In San Miguel, vegetarians will have no problem -- most restaurants have legitimate meat-free main courses. For the best baked goods (pastries, French bread, sandwiches, croissants, and cakes), try El Petit Four, Calle Mesones 99. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm, Sunday from 8am to 6pm. There's a dining area in the store, or you can take your baked goods with you.

To sample some of the people's food, you might try CenadurĂ­a La Alborada at Sollano 11 (tel. 415/513-0577), by the main square. It's a traditional sort of supper place where you can get a nourishing bowl of pozole or a plate of enchiladas. It's open Monday through Saturday from 2pm to 1am. For tacos, try Los Faroles, at Ancha de San Antonio 28-C (tel. 451/152-1849). The owners sell a variety of tacos de parrilla (tacos with grilled meats) and volcanes (a toasted tortilla topped with meat and cheese).

Another dining option is a 10-minute ride east of town. An Italian chef has taken over a small part of the former Hacienda de Landeta and has a "country-kitchen" thing going on there -- outdoor dining, chalkboard menu, unhurried personal service (main courses typically 130-240 pesos). Local residents love it. Amid crumbling walls and ancient trees, the setting has a gracious old-world feel to it. The menu always includes fresh pasta, usually a fish dish, and three or four Italian specialties. Chef Andreas personally attends his customers Thursday through Sunday starting around 2pm. He has only a few tables, so make reservations (tel. 415/120-3481).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.