The Best Breakfast in San Miguel de Allende: 13 Top Contenders

A plated breakfast in San Miguel de Allende featuring eggs, sautéed vegetables, fresh greens, crispy bacon, and creamy polenta. — Poached eggs on polenta at Garambullo Fonda Gourmet

Where’s the best breakfast in San Miguel de Allende, the colonial city in central Mexico that consistently ranks highly in prominent travel publications? During my one-month stay in San Miguel de Allende, I was delighted to work on finding the answer to that question!

I found that San Miguel de Allende has an abundance of incredible breakfast restaurants with an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The standouts offer a varied selection of dishes and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients for a great start to the day.

This guide will point you to the best breakfast spots I found in beautiful San Miguel de Allende.

Table of Contents: The Best Breakfasts in San Miguel de Allende

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Why Visit San Miguel de Allende?

This small city was founded in 1542 by Franciscan monk Juan de San Miguel and renamed in 1826 to honor native hero Ignacio Allende, a pivotal military leader in Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain.

San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato has been recognized for its historical significance and well-preserved colonial architecture; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2008). Its compact downtown area is small enough to explore on foot. While the ubiquitous cobblestone streets add to the city’s charm, they can be challenging to navigate, especially on the hills surrounding the Centro area. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes during your visit!

A beautifully illuminated neo-Gothic church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, stands against a twilight sky in San Miguel de Allende, with a bronze statue of a robed figure and a kneeling person in the foreground — San Miguel de Allende’s neo-Gothic church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, in the early evening.

San Miguel de Allende has long been a haven for artists, writers, and creatives. Art galleries, studios, and schools are present throughout the city. Because of the concentration of artists and artisans, the city is a fantastic place to shop for handmade textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional Mexican crafts.

Regarding climate, note that San Miguel Allende is about 6,447 feet (1,965 m) above sea level. If you’re new to high altitude, take it easy and engage in reasonable, not strenuous, physical activity levels for a day or two to avoid altitude sickness. Additionally, drink plenty of water, more than usual and more than you think you need.

Altitude aside, the mild, springlike weather makes visiting enjoyable any time of year. With warm to hot days and cool evenings, it’s ideal for sightseeing, dining al fresco, or simply relaxing in one of the many public plazas.

5 Great Tours in San Miguel de Allende (in English)
Historical & Cultural Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel: Landmarks and Lunch Walking Tour in English
San Miguel de Allende, Art Walking Tour
San Miguel de Allende Walking Tour With Certified Guide
San Miguel de Allende: Tacos and Tequilas Tour

Some Practical Information about Dining in San Miguel de Allende

Currency: Many establishments accept credit cards, but there are still a handful of places that are “cash only” where payment is expected in the official currency of the Mexican Peso. Additionally, I needed to pay in cash a few times when technology failed and a credit card transaction wouldn’t go through.

Tipping is customary, generally around 10-15% of the bill.

Language: While the staff speak English in many tourist-oriented restaurants and cafes, particularly those catering to the expat community, a basic understanding of Spanish will significantly enrich your interactions. Menus are often available in both languages.

Hours and Atmosphere: Since many places, especially cafes, serve breakfast foods until noon, 2 PM, or sometimes even later, there is no rush to eat early in the day.

A cozy rooftop terrace at Inside Café features a rustic stone wall, wooden ceiling, and eclectic seating, with a red cup of coffee, a glass of water, and a bottle on a tiled table in the foreground. — The rooftop terrace at Inside Cafe

Be prepared for a relaxed pace of service. It may be slower than you’re accustomed to, allowing you to savor the atmosphere. Many restaurants are small and have a limited capacity. If you’re concerned about crowds, consider making a reservation.

With that introduction, let’s get to the main focus of this guide: the best breakfasts in San Miguel de Allende.

The Top Breakfast Spots in San Miguel de Allende

This list of breakfast restaurants in San Miguel de Allende is based on my experience during a one-month stay in the city. Of course, I couldn’t visit every restaurant I wanted to, nor could I try multiple dishes at most places. Nonetheless, as a breakfast lover, I sought out high-quality, nutritious meals.

