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Alcalde

Guadalajara

Honest, humble and hearty Mexican gastronomy

On the Pass

Francisco Ruano

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.

What’s on the menu? The menu has worldwide influences but is rooted in the Jalisco region. Local ingredients dominate, with dishes such as fish of the day with chintextle (Mexican smoked chilli paste), yellow curry and mushroom ceviche; gordita of cottage cheese with chilli cream and macadamia nuts; and chocolate tamale with cocoa nibs and hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf). The restaurant offers a full tasting menu, as well as à 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.

Special recognition: Alcalde has long been a favourite in the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings and featured at No.67 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list.

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