Must-see restaurants in Central Pacific Coast

  • Café des Artistes

    Puerto Vallarta

    At one of Vallarta’s finest restaurants, everything impresses, from the candlelit garden with water feature and psychedelic Huichol yarn art in the subtly…

  • Paititi del Mar

    Acapulco

    Set in a tropical garden under a palapa (thatched roof), this inland seafood restaurant prepares dishes that put most of Acapulco's beachside eateries to…

  • Tuna Blanca

    Central Pacific Coast

    The exquisite surf-and-turf offerings at this gorgeously designed oceanfront restaurant feature renowned chef Thierry Blouet's tried-and-true favorites,…

  • Restaurantes Mexicanos Any

    Zihuatanejo

    This thatched-roofed diner with cheerful, colorful folkloric decor is an essential stop in Zihua for traditional Guerrero cuisine. Breakfast egg dishes…

  • Pacifica del Mar

    Manzanillo

    Grab a cocktail and watch ginormous container ships cruise into port from this restaurant's open-air patio on Playa Las Brisas. The menu, drawing from an…

  • Bistro Orgánico

    Central Pacific Coast

    Tucked into a pretty plant-filled courtyard, Bistro Orgánico is San Francisco's most sophisticated dining choice. Chef Calixto adheres to the farm-to…

  • Metate Cafe

    Puerto Vallarta

    This wonderful thimble-sized cafe gives you the chance to try hot chocolate with chili, the way the Aztecs used to drink it, as well as other traditional…

  • Icú

    Puerto Vallarta

    A discrete side door leads you into a subtly lit dining room for one of Vallarta's best meals, signature cocktail in hand. Chefs Mauricio Leal and Josué…

  • Nao Kitchen Bar

    Mazatlán

    One of Mazatlán's youngest and most innovative chefs, Andrea Lizarraga Osuna combines local ingredients with Far Eastern touches, with faultless attention…

  • Héctor's Bistro

    Mazatlán

    Comfortable and with polished service, this is the praised venture of a popular local chef. Dishes such as seafood carpaccio, homemade pastrami, tasty…

  • Taquería Playa Sur

    Mazatlán

    Come evening, the breezy dining area of this taquería becomes fragrant with smoke from the grill and the plastic chairs fill up with hungry customers. The…

  • Taquería El Moreno

    Puerto Vallarta

    Maybe you've never tasted tripe before, or maybe you didn't like it until you've rocked up at this taquería and they presented you with a taco de tripa,…

  • La Flechita Roja

    Zihuatanejo

    You're sitting so close to the sizzling spit of carne asada (marinated grilled beef) that sweat runs down you in rivulets. You watch, transfixed, as the…

  • Tintoque

    Puerto Vallarta

    If you only dine out in one fine establishment in Vallarta, make it Tintoque. Chef Joel Ornelas dazzles when it comes to creative, beautiful reimaginings…

  • Barra Galería de Arte & Restaurant

    Barra de Navidad

    Imagine a courtyard where secluded tables peek from behind a riot of greenery and fairy lights twinkle as evening falls. Owner Robert's photography adorns…

  • Las Hamacas del Mayor

    Central Pacific Coast

    A local fixture since 1953, this famous seafood eatery seats 1000 and opens every day of the year. Strolling mariachis entertain the crowds, kids frolic…

  • Naty's Kitchen

    Sayulita

    A cute taco stand helmed by a team of no-nonsense ladies, where tortillas are stuffed with your choice of sliced poblano peppers, potatoes, green beans…

  • Tacos El Veneno

    Mazatlán

    Five mornings per week, El Veneno (The Poisoner) and his son El Venenito do a brisk business in tacos dorados (crunchy tacos) topped with stewed machaca …

  • Restaurant El Arrayan

    Zihuatanejo

    From his curbside barbecue, grill master Mauricio Cancino cooks up fresh fish (usually tuna or mahi-mahi with grilled veggies) to perfection, then he…

