Where to eat in Querétaro City: 13 Best restaurants, cafés, and pubs
If you’re spending time in Santiago de Querétaro, there is one thing you need to know: the food is NOT known for being great. That’s not to say it’s bad—it can actually be very delicious. But compared to other states like Oaxaca where food is an undeniable highlight, Querétaro city’s flavours are often more subtle.
Sometimes when Alan and I hop into an Uber, he’ll strike up a conversation with the drivers. Those from Querétaro, called Queretanos, usually mention how rapidly the city has grown, while people from other states often say they love living here but find the food underwhelming and more expensive compared to their home states. His friends have echoed that sentiment.
But don’t worry—I’ve found some great spots to share with you that prove that this city’s food scene has plenty to offer! I will constantly be updating this list with new locations so that you know exactly where to eat in Querétaro.
Los Compadres
Bright colours. Tables with benches. Walls covered in Mexican decorations. Cazuala dishes filled with different flavours. Los Compadres is a cozy, family-friendly restaurant that became my mom and sister’s favourite place to eat in Querétaro city and for good reason!
Affordable and delicious, they offer street-food style options despite being a sit-down restaurant like tortas which are hefty sandwiches filled with different meats such as chorizo and ‘milanesa de pollo’ (breaded chicken). My sister talks about the torta de chorizo she ordered to this day, which was 42 pesos.
My mom tried their 3-piece enchiladas de mole here for the first time and fell in love with it. She really appreciated how the whole plate was covered in this delicious sauce.
So, this restaurant has some very happy customers! We also came to Los Comapdres in this YouTube video.
For meat-lovers, they also have ‘bistec a la Mexicana’ (Mexican-style steak) and ‘carne asada’ (grilled steak) with chilaquiles.
There are tons of restaurants and shops located on the pedestrian-only street called Calle 16 de Septiembre, but Los Compadres makes for an excellent choice if you want great Mexican food without all the fluff and high prices of fancier restaurants.
Address: C. 16 de Septiembre 46, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro.
Verdict: affordable Mexican dishes that are perfect for a casual outing
Mr. Jaibo
Santiago de Querétaro may not be near the ocean, but you can still find delicious seafood. Mr. Jaibo should be at the top of your list when the craving hits!
I ordered the battered shrimp tacos, which came piled high with sauce and fresh shredded veggies. We all know that seafood can get pricey, but Mr. Jaibo offers great quality at a fair price. Plus, you’re supporting a local business!
Alan went with the tuna ceviche, loaded with fresh mango, cucumber, onion, and avocado. Naturally, I had to try it for research and can confirm—it was fantastic!
The restaurant has a laid-back vibe, and the owner even came out to chat with us (switching to English when he found out I’m from Canada), which made the experience even more special.
Oh, and don’t forget to leave your mark on the wall! We did—see if you can find “Jamen and Alan” next time you visit! I love this place so much that I’ve vlogged about it twice on my YouTube channel, first with Alan and then again with my family.
Address: Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera 9_7, La Santa Cruz, La Cruz, 76020 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Best seafood
+Más Café
Located across from the iconic Plaza de Armas, Más Café is a fun place to stop for coffee and dessert. They also serve smoothies, frappés, enchiladas, pizza, and more!
Más Café quickly became one of my favorite places to spend the morning working or reading. You can sit inside in the cozy historical building or head to my go-to spot, he back room with its high, yellow walls and open roof that lets in plenty of natural light.
I’d usually set up my laptop and order enchiladas or scrambled eggs (which come with fruit and coffee). And before you leave, make sure to snap a photo of the beautiful Lele doll mural on the wall!
Don’t forget to snap a picture of the lovely Lele doll painted on the wall!
Address: Av. Luis Pasteur Sur 9, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Perfect for coffee dates
La Llave
La Llave is a nice restaurant you’ll find inside a hotel in the Centro with traditional Mexican dishes. It is my go-to spot when my family comes to Querétaro because it has that ‘wow’ factor thanks to the stunning arches, plants, and beautiful architecture. Besides being beautiful, another plus is that the food is delicious—especially the chicken mole, which is a rich sauce packed with flavour.
It’s also lovely for Sunday brunches or special celebrations where you want a touch of formality without it feeling too upscale. Just make sure to make a reservation if you go on a Sunday as it gets pretty busy.