Coffee: Although not mentioned in the descriptions below, I had coffee or an espresso drink with every breakfast. San Miguel de Allende has a strong coffee culture, and overall, I found very high-quality coffee with few exceptions.

a black ceramic mug filled with a latte, resting on a textured gray surface. The latte has a light brown hue and features delicate latte art in the center, resembling a heart or a stylized leaf created from the white milk foam. The mug has a simple, cylindrical shape with a wide opening and a sturdy, squared-off handle extending from the right side. The exterior of the mug has a matte black finish.The background is softly blurred, hinting at a dimly lit indoor setting with hints of chairs and other indistinct shapes. The lighting in the image highlights the latte art and the texture of the mug, casting a gentle glow on the scene. — Almond milk latte at Garambullo Fonda Gourmet

Appetizer: Additionally, most of my meals were preceded with a complimentary appetizer, usually some kind of bread with butter and a fresh, homemade jam or preserve. The bread was sometimes warm and always tasty. Butter, if provided, was the real deal, seemingly fresh from the farm. And the jams came from an impressive variety of fruits, full of flavor without being overly sweet.

A close-up, high-angle shot shows a breakfast of a yellow mug of latte with foam, a silver cup of cream with a wooden spoon, and three slices of toast on a light wooden board. To the right is a small black dish of yellow mango preserves with another wooden spoon. The breakfast sits on a rustic wooden table. A blurred background shows a white sugar dispenser and hints of blue and white. — Bread appetizer with butter and preserves at Cien 24

Now, let’s go on to the details of the best San Miguel de Allende breakfasts!

#1. Lavanda Café de Especialidad

Lavanda Café de Especialidad has a reputation for great food. And it’s well-deserved, as everything in this multi-level cafe is made fresh with attention to detail.

The signature Latte Lavanda is a double espresso and milk with a lavender infusion. This artful coffee-with a lavender flower on top- was not sweet and had a very subtle lavender flavor.

I had the Tortilla Ranchera, a two-egg omelet with spicy chorizo (Mexican pork sausage) and cheese. It was accompanied by nopales (prickly pear cactus leaves), black beans, and corn tortillas, a satisfying mix of simple yet soulful ingredients.

A close-up shows a folded yellow omelet on a light-colored plate with a brown rim. The omelet is filled with melted white cheese and topped with a pile of bright green nopales. A dark sauce is visible underneath the omelet. The plate sits on a surface that is out of focus. — Tortilla ranchera at Lavanda Café

Lavanda Café is very popular, so I recommend going on weekdays later in the morning to avoid lines and crowds.

Lavanda Café de Especialidad is located at Cjon. de Loreto 48-A, Zona Centro. Cash only.

#2. San Agustín Chocolates y Churros

San Agustín Chocolates y Churros in San Miguel’s Centro has extended hours and is busy during all of them! In a classic colonial building, San Agustin has a welcoming atmosphere. It’s known for fresh, crispy churros and Mexican hot chocolate. But the menu also has solid breakfast and lunch classics.

Case in point: the Eggs Mexicana. This presentation of scrambled eggs included a bit of onion, tomato, and pepper. This dish came with tortillas and refried beans topped with a sprinkle of Mexican cheese. I added on a side of turkey ham to round out the meal.

A plate of scrambled eggs with chopped tomatoes and onions is accompanied by two slices of ham, refried beans topped with crumbled white cheese, and two crispy tortilla chips. The plate is white with a thin blue line near the rim. — Eggs Mexicana at San Agustín Chocolates y Churros

The brewed coffee didn’t wow me, so I suggest ordering an espresso drink instead.

While sipping your coffee, you might notice that the restaurant is decorated with photographs and other memorabilia of telenovela actress Margarita Gralia. The reason? She’s the owner of the cafe!

San Agustín Chocolates y Churros is located at Calle San Francisco 21, Zona Centro. Cash only.

#3. Inside Cafe

Inside Cafe is another eatery that often heads up “best breakfast” lists in SMA. Not only did I have one of the best breakfasts in San Miguel here, but I had it on the rooftop with a view of the Baroque architecture of the historic Oratorio de San Felipe Neri church complex.

Inside Cafe has an innovative take on breakfast, crafting dishes with layers of luscious ingredients.

