The history of a city can be seen in its architecture but Veracruz in particular reveals her history through her local cuisine. Veracruz shares with the rest of Mexico the indigenous presence in most of its dishes but the Mediterranean and African influences are more evident here than anywhere else in the country.
Even though the menu is composed basically of seafood, meat and vegetables, at any given point, it is able to surprise locals as much as foreigners with an array of the most diverse dishes. Among renowned agricultural produce from Veracruz there is coffee, vanilla, sugar cane, rice and the world famous Jalapeno chili pepper.
Maybe the most famous of its dishes is Red Snapper a la Veracruzana, consisting of a filet or a whole fish, covered with a delicious garnishing sauce that anything dressed in it is immediately considered 'Veracruz Style'. This sauce came from northern Spain in one of many waves of immigration. Chiles, oregano and cinnamon are also added.
Other delicacies include shrimp, crab or seafood Chilpachole (spicy soup), Tumbada rice (Veracruz-style with seafood), Picadas (flat tortilla bowls with sauce, meat, onion and grated cheese), Jarocho Tamales (steam-baked cornmeal patties wrapped in corn husks with different stuffings), Huasteco Adobo (pork in spicy sauce) and the mysterious Carne de Chango from Catemaco (it literally translates to "monkey meat"; popular belief is that it is monkey meat but it's really smoked pork). You can find an ample offer of food from all over, as well as the most popular fast food franchises.
Las Barricas
A truly Jarocho ambience can be experienced in this restaurant, where you get an assortment of typical food from Veracruz and a beer on the side. The ambience is livened up by a live band and friendly service.
Cafe de La Parroquia
Famous political, intellectuals, and religious personalities as well as artists, have all come to this corner restaurant for over a century, where the milk coffee known as "cafe lechero" was invented. You can hear the classic tinkling of the spoons (sound to call a waiter to the table), taste a careful selection of foods, sweet bread and the sweet-scented coffee that comes from a secret formula. Now, a third generation proudly takes care of this unique tradition that has become part of Veracruz.
El Veneciano
Are you in the mood for a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars? In Boca del Rio, El Veneciano brings typical Italian recipes to your table. Second level is composed by a system of terraces with beautiful views and casual Mediterranean ambience. First level is air conditioned.
El Cacharrito
Today the best meats in Veracruz are served here in the traditional Argentinean style. Informal colonial decor and personal attention make of this restaurant a perfect place for a family dinner.
"Güero, Güero" Ice Cream
When this ongoing, almost chanting, shout is heard on the street "Pasele guero, guera, uero, uera" (which roughly translates as "This way Blondie!"), then that's the indication you have finally arrived to the traditional ice cream shops of Gutierrez Zamora street. There you'll find the most unimaginable ice cream flavors like the jobo ice cream (yellow plum) or nanche (a small golden tropical fruit) to complement the warm evenings in Veracruz.
Palapa Iguana
Delight your palate at this simple and delicious restaurant where local Veracruz cuisine is the specialty, fresh fish and seafood being the main dishes, served in either the open air palapa (open-sided, thatched-roofed structure) restaurant or right on the beach, underneath an umbrella. Find out why the "Palapa Iguana" is the ideal place to learn more about "jarocho" cuisine, at very modest prices.
Samborsito
If you are craving Mexican food, like the tasty "garnachas", Samborsito is definitely the place for you. Founded over 35 years ago, the main draw at this typical Veracruz restaurant is the offering of unique dishes like "picadas verdes" and "gordas negras" ("Picadas Verdes" are miniature flat, fried, corn-dough bowls filled with sauces and topped with cheese and garnishes depending on the region. Gordas Negras are thick puffed up tortillas mixed with beans during preparation). What a wonderful experience!
La Viuda
This famous, unassuming restaurant in Alvarado has a lively coastal ambience, serving its delicious dishes to high-ranking politicians as well as to local villagers. Here you can come to eat, drink and spend a good time listening to Jarocho music. We guarantee you will leave, just itching to come back.
Mariscos Villa Rica
The Villa Rica restaurant, including its three branches, is a respectable place where the years pointed it out as the best place to satisfy your cravings. We recommend trying the "ceviche" and "callo de hacha" ("ceviche" is a cocktail of raw fish marinated in lime and mixed with various ingredients while "callo de hacha" is scallops prepared in the same fashion) which are served here. You can also try typical dishes from Veracruz like the chilpachole (spicy soup) or the minilla alvaradena (cooked fish with tomatoes and chilis). For dessert, even though it isn't all that typical, try the corn cake with coconut ice cream.