While it’s not the cheapest spot, the quality of the food and stunning building make it well worth the visit—ideal for those times when you want something nice, tasty, and centrally located.
Address: C. Francisco I. Madero 11, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: A beautiful spot, perfect for special events
La Charamusca
Craving chilaquiles? Let me introduce you to Charramusca—the best spot in Querétaro for this delicious dish. I know, that’s a big claim, but after trying their take on chilaquiles, you’ll see why.
The menu offers a lot of unique options like ‘chilaquiles chipotle’ (eggs and fried tortilla chips topped with creamy chicken, cubed potatoes, and chorizo) and ‘chilaquiles michoacanos’ (fried tortilla chips in an avocado sauce with grilled beef, onions, cream, cheese, and fried beans).
For those looking for something more simple yet equally as delicioso, they also have ‘chilaquiles tradicionales’ (fried tortilla chips in a red or green sauce with chicken and eggs). There are, of course, other options besides chilaquiles like molletes, huevos rancheros, omlettes, and enchiladas.
Just make sure to come hungry because the portions are large! Plus, if you order the breakfast package called ‘el paquete de desayuno’, you will receive juice, coffee, and a loaf of bread.
Charramusca is on the expensive side at around $150-$180 Mexican pesos per plate, but it is such a unique place to have brunch. I have been here around five times now with my boyfriend and by myself but always for brunch, so I can only attest to their breakfast dishes, which I have absolutely loved every time!
Note: There are a few La Charamusca’s around Querétaro, but the one I have been to is in the Centro. It can be tricky to tell whether or not you are at the right spot, so I recommend looking for the La Charamusca bakery which is to the left of the main restaurant entrance.
Address: Calle Benito Juárez Nte. 41, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Best brunch restaurant
Brewer Gastro Pub
Picture this: you just spent the last hour at an eye clinic, hungry and tired. Then, as soon as you leave the place, it starts to rain, causing Uber not to pair you with a driver. So, instead of standing in the pouring rain as you figure out what to do next, you spot a dimly lit window with the waft of food coming out of it. You hurry over and see it’s a cute pub!
Okay, so maybe you don’t have to imagine that exact scenario, but that is what happened to Alan and I one evening. The pub that saved out evening, turning it into a date night instead of a rainy mess, was Brewer Gastro Pub.
We hungrily ordered a pizza to share with ‘papas de gajo’(potato wedges), which all tasted fantastic!
Like any good pub, the drink menu was looooong, so we asked the server what they recommended. Alan settled on a Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale, which is rich and nutty, with hints of caramel and roasted malt—a perfect choice for a cozy pub vibe.
I went with the Lindemans Framboise, which was delicious! To me, it tasted more like a wine than a beer, with its fruity raspberry flavor adding a unique twist. Trying craft and artisanal beers like these is a bit pricier than drinks originally from Mexico like Corona, but it made for an amazing night out and a fun date night experience.
Address: José María Arteaga 55, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: A great spot for cozy pub vibes and unique craft beers
Trattoria Da Pulcinella
Trattoria Da Pulcinella is a little slice of Italy in Querétaro, making it the perfect place to get pasta and pizza.
Alan and I came here for date night not just once but twice. I’m not sure what we loved more–the ‘spaghetti don vito’ with its flavourful tomato sauce and meatballs or the crispy slices of bread accompanied by different spicy sauces that were included at no extra cost. I’m pretty sure I turned into a loaf of bread I ate so much!
If pizza is what has your stomach growling, they serve some of the best in the city. With a flaky crust topped with bits of chorizo, ham, and bacon, each bite of the Mexican-flavoured pizza we ordered our second time here was delicious. My favourite part, however, was the pieces of jalepeños that added just the right amount of kick. Also, the clericot drink was AMAZING.
Besides having great food, the seating at Trattoria Da Pulcinella is also worth mentioning. You can eat inside the restaurant with its dim lights and intimate vibe, or you can opt to eat outside at one of the tables which are spaced out, giving couples and families privacy to visit while eating.
This is one of the few restaurants on the list that is a bit further away from the Centro, but it is worth taking an Uber here if you want to spend the evening eating Italian food at a place that feels authentic (even the menu is in Italian) and is not crowded. Alan used to live near this restaurant, so we found it when walking around the lovely streets. There’s even a flower market nearby!
