21 of the Best Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas

ByKelli Updated on
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Mexico is well regarded among foodies as a culinary destination. With world-class restaurants in Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca, foodies flock to these destinations to sample the regional cuisine. The culinary scene in San Cristobal de las Casas, however, is slowly making a name for itself.

We took the opportunity to eat our way through San Cristobal de las Casas. Here is a list of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas. Hopefully, this list will help you decide where to eat in San Cristobal de las Casas.

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The Best Breakfast in San Cristobal De Las Casas

There is no better way to start off your day than with a delicious, fulfilling breakfast. We have rounded up the best breakfast restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas whether you are looking for something local, something on the go, or something that is a bit more “gringo”.

Frontera Artisan Food and Coffee

Delicious bagel sandwich and coffee from Frontera Artisan Food and Coffee, one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
Frontera Artisan Food and Coffee is the best restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas for breakfast and coffee!

Frontera Artisan Food and Coffee is hands down the best breakfast spot in San Cristobal de las Casas. These guys serve up Mexican classics such as delicious chilaquiles, or western staples like their yummy breakfast bagel. Grab a coffee and sit outside on the terrace or in the sun-drenched garden. Trust us, this place is definitely worth the slight walk out of town.

Frontera also does great coffee! For more on where to find the best coffee in San Cristobal de las Casas check out our article The 10 Best Cafes in San Cristobal de las Casas.

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Black Love Coffee (Amor Negro)

Black Love Coffee is also included on our list of the best cafes in San Cristobal de las Casas, so it is no wonder that we are listing it as one of the best places to grab breakfast in San Cristobal de las Casas. Black Love Coffee breakfast options lean more towards the gringo side with omelets, avocado toast, waffles, and even donuts!

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Oh La La! Real Patisserie Guadalupe

Those who like to grab breakfast on the go will love the French patisserie located on Real de Guadalupe. We especially loved the buttery croissants, which are the perfect accompaniment to any morning coffee. Come here prepared to wait, as the service is not always 100%.

Best Mexican Restaurants in San Cristobal

San Cristobal de las Casas is known for being home to a surprising number of international cuisines in Mexico, from Thai to Indian to Korean to Italian and almost everything in between. But before leaving San Cristobal, consider visiting one of these Mexican restaurants for a true, local experience.

Achiote Cochinita Pibil

If you aren’t big on the pig, then this restaurant mightn’t be the place for you as Achiote Cochinita Pibil specializes in only one thing…pork. Cochinita pibil is a traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatán Peninsula. The pork is marinated with citrus juice and annatto (a spice) and slow-cooked for hours in a banana leaf. Think of the Mexican version of southern barbeque.

The best tacos from Achiote Cochinita Pibil at the best restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas
Even with only one dish on the menu, Achiote Cochinita Pibil is one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas

Despite only offering pork at Achiote Cochinita Pibil, the pork is served in many different ways, each with a unique flavor. Take your pick of tacos, torditas (small sandwiches), tostadas, panucho, tamales, gorditas and gringas. Our favorite? The torditas. A mini barbeque sandwich with soft bread, pickled onions, and your choice of salsa. Simply mouth-watering.

Don’t be deterred if there is a line, the service is quick, and the food is worth any small wait.

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Dely Quesadilla

Dely Quesadilla is a no-frills or fancy restaurant, but we still think it is one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal. The unassuming restaurant only has a handful of tables and chairs and only one grill on which to prepare the quesadillas. One grill means the service can be a bit slow, but trust us, it is worth it. These quesadillas were some of the best we had in Mexico. It is evident the ladies here know how to prepare a quesadilla! The quesadilla menu varies each day, but there are usually 4-5 options available, including vegetarian options.

Don’t miss a chance to stop in at Dely Quesadilla. You won’t be disappointed.

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El Caldero

As San Cristobal de las Casas is located 2,200 meters above sea level, it is a bit more chilly than other parts of Mexico. Stop in at El Caldero, or soup in Spanish, to warm up after an afternoon of sightseeing. As the name suggests, the piping hot soup is the star of the show at this San Cristobal restaurant.

A bowl of caldero or soup in one of the restaurants of San Cristobal de las Casas.
This San Cristobal de las Casas restaurant is perfect for cool nights!

With over a dozen different types of the caldero ranging from chicken to pork and even vegetarian options, you can find something for everyone. Prices are reasonable, ranging between $90 – $110 pesos per soup, but make sure you bring your appetite as the soup is more than sufficient to fill you up. We also filled up on the delicious bean dip provided as an appetizer while you wait on your meals. If you finish before your meal, they will replenish, so don’t spoil your meal!

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Donki Burritos Sancris

More commonly associated with Tex-Mex, the burrito was invented by Juan Méndez, a street vendor in Chihuahua, Mexico, and has quickly become one of the most loved Mexican foods outside of Mexico. If you have been missing burritos in Mexico, then you are in luck at Donki Burritos Sancris. Large burritos stuffed with a meat of your choice (or a vegetarian option) packed with heaps of veggies will be sure to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings.

