QUINCE: ROOFTOP DINING IN MEXICO’S SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
The Cost - $32 per person
The Atmosphere – With spectacular views and a magical setting it’s easy to see why Quince has previously been awarded the title of “No. 1 Rooftop Restaurant in the World” by the Robb Report. Seating is spread across the large open-air terrace, from which you can enjoy views over the town’s historic center. You can also admire the beautiful La Parroquía, an immense neo-gothic church which is dramatically illuminated at night while a DJ often plays music in the background. Trendy and hip, the candlelit tables and uplifting music make it an ideal spot for a date or to celebrate a special occasion. The place is always busy so reservations are highly recommended if you want to sit and enjoy dinner.
Quince’s diverse menu draws inspiration from cities around the world including Lima and New Orleans, but it doesn’t always leave Mexican influences out of its dishes. From sushi and ceviche to risottos and steaks there is a wide variety of international dishes to choose from. The restaurant also features a cocktail list with, no surprise, a focus on tequila, mezcal, and margaritas. Now with a location in Fort Worth, Texas, Quince is expanding its footprint beyond its original, magical location.
The Order –Ceviche Thai, Ensalada de Camarones a la Harissa, Risotto de Trufa, Atún Sellado, and Rack de Cordero.
The Great – The Ceviche Thai was elegantly presented, with a generous portion of sea bass ceviche surrounded by spiral ribbons of cucumber. Marinated in a reduction of lemon tea, ginger, and white wine with a dash of curry oil, the fish was delicious. The light and refreshing dish was accompanied by a bowl of salty tortilla chips which were a tasty vessel for the ceviche. The best appetizer of the evening, this dish was worth ordering and represented a good value at its approximately $14 price point.
The Risotto de Trufa was another dish that earned our ‘Great’ rating. The earthy notes of the truffle came through well in the risotto, though the highlight was the way the flavor of the mushrooms combined with the crispy fried kale sprinkled on top. The kale was sourced from the restaurant’s garden and added an extra layer of taste and texture which really enhanced the dish. Although it wasn’t the most creative or highest-quality risotto, it’s something I would order again.
The Good - The Ensalada de Camarones a la Harissa was a nicely presented shrimp salad. Six tail-on shrimps were served over a bed of mixed lettuce leaves dressed with a zesty lemon emulsion and toasted quinoa tabbouleh. The shrimp were nicely flavored with the sweet and spicy harissa paste, but it wasn’t quite enough to elevate the whole salad which was solid, but quite basic.
The Rack de Cordero featured four baked lamb chops artfully arranged on a bed of cauliflower purée, which was topped with a rich sauce that pooled temptingly in the middle of the plate. The purée was sprinkled with toasted lentils which added a pleasant crunch. Overall, the lamb and the purée were nice, however the meat wasn’t exceptional, making this a dish I would not go out of my way to order again.
The Okay - The Atún Sellado consisted of two pieces of tuna with a hibiscus crust and was very nicely plated with a salad of cucumber, avocado, onion and fennel as well as a spicy chile chipotle dipping sauce. Unfortunately, the plating was the best part of this dish. The fish wasn’t of great quality and had almost no flavor while the mix of vegetables that was referred to as a “salad” was uninspiring. This is a dish to leave off of your order.
The Verdict – The food at Quince isn’t going to blow you away but the superb setting makes this restaurant worth a visit, even just for drinks. It is likely to be filled with tourists and is not priced like an average Mexican meal but you are paying for the experience. If trendy, chic restaurants with DJs is your thing, Quince is a must-visit.
Quince
Cuna de Allende 15, Zona Centro, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico