Northern Mexican cuisine is usually very different from cuisine eaten in the rest of the country. Its semi-arid soil forced the Spanish settlers to import cattle, hence starting the tradition of the cattle ranches. Due to the meat's intense flavor, the sauces are milder than in the south and the central regions of the country. Another culinary difference is that when you eat a taco. The tortilla is made from wheat and not corn, which is typically the main ingredient of the tortillas in the rest of the country. Some of them are really big and are called "sobaqueras".
Monterrey restaurants' specialty is "cabrito al pastor", which is baby goat cooked slowly over mesquite coals, which gives it that special smoked taste. The locals say that if you haven't tried roasted baby goat, it's as if you had never been to Monterrey. Ask and get personal recommendations as to which part of the goat to choose to have an extremely satisfactory culinary experience. The tender "arrachera" beef is also typical of this region and it is an excellent alternative to the traditional meat cuts. You shouldn't miss the famous "machaca con huevo", which is a specialty made with pulled beef jerkey, fried with eggs, accompanied by wheat tortillas, and eaten usually for breakfast.
But in Monterrey you will find much more than meat-based dishes. The area's vast gastronomic offer will let you enjoy the most appetizing and varied dishes. While dining in Monterrey, you will find from restaurants that serve traditional Mexican food and tacos to French, Chinese or Italian cuisine, among a wide assortment of international specialties, in addition to a great number of American chain restaurants and well-recognized fast-food spots.
Dining in Monterrey will be a great experience and won't hurt your wallet. Even the most sophisticated Monterrey restaurants have more competitive prices than the ones at the beach resorts and many of them offer, as an added plus for their customers, entertainment and live music in the evenings.
El Camaron Norteno
Enjoy a wide variety of seafood and try the shrimp cocktail, seafood salad, breaded shrimp, "ceviches" (raw seafood cured in lime juice), cream of shrimp, stuffed crab and all the seafood delicacies at a regal table.
El Gaucho
Enjoy exquisite Argentinean cuisine and the best cuts of meat. The number of dishes can get to be so many that you never know if you are going to finish them. Apart from its delicious meats, they also serve fresh salads and superb pastes, filled with scrumptious fillings.
At very accessible prices and surrounded by a very agreeable atmosphere, you are sure to enjoy an excellent meal.
El Rey del Cabrito
It is the most famous restaurant in Monterrey amongst locals and tourists because of its delicious roasted goat. As you enter, you can see the grill on your left and racks of goats spread on spits roasting over a low, smoky mesquite fire. It exhibits an informal and colorful ambience, with red neon lights and walls ornamented with pictures of the owner, posing with known personalities and artists. If you're not feeling adventurous enough to try "cabrito", this restaurant also serves fajitas and other more traditional meat dishes.
El Tio
Restaurant with more than 60 years of experience specializing in regional food and exquisite Mexican cuisine, it also offers live music played by the best bands. Find the best quality meats and seafood dishes, in addition to luscious desserts and excellent wines
Garcia
In this traditional restaurant, enjoy the best regional dishes of Mexican cuisine. The specialty of the house is the Machacado with egg (pulled beef jerkey scrambled with egg) but they also do other egg dishes as well as serve "chorizo" tacos (chorizo is a Mexican pork sausage). There are several branches of this well-known restaurant in the city, with the main branch being on the National Highway. Pick up some typical candies and handicrafts while you're there.
Italianni's
In a cozy setting, surrounded by a feeling of warmth, like in an old Italian family restaurant, you can travel via images, aromas and flavors to the beautiful country of Italy, where the dark wood furniture, plaid tablecloths and soft lighting create an atmosphere filled with the heritage, culture and tradition of the Italian people. Get ready to share generous portions with a true homey flavor, savoring dishes based on classical Italian recipes.
La Bonne
It presents a concept of casual food, with a nice and contemporary ambience, suitable for any occasion. No matter what the occasion is, whether it is a business meeting or special celebration with the family, friends or spouse, La Bonne is a place where you can enjoy a great variety of sandwiches, pasta, crepes, salads, fondues, delicious entrees and mouthwatering desserts.