  • Toro del Mar

    Troncones

    On the southern end of Playa Majahua, Johny and his wife dish up some mighty fine fresh fish and seafood at this rustic oceanfront restaurant in a small…

  • Ofro's

    Central Pacific Coast

    For honest and delicious home-cooked cuisine, head to this family-run place on the main street. It's a simply but appealingly decorated setup that does…

  • El Carboncito

    Puerto Vallarta

    It's nighttime and the chefs are doing a brisk business at this unmarked taco stand, deftly slicing chunks of red-tinted, spit-grilled and marinated pork…

  • Emiliano

    Central Pacific Coast

    Tepic's best restaurant, Emiliano serves mostly regional fare in a stylish courtyard setting. Breakfast is very popular: fresh juices, coffee and the…

  • El Manglito

    Barra de Navidad

    With a lovely view over the lagoon and welcome breezes, this open-air restaurant with palm-thatch roofing and sand floors produces some really excellent…

  • La Alberca

    Central Pacific Coast

    On the island's east side, this breezy restaurant has a great lagoon view and is the most reliable of the village's dining options. It's all about shrimp:…

  • Taquería El Cheff

    Acapulco

    This popular neighborhood taquería does two things, tacos and panuchos (tortillas stuffed with beans) filled or topped with cochinita pibil (spiced pork,…

  • El Mole de Jovita

    Puerto Vallarta

    This family-run restaurant specializes in chicken with mole (a complex, long-simmered sauce that includes chocolate and spices) from a jealously guarded…

  • Cuattro Cycle Café & Té

    Zihuatanejo

    While walking around in Zihua heat, you come to appreciate havens of arctic air-con, such as this split-level, bicycle-themed cafe – ideal for sipping a…

  • La Leche

    Puerto Vallarta

    The restaurant owners have opted for a milk theme and have run with it a few miles. The interior is suitably Instagram-worthy, the milk gags appear…

  • Mysis III

    Central Pacific Coast

    Some 2km south of the San Blas–Tepic Hwy, this palapa seafood restaurant is the pick of the Playa Las Islitas beach shacks. whips up excellent shrimp…

  • Tacos Revolución

    Puerto Vallarta

    Excellent carne asada (grilled beef), al pastor (marinated pork), chicharrón (pork crackling), fish and vegetarian tacos are prepared on handmade…

  • El Arrayán

    Puerto Vallarta

    Owner Carmen Porras takes special pleasure in rescuing old family recipes from obscurity, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Specialties include…

  • Los Arcos

    Mazatlán

    This venerable sea-to-fork restaurant has been around since 1977 and its reputation as a temple to seafood remains rock-solid. Dishes are executed with…

  • La Casa de Tere

    Acapulco

    This homespun gem near the Estrella de Oro bus terminal is the place to go for Thursday pozole verde (green hominy stew). Founded on doña Tere’s patio in…

  • El Aljibe de San Pedro

    Mazatlán

    Descend into the subterranean gloom of this 200-year-old cistern, and spot eerie mannequins, collections of forceps and other medical paraphernalia, human…

  • Restaurant El Delfín

    Central Pacific Coast

    Under the direction of internationally renowned Cordon Bleu chef Betty Vázquez, this restaurant at the Hotel Garza Canela serves French-accented dishes…

  • Mar de Fondo

    Central Pacific Coast

    Tired of the fish and seafood routine? Hit this restaurant in A&V Hotel Boutique, where you can order handmade pasta and lasagna, regional Oaxacan cuisine…

  • Barrio Bistro

    Puerto Vallarta

    Once you've been seated, chef Memo visits your table with a detailed explanation of each dish featured on a chalkboard menu that changes weekly. It may…

  • El Gabo

    Zihuatanejo

    A shady hideaway tucked off a major thoroughfare isn't necessarily what you'd associate with a prime seafood joint, but this open-sided place with leather…

  • Pipo's

    Acapulco

    Famous for its pescado almendrado (mahimahi baked in a creamy Parmesan sauce with almonds), Pipo's is best after 6pm when the restaurant opens its airy…