Peacock Garden

Address: Calle Colon #8, Ajijic
Phone: (376) 766 1381
Website: thegardenajijic.com
Contact: thegarden_ajijic@hotmail.com

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 11 AM to 8 PM;  Saturday 9:30 AM - 8 PM; Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday Breakfast  9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Credit Cards Accepted

Directions: From Walmart, drive west on the Carretera to a right on Calle Juarez, one block past Calle Colon in Ajijic. Turn right onto Calle Flores and right on Calle Colon. Drive toward the lake. The Peacock Garden is on the left 1/2 block past the Central Plaza. Parking along Calle Colon is limited.  

First Impressions

The Peacock Garden is located in the heart of Ajijic on the main road to the malecon. The walls of the entrance are decorated with murals of Indios fishing the waters of Lake Chapala.

Beyond the walls, birds sing in the garden and a parrot squawks as you pass into a lush green outdoor dining room.A fountain bubbles up in the corner while peacocks and multiple varieties of chickens roam among the guests.

If Alice in Wonderland inspired a restaurant, this would be it. Peacock Garden is a fantasy restaurant come to life.

Menu

Once seated in the patio area, we were given a menu, in English, with multiple pages of tempting dishes that included appetizers, soups, salads, hamburgers, club sandwiches, and baguettes. We could also choose from the lunch menu or an entire dinner menu.

The theme is eclectic, with some Italian dishes such as alfredo and pizza, seafood, chicken dishes and steaks. We felt like having Italian food the afternoon we visited, and ordered Shrimp Alfredo and a small three cheese pizza.

The thin crust pizza was served bubbling hot.  The parmesan cheese over-powered the other tastes, which was disappointing.

I especially like the taste of goat cheese on pizza, and if there was goat cheese on this pizza, it was lost in the strong flavors of the other cheeses.
The small pizza was large enough to feed both of us. We ended up taking most of this dish home with us.

The Shrimp Alfredo was served in a creamy, well balanced  sauce with lots of perfectly cooked shrimp and accompanied by garlic toast.

We paired this meal with 2 glasses of a very nice Chilean Merlot.

The Peacock Garden has a full bar and good selection of beers and wines. They also offer an interesting selection of desserts, including fried ice cream and the ubiquitous flan, but this time we were too full to order even one dessert to split.

The restaurant is open every day, and opens early on Sunday for breakfast, which is served from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Ambiance

The Peacock Garden is like no place else lakeside. Dining here is like eating in a tropical aviary. You will almost feel guilty ordering chicken. We couldn't resist spreading crumbs around our table to summon the chickens and peacocks to dine with us.

There are arbors hanging with plants, lush stands of bananas on the borders of the garden, tables are arranged under a patio or al fresco, in the middle of the garden. A large fountain flowing at one corner blocks out any sounds of the village that may escape over the walls. This is a beautiful setting for lunch or dinner, for special events or romantic meal.

Price and Service

Service at Peacock Garden is laid back and pleasant. You can spend a long, leisurely lunch here and never feel rushed. We were well taken care of by staff, yet not bothered or rushed.

The prices are in line with the other fine restaurants in the lakeside area. A pizza was $110 pesos, the Shrimp Alfredo, $120 pesos, and wine was priced at  $40 pesos per glass.

Our Recommendation ****

I would eat here for setting alone. It is fun to spend the afternoon dining outdoors, with chickens and peacocks roaming around your feet.

The food selections are not necessarily creative, but rather standard fare well prepared. If you want to impress guests with a setting that is unique, different than you would find anywhere else in Lake Chapala, then this is the place to eat.

 

La Iguana de Piedra

Address: Jocotepec-Chapala Carretera
Phone: 387-761-0009

Hours of Operation: Daily 10:30 AM - 9 PM
Facebook: Iguana De Piedra
Credit Cards Are Not Accepted

Directions: From Walmart head west on the Carretera towards Jocotepec. Past Los Sabinos and Lago Encantado there will appear on your left a succession of restaurants along the lakefront, starting with Mariscos el Carnal. La Iguana is the last of these restaurants. There is a large orange sign on the right hand side of the road with La Iguana on it. Parking is available in front of the restaurant, and valet parking across the highway is available for $30 pesos.

First Impressions

La Iguana de Piedra is just one of about a half dozen attractive restaurants on the lakefront between Ajijic and San Juan Cosala.  Every restaurant along this stretch of highway employs wavers who stand on the street, signaling and whistling at potential customers to encourage them to stop and eat.

