Discovering the Flavors and Culture: A Guide to Michoacan's Restaurants and Hotels
Explore the rich culinary & cultural heritage of Michoacan through the diverse dining options & luxurious accommodations offered by Morelia's hotels & restaurants. From traditional Michoacan cuisine to contemporary fusion, there's something for everyone.
Welcome to Morelia, Michoacan, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage and culinary tradition. In this text, we will introduce you to four unique and outstanding restaurants and hotels that showcase the best of what this region has to offer.
From Lu Cocina Michoacana, which aims to present the state's culinary heritage and ingredients through dynamic presentations and traditional techniques, to Villa Montaña Hotel & Spa, an established luxury hotel that emphasizes culture and the work of artisans, each of these establishments offers a unique and memorable experience.
We will also take a look at Hotel Los Juaninos, a modern and functional hotel located in one of the most beautiful buildings in the historic center of Morelia, and Los Mirasoles, a restaurant that promotes Michoacan traditions through the preservation of family recipes and the use of local ingredients. Join us as we take a journey through the flavors, colors, and crafts of Michoacan.
Lu Cocina Michoacana
Lu Cocina Michoacana is a contemporary restaurant located in Morelia, Michoacan, which aims to showcase the state's rich culinary heritage and ingredients through dynamic presentations and the use of traditional Mexican techniques. The restaurant is located in a historic hotel and features decor that incorporates local crafts and materials.
The restaurant's focus on sustainability includes the use of solar panels and an organic rooftop garden that provides herbs for the kitchen. The menu includes dishes that feature ingredients such as blue, red, sweet, and palomero corn, as well as products from local producers and trout producers from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. The restaurant's goal is to be "the edible guide to the state of Michoacán" and showcase its flavors, colors, shapes, and crafts.
Villa Montaña Hotel & Spa
Villa Montaña Hotel & Spa is an established luxury hotel that has been a national and international reference since its opening in 1959. The hotel was acquired by Count Philippe de Reiset in 1973, who revolutionized the hotel's concept by integrating services and adapting to the demands of tourism. The hotel places a strong emphasis on culture and the work of artisans and features a collection of painters, quarry sculptors, weavers, and polychromatic pieces in wood, as well as historical pieces from the Count's patrimony.
The hotel's unique layout of small villas surrounded by courtyards and gardens with exotic plants gives the perception of being the only guest with a private and exclusive entrance. The hotel also offers a variety of wellness facilities such as a spa, sauna, steam, heated pool, and a fully equipped gym. The hotel's restaurant bar, led by famous chef José Manuel Gómez, offers an experience of traditional cuisine and signature fusion. The hotel is committed to providing warm and personalized service with the highest technological requirements and international standards.
Hotel Los Juaninos
Hotel Los Juaninos is a modern and functional hotel located in one of the most beautiful buildings in the historic center of Morelia. The hotel maintains the legacy of its colonial past, with the richness of art and ornamentation that characterized that era, becoming a classic concept within the aesthetics of Mexico.
The building was originally constructed as an Episcopal Palace at the end of the 17th century and later became a hospital before being converted into a hotel. The hotel was renovated in 1998 to recover its original beauty and has been decorated with French furniture, art-nouveau stained glass windows, as well as decorative details of the region.
The hotel offers one of the most beautiful views of the Historic Center of Morelia, with a privileged perspective of the Cathedral. The hotel's restaurant, La Azotea, offers an exceptional cuisine concept developed by chef Rubén Cruz, specializing in contemporary Mexican cuisine and a fusion of traditional Michoacan cuisine. The hotel won the Lifetime Achievement and Tourism Merit Award in 2019.
Los Mirasoles
Los Mirasoles is a restaurant in Morelia, Michoacan that showcases the richness of Michoacan traditions through the use of genuine preservation of family recipes, the unique essence of local ingredients, and the continuous collaboration with traditional cooks from different regions of the state. The restaurant is headed by Chef Rubi Silva, who is one of the main exhibitors of Michoacan cuisine and has taken those flavors full of refinement and tradition to various tables in Mexico and the world.
Los Mirasoles is also a pioneer in the promotion of wine culture, thanks to the work of its sommelier and director, Fernando Figueroa, who has been responsible for promoting wine culture in the state by supporting and participating in the training of sommeliers and professionals in this field.
The restaurant is located in one of the most beautiful mansions in Morelia, which is finely adapted and decorated while maintaining its colonial essence. The wine cellar at Los Mirasoles is one of the most important and varied in the state and offers great advice on the development of pairings with the cuisine of roots offered by Chef Silva.
Hacienda Ucazanaztacua
Hacienda Ucazanaztacua is a boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro in the town of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan. The hotel was created by Rafael Pereznares, who fell in love with the place and its natural beauty during a trip with his father. The hotel is situated on one hectare of land, with 7,000 square meters of gardens, and offers an impressive view of the lake area. The hotel's architecture is inspired by local vernacular elements such as adobe and vegetable fibers, and it was built by people from the community.
The hotel also offers guided hikes and events such as weddings and different celebrations. The hotel's decor is also heavily influenced by local art, such as the ornamental craft of the artisans. Furniture and ornamental elements from other countries, such as Italy and the United States in its colonial period, are also incorporated into the hotel's decor. The hotel also serves regional cuisine, with typical dishes of the region, which complement the sensory experiences offered by the hotel.
Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Mansión Iturbe is a fine contemporary hotel located in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán. The building dates back to 1790 and was owned by Don Francisco de Iturbe y Heriz, who gave it as a dowry to his daughter in 1830. The hotel is located in the center of the city and is decorated with paintings by renowned Michoacan artists and works of the popular art of this region.
The hotel has a long history of traditional hospitality in Michoacán and is committed to promoting local artists and artisans, as well as traditional Michoacan cuisine in its restaurant. Each room is individually decorated and inspired by regional themes and the hotel is a Historic Monument of Mexico. The hotel is owned and operated by the Arriaga Iturbe family for five generations who have taken great care in preserving its essence.
In conclusion, Morelia, Michoacan is a city that offers a rich culinary and cultural experience. The restaurants and hotels highlighted in this text are just a few examples of the many establishments that showcase the best of what the region has to offer. From traditional Michoacan cuisine to contemporary Mexican fusion, these establishments provide a diverse range of dining options.
Additionally, the hotels offer not only luxurious accommodations but also a variety of wellness facilities and an emphasis on culture and the work of local artisans. Whether you're looking for a unique dining experience or a luxurious getaway, Morelia, Michoacan has something for everyone. We hope you have the chance to visit and experience the flavors, colors, and crafts of this beautiful region for yourself.
