Monterrey Restaurants and Dining

(Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico)

Monterrey has a good selection of restaurants and diners looking to sample classical Mexican dishes will find plenty to savour. Those who prefer less spicy food and not so much chilli will still find plenty to enjoy on the menu at Mexican restaurants in Monterrey, although many prefer to 'play it safe' and stick to their hotel restaurant, where buffet spreads are often available, especially for breakfast and lunch.

Many restaurants around Monterrey have been influenced by traditional Spanish and even French cuisine at times. However, there are still plenty of fast-food restaurants in Monterrey, where steaks, burgers and salads are popular with many tourists. For locals, tequila is always an important part of any meal in Monterrey.

What to Eat

Much of north-eastern Mexico and the state of Nuevo Leon feature similar cuisine, with restaurants serving many staple favourites. When dining out in Monterrey, look out for:

• Tacos al carbon - tortillas filled with various meats and poultry
• Chimichangas - deep-fried burritos, made with water tortillas (tortillas de agua) and stuffed with minced beef
• Cabrito al pastor - a true speciality at Monterrey restaurants, where young goats (kids) are cooked over hot coals
• Black bass - a meaty freshwater fish caught from various regional reservoirs

Where to Eat

A number of suburbs surround central Monterrey and contain plenty of excellent restaurants and good dining options. Located on the western side of Monterrey, the affluent, tree-lined district of Colonia del Valle contains many good restaurants, hotels and also the Plaza Fiesta San Augustin shopping mall, which is a good place for a snack and cheap eats in general.

Fast-food restaurants are plentiful around the bus station area of Monterrey and often stand next to cheap taco outlets. Various eateries, cafes and other dining options also reside around the Barrio Antiguo, and whilst these restaurants are amongst the best in the whole of Monterrey, they can be a little expensive and extremely busy at the weekends, when a short wait is likely.