These restaurants cater to weekend visitors from Guadalajara and start filling up after 2 p.m. on the weekends.

Behind the castle-like walls is a series of open air dining rooms under huge palapas and situated on the waterfront.

Once inside the large doors, you are in a beautiful garden. The grounds are filled with tropical plants, statues of animals and a pier that reaches out over the lake. We arrived a little early so were leaving just as the band was setting up. The next time we will make sure to come a little later in the day so we can enjoy the live music. .
 

Menu

We were seated promptly and the young waiter brought out large tostada chips, salsa and pico de gallo. Then he asked if he could take our order, though we had not been given menus

We told him we needed to see a menu and he informed us that there was no menu in English.
 "That is okay," we said, and so finally were given a menu.

 It was a very odd experience. We placed a drink order and sampled the giant chips and salsa, which were good, but we waited for some time before our wine appeared. The menu offered shrimp, octopus and fish, prepared in a variety of ways and several cuts of steak. The prices are some of the highest we have seen in lakeside restaurants. Customers pay for the beautiful setting and entertainment.

I would have thought  we were getting the gringo prices except, unlike most nice restaurants in Ajijic, there were very few gringos dining at La Iguana.

We ordered two shrimp dishes, Camarones Empanizado  and Camarones Verecruzana,  then sat and gazed at the lake while waiting for our meals.

Shrimp Veracruzana had large tender shrimp, served in a tomato, chili pepper, caper and olive sauce. It was slightly spicy and delicious and served with Mexican rice, a salad and slice of watermelon.

Shrimp Empanizado,  breaded and fried shrimp, was also served with salad, rice and watermelon.
The breading was nice and crisp and the shrimp large. Unfortunately, the shrimp was a bit overcooked and tough, the result of cooking too long. The Shrimp Veracruzana was the much better dish.

There were several desserts on the menu, however, the waiter did not ask for a dessert order. Our meals were so huge and filling, we decided to forgo dessert this time.

La Iguana has a full bar and serves beer and a very large glass of wine for $50 pesos.

Ambiance

Dining at La Iguana de Piedra is a beautiful experience. The dining rooms are situated under huge palapas over looking the lake. This is the quiet side of the lake so there are a few pelicans landing and taking off and fishermen casting from small boats on the far side of the lake.

We chose a seat at the edge of the lake. The view, alone, is worth a trip to La Iguana de Piedra for lunch.

Service was a bit slow. It seemed like they were not quite ready for customers when we arrived. We waited for some time before our drinks arrived, though we ordered them immediately after we were seated.

Our waiter asked for our order before we were given a menu. Our meals came out promptly after we ordered and the waiters were polite, though not especially attentive.

There was nothing wrong with the service, per se, but there was also nothing especially remarkable about it either.

Maybe management at La Iguana needs to bring in those guys off the street, the ones waving and jumping and begging customers to choose their restaurant, and let them spend some of their enthusiasm waiting on customers and let the confused and uninterested meseros spend some time flagging down customer in the streets.

Price

La Iguana de Piedra is one of the most expensive restaurants that we have dined at along Lake Chapala. Our meals were good, but not outstanding. The draw of this place is the beautiful setting. Our meals were $150 pesos each and were some of the least expensive dishes on the menu. Our total bill was $500 pesos

Our Recommendation ***

La Iguana de Piedra is a beautiful place to have lunch on a warm, breezy afternoon. Come a little later in the afternoon and enjoy the live band. The food is good, and service is average, but the setting is spectacular. Have the Camarones  Veracruzanas, if you can stand a little spicy kick to your meal.

La Lena

Address: Francisco  Madero #236C, Chapala
Ph: 526-422-7813
      526-420-2096
Hours of Operation: Daily 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Directions: From Walmart head east on the Carretera approximately 7 kilometers to the intersection with Calle Francisco Madero. Turn left on Calle Madero. La Lena is 1 1/2 blocks on the left. Parking spaces are along the highway and are limited - watch for an opportunity to park as soon as you turn onto Calle Madero.

First Impressions

Brightly colored La Lena is perched above the sidewalk in Chapala. Decorated in orange and green, it looks like a Mexican fiesta. Banners are strung above the dining room and tables are covered with multi-colored tablecloths. The open air dining room overlooks the sidewalk and the main thoroughfare through Chapala.

A charcoal grill, made from half of a 55 gallon barrel, smokes on the patio. Cooks exit the kitchen from time to time to put a pot on the fire, or to roast tomatoes. La Lena has that casual, beach shack feel that is perfect for a late afternoon lunch.

