restaurants
notes an editor's pick. Designation as one of our favorite spots is based solely on our opinion and experience. Any future sponsored (paid) listings will always be clearly marked as such. 
don't miss: if you can’t afford this upscale restaurant, go for a sunset cocktail – the view is breathtaking and worth the price.
just the facts, ma'am: Amuleto’s restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, by reservation only. The dining area is small, so it is not suitable for large groups.
meet me @: Amuleto Hotel is located on Calle Escénica #9, at the far end of Playa La Ropa.
don't miss: the bartenders make a brisk mojito, a mean margarita, and can serve up just about any cocktail you order with their broad bar selection.
just the facts, ma'am: open from 11am - 2am, 7 days a week during high season (closed on Sundays during green season). With close proximity to where most cruise ship passengers disembark, there can be quite a lunch time crowd on cruise ship days. Live music often doesn't start until 11:30 so plan to meet up for cocktails somewhere else if you don't want to pay "live music" prices beforehand. Credit cards are accepted with a 400 peso minimum.
meet me @: Bandido's is easy to find at the edge of Zihua Centro on Cinco de Mayo, next to the Catholic Church and across from the Artisan Market (not to be confused with the central Mercado).
don't miss: The lobster and avocado appetizer arrives in an ice bowl, but is so delicious that it is guaranteed to be gone before the bowl melts. The duck is roasted with figs and is a delightful dish every time.
just the facts, ma'am: Bogart’s is open for dinner every night. It is one of the only restaurants in the area that is completely air-conditioned. Live piano music every night.
meet me @: Bogart’s is located on Ixtapa Blvd, next to Hotel Krystal in Ixtapa.
don't miss: the savory crepes are very filling and the dessert crepes are almost too big! In fact, I've never finished managed to finish one. The chef's salad with a honey mustard dressing is especially satisfying on a hot day.
just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 9am until midnight.
meet me @: Café Mandarina is located directly across from the Church on Cinco de Mayo, on the same side of the street as the Artisan's Market.
don't miss: As co-owner, Kenny, warned us, "forget the diet!" Many of the foods on the menu, especially the pub-style appetizers are gloriously breaded and deep fried. However, there are quite a few healthy options on the menu including large salads, vegetarian sandwiches, and tuna steak. Margaritas are the house cocktail, made strong but quite reasonably priced at 35 pesos.
just the facts, ma'am: Enjoy drinks and dinner while checking your email on your laptop with free wifi in the restaurant. This new restaurant is filling up fast but with a dozen tables and 4 seats at the bar, you can usually find a place to squeeze in. Wine is sold at 40-60 pesos/glass and 220-265/bottle. The appetizers run 25-60 pesos (with the massive combination platter for 130 pesos) and dinner can range from a 35 peso vegetarian sandwich to a 10 oz rib eye steak for 160 pesos.
meet me @: the brother and sister team of Kenny and Tanya Jones created The Captain's Daughter above their popular downtown bar, La Playa. Enter the restaurant via stairs just inside the bar on Nicholas Bravo between Vicente Guerrero and H. Galeana. Both La Playa and The Captain's Daughter are closed on Mondays.
don't miss: a must-have is Deborah’s clever creation, the chili chili, which is a chili relleño filled with chili. Absolutely delicious! Also, the nacho supreme salad and the BLT salad with honey mustard dressing are quickly becoming all-time favorites.
just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 7:30am to 11pm. Choose between airy sidewalk or shaded indoor seating with quite possibly the most complete collection of chili- and bean-themed décor!
meet me @: Chili Beans is located on Ixtapa Blvd, at Ixtapa Plaza #5, just across the street from the Emporio Hotel.
don't miss: For an extra special treat, don’t miss out on an order of chimichangas, 3 for $30, which are fried tortillas filled with shredded chicken and other yummy stuff.
meet me @: Country Fried Chicken is located on Paseo de la Boquita, #23, Zihuatanejo. They are open every day, 11 am to 9 pm. Buy chicken to eat there, take away or call for delivery to your home.
don't miss: on slow nights, Shunik comes out of the kitchen with a bottle of tequila to share and the didgeridoo to pass around. Unfortunately, the restaurant has become so popular, there aren't many slow nights! This season brings a cocktail menu, a wider variety of wines, and occasional guest chefs.
