Expert Recommendations

Guadalajara, Mexico's best city for food

Once again, the international culinary guide Taste Atlas has recognized Guadalajara as one of the world's premier food destinations. Ranked 31st out of 100 cities worldwide, our beloved Perla Tapatía was named the best city for food in Mexico—surpassing Mexico City (39th) and Puebla (50th). It also earned the distinction of being the second-best culinary city in Latin America. In Guadalajara, delicious food can be found on almost every corner, with options to suit every taste. Beyond the world-famous tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches), the city’s culinary scene shines with carne en su jugo (beef in its own juices), birria tatemada (roasted goat stew), and Jalisco-style menudo and pozole. For those with a sweet tooth, local favorites include jericallas (a caramelized custard), turrón rosa (pink nougat), arrayanes (tart myrtle berries), and biónicos (fruit bowls with cream). Don’t forget to wash it all down with a refreshing tejuino, the city’s iconic fermented corn drink. In Guadalajara, toasts are made with two of Mexico's most iconic spirits: Tequila and Raicilla, both of which hold protected Designation of Origin (DO) status. You can experience these tapatío delicacies in many forms—from internationally acclaimed restaurants like Alcalde, Xokol, Bruna, or La Docena, to legendary local favorites such as Kamilos 333, Karnes Garibaldi, or the traditional birrierías found in the historic Las Nueve Esquinas neighborhood We also recommend taking a culinary tour of Guadalajara's traditional markets, such as the historic Mercado Libertad (San Juan de Dios) and Mercado Alcalde. For a truly local experience, seek out the street stalls that have gained fame through word of mouth—don't miss the famous tortas at El Príncipe Heredero or El Profe Jiménez, and the iconic Birria y Carne Asada Don José Recommended by Taste Atlas: Kamilos 333 📍 José Clemente Orozco 333, Santa Teresita, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal., México Tortas Toño 📍 Tierra de Fuego 3160-2, Providencia, 44630 Guadalajara, Jal., México Karne Garibaldi Santa Tere 📍 Calle Garibaldi 1306, Santa Teresita, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal., México El Sacromonte 📍 Pedro Moreno 1398, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, México Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas 📍 Av. Cristóbal Colón 384, Centro Historico, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal., México La Chata 📍 Av. Terranova 405, 44657 Guadalajara, México Tortas Ahogadas Enrique el Viejo 📍 Camarena 90, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal., México Tortas Ahogadas Dany 📍 Justo Sierra s/n, Lafayette, 44600 Guadalajara, Mexico Tortas Ahogadas El Príncipe Heredero 📍 Epigmenio González 200, Mexicaltzingo, 44180 Guadalajara, Jal., México Las Titas Santa Tere 📍 Andrés Terán 523, Santa Teresita, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico Cantina La Iberia 📍 Alameda 9, El Retiro, 44280 Guadalajara, Jal., México Foco al Aire 📍 Av. Guadalupe 756, Chapalita, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México Tortas Ahogadas Migue 📍 Mexicaltzingo 1727, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal., México Birriería La Victoria 📍 C. Manuel Acuña 1511, Villaseñor, 44200 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Naranja Tacos 📍 Av. Plan de San Luis 1657A, Mezquitan Country, 44260 Guadalajara, Jal., México Cantina La Sin Rival 📍 Calz. Independencia Sur 699, Barragán Hernández, 44469 Guadalajara, Jal., México Los Famosos Equipales 📍 Juan Álvarez 704, Artesanos, 44200 Guadalajara, Jal., México In Guadalajara, gastronomy is more than just food; it is the city’s identity, pride, and celebration. From vibrant street markets and traditional cantinas to world-class restaurants, the city offers culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression and a literal hunger to return.

[es:]Mercado Libertad[en:]Mercado Libertad

Mercado Libertad, also known as San Juan de Dios Market, is one of Guadalajara’s most iconic markets. Discover its history, modern architecture, and vibrant commercial life, where you’ll find everything from handicrafts to delicious food. Don’t miss this unique place in Jalisco!

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