The Northern Mexican cuisine is usually very different from the one that is eaten in the rest of the country. Its semi-desert soil forced the Spanish settlers to import cattle. Thats how the tradition of the cattle ranches started. Due to the meats intense flavor, the sauces are milder than in the south and the center. Another culinary difference with the rest of the country is that when you eat a taco, the tortilla will be made from wheat, since there, it is the wheat and not the corn, the main ingredient of the tortillas and some of them are really big and called sobaqueras.
Monterrey restaurants' specialty is the cabrito al pastor, which is kid goat cooked slowly over mesquite coals, that gives it that special smoked taste. The locals say that if you haven't tried roasted kid goat, it is like you have never been to Monterrey and recommend which part of the goat to choose to have an extremely satisfactory culinary experience. The tender arrachera beef is also typical of this region and it is an excellent alternative to the traditional meat cuts. You shouldn't miss also the famous o machaca con huevo, which is a specialty made with dried meat fried with eggs, accompanied by wheat tortillas and eaten usually for breakfast.
But in Monterrey you will find much more than meat-based dishes. The areas vast gastronomic offer will let you enjoy the most appetizing and varied dishes. While dining in Monterrey you will find from restaurants that serve traditional Mexican food and taco stands to French, Chinese or Italian cuisine, among a wide assortment of international specialties, in addition to a great number of American chain restaurants and well-recognized fast-food spots.
Dining in Monterrey will be a great experience and won't significantly affect your pockets. Even the most sophisticated Monterrey restaurants have more convenient prices than the ones at the beach resorts and many of them offer, as an additional pleasure for their customers, entertainment and live music in the evenings.
El Camaron Norteño
Enjoy a wide variety of seafood and try the shrimp cocktail, seafood salad, breaded shrimps, ceviches, shrimp cream, stuffed crab and all the sea delicacies in a regal table.
El Gaucho
Enjoy exquisite Argentinean cuisine and the best cuts of meat. The number of dishes can get to be so many that you never know if you are going to finish them. Â Apart from its delicious meats, they also serve fresh salads and superb turnovers, filled with scrumptious fillings.
At very accessible prices and surrounded by a very agreeable atmosphere, you are sure to enjoy an excellent meal.
El Rey del Cabrito
It is the most famous restaurant in Monterrey amongst locals and tourists because of its delicious roasted kid goat. As you enter, you can see the grill at your left and racks of kids spread on spits roasting over a low smoky mesquite fire. It exhibits an informal and colorful ambience, with red neon lights and walls ornamented with pictures of the owner, posing with known personalities and artists. If you dont dare to try cabrito, this restaurant also serves fajitas and other more traditional meats.
El Tio
Restaurant with more than 60 years of experience specialized in regional food and exquisite Mexican cuisine, with live music played by the best bands. It offers the best quality meats and seafood treats, in addition to luscious desserts and excellent wines.
Garcia
In this tradtional restaurant, enjoy the best regional dishes of Mexican cuisine. The specialty of the house is the Machacado with egg (dried beef scrambled with egg) but they also do other egg dishes as well as serve tacos de chorizo (chorizo is a Mexican pork sausage). There are several branches of this well-known restaurant in the city, with the main branch is located on the National Highway. Pick up some typical candies and handicrafts while you're there.
Italianni's
In a cozy setting, surrounded by a feeling of warmth, like in an old Italian family restaurant, you can travel through images, aromas and flavors to the beautiful Italy, where the dark woods, plaid tablecloths and soft lighting create an atmosphere filled with the heritage, culture and traditions of the Italian people. Get ready to share generous portions with a true homey flavor, tasting dishes based on classical Italian recipes.
La Bonne
It presents a concept of casual food, with a nice and contemporary ambience, suitable for any occasion. No matter the happening, whether it is a business meeting or special celebration with the family, friends or spouse, La Bonne is a place where you can enjoy a great variety of sandwiches, pasta, crepes, salads, fondues, delicious entrees and mouthwatering desserts.
La Catarina
This is a large restaurant decorated in a contemporary Mexican style, with brick walls, handcrafted figures and contemporary paintings. It also features original table linen, napkins, cups and dishes, decorated with ladybugs, since the name of the restaurant in Spanish means ladybug. This establishment serves from Mexican traditional dishes to sophisticated creations based on duck, lamb and goat and seasonal dishes like chiles en nogada (Poblano chile filled with a mix of meats, fruits and raisins, in a walnut sauce); all of them may be savored accompanied by a wide variety of tequilas and Mexican wines.
La Cocina de Honan
Excellent self-service restaurant that offers the best Chinese cuisine in traditional dishes such as fried rice, delicious combinations based on meat, chicken and vegetables, and a special menu for kids, with nuggets, rice and French fries.
La Nacional
This is a typical Mexican cantina with an executive feel to it. The cozy patio inside the building is an inviting place due to its unusual photos and paintings. It is low-key hang out for politicians, executives and tourists looking for true Mexican cuisine. It is also known in Monterrey for its wide variety of tequilas, mezcals and Mexican beers. Without a doubt, it's the Cantina of Monterrey so visit one its two branches, either in Centro or in Galerias.
Las Palomas
Las Palomas serves tasty, exquisitely seasoned Mexican food. This picturesque restaurant is located off one side of the beautiful Villa de Santiago Plaza and opens from 8:00 am till 11:00 pm. Try some of the tasty dishes, which includes the local favorite of Machacado with egg. Enjoy great service and a peaceful atmosphere, while savoring great food.
Luisiana
In Downtown Monterrey's Plaza Hidalgo, Luisiana is a great spot for enjoying a succulent meal. Here, exquisite international dishes are served, made with high quality ingredients and have spectacular presentations. The most recommended dishes are the Giant Luisiana Shrimps or Carpaccio Callo de Hacha. Some of them, like the Osso Buco, made with fine herbs, may draw you in with their incredible flavor. Try a variety of fish dishes, deliciously prepared. And if you enjoy extravagance, the Duck with Plum Sauce is oven-baked and is an absolute delight.
Luna Mexicana
With a casual and family-like atmosphere and decoration with rustic wooden furniture, it offers traditional Mexican cuisine, like tortillas with huitlacoche (corns fungus), its famous roasted meats and seafood dishes. It has a wide selection of drinks, among them daiquiris, margaritas and a great variety of tequilas and cocktails. Enjoy yourself watching sports events in the big screen.
Pangea
Pangea offers contemporary cuisine in a warm and casual atmosphere, along with a great domestic and imported wine selection and scrumptious desserts. The menu is permanently renovated to provide different options to the diners. The restaurants areas are perfect for carrying out business meetings, family and friends celebrations and other activities. It offers also a bar for wine-tasting and a store where you can buy the best domestic wines and the house wine.
Riviera
Riviera is a famous restaurant that is located in the Del Valle zone, attractive for its excellent ambiance, food and bar. Here you can enjoy Japanese, Hawaiian and even Californian dishes, from lunch to the wee hours of the morning. There is a beautiful open-air terrace that can accommodate up to 150 people. Enjoy a glass of wine and listen to jazz or live DJs.
Fishing Mexico 
