Bennu — Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende

Just returned from our first visit to Bennu, which will not be our last. I will explain, but if you don't have the patience for that and just want to know why you should try their pizza -- I can only say "go". Just go. Chef Pablo Gil is doing something extraordinary here, and if you even think you like pizza, you should give it a try.

The atmosphere is magical and the service excellent. But the story is in what Chef Gil is doing, and it must begin with an acknowledgement that people have different tastes in pizza. There are pizza joints with loyal customers serving pies that most of us would agreed were definitively bad, fans of New York style pizza who consider Chicago deep dish an abomination, those who turn up their nose at "pretentious" craft pizza and swear by the pies they order from Pizza Hut, and plenty of folks who seek out and enjoy the work of the thousands of chefs who put in the effort to make their own dough, top it with handmade sauces and fine ingredients, and carefully tend the wood-fired ovens in which they cook the pizza they serve to their guests.

Having cut my teeth on the greasy fresh garlic pies produced at Kip's in Berkeley, California, in the 1970's -- a product that few could stomach and that would have definitively been the death of any vampire who tried it, I feel qualified to defend the loyal customers of indefensibly "bad" pizza joints -- because I have been among them. To each their own. I bow to the devotees of New York, Chicago, Neapolitan, and every other "style" of pizza (even Hawaiian!) each in their turn -- far be it from me to denigrate their connection to the type of pie they love. And I honor the devotion and effort represented by craft pizza makers who lovingly make beautiful food.

Bennu is none of these and all of these. Chef Gil's are pies to love and defend. Pies in the Neapolitan style that was the origin of pizza. And one can see (as they are prepared right there in front of you) as well as taste the effort and craftsmanship that goes into each one.

But Chef Gil is more than a craftsman. He is an artist, and that is a rare thing indeed. By all means, if you have the time and the capacity, as I hope to do in the next several months while I am here in San Miguel de Allende, try every pizza on his short menu and find space for the pizza of the day every time you visit, because opportunities to literally consume the work of a great artist, in that artist's presence, moments after its creation ... those are extraordinary. But on your first visit, I recommend that you begin simply, with the Pizza Marinara, perhaps with the indulgence of the optional Stracciatella on top. You will know why I have taken the time to write this explanation of my...

Many people said the pizza here is good and it was! We enjoyed it. As a restaurant owner myself, I am not the type to leave a review unless warranted and typically I would communicate directly with the server if I felt he had the capacity to genuinely listen with sincerity, but given my attempt to speak with him regarding what type of oil was served at table for the “chili olive oil” — I didn’t feel he was able. The main issue we experienced was the corn appetizer, it was 1/2 of a cob of corn (AT BEST) for 109 pesos, although the flavors were delicious, we are in Mexico — corn is incredibly inexpensive and the portion of the dish compared to price felt like a slap on the face and an insult. Do yourself a favor and please just take it off the menu. Secondly, I am not convinced the chili olive oil served at table was actually olive oil, despite asking the server twice, who confirmed it was, I have tasted olive oil around the world and I can say with certainty this is either incredibly poor quality or not olive oil at all. On a final note, the service was a disappointment, as the face of the business, I believe it is the job of the server to engage with kindness and that was not experienced tonight. In a city where excellence exists in regards to food and service, you won’t find us returning to...

Bennu is a hidden gem in San Miguel de Allende, offering an amazing dining experience. From the moment you enter, you'll be greeted with a charming atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the night. The decor is simple yet elegant, with an open kitchen concept that allows you to see the magic happening behind the scenes.

The artisan pizza is out of this world. I've had pizza in Italy, but I never imagined I would find such an authentic taste in Mexico. The dough is light and crispy, the sauce is perfectly balanced, and the toppings are fresh and delicious. It's evident that the chefs take great pride in their craft and put a lot of effort into every dish they create.

The service is equally impressive. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. They are happy to recommend dishes and offer wine pairing suggestions, which enhances the overall experience.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend Bennu's restaurant to anyone visiting San Miguel de Allende. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you won't be disappointed with the fantastic food, great service, and charming ambiance. I'm already planning my next visit, just to have another taste of their...