Every city is home to restaurants that have stood the test of time. My hometown, known for its extraordinary culinary offerings, is no exception. The problem with a brilliant food scene like this though, is you never truly know where the best restaurants in Guadalajara can be found, or what they’ll be like when you arrive.
From traditional taquerías to fine dining restaurants, international cuisines and even a Guinness World Record holder, the restaurants listed below have secured a special place in the hearts of tapatíos (Guadalajarans) everywhere. Despite new culinary trends and rival openings, these places have managed not only to survive but to thrive in the cosmopolitan city of Guadalajara.
Tacos Providencia
If you ask a local whether they’ve been to the Tacos Providencia, the answer is probably an emphatic yes.
From the exquisite tacos al pastor — which have a reputation for being some of the best in the city — to tacos de lengua, carnaza, asada, dorados, gringas, quesadillas (What’s in a quesadilla anyway?) and more, Tacos Providencia has managed to retain its clientele for generations.
Pro tip: if you don’t want to queue up for lunch, make sure to arrive before 2 p.m.
Best for: After school pick-up lunch, or a quick dinner after a movie.
Ambience: Laid back and familiar.
Price: $ – $$
Where? Justo Sierra and Rubén Darío.
Hamburguesas La Squina
What comes to mind when you think of a burger? Whatever you’re thinking, it probably doesn’t include fruit or prawns.
Well, La Squina serves exactly that — prawn burgers with fried cheese and bacon. They are an absolute feast of flavors. Once served, guests can choose from a variety of toppings, from strawberries and jalapeños to tomatoes, onion, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and lettuce.
Located on a corner (esquina) in the Monraz neighborhood, the restaurant’s name alludes to its location — “La Squina.”
Best for: A casual mid-week dinner or a family outing over the weekend.
Ambience: Relaxed.
Price: $$ – $$$
Where? C. Golfo de Cortes 4186.
Carnes Garibaldi
If you’re looking for the best carne en su jugo (“beef in its juice”) in Guadalajara, Carnes Garibaldi won’t disappoint. As the only dish on the menu, this restaurant holds a Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest service, with the food appearing seconds after you take your seat.
Carne en su jugo is a traditional dish from northern Jalisco, made from tender beef cut into thin strips and cooked in a tomato, chili and cilantro broth. It is served with refried beans and tortillas.
Best for: Breakfast, dinner or lunch.
Ambience: Casual and fonda style
Price: $ – $$
Where? C. José Clemente Orozco
La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill
Inspired by the oyster bars of New Orleans, La Docena opened in 2012 with resounding success. It introduced po’boys — seafood sandwiches served in a baguette — to Guadalajara. But it’s the juicy Rockefeller oysters that turned this restaurant into a local sensation. Other popular dishes include the aguachile tatemado and the tuna tostadas. Think of it as a Jaliscan version of Mexico City’s Contramar.
Best for: Dinner with friends or a family lunch.
Ambience: Industrial aesthetic, carefree vibe and lively atmosphere.
Price: $$ – $$$
Where? Plaza Andares and Punto Sao Paulo.
El Italiano
Who doesn’t love a good Italian restaurant? If you do, look no further than El Italiano, a restaurant that has remained a firm favorite amongst familias tapatías for over three decades. With a delicious range of homemade pasta, the menu also offers diners the chance to try authentic Italian pizzas and seafood.
Founded by Paolo Pernazza in 1986, El Italiano remains the go-to option to enjoy a proper Italian experience.
Best for: A first date, a business lunch or a family outing over the weekend.
Ambience: Romantic and elegant, with interiors reminiscent of an Italian village.
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Where? Diagonal Golfo de Cortéz.
La Estancia Gaucha
A staple of the fine-dining scene in Guadalajara, la Estancia Gaucha is an Argentinean restaurant with a touch of Mexican flair. It serves traditional Argentine cuts accompanied by freshly made tortillas, Mexican salsas and chimichurri sauce.
Founded by Argentinean Roberto Masciarelli in 1978, La Estancia Gaucha’s signature dishes are the Provoleta, Queso Fundido con Chorizo and of course, Bife de Chorizo.
Best for: Business lunch, a special occasion or a family outing.
Ambience: Stylish, classic and elegant.
Price: $$$$
Where? Av. Niños Héroes and Punto Sao Paulo.
La Vaca Argentina
Mexicans love a good Argentinian cut, evidenced by the second Patagonian entry on this list. La Vaca Argentina, which translates as “The Argentinean Cow,” is a great example of why. After opening in 2005, the restaurant rapidly expanded to across the country.
