3 Best Restaurants in Mexico

Housed in a magnificent 17th-century building, Al Andaluz makes some of the best Lebanese food in the capital and is a landmark for the Lebanese immigrant community that has been present here since the late 19th century. Its proximity to La Merced means that the numerous menu options—from classic spreads like hummus and baba ghanoush to delicate plates of raw kibbeh nayeh—are made with the freshest ingredients. If you don't want to choose, order the mesa libanesa, a mixed platter with everything from hummus and kebbeh to lamb shawarmas.

The flavorful Lebanese cuisine—including baked eggs, raw kibbeh, falafel, grilled kofta, dolmas, and cucumber salad—at this charming restaurant with amiable servers is perfect for filling up before or after a stroll or run in nearby Viveros park. If you're not sure what to order, the best approach is the extensive sampler platter, or dine here on the weekend, when there's a huge buffet offering. Many items are available to go, including jocoque, baba ghanoush, dolmas, and all of the sweets.

Look beyond the lumpy wall with peeling paint behind the tiny exposed kitchen—that's fairly normal in buildings over 300 years old. At this tiny hole-in-the-wall you'll find healthful, vegetarian (mostly vegan) tabbouleh, falafel, hummus, and other delicious Middle Eastern dishes at bargain prices. The baklava and other honey-nut-phyllo desserts are also very tasty. You can also order small or giant falafel sandwiches and salads.

There are only five small tables and three bar stools, but if the place is full you can order to go and eat outside at one of Guanajuato's many lively little plazas.