The menu is  propped against the wall, next to the short flight of steps into the dining room so customers can peruse the selections before making a commitment to la comida.

Menu

La Lena is not designed with gringo visitors in mind, but that is the charm of this cafe. The food is traditional Mexican fare. The menu offers several varieties of quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, and burritos as well as steaks, hamburgers and chicken burgers.

The menu is in Spanish and the waiters speak no English, but we were able to  get by with our limited vocabulary and the young waiter was patient with us.

We ordered a cheese quesadilla, empanadas camarones (shrimp turnovers), a chicken burger and French fries. The waiter brought totopos, salsa and pico de gallo to the table along with our Pacifico beers. The chips were fresh and crisp and the pico de gallo some of the best we have had.

Our meal was served after just a short wait. The chicken burger was actually a grilled chicken breast on a bun, served with avocado slices, tomato and lettuce.

The plate included french fries, but not knowing this, we placed an additional order for fries. No matter, since they were very hot with no greasy taste, so we ate those too.

The shrimp empanadas were incredible, served with a tomato and lettuce salad. The turnovers were fried crisp and the shrimp and cabbage interior was warm and cooked just right.
La Lena has a full bar located at the end of the dining patio, however, they do not serve wine. Beer is available.

Ambiance

La Lena is a cool place to eat. The dining room is outdoors, under a covered patio. It is just high enough above the sidewalk to allow diners to watch the world go by without feeling like they  are part of the street scene. We sat at the table closest to the railing to have a bird's eye view of the main thoroughfare and do some people watching. Carnival started today in Chapala and strangely costumed actors where beginning to show up in the plaza across the street.

There are pictures of famous Mexican banditos on the wall and the ubiquitous sun plaque. The grill is an interesting addition to the patio, smoking slightly, pots and fresh vegetables taking their turn cooking over the hot fire.

It is all very casual, very Mexican, very pleasant. Our waiter spoke no English, but was prompt, efficient and friendly. The washrooms are clean, with separate facilities for men and women.

Price

We ordered a chicken burger, an additional order of fries, cheese quesadilla, shrimp empanadas and four Pacifico beers. Our bill totaled $279 pesos, about $22 USD - a great deal.

Most of the items on the menu ranged from $20 pesos to $65 pesos. The most expensive items were those that served two people, which topped out at $120 pesos.

Our Recommendation ***

La Lena is a good place for lunch. We recommend the cheese quesadillas and the shrimp empanadas if you do go. The prices are very reasonable. Sometimes it is nice to eat at an establishment that does not necessarily cater to gringos. It reminds you that you are, after all, in Mexico

El Ancla

Address: Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec #976
Phone: (376) 106 2011
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elanclarestaurantbar&grill

Directions: From Walmart head west on the Carretera through Ajijic. Pass the Evento Centro and Los Sabinos. El Ancla Restaurant is approximately 1/2 mile on the left next to La Reserva housing development. There is ample parking in front of the restaurant. The buses east and westbound will stop in front of the restaurant.

First Impressions

We got off the bus too soon. We didn't realize that the local bus stops directly in front of El Ancla Restaurant Bar and Grill, but next time we will know and avoid having a pit bull follow us as we walk down the sidewalk.

And, there will be a next time. The food at El Ancla is excellent, yummy, delicious. The two story restaurant is situated at the end of a small strip shopping center filled with decorator stores

We have passed here a number of times and have not even noticed El Ancla, but after many recommendations (what better way to find a great restaurant?) we decided to visit during the lunch hour and give it a try.

We arrived too early, but that wasn't a problem for the staff, who set up a table for us, offered us a drink from the bar and brought the menu over so we could contemplate our order while they finished setting up the restaurant for the lunch crowd who actually knew the real hours of operation.

Menu

Wow, we were impressed by the menu. A nice selection of appetizers - mushrooms cooked in wine, shrimp stuffed avocado, skewered shrimp and mahi-mahi - a large number of entrees that included pasta, chicken, fish (mahi-mahi and basso) and shrimp.

Also available was what they promised was the best hamburger lakeside. We saw a lot of customers order the hamburger and fries, so this statement may not just be hyperbole.

We ordered the spinach stuffed chicken breast with poblano sauce and the appetizer-size fish and chips. These were both served freshly made and super hot.

My companion said that it was the best chicken dish he has tasted in the Lake Chapala area, and believe me, he has tasted a lot of them.

My fish and chips were very good, not greasy at all,  but hot, tender and flakey. Someone in the kitchen knows what they are doing.

