Il Mercatino di Bella Italia — Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende

It feels almost dangerous to give this restaurant the full praise it deserves because I know that once people discover how incredible it is, reservations will become even harder to get. But truthfully, a place this exceptional deserves to be celebrated!

This gem is the newest iteration of Bella Italia, a beloved institution in San Miguel de Allende with decades of tradition. With such a rich legacy, it’s no surprise that the food here is absolutely outstanding. The regular menu is a masterclass in authentic Italian cuisine—unsurprising, given that the chef honed his craft in Castelfranco Veneto for years. Each dish radiates the kind of care and authenticity you’d expect from a true Italian kitchen.

On top of that, the seasonal menu is always a delightful surprise, offering a creative blend of trendy and fusion cuisine. It’s almost bittersweet: while you’re eager to try the exciting new additions, you can’t help but miss the old favorites they’ve replaced.

If you’re in a bit of a rush or the place is packed, their pizza is always a reliable and delicious option. Perfect for takeout or a quicker meal, it’s the same level of excellence you’d expect from the rest of the menu—just in a more casual form.

The magic doesn’t stop at the food, though. Maria and Paola, the incredible mother-daughter duo who run the restaurant, have cultivated a truly extraordinary experience. Their hands-on approach, coupled with the stellar team they’ve assembled, ensures that every visit is marked by impeccable service and warm hospitality.

The location itself is a triumph of convenience and beauty. It’s centrally located with plenty of parking, and it’s wonderfully accessible, with ramps and a first-floor layout that welcomes all.

As for my personal favorites? You can’t go wrong with the Filete de la Casa, which I always customize with grilled veggies and pasta al burro. For drinks, the Aperol and Hugo Spritz are perfect for a refreshing start to your meal. And to end things on a high note, the Carajillo is an excellent digestive, while the Maracuyada is a fantastic non-alcoholic option that’s as delicious as it is unique.

In short, this restaurant is an absolute treasure. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian, craving innovative cuisine, or just looking for a great pizza, this place delivers on every front. Make your reservation—just don’t blame me if it’s hard to get a...

We have lived in San Miguel de Allende for two and a half years and still hadn't Il Mercantino. I wish we had tried it earlier.

We went with some friends who were also looking forward to trying it. The restaurant is located directly across from Luna de Queso on Josefina Orozco. There was plenty of parking. The restaurant is pretty and has a warm and comfy atmosphere. We reserved a table in advance so we had a prime location surrounded on three sides by windows.

Our server Eric quickly took our drink orders and reviewed the evening's specials. He was professional, attentive, and had a great sense of humor. Other staff memebers also checked on us and refreshed our drinks during the meal, so the service really was quite excellent.

There were four of us, both couples shared the Mercantino salad, which had assorted greens, pear, goat cheese, and walnuts. We didn't even ask, but the staff was kind enough to split the salads onto four individual plates.

For our main courses, my wife and one of our friends each ordered the asparagus risotto (they let you know in advance that the risotto dishes take 30 minutes) and it was excellent. I tried a bite and will probably order it next time. One of our friends ordered the shrimp risotto and she said it was amazing. I didn't try it, but the shrip looked huge and perfectly cooked. I ordered the pizza which was on special, it was a white pizza with asparagus and mortadella. While I loved the crust, cheese, and asparagus, I wasn't crazy about the mortadella, but overall the pizzza was very good.

For dessert my wife and I shared the tiramisu, which was good, but not great. Our friends shared a cannoli, which looked delicious.

Overall this was a lovely dining experience and we will...

In a city rich with culinary gems, this establishment emerges as a noteworthy contender, higly recommended by a friend from Mexico City. Seated at the bar by Erik, the dining experience commenced without a reservation—a testament to the accommodation offered as casual walk-on patrons. The dishes delivered a symphony of flavors, with the bolognese and veal piccata standing out, beautifully complemented by an exquisite syrah. While the food rivaled my iconic favorites like La Taverna del Leone in Positano and even Ai Fiori from my hometown, I have to give service 3 stars only because the personal touch faltered as the evening progressed. However being a business owner in this industry, I believe it is important to secure a reservation for that immersive experience. Eager to revisit, I will secure a booking next week, bring some of my dear friends visiting, reassess this...