10 best restaurants in Jalisco
Jalisco is more than mariachi, tequila, and postcard-perfect plazas—it’s one of Mexico’s most exciting food destinations. From the bustling streets of Guadalajara to the coastal flavors of Puerto Vallarta and the charm of towns like Tlaquepaque and Tequila, this state delivers a dining scene as diverse as its landscapes. Here, tradition runs deep: birria simmered for hours, tortas ahogadas dripping with bold salsa, and seafood pulled fresh from the Pacific. But alongside those classics, a new generation of chefs is redefining what Jalisco tastes like—mixing heritage with innovation in ways that feel both rooted and refreshingly modern.
What makes eating in Jalisco unforgettable isn’t just the dishes—it’s the experience. It’s the late lunch that turns into a long sobremesa, the hidden courtyard you stumble into by accident, the fine-dining spot that surprises you in a colonial building. Whether you’re planning a foodie getaway or simply want to know where locals actually go, this guide to the 10 best restaurants in Jalisco will take you beyond the obvious. Get ready to discover spots that capture the soul of the state—one unforgettable plate at a time.
1. Brick Steak House Guadalajara
Brick Steak House Guadalajara is a smoke-kissed restaurant built for people who take their cuts seriously—and want the setting to match. Think charcoal-driven cooking, a curated bar program, and a mood that feels modern without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where the first impression is all atmosphere: warm lighting, confident service, and a menu that nudges you toward ordering like you’re celebrating (even if it’s just Tuesday).
You’ll find it in the colonia Country Club, a prime Guadalajara area that already knows how to do “nice night out.” Brick leans into its signature smokehouse identity, so the experience revolves around bold, layered flavors and expertly prepared meats. Add a strong wine selection and mixology, and suddenly dinner turns into a full plan—one where you pace yourself, share starters, and build the meal course by course instead of rushing straight to the main event.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the music, lighting, and overall energy hit their stride. It’s ideal for couples and friends, whether you’re planning a date night with edge, a birthday-style dinner, or a meet-up where everyone wants to eat well and linger. The vibe also works for business dinners when you want something elevated but not overly formal.
In terms of budget, expect $500–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on the cut, sides, and drinks you choose. If you’re looking for a Guadalajara steakhouse that feels experience-driven—smoke, premium meats, and a night-out atmosphere—Brick is a strong contender.
2. La Leche Restaurant
La Leche Restaurant is a wildly memorable restaurant in Puerto Vallarta where dinner feels less like a meal and more like a performance. The moment you step into its iconic all-white space, everything gets quiet in the best way—your attention locks in, your senses wake up, and you realize you’re about to be surprised. It’s polished, theatrical, and intentionally different, which is exactly why people keep putting it on their “must-visit” list when they’re in Jalisco.
You’ll find it in the colonia Las Glorias, a prime stretch that makes it easy to pair with a night out in the Hotel Zone. Inside, the design is minimalist so the food can take center stage, and the vibe is built for big moments: proposals, birthdays, and celebratory trips where you want something unforgettable. The experience often leans chef-driven, with dishes that highlight creativity, bold flavors, and presentation that feels like part of the show.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the lighting, music, and energy hit their stride. It’s also ideal for couples, especially if you’re planning a romantic night that feels elevated without being stiff. Think: slow pacing, lingering conversation, and a “let’s make this an experience” rhythm that turns a reservation into a story you’ll tell later.
Budget-wise, expect $500–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on how you order and what you pair your meal with. One important detail to plan around: the restaurant does not allow pets, so it’s best to leave furry companions at home and fully lean into the grown-up, special-occasion mood.
3. Sagrantino Guadalajara
Sagrantino Guadalajara is an elegant, experience-driven restaurant that blends old-world charm with a modern, Guadalajara energy. From the architecture to the pacing of service, everything is set up for a meal that feels intentional—where you’re not just eating, you’re settling in for a full evening of great food, great conversation, and that “this was worth dressing up for” mood.
You’ll find it in the colonia Monraz, a neighborhood known for its strong dining scene and polished, go-out atmosphere. Sagrantino’s identity leans heavily into its natural charcoal grill, where high-quality national and international cuts take center stage, alongside seasonal fish and fresh seafood prepared to order. It’s the kind of menu that rewards going a little slower: start with something to share, build into the main course, and leave room for dessert.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the lighting and vibe feel at their best and the whole place shifts into “night out” mode. It’s also ideal for couples, whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating something special, or simply want a restaurant that feels romantic without being overly formal. The setting makes it easy to linger—one more toast, one more bite, one more conversation.
In terms of budget, expect $800–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on what you choose from the grill and how you pair the meal. With amenities like valet parking, a terrace or garden, and a private room option, Sagrantino is a strong pick when you want a refined Guadalajara dinner that feels like an experience from start to finish.
4. Vincent Zapopan
Vincent Zapopan is a polished, experience-first restaurant that brings a cosmopolitan feel to the heart of Andares. With a sleek dining room and a lively, upscale rhythm, it’s the kind of place where the service feels attentive, the presentation matters, and the night naturally turns into a full plan. If you’re looking for a spot in Zapopan that feels refined without being stiff, Vincent delivers that balance—elevated, social, and built for lingering.
