Serrano 82: Nostalgic comfort food

Published February 10, 2025

Article & photos by Susan Knight York

Another restaurant in SMA that’s high on our best list of places to go in SMA in 2025 is Serrano 82; located in the former space where Bulla use to be but the restaurant has totally changed and was carefully thought out in the planning with a new menu peppered with so many fabulous dishes.

With nostalgic comfort food, affordable prices and the same chef we totally missed these past 8 months, this restaurant got a solid 4+ stars from us, including the Liquid Tarta Santiago served with chantilly and vanilla. The hot caramel liquid inside was a delightful surprise and now my favorite SMA dessert. Go ahead, order that second dessert because it turns out that Chef Kiko Jimenez is not only a remarkable chef but all of his desserts get high marks as well, including his lemon pie; made with the same lemon cream we came to know and love these past four years. True Confessions: we also had a third dessert : a Burnt Basque creamy country cheesecake with red fruits. The recipe creator, Chef Santiago Rivera, explained that when you eat it the cookie prevents the cream cheese part from dissolving so the flavor goes straight from the fork to your palate to your brain, instantaneously.

There’s a new signature sandwich on the menu that we find irresistible: a French Dip with Angus, Mozzarella, Caramelized onions with a beef dipping broth that’s the consistency of gravy not broth. The burger is a delicious mix of rib eye and brisket with cured bacon, cheddar and fries.

Our favorite dish was the Provoleta Cheese made with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers and garlic vinaigrette. The fried Artichoke were served with a lemon and parmesan dressing; an interesting variation from the others we’ve had around town. We also enjoyed a bowl of vegetable cream soup with beautiful accents of toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, fresh basil and croutons.

With an incredibly cozy and beautiful rooftop, owner Tito Martinez and Chef Kiko host a BBQ every weekend that you simply don’t want to miss, featuring loads of our favorite chorizo and other grilled meats.

This new SMA restaurant goes on our list for great food, service and a really comfortable ambiance. We also loved the staff; one of the most attentive in SMA.

Serrano 82
Hernandez Macias 82, Centro, San Miguel de Allende
Hours: Monday – Wednesday
1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Thursday- Saturday
1:00 PM–1:00 AM
Sunday: 1:00 PM –10:00 PM
Phone: 415 688 5335
Chef Kiko Jimenez

(VIP Club Restaurant)

Newly remodeled, this upscale restaurant offers Mediterranean comfort food. Located in the back part & upstairs of Ryokó Japanese Cuisine on Hernández Macías 82. Chef Kiko creates delicious appetizers including fried artichoke), salads, pizzas, and more. The service is exemplary both on their beautiful rooftop and in the cozy downstairs section, with tables situated around an old tree.

Recientemente remodelado, este restaurante de lujo ofrece comida mediterránea reconfortante. Ubicado en la parte trasera y arriba de Ryokó Japanese Cuisine en Hernández Macías 82. El chef Kiko crea deliciosos aperitivos que incluyen alcachofas fritas, ensaladas, pizzas y más. El servicio es ejemplar tanto en su hermosa azotea como en la acogedora sección de la planta baja, con mesas situadas alrededor de un viejo árbol.