Just as it happens with the different styles on the city’s buildings façades, the history of Veracruz is revealed expressively in its gastronomy. Veracruz’s cuisine shares the rest of Mexico the Native American presence in most of its dishes, but the Mediterranean and African influences are more evident here than anywhere else in the country; therefore Veracruz restaurants have a delightful mixture of flavours for you to enjoy.
Even thou the menu is composed basically by seafood, meats and vegetables in any given point are able to surprise locals as much as foreigners with the most diverse dishes, because the state territory covers many climates in few kilometers. Among renowned produce from Veracruz there is coffee, vainilla, sugar cane, rice and the world famous Jalapeño chile.
Maybe the most famous of its dishes is Huachinango a la Veracruzana, consisting of fish filet or whole, covered with a delicious sauce-garnish so popular that anything served under it, wherever you are in Mexico, acquires the name ‘Veracruz Style’. This sauce came from north Spain in one of many immigration waves. Chiles, oregano and cinnamon were added here.
Other delicacies include shrimp, crab or seafood Chilpachole (spicy soup), Tumbada style Rice (with seafood), Picadas (thick tortilla with different toppings), Tamales Jarochos (steam baked corn patties with different stuffing), Adobo Huasteco (pork in spicy sauce) and the mysterious Carne de Chango from Catemaco (popular belief is that it is monkey meat, when it is smoked pork actually). But available food is not only typical, just as in any cosmopolitan city. You can find an ample offer of food from all over, as well as the most popular fast food franchises. Next, we provide you with a list of the best places for dining in Veracruz.
Las Barricas
The truly Jarocho ambience can be experienced in this restaurant, where you get an assortment of typical Veracruz food by acquiring a beer. The ambience is livened up by a live band and a friendly service. This is one of the most delightful Veracruz restaurants.
Café de La Parroquia
This is the best place in the Port of Veracruz to have breakfast, sip a good coffee or cool off with flavored shaven ice by the afternoon, have dinner with succulent turkey breast sandwich with Jalapeño chilies, or simply sit down and watch life go by. Do we need to say more? Your best pretext to come to Veracruz is to make a little history as a regular of this magnificent restaurant.
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.
La Viuda
This is one of the best places for dining in Veracruz, a famous restaurant in Alvarado has a lively coastal ambience and has managed to keep a democratic style, serving its delicious dishes to elevated politicians the same as to humble villagers in a place without pretensions. Here you come to eat, drink and spend a good time listening to Jarocho music assembles. We grant you will leave totally satisfied wanting to return.
Villa Rica
This is the most popular seafood restaurants chain in Veracruz and it has started some branches in other cities around the country. The original one is under a big cool thatched roof behind Hotel Mocambo. Discover our sea haute cuisine in a tropical ambience, with live music. If you wish there is an air conditioned section.