You’ll find it in the colonia Puerta de Hierro, right inside the Andares area, which makes it an easy choice when you want dinner and a night out in the same orbit. The menu leans into chef-driven international cuisine with a “signature” approach—bold flavors, well-composed plates, and a selection that lets you build a meal your way. Whether you’re the type to start with something shareable or go straight for a standout main, the experience is designed to unfold course by course.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the lighting and energy are at their best. It’s also ideal for couples and friends, perfect for date nights, celebrations, and those dinners where you want the setting to feel as memorable as the food. The atmosphere encourages conversation and slow pacing, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the full experience rather than rushing through it.
For budgeting, the price range sits at $600–$700 MXN per person, aligning with its upscale location and experience-forward style. If you’re building a Jalisco food itinerary and want a restaurant that feels like a true “night out” in Zapopan, Vincent is the kind of reservation that sets the tone for the whole evening.
5. Vincent Chapalita
Vincent Chapalita is a sleek, experience-forward restaurant that feels made for those nights when you want everything to click: the ambiance, the service, the cocktails, and the kind of dishes that turn a simple dinner into a full plan. It’s polished without feeling stiff—stylish lighting, a lively buzz, and a dining room that instantly signals, “stay awhile.”
You’ll find it in the colonia Chapalita Oriente (Aurora area), right on Avenida de las Rosas, which makes it an easy choice if you’re planning a night around Chapalita or moving between Zapopan and Guadalajara. The concept leans modern and chef-driven, with plates designed to stand out—flavor-forward, visually striking, and perfect for ordering a few things to share so everyone gets a bite of the best parts.
Vincent Chapalita is especially ideal for lunch and dinner, depending on the mood you’re chasing. Lunch works beautifully for a more relaxed, elevated meal that still feels special, while dinner is when the energy rises and the experience feels more “night out.” It’s ideal for couples and friends, whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating something, or simply looking for a restaurant that feels like an occasion without requiring a black-tie attitude.
In terms of budget, the average spend falls around $500–$800 MXN per person, depending on how many courses you order and what you choose to drink. If you’re building a Jalisco restaurant list and want a spot that balances a sophisticated setting with a social, shareable dining style, Vincent Chapalita is the kind of reservation that sets the tone for the whole day.
6. ICÚ Puerto Vallarta
ICÚ Puerto Vallarta is a chef-driven restaurant that turns dinner into a slow, intentional experience—one where every course feels like part of a bigger story. The vibe is intimate and design-forward, created for diners who want more than “a nice meal.” Here, the focus is on contemporary Mexican cooking with a tasting-menu rhythm, thoughtful technique, and flavors that feel rooted in tradition while still surprising you along the way.
Set in Zona Romántica (Emiliano Zapata), ICÚ feels like a destination you plan your evening around. The menu is built for curiosity: seasonal ingredients, bold pairings, and signature plates that showcase the kitchen’s creative point of view. Instead of rushing through a single entrée, the experience encourages you to explore—letting courses build on each other, and letting the night unfold at its own pace.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the lighting and calm energy make the tasting experience feel immersive. It’s also ideal for couples, particularly for anniversaries, date nights, or any occasion where you want the setting to feel intimate and the meal to feel memorable. Expect a paced service style that rewards you for slowing down, asking questions, and savoring each step of the experience.
For budgeting, the price range is $1,200–$2,000 MXN per person, depending on the menu format and what you add to the night. If you’re building a Jalisco food itinerary and want a Puerto Vallarta dinner that feels like a true culinary event, ICÚ is one of those reservations that turns into a highlight of the trip.
7. Palominos Guadalajara
Palominos Guadalajara is a classic Sonoran-style steakhouse restaurant that’s all about bold flavors, top-quality beef, and that unmistakable “special night out” energy. It’s a place built for people who love hearty, well-executed cuts and a dining experience that feels polished without being stiff. Expect a confident steakhouse vibe—attentive service, a lively dining room, and a menu designed for ordering with appetite (and maybe a little celebration).
You’ll find it in the colonia Providencia 4a. Secc, one of Guadalajara’s most well-known areas for dining. Palominos has a long-standing reputation for its Sonoran roots, and the experience leans into that identity from start to finish. It’s the kind of spot where you can turn a simple meal into a full plan: start with shareables, move into your favorite cut, and let the evening unfold at a relaxed pace.
This restaurant is especially ideal for dinner, when the atmosphere feels at its best and the steakhouse rhythm really shines. It’s also ideal for families, friends, and couples, whether you’re celebrating something big, hosting visitors, planning a date night, or simply craving a high-quality meal that feels dependable and satisfying. The setting works for both conversation-heavy dinners and more festive tables that come ready to toast.
In terms of budget, plan for $500–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on what you order and how you build the night with sides and drinks. If you’re putting together a “best of Guadalajara” food list, Palominos Guadalajara earns its spot as a go-to for steakhouse lovers who want a memorable, well-rounded experience in Providencia 4a. Secc.