Try the Sexy Mexican Breakfast, for instance. This gluten-free dish has two eggs (fried or scrambled), chorizo, and soupy beans flavored with guajillo pepper. Also on the plate: half an avocado topped with basil-infused olive oil, fresh onion, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes on the side. The plate is sprinkled with toasted sesame and sunflower seeds.

A close-up shows a white plate filled with a breakfast of two sunny-side-up eggs, two sausages sprinkled with black seeds, sliced avocado topped with seeds, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. A red cup and saucer are partially visible in the blurred background. — The Sexy Mexican breakfast at Inside Cafe

On another visit, I went for the Sunny Side, which is described as a savory and “different version of our classic French toast.” The “French toast” was more like a cinnamon roll, but it certainly was different! Sitting on a splash of homemade Jamaican syrup, the “French toast” was topped with avocado, a fried egg, and crispy bacon. On the side: maple honey infused with chile de arbol and cherry tomatoes with a hint of rosemary. Toasted sesame seeds topped off the dish.

The best breakfast in San Miguel de Allende? It features two sunny-side-up eggs in a light green sauce, topped with a dollop of avocado and a fried hoja santa leaf, served in a brown handled bowl. — The “Savory” Sunny Side at Inside Cafe

“Bursting with flavor” may be a cliche, but it’s true for every bite at Inside Cafe.

Inside Cafe is located at Insurgentes 66-Planta Alta, Zona Centro (On Insurgentes Street, look for a sign for the “La Herradura” clothing shop and take the narrow stairway under it on the right).

#4. Garambullo Fonda Gourmet

Garambullo Fonda Gourmet has a sleek-looking modern coffee bar with a large seating area surrounded by rustic stone walls. The almond milk lattes I ordered here were among the best I had in the city.

All the food in this cozy cafe is delectable. The chef here elevates classic dishes with fresh, local ingredients. For example, the poached egg cacerole includes two eggs covered with salsa verde, beans, and nopalitos (diced prickly pear stems). A bit of guacamole and hoja santa (sacred leaf, piper auritum) provided flavor and flair.

Poached egg cacerole at Garumbullo Fonda Gourmet

Hoja santa, sometimes called pepperleaf, sacred pepper, or root beer plant, is a Mexican herb with a complex flavor. It may have pepper, licorice, sassafras, mint, tarragon, or eucalyptus notes.

Then there’s the Sayultia: two poached eggs over avocado toast with tomato, pesto, arugula, and a side of beans. So good!

A close-up shows a black plate with a breakfast dish featuring a sunny-side-up egg, mashed avocado, tomato slices, a crispy hash brown, and a generous topping of arugula. A small white dish of baked beans in a light sauce sits beside the main dish. — The Sayulita breakfast at Garumbullo Fonda Gourmet

Garambullo Fonda Gourmet is located at Animas 48, Zona Centro

#5. Cumpanio

Cumpanio is next door to the highly rated Panio bakery, which serves European-style baked goods. In a hurry? Grab a pastry from Panio and a coffee from Cumpanio.

But if you want a sit-down meal, Cumpanio is a full restaurant with multiple breakfast dishes available, many of them with creative twists on classics.

I was curious about the Choripán con Huevo. Choripán usually refers to an Argentine grilled chorizo sausage, when sliced in half and served in a sandwich.

A close-up shows a rustic brown ceramic bowl filled with a hearty red sauce, with visible chunks of vegetables and poached eggs. A crusty bread roll rests beside the bowl on a light wooden surface. In the blurred background, a small gray plate holds a piece of bacon, and a white saucer with a spoon is partially visible. — Choripán con Huevo at Cumpanio

But at Cumpanio, the chorizo is married with poached eggs and red sauce served in a soup bowl. It made for a satisfying morning meal with a freshly baked mini loaf of bread on the side for dipping into the sauce.

Cumpanio is located at Correo 29, Zona Centro.

#6. Jacques

Jacques opened in 2020, a newcomer to the city’s cafe scene. The shaded second-floor terrace seems made for lingering over a latte!

Many of Jacques’s dishes are Mediterranean-inspired, like the Shakshuka. It’s two poached eggs with Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce and sweet peppers, topped with some queso fresco and served with sourdough bread.

