Published December 22, 2024

Article & photos by Susan Knight York

Chef José Francisco González is back at the newly streamlined restaurant called Eneldo Casual Kitchen (Eneldo Cocina Casual Restaurante); formerly Cafe Monet.

This soft-spoken chef, José Francisco González, gained national recognition in the Marco Beteta Guides and was listed in the Mexico Gastronomic Guide, The 120 Restaurants, as the former chef at Trazo 1810. He’s also one of the many great chefs who were selected to participated in Ciaroscuro; Gunther Maier’s photography exhibition to promote SMA’s Gastronomy.

Chef González previously worked at Moxi in Hotel Matilda and subsequently joined the ranks of Pujol.

Originally from Moroléon, Guanajuato, he specializes in Mexican cuisine. He’s fresh off an assignment at Tarragon, the restaurant inside Hacienda San José Lavista, one of SMA’s many gorgeous wineries.

Eneldo Casual Kitchen is abundant with cozy tables, especially those for two – one near an inside garden in a private corner in back, a table in the middle of his wine cellar and another favorite in the front marked by a large window looking out on a busy Zacateros where it’s so easy to watch the world go by. The centerpiece of it all is a beautiful grand piano up front which will bring live music to an already interesting show.

You can always judge a pizza by a chef’s Margherita and this one has both beautiful balance and amazing flavors. It’s made with small and dried multiple colored tomatoes, Truffle oil and Burrata. The crust is perfect with several other combinations on the menu, all at around $295 pesos. If you look at the ratings, and it’s early, nearly everything is 5 star.

The restaurant is located between downtown and the Ancha; an ideal spot in any restaurant’s profile. It’s fully staffed with experienced professionals from the winery, including front of the house manager, Raul Endrick Paz, who is studying to be a sommelier.

The menu is complimented by beautiful wines, including many from Guanajuato, that are currently selected by one of the owners, who is a prominent sommelier and knows his local wines.

The Cornish Game Hen is a signature dish that says everything about this chef. Another example is his Caprese salad where everything is on inside of the tomato instead of the plate. This chef is known for the art of doing things a little differently and it’s the primary reason why he’s already got a large and enthusiastic following.

Welcome back Chef José Francisco González; we’re so happy to have you home.

Eneldo Casual Kitchen (Eneldo Cocina Casual Restaurante)
Zacateros 83
Centro, San Miguel de Allende
Tuesday – Saturday 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Closed Monday
Phone: 413 139 2189
Chef: José Francisco González
Sous Chef: Gabriela Galindo
Contact: Raul Endrick Paz, Front of the House
Look for them on Instagram @eneldo Casual Kitchen

Una experiencia gastronómica elegante e informal ubicada en el corazón de San Miguel de Allende Dirigido por el talentoso Chef Paco González su propuesta casual, Eneldo ofrece un ambiente refinado y relajado que te deleitara.

An elegant and casual dining experience located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende Directed by the talented Chef Paco González, his casual proposal, Eneldo offers a refined and relaxed atmosphere that will delight you.