What Food To Try in Queretaro and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Queretaro for 2024.
National currency: Mexican Peso, symbol — M$ (international currency code MXN).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Queretaro cafes and restaurants
$8.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.69
$35.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $23.46
$7
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.81
What to Try in Queretaro
Must-try Dishes
Enchiladas Queretanas - Corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken or beef, doused in rich red chili sauce. Locals often enjoy these for breakfast, with a side of crema and cheese, at family gatherings.Tacos de Cecina - Thinly sliced, marinated beef cooked on a grill, served in warm tortillas. A popular choice for a quick lunch from street vendors, it’s best eaten while strolling around local markets.
Chiles en Nogada - Poblano peppers stuffed with a mix of minced meat, fruits, and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce. Traditionally served during Independence Day celebrations, it’s a colorful dish that brings families together for dinner.
Carnitas - Slow-cooked, succulent pork that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, usually served with corn tortillas. Faux pas alert—locals sometimes skip toppings on this dish, letting the pork shine on its own at lunch spots.
Queso Fundido - Melted cheese, often with chorizo, baked until gooey and bubbly, served with warm tortillas for dipping. It's a staple appetizer but can easily serve as a light dinner among friends at local taquerías.
Sopes de Frijoles - Thick corn masa bases topped with refried beans, meat, and salsa, providing a hearty bite. This filling dish is a favorite among locals who enjoy it as a midday snack or a casual dinner.
Pozole Rojo - A savory soup made with hominy and pork, enriched with red chili and served with garnishes like cabbage and radishes. This comforting dish is often part of weekend celebrations, with families gathering around large pots.
Rajas Poblanas - Strips of roasted poblano peppers sautéed in cream and often combined with corn and cheese. Served as a side but often enjoyed as a main during the summer, showcasing fresh local ingredients.
Desserts & Drinks
Mexican Hot Chocolate - Chocolate Caliente (spiced hot chocolate) - A rich blend of dark chocolate, water, and spices like cinnamon, often served frothy after being whisked vigorously. Locals enjoy it during chilly mornings or evenings, typically paired with a sweet bread like concha.Hibiscus Tea - Agua de Jamaica (refreshing iced tea) - A vibrant drink made from dried hibiscus flowers steeped in hot water and sweetened to taste, served chilled with ice. It's particularly popular at gatherings and celebration times, making it a staple in the summer heat.
Tequila - Tequila (agave spirit) - A potent spirit made from the blue agave plant, often enjoyed neat or in cocktails like margaritas. It's common to celebrate special occasions with a shot, accompanied by a slice of lime and salt, but don't be surprised if locals pour for you as part of the celebration—it's a bonding experience!
Sweet Potato Pastry - Camote (sweet pastry) - This delightful dessert utilizes sweet potatoes mashed into a dough, filled with unique flavors like pumpkin or coconut, then baked until golden. Often enjoyed during festivals, it's a treat to savor with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.
Flan - Flan (caramel custard) - A smooth and creamy caramel custard that's often served chilled, with a luscious caramel layer atop. This classic dessert makes appearances at family gatherings and special occasions, so the best time to indulge in it is during celebrations when it's freshly made.
Food and Groceries in Queretaro
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.59 |
| Bananas | $1.26 |
| Oranges | $1.57 |
| Potatoes | $2 |
| Apples | $3.37 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.82 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.35 |
| Imported Beer | $2.53 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $10.56 |
| Milk 1L | $1.4 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $10.83 |
| Chicken | $7.87 |
| Cigarettes | $4.1 |
| Rice | $1.57 |
| Local Cheese | $8.47 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
A lunchtime visit to the bustling Mercado de la Cruz showcases how locals thrive on a relaxed dining rhythm. By 2:00 PM, families crowd the various stalls, ordering hearty quesadillas while kids gobble down elote with fresh lime and chili—a typical day here.
In Queretaro, the mealtime can feel like a family affair. Lunch generally runs from around 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a lighter dinner around 8:00 PM. Prices at local eateries vary widely, with a full lunch costing anywhere from $50 to $150 MXN, depending on whether you choose a street vendor or a casual sit-down restaurant. On the high end, chic spots in the historic center can charge up to $300 MXN for equally rich meals but with a more refined ambiance.
When it comes to dining areas, the Mercado de la Cruz is a favorite for fresh, authentic bites. While neighborhoods like El Centro and Colonia Romita offer trendy cafes and fine dining, they often carry a price premium. For example, I paid $120 MXN at a casual restaurant in El Centro for flautas, which would likely cost only $70 MXN at a food stall in the market.
As for payments, cash remains king in most local spots, especially at smaller venues. Larger restaurants might accept cards, but it's always wise to have cash handy (Oh, and before I forget, many places don’t take tips, so leave a little change if the service was exceptional).
One local custom to be aware of is that it’s perfectly acceptable to share a meal among friends or family, especially when it comes to dishes meant for sharing, like a big platter of tacos. However, a common misunderstanding among visitors is assuming they’ll find the same eating times as in other countries. Here, restaurants may close between lunch and dinner, often from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Peak dining hours tend to cluster around the traditional meal times, so arriving right at 1:00 PM or around 8:00 PM can mean battling crowds. If you want a quieter experience, consider coming closer to 3:00 PM or after 9:00 PM.
As we enter the warmer months, dining habits evolve too; lighter, refreshing dishes become more popular, and outdoor seating options fill up quickly with patrons enjoying the cooler evenings. The cyclical nature of food choices seasons this vibrant culture, often reflecting both the climate and local traditions.
Overall, from the busiest stalls in the market to quieter café corners, Queretaro's food scene is a delightful blend of flavors and customs, shaped by its community and way of life.
In Queretaro, the mealtime can feel like a family affair. Lunch generally runs from around 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a lighter dinner around 8:00 PM. Prices at local eateries vary widely, with a full lunch costing anywhere from $50 to $150 MXN, depending on whether you choose a street vendor or a casual sit-down restaurant. On the high end, chic spots in the historic center can charge up to $300 MXN for equally rich meals but with a more refined ambiance.
When it comes to dining areas, the Mercado de la Cruz is a favorite for fresh, authentic bites. While neighborhoods like El Centro and Colonia Romita offer trendy cafes and fine dining, they often carry a price premium. For example, I paid $120 MXN at a casual restaurant in El Centro for flautas, which would likely cost only $70 MXN at a food stall in the market.
As for payments, cash remains king in most local spots, especially at smaller venues. Larger restaurants might accept cards, but it's always wise to have cash handy (Oh, and before I forget, many places don’t take tips, so leave a little change if the service was exceptional).
One local custom to be aware of is that it’s perfectly acceptable to share a meal among friends or family, especially when it comes to dishes meant for sharing, like a big platter of tacos. However, a common misunderstanding among visitors is assuming they’ll find the same eating times as in other countries. Here, restaurants may close between lunch and dinner, often from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Peak dining hours tend to cluster around the traditional meal times, so arriving right at 1:00 PM or around 8:00 PM can mean battling crowds. If you want a quieter experience, consider coming closer to 3:00 PM or after 9:00 PM.
As we enter the warmer months, dining habits evolve too; lighter, refreshing dishes become more popular, and outdoor seating options fill up quickly with patrons enjoying the cooler evenings. The cyclical nature of food choices seasons this vibrant culture, often reflecting both the climate and local traditions.
Overall, from the busiest stalls in the market to quieter café corners, Queretaro's food scene is a delightful blend of flavors and customs, shaped by its community and way of life.