A close-up shows shakshuka eggs in a dark skillet. Two poached eggs with runny yolks are nestled in a rich red tomato sauce, sprinkled with cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro. A piece of toasted bread with grill marks rests against the skillet. A blurred background shows a white patterned tablecloth, a white mug, and a glass. — Shakshuka eggs at Jacques

Jacques also serves a darn good Oaxaca Breakfast Bowl! This gluten-free bowl is a hearty mix of black beans, grilled sweet potato and onions, sweet peppers, two eggs cooked to order, avocado, and queso fresco.

A close-up shows a white bowl filled with a colorful Oaxacan breakfast bowl. Cubes of roasted sweet potato, black beans, two poached eggs sprinkled with black pepper, slices of avocado, crumbled cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and fresh cilantro sprigs are arranged inside. A blurred background shows a white patterned tablecloth and a white mug. — Jacques’s Oaxaca breakfast bowl

The proportions were spot on, and I appreciated the detailed menu indicating that the queso fresco in both dishes was A2 and grass-fed.

Jacques is located at Del Pueblito 3A, Zona Centro

#7. Ki’bok Coffee SMA

Located on an unassuming corner in Centro, Ki’bok Coffee SMA has a good selection of classic and quirky coffee drinks. The coffee shop’s menu caters to different dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.

The Aguacate Relleno is a surprisingly substantial dish of two avocado halves stuffed with eggs, sprinkled with Oaxacan cheese and baked until warm, served with seasoned pita triangles.

A close-up captures a delicious-looking breakfast in San Miguel de Allende served on a black plate. Two halved and baked avocados are filled with melted cheese and eggs and topped with chopped green herbs. Flanking the avocados are several pieces of warm pita bread, lightly dusted with a reddish spice. A fork rests near one of the avocados, and a blurred background suggests a restaurant setting. — The aguacate (avocado) relleno at Ki’bok Coffee

I also tried Ki’bok’s avocado toast: guacamole, oven-cooked bacon, and an egg on toasted ciabatta bread. Delicious!

Ki’Bok is located at Diez de sollano y Dávalos #25, Cuadrante 1, Centro

#8. El Pegaso

At El Pegaso, you can eat on the ground floor, which is decorated with Mexican folk art, or on the rooftop terrace. The breakfast menu is mostly classics like huevos rancheros and omelets, but a few specialties are outstanding.

A top-down, close-up shot shows a plate of huevos divorciados. Two eggs sit on separate sauces, one topped with green salsa and the other with red salsa and a drizzle of cream. Refried black beans sprinkled with white cheese and two crispy tortilla chips are on one side, while a dollop of guacamole with a tortilla chip is on the other. A white cup and saucer are visible in the blurred background. — Eggs El Pagaso with red and green salsa

Cue the Eggs El Pagaso, a Mexican take on eggs benedict. Instead of an English muffin, the base of the dish was a corn sope: a dense corn tortilla. Each sope had a layer of black beans, a poached egg, and red or green salsa. With black beans and guacamole on the side, this well-rounded meal set me up for the rest of the day.

El Pegaso is located at Corregidora 6, Zona Centro

#9. Café y Canela

Café y Canela is a café in a corner of the courtyard of the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez El Nigromante. Besides the restaurant, this cultural center hosts art exhibits, studios, and a bookstore in a converted 18th-century convent.

Be sure to take a moment to look at the murals and other artwork in the cultural center before or after your meal. As I sipped my coffee, I saw the fascinating 1939 fresco El Fanatismo del Pueblo by Pedro Martínez, known locally as La Caza del Vampiro (The Vampire Hunt).

A close-up shot shows an omelet filled with skirt steak, melted cheese, and mushrooms, served on a white plate. The omelet is topped with a vibrant green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and thin slices of red onion. A drizzle of dark adobada sauce is visible underneath the omelet. The background is softly blurred, showing a wooden table and a hint of a glass of water. — Café y Canela’s northern omelet

When breakfast arrived, it was the hearty Northern Omelet, which included skirt steak, cheese, mushrooms, dressed green salad, and adobada sauce. It was one of the most inventive omelets I’ve had.

Café y Canela is located at Calle del Dr Ignacio Hernandez Macias 75, Zona Centro

#10. Amapola Café

Amapola Café bills itself as a “Brunch and Beer Garden.” It’s another cafe with a lovely courtyard setting. Here, I enjoyed Mexican Eggs Benedict. Amapola put poached eggs on the traditional English muffin, along with roasted poblano peppers, Mexican cream, and corn. Creamy chipotle hollandaise sauce gave the dish some zest, as did a side of sliced avocado.