8. 36 by El Faro Puerto Vallarta
36 By El Faro Puerto Vallarta is a sky-high, view-driven restaurant that transforms dinner into a full sensory experience. Perched above the coastline, this spot is known as much for its sweeping ocean panoramas as it is for its refined cuisine. The moment you arrive, the setting does the heavy lifting—open air, dramatic sunsets, and a sophisticated ambiance that makes every table feel like the best seat in the house.
Located in the colonia Marina Vallarta, inside the iconic El Faro lighthouse structure, the experience here feels exclusive and elevated—literally. The concept blends contemporary international flavors with polished presentation, creating dishes that match the elegance of the setting. It’s the kind of place where you pace yourself: cocktails at sunset, a thoughtfully plated main course, and a dessert that stretches the night just a little longer.
This restaurant is especially ideal for dinner, when the golden-hour light transitions into a romantic, candlelit atmosphere. It’s also ideal for couples, particularly for anniversaries, proposals, and special-occasion nights that deserve a memorable backdrop. The mood is intimate, refined, and built for lingering conversation while the city lights begin to glow below.
The average price range is $1,000–$1,500 MXN per person, depending on your selections and beverages. Overall, Restaurante 36 By El Faro delivers one of Puerto Vallarta’s most scenic and experience-driven dining options—where the view and the cuisine work together to create a night you won’t easily forget.
9. Alba y Celeste Guadalajara
Alba y Celeste Guadalajara is a warm, contemporary restaurant that blends relaxed sophistication with a menu designed for long, conversation-filled meals. The space feels thoughtfully curated—natural tones, inviting lighting, and a layout that encourages guests to slow down and settle in. It’s the kind of place where you arrive for a meal but end up staying for the atmosphere.
Located in the colonia Providencia, one of Guadalajara’s most established dining neighborhoods, Alba y Celeste offers a concept that balances comfort and refinement. The menu leans into contemporary Mexican and international influences, with plates that focus on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. It’s a spot where you can order a few dishes to share, explore the drink list, and build your experience course by course.
This restaurant is especially ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it versatile for everything from relaxed morning plans to polished evening outings. It’s also ideal for couples and friends, whether you’re planning a date, celebrating something low-key, or meeting up for a well-executed meal in a comfortable setting. The vibe stays refined without feeling overly formal.
The average price range is $300–$600 MXN per person, depending on what you order and whether you include beverages. Additionally, the restaurant admits pets, making it a convenient option if you’re exploring Providencia with your furry companion. Overall, Restaurante Alba y Celeste offers a balanced, welcoming dining experience in Guadalajara.
10. Bombona 2828 Guadalajara
Bombona 2828 Guadalajara is a sleek, chef-driven restaurant that turns Japanese cuisine into a full-on night-out experience. From the moment you walk in, the vibe feels warm and modern—stylish without being intimidating, and designed for people who like their dinner with a little drama (the good kind). The energy is equal parts refined and social, making it a standout choice when you want something that feels special, but still easy to enjoy.
You’ll find it in the colonia Providencia 4a. Secc, one of Guadalajara’s most food-forward areas. Inside, Bombona leans into creativity and freshness, with a menu that changes often to highlight seasonal ingredients. One of the biggest draws is its omakase-style tasting experience—perfect if you love letting the chef guide the meal and surprise you course by course. Add a sake bar atmosphere and you’ve got a place that naturally invites you to stay longer than planned.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the mood feels most immersive and the experience lands exactly right. It’s also ideal for couples and friends, whether you’re planning a date night that feels elevated or a group dinner where everyone wants to share plates, compare favorites, and make the evening feel like an event. The service is attentive and geared toward helping you choose what fits your appetite and vibe.
Budget-wise, expect $500–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on how you build your meal. And if you’re the type who travels with a four-legged sidekick, good news: the restaurant admits pets, so you don’t have to choose between a great dinner and bringing your furry companion along.
Your next great meal in Jalisco awaits
Jalisco isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you taste. From refined tasting menus in Puerto Vallarta to bold steakhouses in Guadalajara and creative concepts in Zapopan, the state’s restaurant scene reflects its personality: vibrant, proud, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re craving traditional birria, contemporary Mexican cuisine, oceanfront seafood, or chef-driven international dishes, Jalisco delivers experiences that go far beyond the plate. The best restaurants here don’t just feed you—they immerse you in atmosphere, storytelling, and the kind of hospitality that turns a meal into a memory.
And the truth is, this list is only your starting point. Jalisco’s culinary map is vast, with hidden gems, neighborhood favorites, and destination-worthy dining rooms waiting to be discovered. If you’re the type who plans trips around reservations—or simply loves finding that one spot you can’t stop recommending—there’s so much more to explore. Keep browsing our guides for romantic dinner picks, family-friendly favorites, rooftop views, local classics, and new openings across the state. Your next unforgettable meal in Jalisco might already be calling your name.