just the facts, ma'am: open from 6 until 10pm, Tuesdays through Saturday. The small restaurant can get very crowded and sometimes the food is devoured so quickly that late-arriving patrons are served last minute concoctions from the leftover bits and pieces. Don't worry, though, sometimes these improvised dishes are even better than the planned menu!
meet me @: another restaurant on the "restaurant street" - Calle Adelita - in Colonia la Madera.
don't miss: The shrimp cocktail has a picante kick to it, and goes down real well with a cold beer. The coppola filet is a fish fillet with a unique peanut-y sauce that is delicious.
just the facts, ma'am: El Pueblito is open daily for lunch and dinner, from 12pm to 10pm. Live music every night. Thursday is Pozole day, and the volume of the music is pumped up quite a bit with really large speakers.
meet me @: El Pueblito is on Avenue Morelos, #249, Colonia Centro
don't miss: the seafood conchas (on the shell) is a rich appetizer and a great way to start the meal. The fish filet with lemon and capers is delicious.
just the facts, ma'am: Jarocho is open daily except Mondays for lunch and dinner 2 to 11 pm. Choose between indoor and outdoor seating. Large groups welcome.
meet me @: Jarocho is located at H. Galeana, #15, on the corner of Nicolas Bravo, just down from Cinema Paraiso (where the former favorite Gondwana used to be).
don't miss: The grilled tuna in balsamic vinaigrette is delicious, but the showstopper is the dessert: profiterole with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Also, the view and the service are excellent.
just the facts, ma'am: Kau Kan is open daily for dinner from 6 pm and is open for lunch during high season. Reservations recommended but not required.
meet me @: Kau Kan is located on the road to La Ropa, on the right-hand side, right after passing the turnoff to Hotel Irma.
don't miss: The fried fish is a whole fish, generally red snapper, cooked with garlic until it is deliciously crispy. It is not always available, but if you ask in advance, they’ll make sure they have it.
just the facts, ma'am: La Cabaña de Otero is open daily except Mondays for breakfast, lunch and early dinners, from 9 am to 5 pm. On Sundays, the menu includes barbecued lamb.
meet me @: La Cabaña de Otero is located on the corner of Paseo de la Boquita (the road to Comercial Mexicana) and Las Huertas Avenue (the road with TelMex).
don't miss: the coffee! Casa Cafe's slogan is "Life's too short to drink bad coffee" and they take this sentiment seriously with strong brewed americano plus a wide range of espresso-based drinks. From the menu, the homemade multigrain bread and bagels are a hit with customers who try in vain to pry the recipes from Lorna.
just the facts, ma'am: open Tuesday-Sunday, serving 9am - 2pm; La Casa Cafe is one of the few nonsmoking restaurants in Zihua.
meet me @: La Casa Cafe is located in Colonia la Madera in the middle of Calle Adelita, the street running alongside the canal. Look for their sandwich board sign and Pedro outside, greeting passersby.
don't miss: The waiter recommended the baby back ribs with barbecue sauce, and it was absolutely delicious. Also delish was the side order of mushrooms with chilies – I don’t know what the glaze was made of, but I can’t wait to have it again.
just the facts, ma'am: La Costilla de Adán is open every day from 2 to 10:30 pm. The lounge upstairs has comfy couches and is a nice place to “chill” over happy hour (2 for 1 beer and domestic drinks from 7 to 9 pm). The restaurant is completely enclosed, to keep in the cool A/C, but airy and spacious enough that it’s not too much of a distraction that smoking is permitted and there are ashtrays on every table. Parking is available.
meet me @: La Costilla de Adán is located at Heróico Colegio Militar #65, just past the Supermarket El Cacahuate, and just before Immigration (across the street from DHL).
don't miss: the amuse bouche, or "gift from the chef" is a whimsical miniature hor d'oeuvre that will alert you to the culinary delights ahead.
just the facts, ma'am: the "Slow Food" practices guarantee fresh, savory dishes but also takes a while to prepare so bring patience, a good conversationalist as a dinner companion, and enjoy a glass or two of wine. Dinner is served Monday-Saturday, 5:30 - 10pm.
meet me @: La Gula is located on Calle Adelita in Colonia la Madera, a short walk from downtown. Just cross the second footbridge over the canal and look up to see the row of international flags marking the restaurant. A narrow staircase on the left will lead you up to the 2nd floor.