For dessert, we shared the Bananas Flambé, served with vanilla ice cream. I always expect a flambé to be "flamed" at the table, but that may be asking a bit much.

The dessert tasted very good, even if we did not get to witness any drama associated with a flambéd dessert.

There were so many delicious items on the menu that it was hard to choose one. We will definitely return to try another delicious sounding entre. 

The service was prompt and accommodating, and as I noted earlier, they seated us and gave us a drink and set the menu in front of us while they continued readying the restaurant for opening. Can you tell how impressed I am at this kind of service?

El Ancla offers a variety of coffees, non alcoholic drinks, wine, beer and a full bar.

Ambiance

El Ancla Restaurant, Bar and Grill has a very pleasant and inviting environment. There is outdoor as well as indoor seating available.

Soft, easy listening music is playing in the background so you can have a conversation without having to shout over the music.

The restaurant is clean, inviting. It reminds me of a Scottish pub we used to frequent on the banks of Loch Fyne.

Right after opening time, the restaurant began to fill with customers. This is a good sign, since this restaurant is not right in town, but on the outskirts of Ajijic, so you have to make a bit of an effort to get here. There are separate restrooms for hombres and mujeres. Both were clean and I saw staff attending to them during the course of our meal.

The Price

The prices are very reasonable, about $120 pesos for an entrée. Wine, about $40 pesos by the glass. Two entrees, dessert, four glasses of wine will run about $400 pesos, or about $32.

 

Our Recommendation: ****

We really like El Ancla and plan to return soon. The food was prepared with care and very tasty. We were served promptly and our food was hot and delicious.  We observed that other customers in the restaurant were also served very quickly. The presentation was attractive.

What else can I say? Eat Here!

Lake Taco

Address: Libramiento Chapala Ajijic #132, Plaza Interlago Interior #23
Phone: 331 230 6173, 376 766 2945
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Facebook Page: Lake Taco Ajijic

Directions: Turn north, on the road directly across from Walmart. This is the Libramiento.. Head up this road approximately 1/4 mile and turn right into the Pemex Station. Lake Taco is located next to the Car Wash under the large palapa.

 

First Impressions

Lake Taco is located in the corner of a strip mall just north of Walmart on the Libramiento. It is easy to spot because of the large palapa that covers the outdoor dining area. Our first impression was that it looked like a nice spot for lunch. We like to sit outdoors to eat and enjoy the beautiful weather of Lake Chapala.

The dining area is clean and inviting. There are herbs planted around the patio and you can smell the strong scent of rosemary and lavender.

The waitress was laying across the serving bar, looking bored and tired, as we walked up to the hostess station. She roused herself long enough to seat us at a table in the corner and take our order.

Jim Morrison and The Doors were blasting from the speakers attached to the top of the palapa. We tried to talk to one another after we were seated, but only managed to hear a few words of our conversation. I looked around, but there was no way of escape. We were trapped in that 1960s time warp that so many local restaurants seem to think appeals to expats.

Menu

The menu is fairly limited, with items such as tacos and burritos, salads and hamburgers and side dishes of beans or French fries. Lake Taco opens at 9:00 a.m. so they also offer a breakfast menu.

Wine and beer are available, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The restaurant also offers, according to their Facebook page, a full bar. We had a chicken burrito and a fish taco. Both were very good and freshly made.

Lake Taco is good place for lunch or breakfast, or for a quick taco, or burrito. Sometimes you need a place where you can just drop in for a quick snack, and Lake Taco is one of those places.

Ambiance

The dining patio at Lake Taco is casual and open air. We sat in the corner so we could have a view of the lake and the mountains. The dining area is clean and inviting. The only issue I have is with the loud, loud, loud music.

We like to chat during lunch and the music precluded any conversation that didn't involve shouting and gesticulating.

We could see the mountains to the north, and the lake in the distance from where we were sitting.
Lake Taco has wifi and there were customers on the patio, sipping coffee and reading their tablets.

There is a nice view from some areas of the patio. The waitress was pleasant, but quickly excused herself to go back to her lounging area on the bar.

Price

The items on the menu at Lake Taco are cheap.
This is not fine dining, by any stretch of the definition, but it is not meant to be. This is lakeside's version of Taco Bell.

You can eat two entrees and have a glass wine each for under $20.

 

Our Recommendation ***

This is an outdoor taco shack, good for lunch or a quick snack. The food is good and cheap. Someone please tell them to turn down the music so we can talk to one another over lunch and we might just linger a little longer.

