San Angel Inn Mexico City | The Most Beautiful Restaurant in Mexico

San Angel Inn Mexico City is one of Mexico City’s most enchanting dining destinations in all of Mexico. In this Blog Post, I am really thrilled to share the captivating history and delightful charm of The San Angel Inn, a restaurant that has been a cherished part of Mexico City’s culinary landscape for over six decades.

Located in the southern part of Mexico City in the heart of the picturesque San Ángel neighborhood, San Angel Inn Mexico City is not just a restaurant; it’s a captivating piece of Mexican history. Housed within the walls of a former monastery, this dining establishment offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican cuisine and timeless elegance.

In this restaurant, you will be mesmerized by the beautiful courtyards and lush gardens that set the stage for your dining experience. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure, and join me in uncovering the rich history and delicious delights that await at The San Angel Inn.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a traveler seeking authentic Mexican cuisine, this charming restaurant has something special in store for you. So, let’s dig in and savor every moment of our visit to The San Angel Inn!

San Angel Inn a Historic Restaurant

Imagine a place where history and exquisite cuisine converge, creating an atmosphere that transports you to another era transporting you into a “Mexican Hacienda”. That place is The San Angel Inn, a Mexican culinary gem with a story that spans centuries.

The Roots of the Hacienda

Our tale begins in 1616 when Hernando Aragonés laid the foundation for what would become the “Our Lady of Santa Ana” residence. In the years that followed, the estate changed hands, and more land was acquired, transforming it into a hub of farming and pulque production.

The Birth of San Angel Inn Restaurant

On June 13, 1963, the doors of Restaurante Antiguo San Angel Inn opened, welcoming diners to a world where modern cuisine mingles with centuries of Mexican history. The original gardens and the hacienda’s architectural splendor were lovingly preserved, creating a unique ambiance that captures the essence of bygone times.

Distinct Dining Experiences in Multiple Rooms at San Angel Inn Mexico City

Today, at San Angel Inn, you have the opportunity to choose your dining adventure. The Main Dining Room, nestled within the monastery’s cloister, offers a spacious and elegant setting. For an alfresco experience, the Veranda beckons you to dine amidst the charming courtyard. Seeking intimacy? The Gastronome Room, located in the former monastery’s chapel, provides an enchanting escape.

Food and History in a Magical Setting

As you step into the world of The San Angel Inn, you not only savor delectable cuisine but also embark on a journey through the history and heritage of Mexico. It’s a place where every bite tells a story, and every visit is a culinary voyage through time.

The Walt Disney World Partnership for a San Angel Inn Restaurant in Orlando

An interesting fact that not many people know of is that The San Angel Inn Group is the restaurant Chain that manages all Mexican Restaurants in Walt Disney World. The group’s story and partnership began in the 1970s, when Richard Debler Sr., whose father owned the San Angel Inn Restaurante in Mexico City, found a Gold Mickey that the Walt Disney Company had sent his parents. 

The San Angel Inn Restaurant Group is a family-owned and operated business that has been sharing Mexican culture and cuisine with guests from all over the world for over 40 years. The group’s story began in the 1970s, when Richard Debler Sr., whose father owned the San Angel Inn Restaurante in Mexico City, had an idea to bring Mexican culture and cuisine to the Walt Disney Company’s upcoming Mexico Pavilion at Walt Disney World.

Disney was impressed with Richard’s proposal, and the San Angel Inn Restaurant Group was born. The first location opened in 1982 at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, and it quickly became a popular destination for guests from all over the world. The restaurant’s success led to the opening of additional locations at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney Springs.

Today, the San Angel Inn Restaurant Group manages and serves 13 locations on Disney property. Through these locations, the group is proud to bring Mexican history and culture to life and provide memorable and magical dining experiences for its guests. The group is also committed to sharing its heritage and culture with the world, and it regularly hosts events and educational programs that promote Mexican culture.

The restaurant also offers a Unique Tequila Bar in Disney World with La Cava del Tequila that offers a variety of traditional Mexican beverages, including margaritas, tequila, and beer.

The Menu

San Angel Inn restaurant in Mexico City offers the Most Traditional Mexican Cuisine that no other Mexican Restaurant offers. All food Dishes Pay an hommage to multiple regions in Mexico. On this occasion, I asked for 4 dishes for me to review in this blog post: soup, 2 entrées, and Dessert. All of these dishes I picked are considered some of the most famous not only in San Angel Inn but in all of Mexico City. So let’s dive in!!

A healthy Appetizer before your Food Experience Begins

As I eagerly await my meal, a delightful surprise arrives—a plate of crisp, colorful vegetables accompanied by creamy blue cheese. This is something quite good and avoids the typical cliche of bringing you bread before your meal.

The Iconic Tortilla Soup

The Mexican Tortilla Soup, known as “Sopa de Tortilla,” is a beloved traditional Mexican dish renowned for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. This is the most famous Mexican Soup Offered in San Angel Inn Mexico City and many people consider it as the Best Tortilla Soup in Town. The San Angel Inn Tortilla Soup is made of a flavorful chicken broth as its base, and ripe tomatoes as a foundation for the soup.  

