Eating Out / San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Casa Ya Ling

Francisco I. Madero 42, Barrio de Guadalupe, 29230

It was love at first sight, a small hand painted sign “home made dumplings & noodles” . Casa Ya Ling is one of our favorite spots for comfort food in San Cristóbal, an authentic Chinese restaurant serving delicious foods from the chefs home recipes. We loved the braised beef soup and a pot of chrysanthemum tea. We sat in the courtyard at a little table under the awning. So good.

Patio Azul

Real de Guadalupe 170, Barrio de Guadalupe, 29230

Right off the Guadalupe plazita, Patio Azul is actually a grouping of restaurant concepts; one French, one Indian and a Teahouse. We have been here several times for each of the concepts, especially because they served Mattias’ favorite hot chocolate. The fondue is legit and we recommend the artisanal sausages (check out Charcu further on this list) and French fries.. yes fondue covered French fries are super super tasty.

Pachamama

Real de Guadalupe 63, Colonia Centro 29200

There are times when a cheesy hamburger is all I want. Mexican hamburgers are notoriously bad in our family, typically their patties are too thin and toppings unimaginative. That is not the case with Pachamama, which Aldo brought home one cold and rainy night when all we wanted to do is jump on the couch the three of us and watch a movie.

Mesa Madre

Calle Niños Heroes 8, Zona Centro, 29200

We had just finished hiking around Moxviquil admiring orchids all morning when we landed at a patio table here. A Spanish chef who admires Japanese and Mexican flavors the menu is unusual and fun. As our last course - before dessert - we ate this delicious umami explosion of roasted marrow and grilled octopus with mushrooms. It was perfect with the cold white wine and the afternoon sunshine.

Mikura Sushi

Profa. María Adelina Flores 47A Guadalupe 29230

Home cooked Japanese bentos. The small dishes change each day and we ordered karaage. The owner is from Tokyo and we had such a nostalgic chat with her we couldn’t help but love this place. Before heading back to the US we had dinner with her.

Mercadito Nomada

Comitán #14, Esquina con, Av Yajalón, Cerrillo 29220

In the middle of a busy day in the Cerillo neighborhood we popped in here. Their menu is eccentric and includes several restaurant concepts so there was something everyone could enjoy. Feeling a bit nostalgic, I chose the super burrito and was happy I did. It included several types of nicely cooked proteins, veg and cheeses, plus I love my burritos a little crispy and pan seared once they are rolled up.

Cerveceria Naufrago

Flavio A. Paniagua 76 bis, Guadalupe 29230

The neighborhood spot, both a cerveceria producing their own specialty beers and a pizzeria slinging pies from a wood oven on over drive, this is a popular place. They only open a few nights a week on the weekends and sometimes have live music, always have a lively vibe. We also ordered a liter of beer to go and they use recycled Peñafiel bottles to measure and send off with you. Coming from the Colorado micro brew scene, this place feels familiar but everyone is speaking in Spanish.

Sarajevo Cafe Jardin

Flavio A. Paniagua 32, Guadalupe, 29230

Disclaimer, I rant about how disappointing it is that Sarajevo seems to source from large suppliers instead of buying from the plethora of local sources. That being said, it is a great place to take the moms in your life, which I did when they were both joined us for a quick visit at the same time. The Benedict twists are Mexico centric but as usual when you mess with this dish, unnecessary. They do make their breads in house and the environment of greenhouse-fireplace lounging is very nice.

La Charcu

Cumbres de Guadalupe 7, Guadalupe, 29220

They make all their sausage and charcuterie in house, some of it smoked. They also have some of the best tacos in town and a great beverage list and the best view of town and live music … you understand, its popular. This means you have to make an effort to learn the rhythm of the place in order to get a good table. Its the place to eat and drink well while you reflect on how awesome San Cristóbal is.