Home to great beaches and world-class surf breaks like Zicatela, aka the Mexican Pipeline, Puerto Escondido has become a popular Mexican destination. And after a day of surfing, beach bumming, and exploring the things to do in Puerto Escondido, who could pass up a delicious meal?
After staying in Puerto Escondido like a local for almost 3 months and after trying out plenty of options, I’ve listed down the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido that you shouldn’t miss.
Surfing at La Punta
JUMP TO: Costa Rica vs Mexico – Choosing the Perfect Tropical Escape Mexico Packing List – All You Need To Pack For Your Mexico Vacation 18 Absolutely Fun Things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico – Your All-In-One Guide!
Where to Eat in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
When you’re visiting Puerto Escondido, you’ll most likely stay or explore the 4 different main areas of the town – Centro, Rinconada, Zicatela, and La Punta. You’ll find the most amazing restaurants in Puerto Escondido in these areas.
Best Restaurants in Centro, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
The Centro district is where you’ll find mostly local delicacies as it’s far away from the beaches and surf spots. It’s there where you’ll find local shops and eateries. So if you want an authentic Mexican dining experience with locals or just find yourself shopping for local stuff, the Centro district will be your best bet.
1. Las Cazuelas
Las Cazuelas is best known for their pozoles and if you’ve never tried one then you’re definitely missing out.
Pozole is a hearty, brothy, rich soup made with chunks of pork, hominy (milled corn), and red chiles topped with shredded cabbage, lime, cilantro, and avocado. The restaurants also serve traditional Oaxacan and Mexican food for cheap, local prices. And oh, other than their famed pozoles, they also serve some of the best I’ve had in Mexico!
Location
2. Antojitos Regionales Las Juquileñas
You’ll know that when a restaurant is packed, it usually means great food, and Antojitos Regionales Las Juquilenas is just that! They serve huge servings of great Oaxacan food for cheap prices.
When you stop by, try their tacos dorados and their enchiladas Rojo. And oh, if you like shrimp, they offer amazing shrimp plates.
Location
3. Cocofam – Vegan
Vegans rejoice! While it may seem difficult to find Mexican food with no meat, Cocofam offers a vegan twist to your favourite Mexican dish.
They serve vegan tacos and tortas on their beautiful Mexican plates. One of their big draws is their many homemade flavoured water that’s a sure hit under the hot Puerto Escondido sun.
They’re a small eatery and you’ll be served under a palapa.
Location
4. Da Tang – Chinese
Okay. so you’re probably a bit tired of eating Mexican food every day. They’re great, yes, but sometimes we want to change up a bit. And who doesn’t love good Chinese Food?
Luckily, Da Tang serves up tasty, cheap, and massive Chinese food. They usually have a line outside their very small restaurant but at least you’ll be guaranteed fresh food every day.
Da Tang is one of the few restaurants open on a Sunday as well. They’re located conveniently across HSBC in the Centro.
Location
Best Restaurants in Rinconada, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
The Rinconada is a small boulevard on the north of Puerto Escondido lined with trees with colourful flowers and quirky restaurants and shops. The boulevard is also along the way when you go to Playa Carizallillo, Playa Bacocho, and Playa Manzanillo so it’s a great stopover before or after your beach plans. Some of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido are located here.
5. El Sultan
El Sultan is rated top 5 on Tripadvisor and for good reasons. They serve up great Lebanese and Mediterranean food. Their falafel and hummus are a must but definitely get the combo if you want a bit of taste of several dishes such as meat gyros, and salads, in addition to the falafel. Get shawarma wrap to go before heading to the beach as well.
They have a lovely outside seating where you’re surrounded by flowering plants with a view of the tree-lined boulevard.
Location
6. Smoked Fish Tacos El Viejo
This unassuming small restaurant serves up the best smoked fish tacos in town that won them awards and placed them in the top 9 on Tripadvisor.
The owners smoke their fresh fish out back giving a unique flavour to their tacos. They have a simple menu that includes shrimp and fried fish tacos as well and all are loaded with crema, slaw and guacamole.
Smoked Fish Tacos is owned by a very friendly family that’ll greet you with smiles and will convince you to take another plate of their reasonably-priced tacos. Find them here.
7. Espadin
If you want a fine dining experience with a view, the Espadin is a great place to be. Espadin not only serves great food but also the best views of Playa Carrizallilo below and the sunset in the afternoon.
It sits on top of a cliff overlooking the beautiful beach so get ready to climb some steep stairs to get to the restaurant but the food and views are worth it.