Mario's Restaurant Familiar

Address: Ramon Carona #132,  San Antonio Tlayacapan
Phone: (376) 766 1452
Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed Monday

Directions: From Walmart, head east on the Carretera, approximately 1/4 mile. Turn right on Calle San Jose. This is the right turn just before Superlake. Drive toward the lake for two blocks. Turn left on Ramon Carona. Mario's Restaurant Familiar is about 1/2 block on the left. It you reach the intersection by the plaza, you have gone too far.

First Impressions

Mario's Restaurant Familiar is located less than half a block from the central plaza in the small pueblo of San Antonio, Tlayacapan  It is the first place we eat that was recommended to us by a long time resident - our landlord. We ate there on our second day in the Lake Chapala area. We stopped into meet her at the real estate office and when we inquired about a really good restaurant for lunch, she suggested Mario's - in fact, she said she would take us there herself.

"Get in the car," she insisted, "I know a really good place for lunch." And off we drove, the wrong way down one way streets, weaving, whistling and talking the entire way. We pulled in front of a place that, had I not been introduced by Beverly, we might never have tried on our own. The restaurant looks very simple and rustic from the outside, with a sliding screen door and the name of the restaurant painted on the wall. I already suspected that Beverly was a little crazy, so was not sure what we would find inside.

But, to my surprise, the restaurant was clean and  pleasant and the owner and staff friendly and welcoming. We were off to a good start.

Menu

A daily lunch menu offers a large variety of dishes that includes seafood and beef dishes and salads. The daily specials are written on a white board - in Spanish. The waiter will gladly translate.

For lunch, we had Arrechera, recommended by our host, and fried shrimp with mango sauce.  The shrimp may just be the best I have had since arriving in town. It was a memorable meal. Our lunch was accompanied by fresh corn tortillas.

Other items on the menu included hamburgers and French Fries, shrimp cooked in a variety of ways, pescado (fish) dishes, and salads. A breakfast menu is available before noon.


So, a week later, we decided to return to Mario's Restaurant Familiar to try some of the delicious looking items on the  breakfast menu. This time we sat in the back of the restaurant, in an open courtyard behind the kitchen.

We ordered Huevos Rancheros and were treated to a feast that began with chips and salsa presented in a stone molcajete. The Huevos Rancheros were served with beans and freshly made corn tortillas.

We also had fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee.

 

Ambiance

Mario's Restaurant Familiar is a neighborhood café. It is not a place that is easy to find for first time visitors to Lake Chapala, but it is worth the journey into the small pueblo of San Antonio, Tlayacapan to experience a taste of authentic Mexican cooking.

The restaurant is simple, but clean and inviting. There is a very pleasant open dining area surrounded by green plants, reached by walking through the kitchen area.

Service is homey, friendly, and personal. After all, this is a family owned business.

Price

The price range for breakfast is between $50 and $95 pesos. Dinner entrees are also moderately priced. Two can have a filling seafood lunch for less than $240 pesos, about $18 dollars at the current exchange rate.

Our Recommendation ****

If you want a taste of excellent, authentic, Mexican cooking in a family owned restaurant, make the effort to find Mario's Restaurant Familiar. Try the shrimp with mango sauce. You will not be disappointed.

 

Tony's Plus Restaurant Bar

Address: Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec #149, San Antonio, Tlayacapan
Phone: 376-766-4614  Reservations: 376-766-4069
Hours of Operation: Thursday - Tuesday 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Closed Wednesday
Facebook Page: Restaurante Tony's Plus
Email: Tonysplus@live.com

Directions: From Walmart travel east on the Carretera approximately 1/2 mile. Tony's will be on the right (lakeside) in the Superlake shopping center. There is parking in front of Tony's Restaurant.

First Impressions

Tony's Restaurant Bar is not the kind of place that I would normally choose to dine. Quaint is okay with me and so is funky. But Tony's is located in a run down strip mall along the Carretera.

However, this restaurant is close to where I live and came highly recommended to us by many friends who have lived here for a long time.

Tony's is well known for high quality steak dinners. So, we finally got up the nerve to give it a try. Tony also owns the carniceria next door so you know his steaks are fresh.

Tony's Plus Restaurant Bar is a place we have returned to several times because of the menu selections and the consistent quality of the food.

 

Menu

Tony's Restaurant has a large and varied menu that include salads, soups, appetizers, chicken dishes, shrimp, pork and steak as well as daily specials.

A nice selection of traditional Mexican dishes are also available, such as burritos, tacos on flour or corn tortillas, and beef or chicken fajitas.

