June 2026 has officially arrived, and by now it seems like every conversation somehow circles back to the World Cup. While match schedules are important, there is another question worth asking: where should you eat between games?

As visitors from around the world arrive in Mexico, Guadalajara offers something that goes far beyond football. The city has become one of the country’s most exciting culinary destinations, blending tradition, innovation, and a strong sense of place. Whether you’re looking for an elevated steakhouse, a Michelin-starred experience, or a laid-back terrace to watch the match with friends, these are the restaurants worth adding to your itinerary.

Cuerno Andares

At Cuerno Andares, northern Mexican culinary traditions take center stage.

The restaurant celebrates the culture of gathering around fire, exceptional cuts of meat, and long meals shared among friends and family. More than a steakhouse, it captures the spirit of northern hospitality through recipes rooted in tradition and designed for communal dining.

For visitors looking to enjoy some of Mexico’s finest beef while staying close to the energy of the tournament, Cuerno offers the perfect setting.

IG. @cuernoandares

D. Blvd. Puerta de Hierro 5065, Puerta de Hierro, Zapopan, Jalisco

Restaurante Alcalde

When you need a break from sports bars and crowded viewing parties, Restaurante Alcalde offers a completely different pace.

Led by acclaimed chef Paco Ruano, the Michelin-starred restaurant is built around a philosophy of honest cooking deeply connected to the rhythms of the land. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, resulting in dishes that reflect the character of each moment of the year.

The experience feels refined without being pretentious—a contemporary expression of Mexican cuisine where technique serves flavor, and every dish is grounded in simplicity and care.

IG. @restalcalde

D. Av. México #2903, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Taberna de Mou

Located in the traditional neighborhood of Santa Teresita, Taberna de Mou offers a more relaxed and local side of Guadalajara.

Its terrace provides a welcome escape from the city’s busiest areas while maintaining a lively atmosphere that makes it ideal for gathering with friends during the tournament.

The menu ranges from burgers and wings to pizzas and grilled meats, complemented by craft beers and cocktails. It is the kind of neighborhood spot where one match can easily turn into an entire afternoon.

Anita Li

For those looking to move beyond steak and explore Guadalajara’s seafood scene, Anita Li remains one of the city’s most beloved addresses among both locals and visitors.

The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood preparations infused with the house’s distinctive style. Standout dishes include the hemp shrimp served over squid ink pasta salad with tomato and basil bruschetta, as well as soft-shell crab tacos topped with tomatillo bruschetta and peanut sauce.

Creative without losing sight of flavor, Anita Li is a destination that consistently rewards seafood lovers.IG. @anitalirest

D. Av. Inglaterra 3100, Guadalajara, Jalisco

Bruna

Few restaurants capture Guadalajara’s creative spirit quite like Bruna.

Part restaurant, part contemporary art space, it has become one of the city’s most distinctive dining destinations. Chef Óscar Garza combines Mexican culinary traditions with modern techniques and technology, creating dishes that feel both familiar and innovative.

For the World Cup season, Bruna is preparing a special football-inspired brunch featuring bañada tapatía, one of Jalisco’s classic regional preparations.

Beyond the food, the experience extends into the restaurant’s acclaimed art gallery and an ambitious cocktail program featuring carbonated, infused, and smoked creations that rival the city’s best bars.

IG. @bruna_mx

D. Lerdo de Tejada 2418, col. Lafayette, Guadalajara, Jalisco

A Different Way to Experience Guadalajara

The World Cup may bring visitors to Guadalajara, but the city’s culinary scene is what often convinces them to stay a little longer.

From Michelin-starred tasting menus to neighborhood terraces and seafood institutions, these restaurants offer a glimpse into a city that continues to define itself through food, hospitality, and culture. Between matches, they provide the perfect opportunity to experience Guadalajara beyond the stadium.