Pizza with a view. Episode three.

The competition for the restaurant with the best view in San Miguel de Allende seems to crown a new champ every year (the latest one to wear the tiara is Quince). A couple of years ago, two of the major contenders were restaurants that served pizza. Now a third one has entered the fray. Cent’Anni and Chiquita shake hands with Emilio’s.

Emilio’s has taken over the prime spot on Salida a Queretaro just above San Miguel’s El Mirador. The space was most recently occupied by Sicilia en Bocca, a few years before that by a Lebanese restaurant, and, way before that, by the restaurant Chiapas. In those days, the entrance was on Piedras Chinas and they advertised the place as:

“The best kitchen with the best panoramic view of San Miguel.”

The first time I came to San Miguel de Allende the second part of that statement was true. But now there are challengers, much more serious challengers to the latest occupants of the space.

The original Emilio’s Pizza is in Queretaro. It offers very traditional Italian fare. Nothing very different. Nothing very special. The new Emilio’s is, as you now know, in San Miguel de Allende. It offers very traditional Italian fare. Nothing very different. Nothing very special.

So should you go? Of course you should. Because a very pleasant decor, romantic ambience (major plaudits to the lighting), friendly efficient service and a spectacular view (even though it may have slipped from first to fourth place over the last 20 years) can be just as important as innovative cuisine (even to a fully fledged foodie).

So rather than describe what Don Day’s Wife and I had for dinner in detail, I’ve let the iPhone do the talking. And keep in mind the visual delights and, most of all, that breathtaking view are the best reasons of all to go to Emilio’s, even on one of the haziest nights in the history of San Miguel de Allende.

And if you want one recommendation, Emilio’s has the biggest pizza oven I’ve ever seen in San Miguel, fired by encino wood. And that results in a crispy, crunchy crust which came with some very generous amounts of toppings.

Emilio’s is located at Salida Real a Queretaro #91 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. For reservations call 415 152 0406.