Address: Mariano Matamoros 10, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Great Italian Food
Veggie Happy
Veggie Happy is the perfect place to get mouth-watering food that will surely please everyone–not just vegans!
Don’t let the fact that it is a vegan restaurant scare you off from coming here. I am not vegan–heck, I’m not even a vegetarian–but I decided to give this place a shot, and I’m so glad I did.
Just thinking about that sweet and savoury pineapple burger with a side of fries dipped in their made-in-house sauce makes my stomach growl. A ginger drink in a mason jar that the guy working recommended was also paired with it.
I still think about that meal to this day *sighs wistfully*….
Besides burgers, they also serve falafels and tacos in a variety of flavours. I haven’t tried them yet, but you better believe Veggie Happy will be making a reappearance on my itinerary the next time I’m in Querétaro.
Tip: If Veggie Happy sounds yummy to you, I would recommend eating in person at the restaurant rather than ordering the food to go like Uber Eats or Rappi. After coming to Veggie Happy in person once, I was craving another pineapple burger! I made an online order a few days later, but it was significantly more money on Uber Eats. The meal also had fewer fries and no dipping sauce.
Address: Calle Ezequiel Montes 143, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Best vegan restaurant
La Campana Café and Bistro
La Campana is the kind of place you just so happen to stumble across when strolling around the Centro. It is conveniently located between two roads near Templo de La Cruz, perfect for when you are exploring this stunning area and find yourself craving a fun drink.
While I am a hardcore coffee lover, their menu is full of fun drink options from sweet to fizzt. Just to name a few, they have matcha, hot chocolate, milkshakes, smoothies as well as Italian sodas, which I had never heard of before coming here.
Alan and I have been here twice. The first time we ordered smoothies para llevar (to go), and I chose maracuyá (passionfruit) while he opted for fresa (strawberry).
The second time was what solidified my love for this café/bistro. We found a spot at one of the tables next to all the art for sale hanging on the walls and ordered paninis that were perfectly toasted. My favourite part was the side of salad with fresh veggies. Yum!
Overall, the seating area is small and not the most comfortable, but La Campana is a small and unfussy place perfectly located in the Centro to check out if you want food or drink options that are light but satisfying.
Address: C. Venustiano Carranza 56, La Santa Cruz, Centro, 76020 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Fun drink options
Querétaro Rico
Querétaro Rico is not your typical restaurant. While it is located in a touristy area next to Templo de la Cruz, its prices are some of the lowest compared to other sit-down restaurants in the area. It also tends to attract locals.
While strolling around Plaza Fundadores and the Templo, I noticed a family with kids who complained in Spanish that they were hungry. They then walked over to Querétaro Rico, a restaurant in one of the Centro’s historic buildings.
The next time I was in the area, I followed suit and went there. I was pretty nervous walking in because I was seemingly the only tourist. However, it made for great Spanish practice as I ended up chatting with the friendly waiters. Moral of the story? When in doubt, eat what the locals eat!
For less than 150 Mexican pesos, you will find Mexican homestyle food that includes a warm soup and a main dish. Some of the different options on the menu include steak or chicken with ‘nopal’, ribs, and stuffed peppers.
I heard about how the state of Querétaro has their own take on enchiladas, so I had to order “enchiladas queretanas”, which was in a different section on the menu. It had chicken rolled up in a flavoured tortilla and topped with cheese, potatoes, and carrots. Yum! My meal cost 130 Mexican pesos, and it included bread, soup, and a drink.
Address: Hidalgo 184, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: Affordable sit-down restaurant
La Fábrica De Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, listen up! Fábrica De Chocolate is a café dedicated to you: hot chocolate, chocolate churros, chocolate tamales, chocolate water, chocolate smoothies, chocolate espressos, and the list goes on…
When walking along the andadores (pedestrian-only streets) in Querétaro’s beautiful Centro, I often find myself stopping here because I cannot resist chocoavena. It is a thick oatmeal and cocoa drink that hits the spot on those hot, sunny days. It also fills me right up! I’d highly recommend this one.
The chocolate banana tamale is another food item I’ve ordered from this café and loved. Truth be told, my mom wasn’t the biggest fan of it, but my sister sure did. She also thought the chocolate covered churro was good, especially after we asked the person working if she could warm it up.
