This short but sweet guide covers 13 of the best cheap eat restaurants in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. It includes both the must-try local and international places in this growing colonial town. Most of my recommendations are under MXN 100 per meal, but I’ve also added a few between MXN 100-15 if your budget allows.
San Cristóbal is a town with an underrated food scene, for sure. The availability of fresh, local food and international eateries is the best I’ve seen in Mexico. And all without the price tag of the Yucatán Peninsula. Oaxaca mate, watch out, you’ve got some competition.
1. La Milpa
In Barrio de Cerrillo, you’ll find La Milpa, a cute eatery with a daily menu normally consisting of three plates of the day. For value for money, it’s one of the best restaurants in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
For MXN75, you can choose a plate (there’s always a veggie option), soup, salad and water – bargain. The ladies working there are so lovely, you’ll definitely leave feeling looked after and well-fed.
Price: $ | MXN 75
Order: Everything is tasty. Menu of the day!
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 1 pm- 5 pm. Closed at weekends.
2. Falafel 100% Vegetariano
In Barrio de Guadelupe on the way to Guadelupe Church, you can find Falafel 100% Vegetariano. It’s one of the best cheap eats to grab on the go in San Cristóbal, and all vegan. Definitely the place to go if you need your falafel and hummus fix while visiting Mexico.
Price: $ | MXN85
Order: Falafel pitta ofc.
Opening times: Technically 4-11 pm, but I’ve been there late before and the owner has already sold out. So go early!
3. Te Quiero Verde
Te Quiero Verde was my go-to lunch spot when I felt like being healthy. It’s a delicious, vegan restaurant close to the centre with a big menu serving Western and Mexican dishes. Oh lala. The ladies there are also super nice and work their socks off to serve your food in no time.
Price: $ | MXN 50-100
Order: Everything is tasty. But I’d usually go for a burger.
Opening times: 9am-9pm every day. Those ladies work hard!
4. Achiote Cochinita Pibil
This is one of the best places to get tacos in San Cristóbal. Unpretentious, friendly staff and delicious food – my ideal place. Be sure to get cochinita pabil, a traditional Mayan slow-roasted pork. Their little tortini (little sandwiches) are also delicious. Also, on the table, there are five different salsas for you to try.
Price: $ |MXN 20 per taco
Order: cochinita pabil and an aqua fresca
Opening times: 8.30 am-11 pm every day.
5. Loving Hut
Located next to the Mercado, Loving Hut is an institution among the vegans in San Cris. It has a daily changing menu, and the cooks are incredible. They cook many international foods like Korean, Chinese, Thai, etc. It’s damn good, and you won’t get bored of it.
Price: $ | MXN 50-100
Order: Everything on their menu is good, especially their vegan cheesecake.
Opening times: 12- 8 pm every day.
6. La Tertulia
I stumbled across this place after catching the night bus from Palenque. It was exactly what I needed – a delish but cheap breakfast place with big portions. With your breakfast plate, they bring a bowl of fruit, green juice and a coffee.
Price: $ | MXN 50-100
Order: Eggs breakfast plate
Opening times: 8 am-6 pm (closed on Wednesdays).
7. Frida’s Fries
I’ve not got much to say about Frida’s Frites, except they’re so bloody good. Always fresh and crispy, and let’s not mention the sauces.
Grab a few wines at La Vina de Bacco, and pop to Frida’s on your way home. Thank me later.
Price: $ | MXN 52 (small) MXN 70 (big)
Order: Big fries with mayo, of course.
Opening times: 12.30-10.30
8. Mercado Viejo
Okay, so technically, it’s not a restaurant. But Mercado Viejo is the place in San Cristóbal where you can get local produce. Prewarning: inside the market is not for the faint-hearted. It smells of raw meat and cheese, and everything else! My favourite place is outside, where local communities come into the city every day to sell their fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s incredibly affordable. I’m talking five aguacate avocados for MXN 25.
Price: $
Buy all the fruit and veg you need here. It’s all grown locally in the towns surrounding San Cris.
Opening times: It’s better to go in the morning when it’s most alive and the produce is freshest.
9. Pizza Satori
Pizza Satori is one of the best pizzerias when travelling through Mexico. It’s located at the far end of Real de Guadalupe.
Price: $$ | MXN 100
Order: All the pizzas on their menu are amazing. I’ve tasted almost all.
Opening times: 1-10 pm
10. Sarajevo Cafe Jardin
So, Sarajevo is a beautiful cafe filled with stunning plants and rustic-chic decor. I felt so boojee eating there. It was my go-to work spot when I wanted to mix it up a bit from Co.404. They offer a really delish breakfast menu, but what I really think is a good value is their menu of the day.
Price: $$ | MXN 100-150
Order: Menu of the day available from 1-6 pm; get a soup, main and fruit water for $120.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10.30 am – 11.30 pm
11. Aguacate Veggie Bar
Located on a small, unassuming side street just off the centre, this place loves its avocado. They do insanely good smoothie bowls, poke, Buddha bowls, avo on toast, soups, smoothies, and juices. You name it; they’ve got it.
Price: $$ | MXN 50-200
I recommend ordering: I love their choco bowl.
Opening times: 9 am – 5 pm
12. Cardamomo Cocina Hindu
Cardomomo Cocina Hindu is the best Indian in San Cristóbal. It’s a little more on the pricey side, but really worth it if you’ve got a hankering for an Indian. It’s close to Guadalupe church and has a beautiful courtyard.
Price: $$| MXN 100-150
Order: Butter chicken, garlic naan and samosas
Opening times: 9 am – 10 pm
13. Casa de Ahn
Casa de Ahn is a small Korean eatery with a simple menu and only a few tables. If you’re sick of Mexican food after weeks on the road, I’d recommend coming here for some ramen or Korean fried chicken.
Price: $- $$ | MXN 70 – 150
Order: Korean fried chicken with rice
Opening times: 12.30-7 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
So, there’s a round-up of the best cheap eat restaurants you’ve gotta try when you reach San Cristóbal de Las Casas. I’ve got a few other posts dedicated to the town. Be sure to check out below: