Casa 46: A Culinary Delight in the Heart of Colonial Mazatlán

When it comes to savoring the finest flavors in Mazatlán, Casa 46 stands out as a culinary treasure. Located in the heart of the city’s colonial district, this restaurant offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you're seeking an exquisite dining experience or are looking for a place to hold a special celebration, Casa 46 delivers the ideal spot with a welcome dose of Mexican history and inimitable charm.

Housed in a meticulously restored historic mansion, Casa 46 offers a unique atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia from the moment you step inside. Each of its beautifully appointed dining rooms exudes its own distinctive character while showcasing the region’s rich history. In the 1800s, Porfirio Díaz served seven terms as president of the nascent country but held ties to Europe through his love of all things French. In fact, it was his influence that led Mexico to be called the ‘Paris of the Americas’ for a time. This period’s legacy of neoclassical architecture is evident in Mazatlán’s historic center, where stately buildings reflect the wealth and commercial power of the city’s early entrepreneurs. Casa 46’s second-story terrace overlooks the wrought iron gazebo and palm trees of Plaza Machado, making it an ideal place to soak up the nostalgia of these formative years in Mexico.

The décor in each dining room represents a different facet of the city’s high-society interests. From the Carnaval Room — aptly adorned with sequined masquerade masks — to the Mariners Room, which displays vintage black-and-white photos of yachts and fishing tournaments, the restaurant invites guests to celebrate the high points of this bygone era.

But Casa 46 offers much more than a visual feast. It’s a place where culinary journeys are led by a team of talented chefs dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting traditional Mexican dishes. The menu is a celebration of regional flavors, featuring recipes inspired by local ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply appreciate being treated to a fine dining experience, Casa 46 offers a remarkable selection of Mexican delights.

Heading the culinary experience at Casa 46 is Chef Carlos Contreras Sánchez. Born in Mihuatlán, Oaxaca, Chef Carlos's passion for cooking was inspired by his grandmother's prowess in the kitchen. He learned the art of cooking from her and ventured to nearby towns to master old recipes from renowned chefs across the state of Oaxaca.

Chef Carlos began his professional career in 2004 in Los Cabos, where he quickly made his mark in the hotel industry. Starting as a dishwasher at the age of 16, he quickly rose to become a skilled line cook. He honed his craft at "LaFrida" under the mentorship of Antonio de Livier, the head chef at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach’s premier restaurant.

After gaining valuable experience, Chef Carlos returned to Oaxaca to immerse himself in the region's cultural and culinary traditions. He assumed the role of Chef at the restaurant Catedral. In 2014, he moved on to Mexico City, where he once again worked with Chef Antonio de Livier, this time in collaboration to open a Oaxacan-themed restaurant in the capital.

In 2019, Carlos returned to Los Cabos, taking the helm as head chef at LaFrida, where he respectfully reimagined timeless recipes while incorporating modern techniques, giving the restaurant's menu a fresh, contemporary twist with roots in the country’s rich gastronomic canon.

Now, under his guidance, Casa 46 continues to delight diners with its innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine, highlighting exquisite dishes straight from the heart of Colonial Mazatlán.

Plan an unforgettable vacation at one of our Mazatlán resorts complete with an evening at Casa 46.