As promised in last week’s Reporter, here is our guide to the best gourmet/fusion eateries in Guadalajara.
Of course, our opinions are subjective and we would welcome any additions to this list, which we will gladly publish. Prices can vary, but suffice to say that none of the restaurants mentioned here are budget options, although they compare very favorably with similar establishments both north of the border, and even in Mexico City.
Lula Bistro, San Gabriel 303, Colonia Chapalita, 3647-6423, Mon-Sat 2 p.m. to midnight.
Award-winning eatery led by top Irish chef Darren Walsh, who worked with Gordon Ramsay in London, as well as in New York. Innovation, creativity and presentation reaches new heights for a Guadalajara restaurant.
Demetria, Av. La Paz 2219, corner of Americas, 3818-0060, Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.Part of an avant garde hotel/spa complex, Demetria has been gaining fans since its opening last year. Includes ancient Mexican recipes with a modern touch. Fish a specialty.
Eikki, Parque Juan Diego 101, corner Av, de las Rosas, 1057-0814, Mon-Sat: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Part of a boutique hotel (Hotel Clarum 101) in Colonia Chapalita, Eikki is easily among the top five gourmet eateries, say knowledgeable foodies. Ask for the five-course “menu degustacion” (taster menu) paired with wines on your first visit.
Sybarite, Av. Terranova 648, 3642-2223, Tue-Sat 1:30 p.m. to midnight, Sun 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Good grapevine buzz and gaining in popularity, Sybarite offers interesting culinary options, such as duck tacos, as well as a pleasant terrace. Good wine cellar and reasonably priced.
Vincent by Vango, Paseo Andares, corner Blvd. Puerta de Hierro, 3611-1207, Mon-Thur 1:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri & Sat 1:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., Sun: 1.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
With modern decor and aimed at a trendy crowd, Vincent Vango has a varied menu, including its famed lobster tacos. Located in the upmarket Andares Mall.
Santo Coyote, Lerdo de Tejada 2379, corner Francisco Javier Gamboa, 3616-6978, Mon-Sun: 8 a.m. to 12.30 a.m.
One of the oldest establishments on the list, the lavishly adorned Santo Coyote has a New Mexico theme but fuses traditional flavors and dishes from Mexico with other countries. Sit among trees and waterfalls, listen to mariachis, and even have salsa prepared at your table. Breakfast buffets daily, also lunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays. An experience in itself.
Ofelia Bistro, Av. Pablo Neruda 2707, 3817-4067, Mon-Sat 1:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Agreeable, cozy ambience, with creative cuisine and attentive staff. Try the roast beef!
Cabernet, Puerta de Hierro 4965/Paseo VIP, local 425, 3611-1975, Mon-Thur 1 p.m. to midnight, Fri & Sat until 1 a.m., Sun until 10 p.m.
Another gem in the Andares Mall that melds French cuisine with Mexican touches.
I Latina,Av. Inglaterra 3128, 3647-7774, Tue-Sat 7:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., Sun 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fusion with a capital “F” mixes Italian, Thai and Mediterranean flavors. Cool artistic decorations. Said one diner: “A Mexican version of Manhattan vibe.” Good cocktails, too.
Paralelo 28, Av. Providencia 2889, 3642-9616, Mon-Thu: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sun: 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Chef David Salgado from Ensenada, Baja California brings his undoubtable talents and meticulous presentation to this small and relaxed restaurant. Enjoy a mixture of textures and flavors.
La Tequila, Avenida Mexico 2830, 3640-3440. Mon-Sun: 1 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.
Not exactly gourmet but a tremendous experience and fine Mexican themed dishes. Try gusanos de maguey (worms in maguey) or crickets if you’re brave. More than 500 different tequilas on site. Don’t taste them all or you’ll not make it home. Great place to take visitors.
Cocina 88, Av. Vallarta 1342, Zona Minerva, 3827-5996. Mon-Sat: 1.30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sun: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nicely prepared steaks and seafood in a dramatic setting in a 100-year-old colonial building on one of Guadalajara’s premier avenues. Gets full in the evenings with younger, hipper crowd.