A hole-in-the-wall with urban flair, Falafel (Calle María Adelina Flores 4, 1:30–9 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 1:30–6 p.m. Fri. and Sun., US$2.80–4.80) serves up delicious Israeli vegetarian meals—sandwiches, egg dishes, hummus plates, and, of course, falafel. Food is made to order, including baking the to-die-for pita bread. Drinks are a treat too—sip a chai latte, Turkish coffee, or a cinnamon-laced hot cocoa while you wait for your meal.

While sometimes hit or miss, Casa de Pan Papalotl (Calle Dr. Navarro 10, tel. 967/678-5895, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Tues.–Sun., US$3–7) offers a wide range of meatless dishes; good bets for lunch include the vegetable-filled empanadas, homemade soups, and quesadillas; for breakfast try the homemade granola and yogurt. For a sure thing, stick with the irresistible baked goods, which are sold at the front of the café. There is another Casa de Pan (Real de Guadalupe 55, tel. 967/678-7215, 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) near the zócalo in the Centro Cultural El Puente.