don't miss: the camaronillas are made with fresh shrimp, a gently spicey red sauce and wrapped in masa (used for making corn tortillas). The breaded shrimp is perfectly done and lightly crunchy.
just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 10am to 6:30/7pm. Kids' pool and adult pools included. Shaded parking available. The jukebox can get a bit loud at times, but they are always happy to turn it down when asked.
meet me @: La Langosta is located on Playa Larga where the road to Playa Larga intersects the frontage road.
don't miss: a trio of salsas is served with tortilla chips while you wait for your meal. The tomato salsa is fabulous, and the others are delish as well. The tortilla soup is served with the customary condiments of avocado, crumbly cheese, chilis and sour cream, and is a tasty light meal or appetizer.
just the facts, ma'am: La Malinche is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 8 am until midnight. Happy hour (two for one beers and margaritas) is from noon until 5 pm.
meet me @: La Malinche is located in the Ixtapa Plaza, Anador Punta Potosi # 17, behind Señor Frog’s.
don't miss: Before you dive into the dozen pizza varieties, make sure to sample some of Simone's antipastos including funghi trifolati, traditional bruschetta, and a light serrano ham & cheese plate (perfect for hot summer - or any time of the year - Zihua evenings!). He also has many seafood and chicken dishes served on risotto and pasta. And if that isn't enough to break your diet, don't forget the selection of homemade postres including flan and tiramasu! Yikes!
just the facts, ma'am: Yes, you can travel to Italy and back without breaking the bank. Tapas and other appetizers cost between 40 and 85 pesos, pizzas (sharable) are 75-100 pesos, and postres are 40 pesos. Visit La Pergola seven days a week between 1 pm and midnight.
meet me @: La Pergola is located at Pedro Ascencio, No. 6 which is on the small street perpendicular to the "alley" behind Coconut's Restaurant. It is between the Jungle Bar and Barracruda.
don't miss: One local favorite is the Shanghai Chicken, which is a dish of battered chicken in a tangy sauce. Also, the new location is airy and beautifully decorated and provides a lovely dining experience.
just the facts, ma'am: Mi Chayito is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. If you prefer to eat at home, they are happy to pack up your food to go.
meet me @: Mi Chayito is located on Vicente Guerrero, #34, Colonia Centro in Zihuatanjeo, right between the laundry and the photo shop, and around the corner from Banamex.
don't miss: the shrimp-stuffed avocado is a delicious starter and the pepper steak is always tender and melts in the mouth. Save room so you can finish off the meal with a flambé dessert.
just the facts, ma'am: open daily for lunch and dinner. Live music can make conversations difficult at times so plan accordingly.
meet me @: Paccolo’s is located on Nicolas Bravo #22 in the Centro district of Zihuatanejo.
just the facts, ma'am: Pollos Locos is open every day, 11am to 10pm. Pollos Locos is located in Zihuatanejo on Nicolas Bravo, #15, or in Ixtapa at the Hacienda Shopping Plaza. Stay in at the restaurant, place an order to go, or call for home delivery.
don't miss: The camarones supremo are large shrimp wrapped in bacon and grilled and the brochettas hawaiiana is fish, shrimp, pineapple, and red bell pepper on a skewer. Served with rice, both are delicious and not to be missed.
just the facts, ma'am: Popeye’s is open daily from 10am (more or less) until 7pm (more or less). Shaded parking, adult and children pools available
meet me @: To get to Popeye’s take the road to Playa Larga from Highway 200 (on the way to the airport) and turn left when you reach the frontage road on the beach. Popeye’s is a few restaurants down, parking on the left and the restaurant on the right.
don't miss: everyone has their favorite restaurant on Pozole Alley so make sure to try each one to find your pick. My favorite is three restaurants in from Nicholas Bravo because of the delicious salsas, including a muy picante salsa verde and a refreshing, chunky ensalada jitomate (tomato salsa). In fact, I often request baggies of the salsa to take home from my eggs the next morning!
just the facts, ma'am: Although some of the restaurants also serve lunch, most take siesta before the alley comes to life at dusk through the late supper hours. During Mexican holidays and on most Sunday nights, you might have to wait for a table - or be friendly and share!
meet me @: runs perpendicular into Nicholas Bravo, in between Benito Juarez and Vicente Guerrero
don't miss: Flambé! You can start with a house Caesar salad (prepared at your table), have pepper steak (flambéed at your table), move onto bananas flambé for dessert (also done at your table) and finish with a flaming Spanish coffee. It is quite the hot -caliente! - experience.
