are all available. XUT also features a comprehensive schedule of forthcoming events, which includes live music, a mud workshop, a weaving session, and other activities.
The Canela Pizca
+52 967 100 5425 22-B Diego Dugelay
La Pizca de Canela, often known as The Pinch of Cinnamon, serves delicious Latin American food at reasonable costs. A complete meal costs just 60 pesos, so if you’re on a budget, don’t hesitate to stop by.
They deliver flavorful and imaginative meals and beverages. They also feature a variety of vegetarian alternatives.
37 Madero
+52 722 787 9779 Madero, Francisco I. 37
We enjoyed the fondue and the warm environment at Madero 37. Madero 37, named for the street on which it is situated, is a bar and restaurant with French and Swiss culinary characteristics. Every night, there is live music, which creates a joyful and friendly atmosphere, and the cocktail bar was just fantastic.
The mezcal fondue was delicious. Try their sausage panini and tapas as well.
Wok Genuine
+52 967 678 5710 #79A Calle Real de Guadalupe
Wok Real serves delicious gluten-free Asian cuisine. This is San Cristobal de Las Casas’ only gluten-free restaurant, and they masterfully mix this dietary constraint with wonderful Asian meals. Relax at the bar and watch your dinner being cooked in the open kitchen while sipping on some Posh or Zarzamoras.
Apart from the excellent cuisine and reasonable costs, the service is attentive and courteous.
Peruano
+52 967 168 5344 Miguel Hidalgo, Andador | Esquina San Agustin Planta Alta Local #20
Peruano, which mixes Peruvian and Latin influence in its seafood dishes, will appeal to seafood enthusiasts. The fish ceviche is a must-order, but if you’re not a seafood fan, try their Chicken Chili, Peruvian fried rice, or any of their other genuine Peruvian meals.
The service is excellent, and they are glad to assist you with whatever food or drink you need. To accompany your dinner, enjoy a real pisco sour!
Vino da Bacco
+52 967 119 1985 7 Real de Guadalupe, Central
La Vina de Bacco has a fantastic atmosphere and is usually bustling with activity. Wine glasses cost 20 pesos ($1 USD) and bottles cost 200 pesos ($10 USD).
The dinner menu isn’t as amazing as their cocktails, but with every glass of wine you purchase, you receive complimentary tapas, and basic tapas start at only 5 pesos (.25 USD). A fantastic venue to listen to live music and maybe have a drink or two of wine on your way home.
Lum
+52 967 678 1516 Avenue May 5, no. 38 Barrio de Mexicanos
The Lum restaurant, located within the Hotel BO, delivers Mexican cuisine that is distinctively combined with cuisines from throughout the globe. They only utilize fresh, seasonal foods that are local and seasonal, and they pay careful attention to presentation.
Bring your kids to the kids’ section, where they will be delighted with tales, movies, games, and more while you eat on meals cooked just for you. Bring your significant other for a romantic evening, or bring the entire family.
Cardamomo
+52 967 116 0077 170 Calle Real de Guadalupe
The Cardamomo Indian restaurant was a lot of fun to go to. They mostly serve lunch and supper, but they also offer late-night hours. The meal and wine were excellent, and the rates were extremely fair. If you don’t have time to eat (which we suggest, particularly because they offer free Wi-Fi), you may order takeaway to take home or to your hotel room.
San Cristobal’s Finest Bars and Coffee Shops
The remainder of our list covers the greatest San Cristobal pubs and coffee shops for when you don’t want to dine but just want to drink with your pals. Chiapas features some of the greatest original liquors and wines in the region, as well as some of the best Mexican coffees and cappuccinos.
Cafeologia
+52 967 134 098513 Guadalupe Real
Cafeologia offered the greatest coffee we drank while in San Cristobal. They specialize in serving the finest Mexican coffee available solely in the state of Chiapas. They provide instruction in all aspects of coffee, including basic barista, espresso, latte art, brew, and coffee harvesting.
Cafeologia is more than simply a coffee establishment. It is an institute devoted to coffee research, education, and production. They also organize an annual coffee harvesting and barista competition. Winners not only earn a financial award, but they are also featured on the institution’s website in the Chiapas Exceptional Coffee Directory.
Caf Carajillo
+52 967 678 4010 53 Calle Real de Guadalupe
The Carajillo Caf, named after the Carijillo range of cocktails, offers them all. There are six distinct varieties, including the original, Carajillo de olla, chocolate cake, and an Irish variant prepared with whiskey instead of liquor 43.
Carajillo also offers activities such as being a barista for a day, tasting coffee with the professionals, and experiencing coffee with all five senses. Get their Carajillo Frequent Customer Card on their website to earn a 10% discount on all future visits.
Apart from the great Carajillo coffee, the caf offers a wide selection of bread and pastries for a quick breakfast or brunch bite. They also offer an online shop where you can get coffee to prepare at home.
Mezcaleria Popu
+52 967 135 6860 Miguel Hidalgo, Andador 2
La Popu Mezcaleria is the greatest mezcal bar in town for the best mezcal margarita in town. Join your friends for some of the greatest 100% agave mezcales, order food from the bar, or try one (or many!) of the numerous cocktails on offer.
