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…
Must-see restaurants in Central Pacific Coast
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
Mazatlán
This stylish eatery overlooking Plaza Machado does outstanding small plates, including delectable shrimp and octopus dishes and slow-cooked pork tacos…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sayulita
Fake adobe lends atmosphere to this popular central restaurant, which pleases with generous portions and a few interesting dishes, such as its molcajete…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
