No, I’m not going to tell you which restaurants they are. You’re going to tell me. For it’s time again for the SMART awards. The annual event where I ask Don Day in SMA readers to tell me your favorite restaurants. SMART stands for San Miguel de Allende Readers Taste and, to vote, requires only a quick email.
The only guidance I ever give is to not just consider the obvious reasons…the food, the service and the ambience…but also to think of value and how much pleasure you get for your pesos.
To vote is very simple. Just send an email to dondayinsma@yahoo.com with the word Smarts in the subject line and your top three choices in the body. Or, if you don’t have three that stand out, send me the names of two, or even just one. If you want to include a short comment, even better, because that will help me know what’s important to my readers and give me something I can possibly quote when I write about the winners.
About the only rule is one vote (for up to three restaurants) per email address and I need it by February 29. The winners will be announced at the SMARTs gala dinner to be held on March 23 and on the blog on the following day. And those who vote will receive an advance invitation to attend the dinner.
Please help me give recognition to San Miguel’s very best restaurants. Please vote for your choices right now.
We love Marsala on Hernandez Macias for its cozy dining room w/ wood burning fireplace and lovely patio. And, of course, we also love the menu for its eclectic and always delicious appetizers and entrees. The fresh-out-of-the-oven pita with tzatziki are mouth watering! Marcela and Ximena come to our table to ask us how we are enjoying our meal.
Also in our neighborhood is the new and lovely Bistro 300, which is uniformly delicious. We also went to the Bistro for Christmas Eve dinner, and it was creative and delicious at a reasonable price. The service is excellent.
We also like the new Ojo de Aqua, despite the fact that it’s an expanding chain. The casual fare is available all day and into the early evening. The dining areas are relaxing and well-appointed, and the produce and refrigerators stocked with perishables, add a special touch. We love their panini type sandwiches, the enchiladas suisse baked in a s
Finally, we love the new Fatima in the Hotel Casa Blanca. The view is fabulous, the food is creative (and we aren’t even fond of Moroccan food), and the service was friendly and efficient. The Friday happy hour downstairs in Casa Blanca is also a winner!
Thanks for doing this Don-
My 3 choices are:
1. Hecho en Mexico
2. Antigua Trattoria Romana
3. La Parada
La Parada
Mi Bistro 300
Antonia Bistro
Café Firenze. Still the best grouper and short ribs I’ve enjoyed in SMA.
Nomada. The tasting menu (the only menu option I ever exercise) is innovative, beautifully presented and always interesting. I ate my first grasshopper and my first ant there…but don’t let that throw you off. Always a delightful experience.
La Parada
The Restaurant
Zumo
Are my choices!
Atrio
Firenze
Trattoria Romano
1. Nomada
2. Cumpanio
3. Hecho en Mexico
Don Taco Tequila
Fenicia
OKO
Please also put my wife Pearl Caplan on your email list pearlcap1@gmail,com
I have a list of at least 12. Many I found through Don Day in SMA. I would say my favorite spots right now include Zumo, Grille Torres and Casa Nostra.
I have been back at least three times to the new Zumo and love the view, food and service. I like going for lunch or brunch. The crab benedict was excellent. I also love visiting with Stewart Haverlack the owner.
I have been twice to Grille Torres and really enjoy the food, atmosphere and staff. Chef Mauro Torres is really delighful. I like it for lunch/brunch and love the eggs benedict. It is a perfect spot to go to avoid the crowds in Centro on a holiday or busy weekend.
I also love Casa Nostra which has been opened for two years. I always enjoy talking to chef/owner Marco Massarotti every time I go. It has great pastas, rissotos and entrees and wonderful views.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Bob
Tio Pablo. Such a nice guy and consistently good food. Great personal service, hugs, etc.
casa Blanca 7…fatima
casa Blanca 7…fataima
the Resturant
zumo
1. Cafe Firenze – the most consistent restaurant in San Miguel
2. Andrea’s at Landetta – no one else has fresh pasta like Andrea.
3. Casa Nostra – One restaurant serving upper end food with very reasonable wine pricing.
Andrea’s Italian..fantastic pasta, great service, and nice ambiance!
1. Firenze
2. Chamonix
3. Atrio
Atrio is our favorite for service, quality of food in relation to price and stunning views
Best Restaurants
for dinner-
Fatima Roof Terrace
Casa Nostra
Hecho
for breakfast –
Rustica
Cafe Buen Dia – especially the coffee/ cappuccino
Mi voto es para Zumo Rooftop
Zumo is by far the best Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende.
The owners are always there to assist you and make sure your experience at Zumo is pleasant. The Chef very knowledge, menu is unique, staff is professional, the view is fenomenal. I vote Zumo
Denvers Italian Rest. For taste price and consistency. I especially like his eggplant Parmesan.
Denver’s olives always great and he is so flexible.
1. Los Olivios
2. La Prada
3. Hecho en Mexico
4. Don Lupe
5. La Frontera
I selected these five for not only excellent food but also service and prices. We have lived part time here for 16 years and SMA has many excellent restaurants and I could easily name ten more that are exceptional. My preference is to nominate “everyday restaurants” that stand up to the test of time, taste and service.
Denver’s food is always fresh, well priced and I think it is the best pasta in town.
I love Zumo! Best views, amazing food, great staff. The hotel is also beautiful. We’re staying there when we go back to San Miguel.
La Parada
Denver’s Los Olivos
Tostevere…Codo
Atrio….Cuna
La Parada…recreo
Out of all of the great places in SMA, Zumo Rooftop takes the cake for view, ambiance, service, food, cocktails and wine list.
Zumo!!! The Best In Town!!!
Zumo is my pick!
Cada Nostra
Hanks
Frienze