La Catarina
This is a large restaurant decorated in a contemporary Mexican style, with brick walls, handcrafted figures and contemporary paintings. It also features original table linen, napkins, cups and dishes, decorated with ladybugs, since the name of the restaurant in Spanish means "ladybug". This establishment serves from Mexican traditional dishes to sophisticated creations based on duck, lamb and goat and seasonal dishes like "chiles en nogada" (Poblano chile filled with a mix of meats, fruits and raisins, in a walnut cream). Have your choice of any dish and accompany your meal with one of a wide variety of tequilas and Mexican wines.
La Cocina de Honan
Excellent self-service restaurant that offers the best Chinese cuisine in traditional dishes such as fried rice, delicious combinations based on meat, chicken and vegetables, and a special menu for kids, with nuggets, rice and French fries.
La Nacional
This is a typical Mexican cantina with an executive feel to it. The cozy patio inside the building is an inviting place due to its unusual photos and paintings. It is a low-key hang out for politicians, executives and tourists looking for true Mexican cuisine. It is also known in Monterrey for its wide variety of tequilas, mezcals and Mexican beers. Without a doubt, it is the cantina of Monterrey so visit one its two branches, either in the Centro or in Galerias.
Las Palomas
Las Palomas serves tasty, exquisitely seasoned Mexican food. This picturesque restaurant is located off one side of the beautiful Villa de Santiago Plaza and opens from 8:00 am till 11:00 pm. Try some of the tasty dishes, which includes the local favorite of Machacado with egg. Enjoy great service and a peaceful atmosphere, while savoring great food.
Luisiana
In Downtown Monterrey's Plaza Hidalgo, Luisiana is a great spot for enjoying a succulent meal. Here, exquisite international dishes are served, made with high quality ingredients and have spectacular presentations. The most recommended dishes are the Giant Luisiana Shrimps or "Carpaccio Callo de Hacha". Some of them, like the "Osso Buco", made with fine herbs, may draw you in with their incredible flavor. Try a variety of fish dishes, deliciously prepared. And if you enjoy extravagance, the Duck with Plum Sauce is oven-baked and is an absolute delight.
Luna Mexicana
With a casual and family-like atmosphere and decoration with rustic wooden furniture, it offers traditional Mexican cuisine, like tortillas with "huitlacoche" (a traditional Mexican dish which is made of corn fungus), its famous roasted meats and seafood dishes. It has a wide selection of drinks, among them daiquiris, margaritas and a great variety of tequilas and cocktails. Enjoy yourself and watch sporting events on the big screen.
Mozart
Located in an area known as "Barrio Antiguo" (Old Neighborhood) in Monterrey, Mexico, this unique restaurant features an innovative mixture of Mexican and Mediterranean culinary traditions, plus a good selection of live music, books, art cinema, photos, painting exhibitions, and many more events. Come and have a pleasant evening enjoying a few drinks or a specialty cappuccino along with some good conversation. This restaurant/bar has a variety of settings to enjoy including an interesting boutique and an outdoor terrace as well.
Neuquen
The specialty is Argentinean cuisine. Aromas, flavors, colors and textures co-exist in a single ambiance, fusing the best of the cuisine of the Southern Cone with a casual atmosphere, creating a very unique place. Add to this the delicious fine cuts and pastes and you have a restaurant that is very popular among Monterrey locals and visitors alike.
Pangea
Pangea offers contemporary cuisine in a warm and casual atmosphere, along with a great domestic and imported wine selection and scrumptious desserts. The menu is continually renovated to provide different options to the diners. The restaurants areas are perfect for carrying out business meetings, private celebrations and other activities. It also offers a bar for wine-tasting and a store where you can buy the best domestic wines as well as the house wine.
Riviera
Riviera is a famous restaurant that is located in the Del Valle zone, attractive for its excellent ambiance, food and bar. Here you can enjoy Japanese, Hawaiian and even Californian dishes, from lunch to the wee hours of the morning. There is a beautiful open-air terrace that can accommodate up to 150 people. Enjoy a glass of wine and listen to jazz or live DJs.
Villa de Santiago
The town of Villa de Santiago is known for its high quality and variety in its restaurants where you can find typical dishes of the area, roast pork and dried beef stew. There are also other regional specialties such as "cabrito" (roast baby goat) and roast beef, as well as international dishes that give a touch of modernity to this magical town, located only 30 minutes from Monterrey.