As soon as you are seated, a waiter brings a plate of corn totopos to the table, along with a bowl of pico de gallo, pickled carrots and a mango salsa to help you stave off hunger while you wait for your meal to be cooked to order.

If you prefer to start your meal with a fresh salad, there are several from which to choose -  green salad, Cesar salad and a mixed salad, as well as variations of these that include meat.


The steak menu offers T-Bone, Rib Eye and Arrachera, a tender marinated steak, and Beef Shish Kebob.

Meals are served with your choice of flour or corn tortillas.

Ask the waiter what is available for dessert and he will recite a list of pies -  peanut butter, pecan  and lemon pie - as well as cheesecake and flan.

We chose the flan to split between us and it was delicious.

Ambiance

Tony's interior is decorated with murals depicting the lake and mountains. There are plants hanging from the ceiling and an open courtyard at the back of the restaurant. The entire front is open to the street, which some may find unpleasant.

Like many restaurants in town, they play music from the 1960's and 1970's that they must think all Norte Americanos of a certain age like to hear. I want to go on record now that I have heard enough Classic Rock music to last me the rest of my life.

I wish they would just play Mexican music - softly - in the background. After all, we came here to enjoy the local culture. During an afternoon meal very recently, a dog somewhere behind the courtyard was barking nonstop through our entire meal. 

Tony's is a fine place for lunch or early dinner and the food is good. But, the environment is not conducive to romantic dinners or a special occasion. There is too much noise, from outside the restaurant and from within.

Service

Though we have heard some complaints about spotty service at Tony's, we have always enjoyed good service from the waiters. They are polite and prompt.

They do not hover around us, but check periodically to make sure our dinner is good and that we don't need anything at that moment. They are knowledgeable about the menu and specials.

Price

I have included some pictures from the actual menu that includes prices. Tony's is moderately priced, about the same as finer restaurants in Ajijc. The day we ate at Tony's, we had two glasses of wine each, two entrees and a dessert between us and the final bill was $360 pesos, about $30. I certainly cannot complain about those prices!

Our Recommendation ***

Tony's Plus Restaurant is a nice place for a casual meal, for a steak dinner or Mexican food. The quality is consistent and the prices right.

 

Pranzo Bistro

Address: Carretera Ote. #103 ( at the entrance to La Floresta)
Phone: (376) 766 1668
Hours of Operation: Wednesday- Sunday 8a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Reservations Accepted
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pranzobistroajijic

Directions: From Walmart, travel west on the Carretera approximately 1/2 mile. Pranzo is located on your the left just behind the large modern statues at the entrance to La Floresta. Turn right at the first light, to avoid being caught in the cross traffic when the light changes. There is ample parking on the frontage road in front of the restaurant.

First Impressions

Pranzo Bistro is a very pleasant sidewalk café and Italian eatery, on the Carretera in Ajijc. When we first arrived in town we were not anxious to eat Italian food. But, every time we passed this pleasant little sidewalk café, it was full of expats eating and enjoying the outdoor patio. We knew it was just a matter of time before we tried Pranzo Bistro. The first time we visited Pranzo was after walking through the Wednesday tiangus nearby. We had a late breakfast, which was very good.

Menu

The breakfast menu includes dishes such as chiliquiles, a variety of crepes, and a very good Spanish omelet. The lunch menu offers sandwiches, paninis, pizza and a variety of salads.

For dinner, choose from a well reviewed vegetarian lasagna, fettucini with shrimp, Hawaiian chicken, tempura fish and much more.

Portions are very generous. Pranzo Bistro serves wine and beer as well as a variety of non-alcohol beverages.

 

Ambiance

Pranzo Bistro customers dine al fresco, under umbrellas on the large sidewalk patio in front of the café. Because of the close proximity of the Carretera, the traffic noise can be bothersome at times, but most people don't seem to mind since overall, eating at Pranzo Bistro is a pleasant experience.

The day we visited, some young vendors stopped by the table selling candy and wooden toys and a tour guide stopped at the table to promote his services.

Constant interruption of your meal to talk to one sidewalk vendor or service promoter after another becomes annoying after a while. I would prefer to dine without having vendors interrupt my conversation, and meal to sell something to me. The afternoon we were there, street musicians played for diners, which was very nice. 

 

Service

The waiters at Pranzo Bistro are attentive and prompt. I have grown accustomed to the excellent service at lakeside restaurants, and Pranzo Bistro is another in the long list of local restaurants that offers excellent service to their guests. I listened as the table of expats seated next to us addressed the waiter so rudely that I was tempted to speak up in his defense. However, the waiter handled the customers politely and skillfully, taking good care of customers who, in my opinion, should have been asked to leave.