Donki Burritos Sancris also has one of the best craft beer selections in San Cristobal.

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Best Interantional REstaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas

We already mentioned that San Cristobal de las Casas has the best international cuisine in all of Mexico. The options range from Thai to Korean, from Italian to Indian, and more.

Here is a list of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas for international cuisine.

La Vina de Bacco

San Cristobal de las Casas is littered with international flavors and cuisines. If you have had your fill of Mexican dishes, then you are in luck in San Cristobal de las Casas. One of our favorites is La Vina de Bacco which is a Spanish tapas and wine bar.

The main reason to visit La Vina de Bacco is the wine. Wine prices range from $20 – $60 pesos per glass and include one free tapa, making it quite a deal. If the small morsel provided with each drink isn’t enough, you can order extra plates with prices ranging from $10 – $125 pesos. If you do plan on eating here, we recommend sticking to the Spanish-style tapas over the Mexican-style tapas. We ventured from the traditional tapas one time and were a bit disappointed.

Make sure you book a table here as things fill up fast, and you definitely do not want to miss drinks at La Vina de Bacco.

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Cardamomo Cocina Hindu

Delicious Indian curry at Cardamomo Cocina Hindu one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Can you believe one of the San Cristobal restaurants is INDIAN!?!

Cardamomo Cocina Hindu was perhaps my favorite restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas. Located in Barrio Guadalupe, this restaurant serves delicious Indian food in the middle of Mexico. We always have a misconception that in Mexico, you cannot find good food other than Mexican food. Well, Cardamomo Cocina Hindu will prove you wrong. These ladies were serving up Indian food just as well as places I have been in the US, Amsterdam, and Australia. If you are keen on Indian, get around Cardamomo Cocina Hindu.

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Trattoria Catanzaro

We don’t normally eat out Italian food. It is one of the “go-to” meals in the van, so it is not something we crave or like to spend lots of money on. But we heard Trattoria Catanzaro was something special, so we set our hearts on having a meal here. And it did not disappoint.

This lovely family restaurant serves up the best Italian in the city, hands down, making it one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas. The homemade pasta steals the show here, but you cannot order wrong! Make sure you come hungry, as you will want to order one of everything on the menu!

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  • Address: Profa. María Adelina Flores 16
  • Hours of Operation:
    • Sunday – Monday: 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    • Wednesday: Closed

Comida Thai

On the recommendation of a few locals, we visited Comida Thai to try more of the Asian cuisine that is slowly taking over the culinary scene in San Cristobal. With only five tables, locals and tourists alike pack this tiny restaurant each day.

The menu, which consists generally of well-known Thai food such as pad thai and red curry, changes regularly. If you are keen on something particular on the menu that day, make sure to arrive early, as only a limited supply is available each day. While the taste isn’t as good as the food you would find in Thailand, if you have the craving or are over tacos, Comida Thai is a great option. Make sure you go with plenty of time, however, as they are not known for their quick service.

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Asiarico7

Korean Mexican tacos from Asiarico7 one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
Don’t these tacos look amazing!?!

Asiarico7, not to be confused with Asiarico14 its fancier sister restaurant, is one of the best San Cristobal restaurants and a must if you are craving Asian. Taking a bit of Asian flare from Vietnam and Korea and throwing in a little Mexican flavor, these guys are serving up some of the best meals in town. The Korean-inspired tacos were a particular favorite. We recommend getting there early or booking in advance as seating is limited.

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El Cau Vinos y Tapas

Surprisingly, in a town as small as San Cristobal, there is a wine and tapas bar. But it is almost unheard of to find two! Somehow, San Cristobal manages to pull it off (again) with two amazing wine and tapas bars to visit, each being one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas.

While locals and tourists alike flock to La Vina de Bocca for the cheap ($20 peso) wine, the crowd at El Cau Vinos y Tapas is a bit more upscale. While they serve quality wines, their selection is not quite as extensive as their neighbor’s, but their food is a step above. Selections range from tapas to full plates to meat and cheese boards. Grab a few tapas and sit outside on the terrace, watching people pass by. We ended up observing a processional, which was quite an interesting dining experience!

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Casa Jasmine

Another newcomer on the scene, Casa Jasmine, is doing what you thought would be the impossible. Combining Indonesian and Vietnamese cuisines to serve up some of the hottest dishes in San Cristobal de las Casas. After one bite, you will easily see why Casa Jasmine is one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas at the moment. What’s more? These guys are completely vegan, making it not only delicious but also good for the planet!

Highlights of the menu include nasi (rice) bowls, corn fritters, bahn mi, and pho.

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Rivabella Pizzeria

Everyone gets the craving for pizza once in a while. The best restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas serving pizza is easily Rivabella Pizzeria. Proper Napoli-style pizza oozing with yummy cheese topped with your choice of toppings will make any mouth drool. Trained in Italy, the chef here knows exactly how to cook a pizza. Using the highest quality ingredients, you won’t find any better pizza in Mexico than here at Rivabella Pizzeria.

