Few restaurants in Querétaro enjoy the fame and status that Josecho has accumulated for nearly…read morethree decades, which is only furthered by the bourgeois and aristocrat types that frequent this establishment. A dinner here represents opulence and power, and even though a myriad of restaurants have opened in the last years, Josecho still remains the standard for elegant dinners throughout the city. The eponymous restaurant is the type of place that Querétaro's socialites go to see and be seen, but also to eat and eat well.
In the mold of restaurants in Mexico that attract the rich and the powerful, the utmost level of attention is provided during service, in a manner that powerfully evokes the distinction between social classes that still permeates Mexico's culture to this day. Expensive wine bottles, elegant live music, local celebrities, and round tabletops that exude power through the loud cheers of liquored-up men, are part of the atmosphere here. If you are part of the Querétaro's most powerful inner circle, you might even get to sit in the upstairs dining room, reserved only for those who can afford the luxury of such privacy. However, once you receive your elegantly plated food, all else fades to the background, as the food itself is brought to the forefront in a delight of the palate.
The menu here is one that is typical, read traditional, of the high class Mexican restaurants of old, serving international cuisine with a Mexican twist; salads such as Caesar and Mixed, and the ubiquitous house special; a selection of soups and broths; cuts of meat that almost always include Arrachera; chicken, fish, and to finish, chocolate mousse and other traditional favorites.
Although the menu may seem dated, and at times not too exciting or special, the flavor almost always satisfies, and that spark of excitement might be found unexpectedly in your plate. The Escamoles are delicious as an appetizer, crispy yet soft and packed with flavor, the ultimate luxury dish from Mexican prehispanic culture, and a must-have at Josecho. If you are a meat person, definitely order any type of cut here. Even though the sides may not shine, the meat is expertly cooked and seasoned. Paired with a Merlot from Casa Madero, this course will make you feel like as part of Querétaro's elite. Always order dessert in a restaurant like this one, it will always be comforting, with familiar flavors that might not be combined into something new, but are elegantly paired and as such enjoyed.
A meal at Josecho will always exude luxury, pleasure, and satisfaction. A true five star experience in service, food, and ambience, and definitely a standard for white tablecloth restaurants in the city.