Price

Prices are very reasonable at Pranzo Bistro. Two entrees and a glass of wine each will cost less than $260 pesos, or $15 USD  at current exchange rates.

Our Recommendation ***

Pranzo Bistro is nice place for lunch, especially after a late morning walk through the Wednesday tiangus.

The quality of the food is very good, service attentive and atmosphere, for the most part, is pleasant. The only drawbacks are the constant traffic noise on the Carretera and the vendors selling their wares among the diners. But, if the young musicians are playing, you won't even notice these small issues.

Restaurant Min Wah

Address: Callejon Al Tepalo #96-A
Phone: 376-766-0686
Facebook: Restaurant Min Wah
Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 8AM to 8PM
Restaurant has off street parking lot

Directions: From Walmart drive west on the Carretera towards Ajijic. At the stoplight at the Carretera and Calle Encarnacion Rosas, turn right, towards the mountain. Donas Donuts is on the corner and will be on the right when you make this turn. Restaurant Min Wah is 2 1/2 blocks on the right. There is a large dragon over the entrance to the restaurant's parking lot.

First Impressions

Can you find good Chinese food in Mexico? Why yes. In fact, we have a very good Chinese restaurant right here in Ajijic. Restaurant Min Wah is located off the main tourist corridor, on a steep narrow road leading up the mountain. But, don't let that deter you from finding this great place to enjoy a traditional Chinese meal.

Restaurant Min Wah Entrance

A Chinese dragon sits atop the entrance to their parking lot, letting you know that you have arrived. It had been so long since we had tasted good Chinese food that we did not hold out much hope of finding a good Chinese restaurant in Mexico. How nice to find Restaurant Min Wah. The food is very good - surprisingly good.

Restaurant Min Wah bills themselves as Super Cocina China and they try to live up to their claim with an extensive menu for dining in and take out.


Menu

The Restaurant Min Wah menu offers a large selection of standard Chinese dishes that include Chow Mein, Chop Suey, Fried Rice, and Egg Foo Young.

As a starter, chose from an impressive variety of soups; Sizzling Rice Soup, Wonton Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup and several more. I like the Egg Flower Soup, or Sopa de Flor De Huevo.

Entrees include Almond Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Beef with Broccoli, Curry Beef, Sweet and Sour Pork, BBQ Pork with Broccoli, Mu Shu Shrimp, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Vegetarian Dishes and much, much more. From 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. you can also order breakfast.     

Restaurant Min Wah has a full bar and a large selection of non-alcohol drinks. If you don't feel like eating out, call ahead for take out.

Ambiance

Restaurant Min Wah strives to convey an authentic Chinese atmosphere. It is hard to miss the giant dragon over the entrance to the parking lot and the water feature at the base of the entrance ramp.

Inside, large picture windows give the dining room an open feeling. There are tables for two and larger tables that will accommodate a crowd.

We went to lunch with four couples and were easily accommodated. Restaurant Min Wah is very quiet, so a good place to dine to enjoy conversation. The restrooms are spotless.

Restaurant Min Wah is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., serving breakfast everyday but Tuesday. On Tuesdays they open at 11 AM

Service

The waitresses are prompt and efficient, taking our drink orders immediately after we were seated and happily providing a separate check for each of the couples at our table. After we ordered, the wait was not long before the first course was served. In contrast to some restaurants, where the wait staff intrudes upon your meal, our waitress at Restaurant Min Wah was very stealthy, dropping in to fill glasses with more water or tea without interrupting our conversation. Very nice.

 

Price  

Restaurant Min Wah  is one of the least expensive meals we have eaten in a lakeside restaurant. In addition to a full menu, and dishes served a la carte, a lunch special daily is available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This special includes soup, rice, fried wonton, and a selection of eleven different entrées and hot or ice tea, all for just $85 pesos. So, two people can eat lunch for about $13 - quite a bargain.

Our Recommendation ****

If you are craving good Chinese food, Restaurant Min Wah is the place to go in Ajijic. Dine in for a very pleasant experience or order take out.

   

Roberto's

Address: Carretera Poniente #35, Ajijic
Phone: 376-766-1616

Website: www.Robertosrestaurante.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/robertosrestaurante

Hour of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parking: On the right, off the Carretera, in front of Roberto's.
Live Entertainment

Directions: From Walmart, drive west on the Carretera through Ajijic, approximately 4 kilometers. As you head out of town, you will come to a small hill. Just over the hill on the right, Roberto's is just past Calle 5 de Febrero. If you reach Calle A. Obregon you have gone too far. Look for the tables set up outside the hacienda gates.

