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From avenue tacos to ultra-fresh seafood ready by modern cooks, Puerto Escondido presents a culinary extravaganza of dishes, components and cuisines. And listed here are the 15 finest eating places in Puerto Escondido to strive in 2023!
Why is Puerto Escondido Meals so Good?
Located within the state of Oaxaca on Mexico’s southern Pacific Coast, Oaxaca’s conventional delicacies is understood for its complexity and variety.
There’s all the pieces from chapulines (toasted grasshoppers) to “string” cheese.
So as to add to the combo, Puerto’s massive neighborhood of expats have contributed world flavours — from Italian to Center Japanese — creating a world meals scene.
Which means that, along with all of the nice issues to see and do in Puerto Escondido, It’s one of many nation’s most exiting culinary locations!
I’ve been consuming my manner by way of Mexico — writing for Fodor’s Information to Oaxaca and Lonely Planet’s Mexico from the Supply cookbook in addition to proudly owning a house and dwelling in Oaxaca — since 2003.
One factor I’ve realized is that the Puerto Escondido meals scene is ever-evolving.
Simply as we lament the closure of favorite eateries, alongside comes a brand new guided meals tour or an thrilling new restaurant with a recent, chef-driven menu.
So, in the event you’re attempting to determine the place to eat in a metropolis identified for its nice meals, listed here are my prime picks of the finest eating places in Puerto Escondido in 2023 (for lunch/dinner) to place in your must-try checklist.
In search of breakfast or brunch? Take a look at our checklist of the 10 Finest Breakfasts in Puerto Escondido
1. Almoraduz Restaurant: Acclaimed Gastronomic Expertise
The accolades maintain rolling in for Puerto Escondido’s most acclaimed restaurant. Almoraduz Restaurant was chosen as considered one of 250 of Mexico’s finest eating places for the Larousse Guía México Gastronómico 2022.
Chef/house owners Shalxali and Quetzalcoatl Zurita are the inventive forces behind dishes and cocktails which are a spin on conventional Oaxacan delicacies.
Sauces burst with flavour, punched with chile-fuelled energy and locally-sourced herbs comparable to pungent epazote.
Pattern regional components from the Oaxaca Coast comparable to Istmeño cheese, tepiche (a flavourful herb) and beef tongue in chapuline (toasted chile grasshopper) sauce. Desserts can embrace treats like chocolate and maracuyá (ardour fruit) truffles
This can be a prime spot to pattern a jamaica margarita that includes native mezcal. So if it’s obtainable, remember to order it!
Reservations: 954 582 3109
2. Espadín Restaurant: Wonderful Eating with a View
When you have time for only one restaurant with a view, Espadín ought to be prime of your checklist of the place to eat in Puerto Escondido for fine-dining.
Positioned inside the picturesque boutique resort Villas Carrizalillo (Google Map) on a cliff overlooking the Puerto Escondido seashore of the identical title, Espadin Restaurant presents a memorable eating expertise that’s recent and locally-inspired.
Fish dishes and toatadas are stand-outs. Their signature dish is a hen in mole negro sauce.
Fashionable dishes such because the house-made ravioli, fish of the day and vegan hamburger usually run out. So arrive early in the event you’re hoping to order these dishes!
Costs are affordable given the standard of components and enticing presentation.
The restaurant-bar additionally carries a big selection of high-quality mezcal together with their home model.
Opposite to what their web site states, Espadin Restaurante now not accepts reservations. Arrive early in the event you hope for a desk with a view. 954 164 3363
Professional Tip: Take a taxi or use a flashlight in the event you’re strolling right here at evening. The street is unpaved and it’s straightforward to get misplaced.
3. Escondido Brunch & Seafood: Finest New Restaurant
Affectionately often called the “Ben-Zoo” amongst regulars and followers of the vigorous Completely satisfied Hour, this resort and restaurant bar is a Puerto establishment.
Particularly fashionable amongst Canadians and Individuals, the resort presents very reasonably priced resort rooms (some with balconies), a big lending library for friends and fabulous sundown views from the rooftop.
Its new restaurant Escondido Brunch & Seafood presents a night menu for round 100 to 180 MXN pesos relying what’s on the menu. Their margaritas get prime votes.
Escondido Brunch and Seafood is helmed by Chef/House owners Rodrigo Herrera and Alejandra, who together with their group, hail from Chihuahua.