All of these options may sound like a sweetness overload, but I have found that their products are not as sweet as I would have expected given their emphasis on chocolate. So, even if you don’t have the biggest sweet tooth, you may like to check out this place!
There are a couple of locations in Querétaro like the main one near Plaza de Armas where all the interactive art displays are set up. There are lots of places to sit inside this particular location, but it is always quite smokey inside, which I think is a result of the frying and baking they do. In case you get confused like I did my first time here, you can sit down and the waiter/waitress should come up to you to take your order.
1st Address: C. 5 de Mayo 14, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Another Fábrica De Chocolate can be found close to Jardín Guerrero. This location is smaller, but I prefer it.
2nd Address: C. Francisco I. Madero, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Verdict: A great place to try unique chocolate-related food and drinks
Snack San La Peque
As the expression goes, good things come in small packages. That is surely the case with this small, local Mexican restaurant. Located across from the iconic Alameda park, Snack San La Peque holds a special place in my heart.
Alan and I had been staying at Hotel Real Alameda, which is on the same street. He had some online work to do, so I was tasked with the duty of finding us brunch. I didn’t have to go far as I stumbled across this cute restaurant and started chatting away with the two women working.
I wasn’t sure what to order, so they explained to me all that they offered. I ended up getting a couple of tacos guisados for Alan and I, which are tacos filled with a stew-like filling. They were AMAZING! Like mouth-watering, I-could-eat-this-everyday amazing.
However, it wasn’t just the deliciousness of their food that landed them a place in my list of favourite restaurants in Querétaro. It’s also the fact that they were so kind to me. I have an okay level of Spanish, but I sometimes get shy speaking in a group. I was the only non-Mexican in this small restaurant and I was not familiar with some of the terms; however, they treated me like I was part of the family.
As they prepared the food, they told me to take a seat and started giving me sample of all the different guisados. They even served me ponche, which is a warm and fruity drink that I loved. As I said, I felt so shy at first, but they were extremely kind and welcoming, so I really recommend that you support their small business!
If you’re not already in the area, I’d probably advise against making a special trip here because the hours seem a bit irregular, so I’m not sure what they are actually open. I think that adds to the charm though. 🙂
Since it’s not listed on the Internet, the closest address I could find is: Prol Corregidora Sur 182, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico (It is two doors over from this address)
Verdict: The best place to enjoy authentic Mexican food with the kindest staff
Maniática Centro Histórico
I can’t take credit for finding this great restaurant—Alan and I have couple friends (I feel so mature saying that) who invited us to Maniática for supper one night.
This restaurant is definitely perfect for Instagram pictures, so have your phone ready! The low lighting creates a cool, moody vibe, and the unique decor makes for perfect selfie backdrops.
I had the chicken with a side of perfectly seasoned steamed veggies and a tasty tortilla soup. We also ordered dessert and coffee, and for all four of us, the total came to 1,200 pesos, which is around $300 pesos / $20CAD per person. I feel like that’s a good price considering all the food we had–a soup as an appetizer, a main dish, dessert, juice, and coffee. We enjoyed our meal so much that we ended up spending about three hours chatting and eating away during our double date.
I hadn’t realized how many times I’d walked by this place—it’s right on the corner across from Jardín Zenea. It’s a bit easy to miss, so look for the room with a desk on the left and a large staircase (though unfortunately, it’s not wheelchair-accessible).
You may have to wait for a table like we did, but each floor has its own unique vibe, including a rooftop you can check out while you wait. Unlike most of the spots on my list where I’m a regular, I’ve only been to Maniática once, so I can’t vouch for consistency, but it’s a memorable place, and I’m definitely planning to return next time I’m in Querétaro. Just remember—it’s cash only!
Address: Calle Benito Juárez Nte. 1, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro.
Verdict:A great restaurant for nice pics and good food
Conclusion
In the end, while Querétaro’s food might not be famous for its food, it still has great restaurants, cafés, and pubs that are well worth discovering.
When deciding where to eat in Querétaro, remember that some of the best flavors are often found in the city’s street food scene. From grabbing tacos at a small stand to trying gorditas from a local food cart, the real magic lies in these unassuming, authentic spots. So, don’t underestimate the power of street food—sometimes, it’s the simplest places that serve up the most memorable flavours.
Where do you like to eat in Querétaro? Feel free to share down below.