First Impressions

Roberto's was difficult for us to find the first time. Everyone gave us vague directions. It is located right on the Carratera so it should have been easy to spot.

Right? Well, no. Not unless you know where to look you can drive right by it and never know it was there. * Roberto's now has a prominent sign in front of the restaurant. It is on the right, as you come over the hill heading west out of Ajijic. Roberto's is situated on a hill just above the Carretera.  The picture, left, is of the front of the restaurant.


It would be a shame to bypass Roberto's because it is a very good restaurant offering consistently delicious food in a beautiful old hacienda.

Plentiful parking in front of the restaurant and a few tables are set up outside the gates to help customers find the entrance. This is another of our favorite restaurants in Ajijic.

* See below for update on Sunday Brunch at Roberto's.

The Menu

Robert's menu offers a wide variety of dishes - steaks, chicken, seafood, salads. This is North American style food prepared well.

Once  you are seated, the waiter takes your drink order and delivers a basket of warm bread and croquetas de la zanahoria (carrot croquettes) to your table to stave off hunger while you browse the menu.



Some of dishes available daily include Panko Encrusted Fish, Steak Diane, Crab Cakes, Salmon Dijon, Moo Shu Pork, Mongolian Beef.

Brunch is available on Sunday mornings with dishes that include a brunch burrito, salmon scrambled eggs, pancakes and bananas foster, eggs Florentine and crepes.

We visited Roberto's to sample their Sunday Brunch for ourselves and it was scrumptious. There are so many creative, tempting dishes from which to choose.

We finally settled on Robert's Special Breakfast of eggs, ham, bacon, hash browns and praline French toast. Before the meal arrived, we were served  a fruit plate with a seafood spread and two toasted and buttered slices of bread. The waiter also delivered a basket of fresh bread  and carrot fritters.

We also ordered Roberto's Breakfast Special, a frittata-type concoction of chorizo, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, onions and eggs with creamy potatoes on the side.


To drink, we chose freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. Coffee was included in the price of the meal. When we thought we were finished and full to the brim, our waiter brought out two small bites of very rich cheese cake that neither of us could resist. Roberto's has to serve the best Sunday brunch lakeside.

Roberto's offers special menus during the holidays. Spring is here, and the advertised special for St Patrick's Day will feature a special meal of corned beef hash made in house.

There is a full bar offering mixed drinks, wine and beer. Sunday brunch features drink specials, including Mimosas, Champagne, Vino Blanco
and Bloody Mary for $50 pesos each.

 

Service

Once again, we observed the service at Roberto's and found it to be impeccable. The waiters are very attentive, watching to refill your coffee cup or bring another drink as soon as your glass is empty, friendly and unobtrusive.

We never feel rushed when eating at Roberto's. I appreciate this about a restaurant. If I am made to feel like I could linger all day, I am apt to order another drink, or a dessert to share. We had only been a few times before the waiters recognized us as regular customers.

Ambience

The unassuming entrance hides dining areas perched above the road and shielded from noise by a lush landscape. The wooden gate opens up to a  small flight of steps into an old hacienda turned restaurant.



Musicians play on Sunday afternoon.

A waiter will rush forward to greet you and make sure you are seated in one of the cozy dining areas outside, or in the larger dining room inside the casa. It is easy to find a cozy, romantic corner at Roberto's for an intimate lunch or dinner.

The décor is old Mexico, though the food is definitely Norte Americano. If there is entertainment, it is probably best to dine in one of the indoor dining rooms, as the music can make it difficult to hold a conversation. There is ample parking in front of the restaurant and it is a fairly easy walk from Ajijic.

Price

Roberto's is a moderately priced restaurant. The Sunday Brunch is priced between $75 - $120 pesos. Lunch entrees are smaller versions of the dinner menu and prices start at $65 pesos, with the most expensive dish at $120 pesos (less than $10).

Dinner prices range from $120 pesos to $150 pesos. The price for our Sunday Brunch was $175 pesos.

Our Recommendation ****

Roberto's is a nice place to have a delicious lunch or perfect for a romantic dinner. This is also a great place to entertain guests. That is my grinning brother in one of the pictures above. He loved celebrating his birthday at Roberto's. We highly recommend Roberto's for delicious food.

After today, we can also recommend Roberto's for Sunday Brunch. The chefs are very creative, the food is so good and the overall experience is delightful