9 Restaurants to Welcome Back Your Ancestors for Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos is finally arriving with ofrendas, catrinas and marigolds, ready to celebrate our ancestors. Although festivities officially started on October 27 with the remembrance of beloved pets, most activities take place on November 1 and 2 with all souls from the land of the dead returning.
Aside from the colorful customs surrounding Día de Muertos, culinary traditions also play an important part. Chefs from around the United States have gathered their best recipes to offer customers unique tasting menus for the holiday. Honoring tradition while giving it a creative twist.
Here’s our pick of nine must-visit restaurants this Day of the Dead.
1. Toro Toro — Miami, FL
For the third year in a row, Mexican Chef Richard Sandoval is honoring Día de Muertos across his 35 restaurants worldwide. mitú got a taste of this special menu at Toro Toro in Miami, FL, exploring the diverse multi-layer menu that embodies tradition, symbolism and creativity.
“This year, the moth will serve as our symbolic token,” Sandoval says. “It’s known for representing the delicate balance between life and death, which is what this holiday is about: creating a bridge between us and our deceased loved ones and celebrating them through food, music, and family.”
Highlights of this rendition include empanadas de muertos, filete de mole negro, a smoky sweet potato margarita, purple corn Oaxacan old fashion and café de olla.
2. Guelaguetza — Los Angeles, CA
Renowned as a James Beard Winner for Best Oaxacan food in the Country, Guelaguetza is a superb option for Día de Muertos dining. Whether you’re stopping by to indulge in their delicious mole, stock up on pan de muerto or hot chocolate, if you’re in LA, this is a great place for all your needs. If you’re looking to sit in and dine, then get ready for a Oaxacan treat.
3. LA Cha Cha Chá — Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate a more modern Día de Muertos with delectable cocktails and a stunning ofrenda that will be displayed until November 5 at LA Cha Cha Chá. The rooftop will be decorated with cempasúchil, candles and more. Grab a margarita and say cheers to your ancestors.
4. Casa Madera — West Hollywood, CA
This coastal Mexican restaurant inspired by modern organic Mexican cooking and ocean vibes is opening a special “Casa de Almas” to celebrate the Day of the Dead. From October 27 to November 2, the menu includes special cocktails and food. Some of the highlights are the aguachile de marisco, cordero de mole negro and veladora dessert.
5. Encanto Bar & Restaurant — Los Angeles, CA
Feel right at home at Encanto in Los Angeles and raise the dead with their special “Alma Negra” cocktail. Available until November 2, pair it with any of their delightful menu options from guacamole to fire roasted elotes.
6. Mijo — New York City, NY
Nestled at Pier 57 in Chelsea, Mijo offers Mexican antojitos and traditional street food aiming straight at the heart. From flautas and costras to pan de muerto covered in corn husk sugar from their sister location La Newyorkina, this is a must stop on your Día de Muertos festivities. Plus, their ofrenda is to die for!
7. Lengua Madre’s Ana Castro Special Día de Muertos Dinner — New York, NY
Chef Ana Castro has carefully curated Lengua Madre‘s resurrecting five-course meal. Dishes from the Mexican coast, barbacoa short ribs, shrimp caldito and more are what make this place special. It’s elegance meets coffee shop and childhood throwbacks, all in one.
On November 1, the chef will also make a special appearance at Pier 57 in NYC with a dinner featuring her abuelito’s breakfast tamales with mole, pozole rojo with tostadas and fixings, and more.
8. Día de Muertos Fiesta Sail at La Barca — New York, NY
La Barca Cantina‘s annual Día de Muertos fiesta includes great food, beverages and a two-hour sail on the Hudson. In addition to delicious food and their black marigold margarita, the celebration will feature dance performances from Calpulli Mexican Dance company.
9. Xochi — Houston, TX
Ready to celebrate the dead with excitement? Then reserve a seat at Xochi’s four-course seated dinner. Crafted by Chef Hugo and Chef Ruben, their menu features antojitos, cocktails, main dishes and delicious desserts. And yes — there will be mezcal.
