You'll find most of Guanajuato's restaurants in hotels near the Jardín de la Unión and on the highway leading toward Dolores Hidalgo. If you'd like some free botanas (snacks) around lunch time, go to the Clave Azul at the Plaza San Fernando.

Local Dining Suggestions

• Casa del Conde de la Valenciana: Excellent regional cuisine is served in a Mexican atmosphere (Carretera a Dolores Hidalgo, Km. 5, 473-732-2550; www.condevalenciana.com).

• El Gallo Pitagorico: Fine Italian and international cuisine is served overlooking the jardín, with free botanas with drinks in the late afternoons and early evening (Jardín de la Unión, 473-732-9489).

• El Truco: Popular local hangout where you'll find good food, especially the comida corrida, and good coffee, served in three separate dining rooms of a restored colonial house. Live guitar music nightly (Calle Truco 7, 473-732-9374).

Dining Precautions

Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo, and San Miguel de Allende all get lots of tourists. The high number of expatriates living in these communities, especially San Miguel, assures that most restaurants are clean and safe. But you'll still need to drink bottled water in all three towns.