Location: Morelia
Top Restaurants in Morelia
Top Things to do in Morelia
Top 10 restaurants in Morelia, Mexico
Morelia (Spanish pronunciation: [moˈɾelja]; from 1545 to 1828 known as Valladolid) is a city and municipality in the north central part of the state of Michoacán in central Mexico. The city is in the Guayangareo Valley and is the capital and largest city of the state. The main pre-Hispanic cultures here were the Purépecha and the Matlatzinca, but no major cities were founded in the valley during this time. The Spanish took control of the area in the 1520s. The Spanish under Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza founded a settlement here in 1541 with the name of Valladolid, which became rival to the nearby city of Pátzcuaro for dominance in Michoacán. In 1580, this rivalry ended in Valladolid’s favor and it became the capital of the colonial province. After the Mexican War of Independence, the city was renamed Morelia in honor of José María Morelos, who hailed from the city. In 1991, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial buildings and layout of the historic center.
Things to do in Morelia
1. San Miguelito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
San Miguelito Restaurant is a place where the past and the present meet, where you learn with your eyes to read silently what words can not say ....
Reviewed By Jeaninelouise - Plymouth, Minnesota
We had a special evening here with a group of twenty during Day of the Dead celebrations. Marian gave a beautiful overview of this amazing tradition. The restaurant is like a local art museum with everything available to purchase, even plates and glassware. Salad was divine and the pumpkin soup was so special. I was not fond of my tilapia (too dry for me) but everything else on the plate was so tasty. This place is not to be missed if you are in Morelia.
2. Emilianos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By robynh762 - New Orleans, Louisiana
I have eaten here often. They have wonderful argentine beef, but they are inconsistent. Today I had the chateaubriand. The outside was dry and the center too rare. I went at 3:00, a very busy time for lunch and had to ask for various things several times.
I love the fried parsley and the atmosphere.
It can be great, but is inconsistent.
The biggest disappointment is we told the Captain how bad things were and all he said was 1000 pardons. He really wasn't that concerned.
3. Las Trojes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia C - Albuquerque
Truly it is worth visiting this restaurant which has a variety of menu choices, the atmosphere is great, cozy and traditional.
4. Cenaduria La Lupita
Overall Ratings
4 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By lrje1 - Guadalajara, Mexico
Good for tourists, but if you have a friend at Morelia he will take you somewhere else
5. Hotel de la Soledad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By chazdews - Erongarícuaro, Michoacán, Mexico
The food is interesting and varied and delicious--what I have had of it--and the service is impeccable. I love going here for breakfast especially. The patio is one of the most beautiful in Morelia, a city of beautiful patios. The presentation is world class. All in all a fabulous place.
6. La Azotea de Los Juaninos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
Hotel Juaninos' La Azotea Restaurant is famed for its dazzeling close-up views of the Cathedral, amazing by day and magnificently illuminated at night. In a stylish setting of modern decor, the atmosphere is casual and service is welcoming and caring. La Azotea Restaurant specializes in contemporary Mexican gastronomy with a fusion of Michoacan's own regional cuisine. Our menu of the day presents culinary delights that evoke nostalgia because they are based on precious traditional recipes of our ancestors. There is an extensive selection of Mexican and imported wines. A private dining room Seating up to 20 persons is available for special events such as weddings or business meetings. The restaurant is open from 8 am to 11 pm daily.
Reviewed By cavedodger - Mexico
We enjoyed a special celebratory dinner at La Azotea. The views are fantastic, we arrived just in time for sunset while having cocktails prior to being seated overlooking the floodlit Cathedral. The menu is pretty much standard "international" fare, but nicely presented and as others have pointed out, not cheap, but well worth it for the whole experience which for us was memorable.
7. Los Mirasoles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
In a house from the 17th century you will find our grand mother recipes that can taste with a very fine wine from our wine cellar that has wines from the region and all over the world. We are a five star diamond award member and a wine spectator wine list. Come and join us...
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Florida
Dined here while staying several days in Morelia. Enjoyed the local cuisine but was amazed at the beauty of this restaurant. Housed on the main floor of a colonial structure, the owners have done wonders in capturing the potential of the place. Flowering plants, draping ivories, gurgling Fountain all in a colonial setting sets the mood for an enjoyable experience. Service and food were quite good as well.
8. Lu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 846 reviews
Reviewed By Pink F - London, United Kingdom
Right on the Cathedral square, a perfect spot. Smart, beautifully turned out staff bustling about. Food really only so-so. My pork ribs were nicely done but they came with cold underdone green beans and cold gelatinous rice and cheese. Sent it back but the replacement was exactly the same. My companions main was equally underwhelming. Halfway through our meal, most of the staff completely disappeared. People watching is fantastic. The food is not worth the money.
9. Pulcinella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Mahan M
I live in New York City and New England (famous for Italian pizza), and this is one of the best pizzas I've ever had. The lemonade was all natural, and the salads looked fantastic, even though we didn't have room to try them. Big regret. The atmosphere is also great; homy, charming, and peaceful. The owners are so warm and friendly that you don't want to leave the place. Pulcinella was definitely the highlight of our one-day trip to Morelia; we can't stop talking about it since this afternoon, and we are so sad that we can't go back tomorrow before leaving town.
10. Tata Mezcaleria + Author's Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
Reviewed By dkberman - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The historical center of Morelia has a number of additional dining options since I was last there, among which Tata stands out. Told by friends it is a favorite of the artists who come to town for the numerous cultural festivals. First, sombreros off for their most imaginative and extensive mezcal-based cocktail list. We had the one with passionfruit which was excellent. While Oaxaca may be better-known, Michoacan is also a big producer and these drinks are a great introduction. The atmosphere is comfortable, but be aware the majority of the Seating is at large communal tables.
Oh, the food. The chef studied and worked in Europe and this is evident in the menu. It is in many cases a fusion of international techniques with local ingredients (I had enchiladas with rabbit confit, while a friend had home-made ravioli filled with local smoked trout). When you want something more creative than the standard Mexican fare this is a great option.
