Makal - Versalles — Restaurant in Jalisco

We had two separate locals recommend this place so we decided to try it out... and we're so glad we did! Situated in a little off-the-beaten-path area called Versalles, this gem of a restaurant was outstanding in every respect. The ambience / decor was very nice, spanning three floors including a lovely rooftop deck. Our server Josue was exceptional, providing great recommendations on food choices and taking care of our every need with a smile. It's hard to believe he's only 19!

And have I mentioned yet that the food was phenomenal!? David and I tried the tasting menu, which we highly recommend! They change the line-up every three months, and this particular tasting menu has only been in effect for about a week. Items included: Porktelas, Beef Tongue Birria Tacos, Esquites with Chapulines (grasshoppers!), Mushroom Pibil Sopes, Mini Panchito, Borrachito, and Maízimo (all of which are in the attached pictures). We thoroughly enjoyed every morsel - including the chapulines! Their recipes use traditional Mexican ingredients in very unique and tantalizing ways. Every dish bursts with flavor without overwhelming your tastebuds. The portion sizes were small enough to allow you to savor each course, but big enough to ensure you leave the meal feeling full and satisfied. It was truly the perfect tasting menu experience!

Our friends Mike & Michael opted for appetizers and entrees, and they were equally enamored with their choices. They started by sharing a Shrimp Tartare served on plantain tortillas, which both of them thoroughly enjoyed. Mike had the Poblano Risotto for his main course and Michael had the House Special fish of the day, which was a gorgeously prepared mahi mahi. They raved over every bite!

The only disappointment about this restaurant was that there weren't more customers. This restaurant should be packed during tourist season for sure! If it wasn't on your list before... it should be now! Check it out and you won't be...

This spot is your spot if you like good gourmet dishes. Innovative yet grounded … each dish on the small menu is an experience. Their 7 course Prix Fixe menu will really make your taste buds jump with joy. The cocktail menu is also innovative and bursting with flavors. The only critical thing I would comment would be a zucchini main dish is really a cop out. With their experience I am certain they can offer a better more delectable option(s). The grilled zucchini I had was so so but not representative of what this fine restaurant can offer. I suggest they add another well thought out vegetarian dish - a dish that speaks well and boasts more flavors and effort in making. How about poblano peppers with egg and rice? Or something in bolder lines with a twist? Yes, I removed one star because I feel that their vegetarian item was not well thought out. The desert … smores with mezcal also needs done work. It sort leaves a bitter taste. Anyway, all in all a good evening of a delightful...

Went here for a special dinner at the end of our trip.

Showed up without a reservation and were offered a nice table in the middle floor of the restaurant. Staff was very attentive to our needs at all times, took great care of us and could explain a lot about the dishes preparation and ingredients used. It was nice that we got to meet the head chef briefly! The food and drinks both were excellent and well worth the price. We loved the fish in ash the most. Very tasty and unique cocktails. A lot of focus on local ingredients. Unfortunately we didn’t get to try the desserts since by the time we ordered towards closing time they were all out. The waiter explained that desserts are made daily fresh in house and as such it was understandable.

The place could be cozier if the lights were a bit dimmer. We found it to be a bit too bright.

All in all we had a wonderful experience and I would come back and recommend this place to everyone...