El Manantial was an interesting stop during our visit to San Miguel de Allende. As one of the…read moretown's oldest restaurant-bars--dating back to the 1920s--we were curious to give it a try.
The menu features a variety of atypical seafood tacos and tostadas, including octopus and smoked fish, which immediately caught my attention. I ended up ordering the Pescado al Pastor taco, which turned out to be a great choice. The chopped fish was marinated in al pastor seasoning and topped with pineapple, onion, and cilantro, with a lime wedge on the side. The combination of flavors was vibrant and very tasty.
We also tried the octopus, which was excellent. I'm a bit of a sucker for octopus when it's prepared well, and this one definitely delivered. The ceviche blanco tostada was another highlight--a generous pile of diced fish with tomato, onion, and lime juice that tasted incredibly fresh and bright.
The hibiscus margaritas were delicious and refreshing, and I would highly recommend them--especially if you're planning to walk to the restaurant. The restaurant sits up a fairly steep climb from the Parque Benito Juárez area, so it can be a bit of a trek. Fortunately, we were dropped off and picked up by our driver.
As for service, we had no issues at all. Our server was attentive and pleasant, though I do recognize that some other reviewers have mentioned inconsistent service. Our experience was positive, but it may vary depending on the day.