Various chiles, such as dried ancho, pasilla, or chipotle, are rehydrated and blended into the broth, imparting a desired level of spiciness. Sauteed onions and garlic build depth of flavor, while a blend of traditional Mexican spices and herbs like cumin, oregano, and cilantro infuses the soup with distinct tastes. 

The signature element of Mexican Tortilla Soup is the crispy tortilla strips or triangles, made by frying or baking thin strips of corn tortillas until golden and crunchy. Garnishes, such as diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco (a type of cheese), lime wedges, and sometimes sour cream or Mexican crema, complete this delicious dish.

Two Words: SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!!

The Most Patriotic Mexican Dish, The Chile en Nogada:

During my visit to San Angel Inn Mexico City, I had to order one of Mexico’s Most Iconic Dish that is only available in the months of August and September: Chile en Nogada. 

What is a Chile in Nogada? This is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of poblano chilies stuffed with a savory ground meat mixture and topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. It is considered to be one of the most representative dishes of Puebla, Mexico, and is often served during the country’s Independence Day celebrations in September.

The dish is said to have originated in the city of Puebla in the early 19th century. The story goes that it was created by Augustín de Iturbide, the first Emperor of Mexico, to celebrate the country’s independence from Spain. The colors of the dish are said to represent the national flag of Mexico: green from the poblano chilies, white from the walnut cream sauce, and red from the pomegranate seeds.

Many Food Critics consider The San Angel Inn Restaurant Chile en Nogada as the Best in town only challenged by one of its main competitors El Cardenal. What I really like about this Chile en Nogada is that it’s not as overwhelmingly Sweet as some other restaurants. This one has some saly elements that mixed with the sweet pomegranate make a festival of flavors in your Mouth.

The Steak Tips in Salsa Morita

This Plate was quite delicious with very interesting ingredients that are part of many Mexican Food Dishes. The Steak Tips are very Tender and the Morita Pepper sauce adds an incredible layer of flavor to the Tips. This is mixed with black beans, sour cream, and of course, Avocado to create a unique Mexican Plate that locals love and visitors are intrigued to try.

 Now don’t worry about the Spiciness level, the restaurant perfectly balances this dish with Sour Cream and black beans to reduce the Spicy level that the Morita sauce may cause. If you like Beef then this is definitely the main entrée recommendation I can give to you. 

The Sweet Part of My Dinner Experience: Crepas de Cajeta

Let me share some info for those of you who don’t know what Crepas de Cajeta is. This is a traditional Mexican dessert made with thin, delicate crepes filled with cajeta, a caramel-like spread made from goat’s milk. The crepes are then rolled up and topped with more cajeta, as well as chopped nuts or powdered sugar.

The cajeta used in crepes is typically made in the state of Puebla, Mexico. It is made by simmering goat’s milk, sugar, and cinnamon sticks until it thickens and becomes caramelized. Cajeta has a rich, sweet flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.

Some restaurants include a Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop for guests to mix with their Crepes and its an incredible combination because the Cajeta/Caramel Sauce tends to be hot so mixing it with Vanilla Ice Cream is a good idea.

Other Honorable Mentions in the Menu of San Angel Inn Mexico City

Although I didn’t try this time this Dish, I have to include the San Angel Inn’s Famous Cochinita Pibil. What is Cochinita Pibil? Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Yucatec Mayan slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatán Peninsula. The name cochinita means “little pig” in Spanish, and Pibil refers to the traditional method of cooking the dish, which is to roast it in an underground oven called a pib.

The main ingredients of cochinita pibil are pork, achiote paste, orange juice, and sour orange juice. The pork is marinated in these ingredients for several hours, which gives it a rich, smoky flavor. The pork is then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted in the pib.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our delightful journey through the San Angel Inn, I can’t help but be enthralled by the sheer beauty and uniqueness of this restaurant. In my humble opinion, it stands as the most beautiful gem in all of Mexico City, a true testament to Mexican architecture that leaves an indelible mark.

One of the endearing aspects of the San Angel Inn is its expansive gardens, a splendid oasis where not only your taste buds but also your soul can find solace. These lush green spaces are not just for show; they offer a playful haven for children and a tranquil retreat for adults.

But let’s talk about what truly matters – the food. The Mexican cuisine here is a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. If you heed my advice, start with the Tortilla Soup – a bowl of pure comfort and flavor. And when the season is right, do not miss the Chile en Nogada, a tantalizing dish available only in August and September.

A Restaurant with International Reputation

The San Angel Inn isn’t just about food; it’s a place steeped in history and tradition. Its reputation extends far and wide, even to the magical world of Disney in Orlando, where it manages all of its Mexican restaurants. Such an honor isn’t given lightly and speaks volumes about the authenticity and excellence they bring to the table.

In essence, the San Angel Inn offers more than just a meal; it’s a journey through Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry. So, whether you’re a local seeking a tranquil escape or a traveler in search of authentic Mexican cuisine, the San Angel Inn beckons, where each visit is a timeless adventure and each dish a homage to Mexico’s culinary wonders.

Must-Do Mexico City Food Tours

I made a small list of some of the Best Mexico City Food Tours you can Pick when visiting this amazing City. Whether you are a solo traveler or with friends this is a great opportunity to try great Mexican food and make new friends.

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