Must-see restaurants in Central Pacific Coast

  • El Jacalito

    Acapulco

    Just off the strip and a few paces from the beach, this thatch-roofed restaurant can nevertheless have a secluded vibe. It feels very authentic, with its…

  • Café Pacífico

    Troncones

    At first glance, this is an international hipster cafe. Creative salads, fish tacos and hummus-smeared baguettines are all present and correct, as is …

  • Mariscos La Huerta

    Manzanillo

    A giant Neptune statue points you toward this busy seafront palapa restaurant. With the waves practically lapping at your table and involuntary twitching…

  • Tacos de Birria Chanfay

    Puerto Vallarta

    This humble taco stand has been serving just four things since 1972: tacos, either blanditos (soft) or dorados (crunchy), and filled with birria (goat),…

  • Jardín del Edén

    Troncones

    Just north of Troncones Point, the French chef’s fusion menu ranges from Mediterranean (with nightly wood-fired pizzas) to traditional Mexican fare. The…

  • Restaurant McDonald

    Central Pacific Coast

    Cheery tiled tables and an equally cheery proprietor greet you at San Blas' most popular breakfast venue. Don't expect Big Macs, but do expect generous…

  • Chantilly

    Manzanillo

    Right on the main plaza, this family-run restaurant is a local institution, drawing a loyal clientele for 70 years with their enchiladas, quesadillas,…

  • Gaia Bistrot

    Mazatlán

    Internationally taught chef Gilberto del Toro has earned praise for a menu featuring globe-trotting dishes such as rib-eye steak, coconut-braised chicken,…

  • Chepina

    Central Pacific Coast

    This bistro on the beach, coated in hot pink, serves standards such as ceviche, cócteles (cocktails) and fish tacos; it also folds shrimp with sautéed…

  • Pedro & Lola

    Mazatlán

    This stylish eatery overlooking Plaza Machado does outstanding small plates, including delectable shrimp and octopus dishes and slow-cooked pork tacos…

  • Legazpi

    Manzanillo

    One of several restaurants that are part of the Las Hadas resort, Legazpi is one of Manzanillo's best meals, its cuisine straddling the Mediterranean with…

  • Looney Bean

    Mazatlán

    A terrific local coffee shop on the main seaside drag with strong coffee made from a locally roasted blend of Mexican beans, plus juices, smoothies and a…

  • El Fogón

    Manzanillo

    Under a tiled roof with an open-air rustic style, this steakhouse throws prime cuts of meat on the grill just long enough to sear, while fresh tortillas…

  • Tacos José

    Mazatlán

    This wildly popular street taco stand specializes in carne asada, grilled beef served on a corn or flour tortilla with your choice of salsas. Regulars…

  • Bravos

    Puerto Vallarta

    In the heart of the Zona Romántica, this low-lit bistro has a growing fan base for its refined and delicious preparations that draw on both Italy and…

  • El Costeño

    Sayulita

    An old-school beach bar – at over 50 years old, it's definitely the daddy of Sayulita – where tables are sunk in the sand beneath a palapa roof. Prices…

  • La Mexicana

    Troncones

    Good at any time of day, this breezy restaurant is particularly inviting at night, when it twinkles with fairy lights and the menu's creative elements…

  • Layla's Restaurante

    Puerto Vallarta

    Just off the strip, but unnoticed by passers-by, this place is highly recommended for quality, well-presented cooking without a hint of pretension. Sip a…

  • Angelina's Kitchen

    Mazatlán

    Behind an unobtrusive facade, this surprisingly capacious restaurant is something of a local favorite and it's easy to see why. A casual menu runs from…

  • Rufo’s Grill

    Zihuatanejo

    Tucked onto a concrete patio under a bamboo roof fringed with Christmas lights, this unpretentious corner joint is popular among long-term gringos thanks…

  • Archie’s Wok

    Puerto Vallarta

    The menu may change, but Asian fusion is always served at this elegant, urbane restaurant. Savory fish roasted in a banana leaf is a worthy option; the…

  • Carlos & Lucía’s

    Mazatlán

    What do you get when you combine the talents of a Mexican named Carlos and a Cuban-born chef named Lucía? A vibrant, colorful little restaurant serving…

  • Sayulita Cafe

    Sayulita

    Fake adobe lends atmosphere to this popular central restaurant, which pleases with generous portions and a few interesting dishes, such as its molcajete…

  • Las Adelitas

    Zihuatanejo

    This adorable breakfast and lunch cafe is on a little plaza with outdoor seating. It has a loyal local following thanks to its chilaquiles and omelettes…

  • La Palapa

    Puerto Vallarta

    Elegant beach dining at its best. Tables are positioned to take full advantage of the sea views, making it a particularly marvelous spot for breakfast or…

  • Ruben's Hamburgers

    Ixtapa

    The succinct menu at Ruben's revolves around several key virtues: beef patties (or chicken, if you prefer), cooked to perfection and piled high with…

  • Baja Takeria

    Central Pacific Coast

    This streetside taquería does Baja-inspired beer-battered fish tacos and monster burritos, but the standout is the taco de camarón mezteño (garlic and…

  • La Raiz de la Tierra

    Ixtapa

    A vegan cafe owned by Rodrigo Sánchez of the flamenco-metal guitar duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela, this place also sells records and books and is an activities…

  • La Condesa

    Barra de Potosí

    Northernmost of the beachfront enramada restaurants, this is one of the best. Try its pescado a la talla (grilled fish) or tiritas (raw fish slivers…

  • La Gula

    Zihuatanejo

    Playfully riffing on the idea of saintliness and sinfulness, the menu implores you to 'enjoy being sinful' with such dishes of darkness and power as mahi…

  • Tacos Scooby

    San Patricio-Melaque

    This neighborhood eatery does the tastiest tacos al pastor (spit-cooked marinated pork) in town, and keeps expats coming back for the grilled ribs and…

  • Marisquería Yolanda

    Zihuatanejo

    Staff here shuck oysters, and dice and drown ceviche on the street side, where boleros belly up to the sidewalk bar and sing about their unbridled,…

  • Paty's Marimar

    Zihuatanejo

    On the sand at the main access to Playa La Ropa, this place serves grilled octopus, snapper, and shrimp sautéed in tequila, plus an array of tasty soups,…

  • Joe Jack's Fish Shack

    Puerto Vallarta

    With an extended happy hour running from noon to 7pm, you can keep the mojitos coming until day blurs into night. The Shack's refreshing muddled-mint…

  • Pancho’s Restaurant

    Mazatlán

    With two levels right on Playa Las Gaviotas, this place has a spectacular outlook and the food measures up. There's a big range, whether you want tasty…

  • Costa Brava

    Troncones

    Keeping it real amid the gringo-izing of Troncones, this likable open-air restaurant is run by a local family, does a solid selection of seafood and other…

  • La Perla

    Zihuatanejo

    Despite the seasonal beer-bucket NFL promos, this is a refined pavilion in dark wood right on Playa La Ropa. Best dishes include grilled octopus, tuna…

  • Restaurant La Isla

    Central Pacific Coast

    Chef Tony really likes seashells. And fishing nets. A longtime local fave, this charismatic, kitschy, fan-cooled seafood joint has been around for more…

  • Yah-Yah Sayulita Cafe

    Sayulita

    In addition to its robust Mexican-grown coffee, this small cafe a couple of blocks from the main square prepares full breakfasts, fruit and veggie bowls,…

  • Chenando's

    Puerto Vallarta

    This delightful family-run restaurant has a simple but attractive interior with small square tables that get very busy come sundown. It excels in the…