Hermes

A decent buffet for 70 pesos with a drink. I arrived at 1pm, when they open, and not all the food was ready yet. There was rice, pasta, black bean sauce, vegetable soup, bread, grilled plantains, steamed veggies, beets... By the time I left, a few more interesting options had started to appear. Everything looked vegan and healthy; maybe the "greasy-spoon" items (mentioned in a previous review) arrived later.

I had a hard time finding it in the mall; it's on the south side, at the end of a hallway with a door to outside, and it sits back a bit, so you won't see it until you're right in front of it.

Since Veracruz has very few vegan/veg options, I checked this place down after a recommendation from the owner of the now closed "Olivo." Some key points: it's in Boca del Rio, a 15 minute or so taxi-ride from central Veracruz. It's also in a retro-esque shopping mall, taxi drivers won't know which side but it's easy to find once you're there.

Each time I went, the place was packed with locals and you had to sign a list outside indicating how many in your party and whether you were willing to sit with others.

The food itself is pure greasy-spoon vegetarian indulgence. Many plates contain cheese or cream, but every time there was more than enough to satisfy a vegan - great pozole, veggie chorizo, steamed greens, etc. The place has been open for more than 20 years and has a unique feel. Worth seeking out for a big buffet (keeping in mind that they close by 6 p.m.).