Espadin serves Mexican, Seafood, and International dishes. This perfect spot for a romantic sunset dinner recommends their mussels in garlic sauce, fresh mahi-mahi, mole, and coconut shrimp.
Espadin might be a bit more expensive but it’s worth a visit.
Location
8. Turtle Bay
Travellers agree that Turtle Bay Restaurant is the best restaurant in Puerto Escondido. Their seafood selection is to die for while their Mexican dishes are divine. They can cook different versions of your favourite fish, shrimp, scallops and other kinds of seafood.
Watch out for their daily specials as they’re usually the most delicious meal you’ll have there. They’re also known for their cocktails like the Mai Tai and Pina Coladas.
A full meal including entrees and desserts can cost about USD 60 which is a tad expensive in Puerto Escondido but with the quality of food and the great location in Rinconada, it’s all worth it!
9. El Nene
Another restaurant on Rinconada that has received Tripadvisor awards is El Nene. This bar and grill restaurant exudes a chill and laidback atmosphere and great vibes with friendly staff.
They offer Mexican and Seafood options. The open kitchen lets you see what’s going on with your food which fares confidence that your food is being prepared hygienically and lovingly by the chef.
Don’t miss their dorado tacos, seared mahi mahi, Baja tacos, mahi mahi in white sauce and capers, and aracherras. For drinks, try their passion fruit mezcal.
Location
Best Restaurants in Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Zicatela Beach district runs along 3 kilometres of Playa Zicatela and it’s the most popular place in Puerto Escondido, you’ll mostly stay around this area. Numerous front beach restaurants offer great views of the beach and the surfing action that goes on there. The promenade in Zicatela is lined with flowers and tall shrubs which are perfect for walking under the hot sun. Some of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido are also in Zicatela.
10. Spirulina
Spirulina is a small bohemian and chill restaurant that offers healthy seafood and vegan dishes. They’re popular for their many kinds of flavourful (and massive!) smoothies.
While waiting for your meals, you can play Jenga or other board games they have available in their restaurant or you can watch surf videos on their TV. You can also get a glimpse of the Zicatela beach from their restaurant. And for a completely healthy experience, they also have a yoga centre and massage in the same place.
Location
11. El Cafecito
El Cafecito is probably the most quintessential Puerto Escondido restaurant. Some would say that you haven’t really been to Puerto Escondido if you haven’t eaten in El Cafecito.
Although the menu could be similar to a bunch of restaurants in town, theirs are more delicious and priced reasonably in my opinion.
They serve Mexican, Seafood, and International dishes from breakfast to lunch to dinner. They also have a bakery and coffee to go on the side of the restaurant.
There’s almost always a line of people waiting to be seated but the wait’s worth it. The restaurant in Zicatela is right across the beach.
Location
12. Brisas Del Mar
Brisas Del Mar is a local eatery with views of Zicatela beach. It’s also great for watching the sunset. They offer Mexican food at cheap prices which can be hard to find around Zicatela.
The place is usually bustling with locals. The hidden gem is located along the main highway high up on a cliff and you’ll have to walk up a bunch of stairs through hotels and camping grounds.
When there, definitely order the Sopa del Acteca which you might not find on the menu but you will be recommended to by the locals.
Best Restaurants in La Punta, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
La Punta is located south of Zicatela Beach where there’re more hippie vibes, and a surfer and backpacker atmosphere. Before, La Punta used to be a local village. A lot has changed since then. There has been a sudden emergence of food markets that sprung up in the last year (thanks to COVID-19!) and stalls selling all different types of cuisine in La Punta.
If you’re looking for modern cafes and anything apart from Mexican food, this is the place to be.
13. Lychee
If you’re looking for something different to eat other than Mexican food, Lychee is a Thai restaurant that gets really popular, especially at night.
Sadly, they don’t serve Thai milk tea, which I was really looking forward to when I heard they’re a Thai restaurant. That said, they do have a bunch of Thai food.
You’ll notice the only bustling red-lit restaurant along the main street of La Punta. They get really busy come dinner time and there’s usually a waiting list. The ambience and the mood of the place are comforting after a whole day of activities.
Although they may label some of their food as vegan, note that this can be deceiving as they use fish sauce in almost all their dishes, so ask your waitstaff before ordering.
Location
14. Amarisa
Amarisa La Punta
If you’re looking for delicious European-style bread, pastries, coffee and everything in between, then Amarisa is the place to be. They also serve delicious breakfast and lunch and are open early, perfect for after surf.