For even more pleasure, play Una Ruletita, the 16-shot roulette available exclusively at La Popu Mezcaleria.
The Maldita
+52 967 631 7337 Madero 130, Francisco Street | The Green House
Come to La Maldita at sunset for a spectacular panoramic view of San Cristobal de las Casas and enjoy your favorite cocktails as the sun sets. You should definitely bring your date there after dinner since it is one of the most romantic sites in town. It’s a terrific way to end the evening on a high note.
Posheria Pox
+52 967 678 0027 46-A Real de Guadelupe, Barrio of Guadalupe
Pox (pronounced posh) is a powerful and flavorful liquor manufactured from maize in the Mexican state of Chiapas. It’s an ancient Mayan drink known as “local firewater” due to its high alcohol content. The conventional mixture comprises 39% alcohol, and the ceremonial blend contains 53%.
The Posheria bar in San Cristobal is the greatest place to try this beverage. There are many other sorts to test, including ones that go down smoother and without the burn.
Frida Kahlo’s House
+52 967 152 4835 Diego Dugelay #6, Guadalupe Barrio
The Casa de Frida seemed seedy to us, yet it had a really fascinating feel. Our bar embraces all sorts of variety and provides a cultural and recreational bar for anyone to enjoy. Everyone is free to come in and be themselves while eating and drinking their favorite foods and beverages from the menu. They put on entertaining events and plays virtually every night, including a cabaret theater, so there’s usually always something going on.
If you’re searching for places to dine in San Cristobal de las Casas, the list above has everything you need. There are several excellent restaurants in San Cristobal, as well as numerous pubs and coffee shops. You will not be disappointed if you choose any of the aforementioned restaurants or bars.
If you want to learn about real local delicacies, go to Tomate Quesillo’s website and sign up for one of their excursions. Tomate Quesillo is unusual in that it was designed and constructed by a group of foodies and chefs and is the outcome of a four-year investigation into the San Cristbal De Las Casas culinary scene, bringing together local tastes and high-end eateries.
We had a fantastic trip with them, and I’ve already recommended them to friends and family visiting San Cristobal as a terrific opportunity to learn about how Chiapas cuisine varies from that of the rest of Mexico.
You may book your own tour by visiting their website by clicking here.
FAQs
What food is San Cristobal de las Casas known for?
San Cristobal de las Casas is noted in Mexico for having a remarkable amount of foreign cuisines. Thai, Indian, Korean, Italian, and virtually everything in between. So, before you leave San Cristobal, stop by one of these Mexican eateries for a truly local experience.
What is the traditional food in Chiapas?
The tamale consisting of masa (a starchy dough, mainly maize-based) and seasoned with spices sweet, salty, spicy, and regional fruits, the pictes or corn tamales, the exquisite BBQ beef or lamb, the appetizing pig (roasted pork), or the unique…
What is the most high rated restaurant in the world?
The Very Best
El Bulli, Spain (2002, 2006–2009)
Laundry in France (2003–2004)
The Big Duck (2005)
Noma (2010–2012, 2014, 2021) (2010–2012, 2014, 2021)
Can Roca’s Cellar (2013, 2015)
Francescana Osteria (2016, 2018)
The address is 11 Madison Park (2017)
Mirazur (2019) (2019)
Is San Cristobal de las Casas worth visiting?
San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of Mexico’s most atmospheric colonial towns and one of our personal favorites. San Cristóbal is famous for its untouched colonial architecture, handicrafts, and Maya culture.
What do you wear to San Cristóbal de las Casas?
Bring a cap and clothing for your Sumidero Canyon boat journey. Remember to bring a jacket for the drive back to San Cris. Bring a bathing suit if you want to swim in the lakes and waterfalls.
Is San Cristobal expensive?
You should budget roughly M$1,342 ($73) each day for your holiday in San Cristobal de Las Casas, since this is the average daily price based on previous guests’ spending. Previous visitors spent an average of M$312 ($17) on meals and M$429 ($23) on local transportation in one day.
What is the most popular food in Chiapas?
Tamales, which come in a variety of flavors, are the most famous and popular meal in Chiapas. Several of them include Chiapas’ primary herbs, chipiln and hoja santa. The majority of variations are wrapped in banana leaves, although they may also be found wrapped in maize husks and even hoja santa leaves.
What is the most traditional food in Cuba?
The national cuisine of Cuba is ropa vieja, a hearty stew prepared with shredded beef, tomato sauce, onions, and peppers. Traditionally, the stew is served with yellow rice and a glass of cold beer on the side.
What are four Colombian foods?
COLOMBIAN CLASSIC DISHES
Bandeja Paisa – Colombia’s unofficial national dish is bandeja paisa.
Empanadas – Empanadas are the ideal quick snack! …
Sancocho – A typical Colombian stew made with chicken, hog, or beef.
Fritanga – Fritanga is a delicious combination of fried offal.
More to come…