Zihuatanejo
Close to the pier, at this casual and popular open-air restaurant (The Fat Mermaid) you're met with a mural of sea maidens that Botticelli would have been…
Must-see restaurants in Central Pacific Coast
Puerto Vallarta
It may look like a standard sidewalk hole-in-the-wall eatery, but the two brothers here produce surprisingly sophisticated fare, including whole baked…
Acapulco
Step back in time and into a slice of traditional Mexican beach life, c 1950, at this venerable, unpretentious seafood palapa straddling the sands of…
Puerto Vallarta
Turn up early at the this taco stand, because it closes as soon as they sell out, and they sell out of pork cheek (mejilla de cerdo) first of all. If you…
Manzanillo
Attracting a mix of hotel-dwelling gringos and locals, this contemporary cafe does many things well, from breakfast platters that include waffles and eggs…
Zihuatanejo
Benefitting from stellar clifftop views of the bay, Espuma is great at any time of day. Come for the creative breakfasts (arrachera with cactus, frittata…
Zihuatanejo
With its landmark sail roof over candlelit tables and its fusion of Latin, European and Asian flavors, this beachside bistro is just meters away from the…
San Patricio-Melaque
An offshoot of popular restaurant Roosters, this restaurant is reached by an alleyway opposite the bus station. There are tables on the sand, but it's…
Sayulita
Freshly baked, wonderfully crusty European-style bread, salads and panini (including vegetarian and vegan options). There's a range of good breakfast…
Central Pacific Coast
Perch in one of the plastic chairs at this pick of seaside seafood joints, dig your feet into the sand, and tuck into octopus or catch-of-the-day ceviche,…
Central Pacific Coast
In an open building by the ocean, this place has cheerfully colored tablecloths and serves fantastic huachinango al mojo de ajo (garlicky red snapper)…
San Patricio-Melaque
A former school teacher has lovingly converted an open-air courtyard into a casual restaurant known for good Mexican breakfasts such as huevos divorciados…
Barra de Navidad
It doesn't look like much upon first glance, just a handful of tables under a stilted beachside palapa roof, but the grilled fish is the deal. Ask for…
Troncones
Come evening, the open kitchen of this neighborhood taquería fills with fragrant smoke and the sizzle of meat on the griddle as members of the family busy…
Manzanillo
One of a row of restaurants on the marina within the Las Hadas resort offering a romantic waterside setting. Enjoy surprisingly authentic Italian thin…
Mazatlán
For a romantic, street-minstrel-free dinner, step into this softly lit enchanted garden of a courtyard in a historic central building. Though aimed at…
San Patricio-Melaque
Open to the elements, this cheerful yellow-hued restaurant is particularly good for inexpensive Mexican breakfasts, home-style sopa azteca (soup with…
Central Pacific Coast
Come evening, the air fills with fragrant smoke from the grill, plastic tables are set out in the street and quickly fill up with loyal customers. Tacos…
Central Pacific Coast
This place on the beach offers great service, seriously cold beer and a good range of food under the decent shade of its palapa. The menu runs from…
Puerto Vallarta
Drawing a regular nighttime crowd, this humble taquería near the beach is a solid contender for the best tacos al pastor (spit-cooked pork with diced…
Mazatlán
Pura Vida serves salads, sandwiches, Mexican snacks and vegetarian fare, but it's most sought out for its juices and smoothies. The menu is packed with…
Mazatlán
With a zillion different breakfast combos, ranging from North American standards to Mexican treats such as chilaquiles (tortilla strips drenched in salsa)…
Troncones
Dig your feet into the sand at this simple marisquería (seafood restaurant), watch the waves break on the pristine crescent of a beach and tuck into catch…
Central Pacific Coast
San Pancho's premier breakfast spot slings reliable Mexican faves such as huevos divorciados (fried eggs in red and green salsa) and it does North…
Zihuatanejo
As night comes down, these guys do wonders with the humble baked potato. Yes, there's a side show of tacos and fruit juices, but the specialty here is the…
Central Pacific Coast
A local favorite among the best of the seafood enramadas (thatch-covered, open-air restaurants) lined up along Playa El Borrego. Popular menu items…
Puerto Vallarta
Delicious tacos with shrimp, smoked marlin or fried fish are served at this super-popular streetside taquería. Pull up a stool and watch as the cooks…
Troncones
You don't get the ocean view at this mini-restaurant one block inland, so the sand floor and sea breeze will have to do. A local favorite, this family-run…
Central Pacific Coast
This place offers the chance to try something other than Mexican fare – and it overlooks a park, so you get a varied menu with a pleasant view. Dishes…
Ixtapa
Step back in time at this long-standing institution, where you can order a banana split or soursop smoothie with your shrimp taco and chicken fajitas. It…
Zihuatanejo
Though it doesn't look much from outside, the chef here takes real pride in preparing delicious seafood dishes, such as great fish tartare, seared tuna…
Central Pacific Coast
With tables on the beach, this casual eatery is an inviting spot for coffee, breakfast or a fuller meal. Fish dishes – tuna brochettes, octopus stew and…
Puerto Vallarta
A gourmet deli in the marina area with big, bold modern art on the walls. It's popular among upmarket locals for creative panini, mixed carpaccios and…
Manzanillo
Above the fish-market building near the center of town, this place has very soothing views over foraging pelicans and bobbing boats. It does very tasty,…
Central Pacific Coast
Known for its torta de pierna (pork on a crunchy roll); just add some chipotle dressing to the sandwich and you're good to go for a picnic here in…
Zihuatanejo
A romantic Italian restaurant with a fabulous bird’s-eye view of the bay, Il Mare is well regarded for its Mediterranean pasta and seafood specialties,…
Mazatlán
As the sun makes its way towards the horizon, hungry customers congregate around El Charly, the pick of a cluster of hot-dog carts and a local institution…
Puerto Vallarta
Locals escape the noise and bustle of the Zona Romántica at this gracious courtyard eatery. Good breakfasts – the specialty here – and bottomless cups of…
Zihuatanejo
Squash-blossom omelette, chilaquiles (tortilla strips in salsa) and other Mexican delicacies get your day off to a sunny start at this informal breakfast…
Sayulita
Italy meets Mexico at this refined restaurant overlooking the plaza. There's a decent Italian wine list and the menu veers between spinach salad and…
