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Alcalde

Guadalajara

Stylishly humble Mexican gastronomy

In a nutshell: Meaning 'mayor' in Spanish, Alcalde's fare is based on chef Francisco 'Paco' Ruano's simple, 'frank' Mexican cooking. Set in a stylish, welcoming setting in Guadalajara, Alcalde makes diners want to return again and again with its menu, which is deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the land.

What's on the menu? The menu has worldwide influences but is rooted in the Jalisco region. Local ingredients dominate, with dishes such as aguachile verde with shrimp, apple, cucumber and seaweed; fish of the day with chintextle (Mexican smoked chilli paste), yellow curry and mushroom ceviche; and rice pudding with cinnamon ice cream, soybean skin and toasted chocolate. The restaurant offers a full tasting menu, as well as a la carte.

Chef CV: Ruano honed his skills on cruise ships in Alaska and the Caribbean before enrolling at the Luis Irizar cooking school in Spain. He went on to work at esteemed restaurants such as Mugaritz and Best of the Best restaurants El Celler de Can Roca in Spain and Noma in Denmark, bringing back contemporary global techniques he now employs with Mexican ingredient at Alcalde.

Special recognition: Alcalde has long been a favourite in the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants rankings and featured at No.51 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.

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