just the facts, ma'am: Puerta Del Sol is open daily for dinner from 5 to 11 pm.
meet me @: Puerta Del Sol is located on the road to Playa La Ropa, right after you pass Kau Kan.
don't miss: The 27-spice tuna steak with homemade teriyaki sauce is delicious and totally unique. After your meal, relax in a hammock and watch the local wildlife, which includes birds, iguana and crocodiles. Also, El Manglar is the only place on La Ropa that has wireless internet access.
just the facts, ma'am: El Manglar is located alongside a lagoon, which is the crocodile estuary. Mosquito repellent is suggested, as it is suggested anywhere near standing water. But don’t worry about the crocs, they are well fed and are just there to look at.
meet me @: Open daily except Wednesdays for lunch and dinner from 12 noon to 9 pm. El Manglar is located on Playa La Ropa and can be reached by crossing the bridge at the far end of the beach. If you’re going by car or taxi, cross under the yellow arch at the far side of the road to La Ropa, go right, and take the first left. The entrance to El Manglar will be on your right, and is sign-posted as the restaurant and an RV park.
don't miss: piña colada pancakes, signature dish orange chipotle shrimp and Deborah’s award-winning chocolate cake.
just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 8am until 11pm. It can be crowded at dinner time during high season, but it’s worth the wait if there is one.
meet me @: the purple awning marks the restaurant, located in the commercial shopping center between Señor Frog's and Banamex in Ixtapa.
don't miss: The Tuna Trio – hot smoked tuna mousse, tuna tempura and tuna carpaccio is a delicious combination that leaves you wanting more. Also, the crispy coconut crusted calamari is one appetizer you don’t want to miss.
just the facts, ma'am: Zi is an open-air restaurant with lovely views of Playa La Ropa and the Bay. Zi is open daily for lunch and dinner
meet me @: Zi is located at Club Intrawest on Carretera Escénica, the road to Playa La Ropa.
don't miss: the ribs are slathered in sauce and tender enough to just fall off the bone. Make sure to pace yourself while eating the complimentary smoky chipotle salsa with tortilla chips or you won't have room for your meal when it arrives!
just the facts, ma'am: Rufo's is open for late lunches and dinner Monday through Saturday. Dishes are served with vegetables, beans, and french fries.
meet me @: the corner of Calle Adelita in Colonia Madera, across from La Ceiba Suites.
don't miss: the enchiladas verde and camaronillas are arguably some of the best in Zihua while the guacamole has a picante kick from an abundant use of chiles.
just the facts, ma'am: Salvador's is open from 9am until 9am (mas o menos), Monday through Saturday.
meet me @: Salvador's is located at the foot of the second pedestrian bridge over the canal on Calle Adelita in Colonia la Madera.
don't miss: live music from popular local musicians, a shot of their own mezcal especially brought in from Taxco, or a large refreshing pitcher of freshly made limonada.
just the facts, ma'am: opens on Thursdays at 2 until the pozole runs out. There's an unpredicatable ambiance here which is half the fun of going regularly: sometimes it's a rockin' fiesta til after midnight, sometimes a slow, sweaty afternoon of leisure (and soup!).
meet me @: Santa Prisca is located in Colonia el Limon on the inbound lateral of 200, Avenida Victor Hugo. Most cab drivers know how to get there and will likely drop you in front of a hardware store. Go next door and follow the music down the stairs.
don't miss: Tata’s is a great location for people watching and boat watching on Playa Principal. The shrimp cocktail is a nice snack on a hot day and the waitstaff is pleasant.
just the facts, ma'am: Tata’s is open daily from 8:30am – 10:30 or 11pm.
meet me @: Tata’s is located on Paseo de Pescador, below Hotel Avila, on Playa Principal in Zihuatanejo.
don't miss: The Tropic of Cancer takes a decidedly modern twist on camaronillas: they are made with light and crispy phyllo dough, and comes with a soy and garlic dipping sauce. They're both unique and completely delicious and definitely not to be missed.
just the facts, ma'am: The restaurant at Tropic of Cancer is open daily except Tuesdays for lunch and dinner. Wireless internet access also available.
meet me @: If you take the road to Troncones, go left when you hit the frontage road, and you’ll see the signs for Tropic of Cancer Beach Club on your right shortly thereafter.