And, if I haven’t convinced you yet, Rivabella Pizzeria’s five star review on Google will sure to seal the deal.

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Casa de Ahn

It seems odd that San Cristobal de las Casas would have more than one Korean restaurant, or really any at all. But two who are doing it and doing it well are incredible, well it almost seems like a lie!

Korean fried chicken at Casa de Ahn one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
The Korean fried chicken is not to be missed at Casa de Ahn, one of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas

Casa de Ahn was our first venture into Asian cuisine in San Cristobal de las Casas. It took just one bite of the Korean Fried Chicken for me to know that eating out at all of the international restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas was a must. Korean food with a Mexican twist is what to expect at Casa de Ahn. As you can tell, we particularly loved the Korean fried chicken, but the ramen was also equally as delicious!

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Best Vegetarian Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas

Finding vegan options in Mexico is not always easy. San Cristobal de las Casas, however, is doing things a bit differently than other cities throughout Mexico with plenty of options catering to vegans and vegetarians. Here is a round-up of the best vegetarian restaurants in San Cristobal del as Casas.

Te Quiero Verde

A lovely restaurant with cozy outdoor seating, this vegetarian restaurant offers a wide variety of healthy options. Traditional Mexican options such as tacos, chilaquiles, and molletes, as well as more American style options such as vegetarian burgers, salads, and pasta. Te Quiero Verde also offers a wide range of freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, which is a must for any vegetarian restaurant.

Another added bonus of Te Quiero Verde is the friendly staff and quality of service, which is sometimes a rarity in Mexico!

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Bek, Semilla De Vida (Vegan Restaurant – Shop)

Don’t let the hole-in-the-wall vibe here fool you, as this vegan restaurant is serving up some of the best healthy food in San Cristobal de las Casas. The Mexican food and bowls are a particular highlight. Bek also offers gluten-free options for those who are gluten-intolerant.

Another bonus? Bek is a fraction of the price of some of the other vegan restaurants in town, making it a must for those who are a bit more budget-conscious.

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Falafel 100% Vegetariano

Craving Middle Eastern food? San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the few towns within Mexico where we have actually found Middle Eastern food to rave about. Falafel 100% Vegetariano only has a few items on the menu… falafel and hummus but what they do, they do well. After just one bite, you will think you have been transported to Lebanon as opposed to sitting in the mountain village of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Just remember, these guys are only open for dinner and no beers are served here (unfortunately).

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Fine Dining in San Cristobal De Las Casas

If you are looking to dine out for a special occasion or if you just absolutely love fine dining, then here are our picks of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas for fine dining.

Tierra y Cielo Restaurante

Tierra y Cielo is a restaurant in San Cristobal centered around providing a dining experience to taste the regional specialties of the Chiapas region. Located in a traditional house in the historic city center, there is no better place to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself than here.

Highlights of the menu include pork shank, whole grilled fish, and Mexican staples such as tacos and mole. Tierra y Cielo also offers a degustation menu, allowing you to sample a wide array of their Chiapan dishes.

Tierra y Cielo takes special care to make sure you have a truly wonderful dining experience. World-class service, friendly staff, and perfectly curated meals will easily make your time here one of your favorites during your time in Chiapas.

Tierra y Cielo also has a small wine list showcasing wines from Mexico, including wine from the oldest winery in North America, Casa Madero, located in the wine region of Parras de la Fuente.

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Tarumba

Last but certainly not least on our list of the best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas is Tarumba. Housed in the Hotel Sombra del Agua, don’t be fooled by its attachment to a hotel. The chefs of Tarumba are winning over customers left, right, and center with their exquisite take on the regional specialties of Chiapas. For a gastro experience in San Cristobal to knock your socks off, Tarumba is top of the list.

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Getting to San Cristobal de Las Casas

By Air

The nearest airport to San Cristóbal de las Casas is Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ), the capital of Chiapas. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or shuttle service to San Cristóbal de las Casas, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away.

By Bus

Several bus companies operate routes to San Cristóbal de las Casas from major cities in Mexico. ADO and OCC are reputable bus companies that serve this route. The journey might take several hours, so be prepared for a long ride.

Check Out Bus Timetables and Prices Here

By Car

If you prefer flexibility and want to explore the surrounding areas, you can rent a car. Major cities and airports in Mexico offer car rental services.

Chiapas has mostly well-maintained roads, but the road to San Cristobal can be windy and bumpy in parts. The journey might take some time, so plan your route and stops accordingly.

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We hope this list of the San Cristobal restaurants helps you plan your meals! Let us know what you think and start planning your trip today!

Kelli

From a small town in the USA, I had my first taste of travel when I was 17. Since then, I have traveled to over 80 countries and every continent bar Antarctica. I love to experience new places, cultures, and food. While you may occasionally find me in popular tourist destinations, I tend to gravitate to up-and-coming destinations, hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

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