They have incredibly fast WiFi which is great when you have to catch up on work. You’ll find it totally full on weekdays. That was how I came to know about this cafe!
Location
15. Food Market La Punta
Food Market La Punta is a collection of food stalls that each offers a variety of food, including Vegan, Japanese, Italian, American, and modern fusion.
They even have a bar that served the cheapest Mojito in La Punta (MXN 100/ USD 5 for 2)! My friends and I would go here every time we can’t decide what we want for dinner and of course, for the 2 for 1 Mojito.
Some nights, they have a band or a DJ playing music. Otherwise, it’s a pretty chill place.
Location
16. Patio Savanna
Savanna
If you’re looking into hanging out at a restaurant with great cocktails while getting the best view of La Punta beach at sunset and watching the surfers do their tricks, Savanna is the perfect location.
They have incredibly fast WiFi as well, making it a perfect place to work (if you’re a digital nomad like me) and chill. Unfortunately, they don’t offer free WiFi unless you’re a paying customer, which is fair.
At the weekend, DJs play tunes while the sun’s setting and into the night.
Location
17. Moringa
Moringa is a small beach vegan, zero-waste stall that sells lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, hummus, and kombucha. They also offer organic, gluten-free, environmentally-friendly products such as Angelcup (reusable menstrual cups), beauty products, home cleaners, spirulina, maca, supplements and many more. Moringa is the place I go to get my acai ingredients.
Location
18. La Olita
For the best tacos in La Punta, head to La Olita. It’s one of the few restaurants in La Punta that made it to Tripadvisor, it’s even rated top 2! Their different kinds of traditional and interesting unique tacos are fully loaded with heaps of tasty toppings. They also serve vegan and gluten-free tacos; just let the knowledgeable staff know of your preferences and they’ll happily swap the ingredients. The restaurant also has a great vibe and chill music, perfect for a relaxing dinner.
Location
19. La Parrilla Mixteca
One of the popular local Mexican restaurants in La Punta is La Parilla Mixteca which is usually packed with locals in a busy neighbourhood. They offer a variety of tacos, tortillas, laing, and many other traditional foods at very cheap prices.
Don’t miss their tacos Al Pastor and tortas! Their tacos are small but they are loaded that 4 to 6 of them will make you feel full.
20. Karma Bowls
Karma Bowls is a small juice and smoothie bar that serves acai bowls with whatever toppings you want, veggie bowls and numerous delish healthy smoothies. They are located on a busy alleyway in La Punta that leads to the beach.
Location
21. Chili Garden
They label themselves as a chill vibe restaurant that serves experimental eastern cuisines. Chili Garden cooks up incredible Vegan, Indian, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. The eclectic menu might intimidate you at first but they have a great staff to help you out. Personally, I’d recommend their curries and fresh papaya salad.
Location
Local Food Markets in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
22. Mercado “Benito Juárez”
-
- Mercado Benito Juárez
-
- Mercado Benito Juárez, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
For a more local experience, definitely visit Mercado Benito Juarez. The Mercado is filled with many stalls serving different kinds of local Oaxacan products and food which are organized and clean.
There are stalls for handicrafts, fresh vegetables and fruits, clothes, and stalls for freshly prepared food and many other things at great prices.
Going in, you’ll be welcomed with a variety of aromas, colours, and lively sounds coming from people haggling for prices, artisans perfecting their products and local cooks serving up amazing delicacies.
A good piece of advice is to go there when you’re hungry; you’ll want to try out a lot of food there!
Location
23. Mercado de Zicatela
Restaurants behind Mercado de Zicatela
Mercado de Zicatela is smaller than the Mercado Benito Juarez but it’s very close to the main touristic area of Zicatela beach.
Like Benito Juares, Mercado de Zicatela has many stalls that offer souvenir items, textiles, fresh fruits and vegetables, local and a few international ingredients, and of course, freshly cooked local food. Some stalls even offer smoothies and beers if you feel like hanging out for sunset (they have great views at the back).
The Mercado is a great place to get cheap groceries if you don’t want to head out to the Centro. They have almost everything that you need.
Needless to say, as one of the best beaches in Oaxaca, it’s attracting plenty of tourists and backpackers yearly.
Puerto Escondido is a food lovers’ haven. They have everything you’re drooling for: from local Mexican to International dishes, from seafood to vegan options. We hope that this guide on the Best restaurants in Puerto Escondido will help you treat your cravings no matter what it is. Bon appetit!