A close-up shows a plate with two eggs benedict covered in a vibrant sauce, chipotle hollandaise with a spicy twist. The eggs sit on English muffins with visible green fillings and scattered yellow corn kernels. A fan of sliced avocado rests beside the eggs benedict. The plate is a light brown color, and a blurred background shows a table and a dark mug. — Mexican Eggs Benedict at Amapola Café Brunch and Beer Garden.

Amapola Café Is located at Calle del Dr Ignacio Hernandez Macias 117, Zona Centro

#11. Rami

Rami is a small cafe in the San Antonio neighborhood with a surprisingly diverse menu. The inviting space includes both indoor seating and a picturesque courtyard.

A plate of breakfast at Rami in San Miguel de Allende features two sunny-side-up eggs sprinkled with pepper, refried beans topped with cheese, roasted potatoes, a slice of crispy bacon, two slices of whole-wheat toast, and a small salad with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a pickled onion. A gray mug sits in the blurred background on a wooden table with a woven placemat. — Rami’s huevos estrellados

I ordered the Huevos Estrellados, gently cooked sunny-side-up eggs served alongside baby potatoes, crispy bacon, cheesy beans, a fresh salad, and toast—the diversity of flavors and textures made for a satisfying and well-balanced breakfast.

Rami is located at Prol. de Pila Seca 50A, Zona Centro, San Antonio

#12. Cien 24

Cien 24 features outdoor seating on a shady garden patio. My hearty and flavorful English Breakfast here featured expertly fried eggs, savory turkey sausage, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and rich black beans.

A plate of English breakfast at Cien 24 in San Miguel de Allende features a grilled sausage, two pieces of bacon with grilled tomatoes, a sunny-side-up egg, and black beans. A small metal cup with a wooden spoon and a red sauce sits on the plate. A yellow cup and saucer are partially visible in the blurred background on a wooden table. — English Breakfast at Cien 24

The dish was beautifully presented, with each component a sensory delight.

Cien 24 is located at Umarán 124, Zona Centro

#13. Martez

Martez is part of the Piedras Negras hotel in the San Antonio neighborhood, and its shaded patio provides a lovely atmosphere for a relaxing morning meal.

If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t mentioned the quintessential Mexican breakfast of chilaquiles. That changes here with the fantastic green chilaquiles at Martez.

A close-up shows a tan bowl filled with chilaquiles. Crispy tortilla chips are topped with two fried eggs with bright yellow yolks, shredded cheese, sliced white onions, and cilantro. One side of the bowl contains black beans. The bowl sits on a dark surface. — Green chilaquiles with egg at Martez

At Martez, the chilaquiles were a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Traditional corn tortilla chips were topped with expertly cooked eggs, tangy tomatillo sauce, creamy avocado purée, local cheese, sour cream, fresh onion, and fragrant cilantro. A generous serving of hearty black beans complemented the dish on the side.

Martez is located at Tercera, Pila Seca 9, Zona Centro,

Lodging and Hotels in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende has an incredible number and variety of lodgings with prices for all budgets. Choose from hostels, small, family-owned hotels, vacation rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, or luxury hotels. I enjoyed staying in the Centro area because of its proximity to restaurants and other businesses. Whatever your requirements for accommodation, use the map and links below to research and book your stay in San Miguel de Allende.

Book now at Booking.com ♦ Book now at Expedia ♦ Book now at Hotels.com

Where to Eat Breakfast in San Miguel de Allende–Pin It for Later!

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Conclusion

San Miguel de Allende has many, many excellent breakfast spots offering bold flavors, ambiance, and culinary creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican chilaquiles, a specialty coffee, or a local twist on an international classic, you can find it in San Miguel de Allende.

I’ve highlighted the best breakfasts I found in the city during my short stay, but I do not doubt that you’ll come across other high-quality breakfasts in San Miguel de Allende if you travel there. Regardless, you’ll start your day on a delicious note, indulging in a satisfying breakfast experience in this charming colonial city.

What’s your favorite breakfast place in San Miguel de Allende? Leave a comment below!

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