With an extensive menu featuring chistorra, provoleta, pastas, carpaccios and of course, beef, La Vaca Argentina has earned its place as a true classic and one of the best restaurants in Guadalajara.
Best for: Business lunch, a special occasion or a family outing.
Ambience: Lavish and elegant.
Price: $$$$
Where? Six locations in Guadalajara, including Colonia Americana and Andares.
La Tequila
With the spotlight firmly on Mexican food, La Tequila is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city. Combining traditional dishes with a contemporary touch, La Tequila prides itself on exclusively local, regional and national produce. This includes a large collection of Mexican spirits — over 200 varieties of tequila and 25 types of mezcal.
Best for: Business lunch, a special occasion or a family outing.
Ambience: Rustic interiors combine with modern features to create a stylish and sleek atmosphere.
Price: $$$$
Where? Av. México and The Landmark.
If you think somewhere else deserves to be on our list of the best restaurants in Guadalajara, why not let us know in the comments?
Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.
If you are looking for the best Carne en su jugo, look to west Ajijic and Itomatatito. 5km west of the Walmart intersection, lake side, before Oxxo (that is across the street. The only other menu item are Beñatas. This is not a building but a fancy green tent, decorate well inside and open late
I’ll have to go visit that next time I’m there – thanks for reading and for the recommendation!
I have visited some of the restaurants here recommended and can understand their long time success: cleanliness, prompt and kind service as well as excellent and traditional flavours. On my next trip to “La perla Tapatia”, I will enjoy some of the restaurants I have not yet tried and that you mention on this article. I have learned to trust the news and articles that MexicoNewsDaily originates. Por lo pronto: “Que rica la comida de Mexico… al leer el articulo, se me antojo”
¡Muchas gracias por leer y por el comentario! And thank you for trusting our content. I hope you enjoy our recommendations next you’re in La Perla Tapatía!
Thank you Gabriela for your short reviews. I will definitely need to try some of these. I would like to suggest a couple of my favorites – first Tomate taqueria in Colonia Americana. I recently discovered this in my search for tacos al pastor (my fave) and I discovered queso chicharron. Wow! I will be definitely going to La Providencia next time I am in GDL. My very favorite carne en su jugo in near the central plaza in Axixic. It is called Pequeña cocina. It is Anna’s special home made recipe so call ahead to be sure that she is making it on the day that you want to go, or even ask her to make some ahead of time.
Thank you for these suggestions! Even though I’ve been going to Ajijic/Chapala all my life, it’s nice to know there are still undiscovered restaurants. Gracias!
How did this list miss Chololo’s!!!! The birria is the BEST in the world!
Places to add/investigate:
Bruna
Sagrantino’s
Sacromonte (oldie but goodie)
iLatina
Anitalia (sister rest to Latina)
Pig’s Pearls
All recommended to us by Tapitios
Great article and not possible to mention everyone’s favorites and hit all tastes but you covered things very well….adding La Vaca Argentina as a second Pategonian was excellent….you cannot leave there unhappy and I don’t eat red meat. El Italiano is special considering hard to find great pasta….we are lucky in Lakeside with Past Trenta…but El Italiano adds the atmosphere, service and energy. Next time a seafood mention might be in order and you can’t do better that Campo Mar….for me the best anywhere. (We were just in Mexico City and of course everyone raves about Contra Mar and reservations are difficult but a poor second cousin to Campo Mar.) A great fav….special food, presentation, service and atmosphere is Bruna. But we are all nit picking….Great job and fun research!!! David Lea
Thanks for these great suggestions! Another recommendation for seafood is Los Arcos. Fabulous selection with lots of fresh seafood.
I am shocked by this major blunder!!! This whole article is now completely suspect as anybody that’s actually FROM Guadalajara and has actually been to these recommended locations would notice this major mistake! I’m shocked that this author got this completely wrong and now makes all other suggestions questionable. She has confused Kamilos 333 with Karne Garibaldi. Karne Garibaldi is the one that holds the world record for fastest service! Fact check! It also now has multiple locations around the ZMG (Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara). They need to fix this article, that is inaccurate and even if it’s an opinion piece, what a major factual blunder. Has she ever actually been there? The picture is clearly of Kamilos 333 because Karne Garibaldi only serves carne en su jugo and not any sort of cortes as what is show in the picture. Karne Garibaldi and Kamilos 333 are major competitors and these original locations are right next to each other on the same street. I lived two block from there for 5 years, so I’ve been to both many times but get the facts right if that’s the only detail you’re going to focus on. And some of these other recommendations are just “phoning it in” and typical, out-of-touch recommendations from the many of the same places noted over and over again. Disappointing MND, disappointing.