Chef honed his culinary expertise at upscale eating places in Torreón and Monterrey in addition to Xcaret and Banyan Tree Mayakoba Riviera Maya, Mexico.
The delicate presentation and styling of dishes comparable to mahi mahi crusted in sesame seed, paella and shrimp flambeed in mezcal replicate Chef Rodrigo’s expertise gained at a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Barcelona.
The flavours capitalize on the bounty of the seasonal components obtainable from land and sea on the Pacific Coast. Escondido Brunch & Seafood has among the finest meals in Puerto Escondido proper now.
Meals followers are hoping this culinary group decides to make Puerto Escondido their everlasting dwelling.
Ask about their new Puerto Escondido cooking courses too!
Insider tip: Take dwelling a jar of their house-made salsa macha for simply 70 pesos. This smoky-spicy, barely nutty salsa in oil is scrumptious with tacos, quesadillas and breakfast eggs.
Positioned at Calle Tercera Sur 303 – entrance is in the back of the resort within the Hidalgo neighbourhood.
4. El Nene: Hottest Desk in City on the Rinconada
Beneath new possession and providing nice worth, the previous location of Restaurante el Nene Bar & Grill was so fashionable it was virtually unattainable to attain a desk.
All that’s modified at its spacious new location throughout the road and additional down Benito Juarez Boulevard (Google Map).
It’s set below a hovering palapa roof that appears as if it may host a Cirque du Soleil “massive prime” efficiency.
Along with being each trendy and comfortably breezy on even essentially the most sweltering Puerto afternoon, the brand new restaurant options expanded washroom services and a powerful bar full with bar stools. There’s additionally an open kitchen on the again.
The three-tiered, multi-level seating zones assist maintain it from feeling cavernous.
The menu options an distinctive collection of artisanal mezcals comparable to cuishe, ensamble (a mix of two or extra species of agave), tobala, tepeztate and extra.
Sip them straight or in one of many inventive mezcal cocktails.
Menu at El Nene
The meals at El Nene is as fantastically offered as its setting.
There are a number of charcoal-grilled meats, pulpo and burgers to select from. The New York Steak comes extremely rated. Surf & Turf topped with a purple wine discount will little question be a preferred alternative.
Whereas I’m personally not a fan of potato salad (the usual facet for burgers) except it’s nicely chilled, the opposite diners throughout our go to appeared to get pleasure from it.
Veggie lovers might be thrilled with the menu at el Nene. It features a collection of recent salads in addition to engaging mains comparable to crispy tofu fingers wrapped in recent lettuce and vegetarian meatballs bathed in tomato sauce.
The vegetarian chile rellenos are a nod to conventional Oaxacan delicacies because the poblano peppers come filled with huitlacoche (black corn fungus) and quesillo and are served on a bean puree. Good worth at 145 MXN pesos.
Alas, considered one of my favorite dishes from the outdated location didn’t appear to be on the brand new menu. However in the event you see the seared tuna reappear, go for it.
It’s often served with creamy mashed potatoes and a recent salad topped with a fragile house-made French dressing.
El Nene is situated at a brand new location on Boulevard Benito Juárez 9 (Google Map). 954 102 5701
5. Turtle Bay: Fashionable Restaurant on the Rinconada
Steadily rising costs haven’t dampened the keenness for Turtle Bay Restaurant situated on a preferred stretch of Benito Juarez Boulevard on the Rinconada (Google Map).
It continues to frequently prime the checklist of finest eating places in Puerto Escondido on Tripadvisor and different user-generated evaluation platforms.
You may anticipate to pay round 290 MXN pesos ($14 USD) for a mahi-mahi entree, which is on the higher finish amongst eating places in Puerto Escondido, particularly given its curbside setting
Nonetheless, its spotlessly clear premises, attentive service and the consistency of its dishes makes it a dependable alternative particularly in the event you’re eating with a small group.
The menu contains mahi-mahi served a wide range of inventive methods (comparable to parmesan-crusted, coconut-pineapple sauce and chardonnay discount), hearty burgers and even rack of lamb crusted with mustard and recent rosemary.
Lots of the entrees include very plain rice or pureed potato and steamed greens so that you’ll welcome the accompanying home made sizzling sauces so as to add a lift of flavour.
On busy weekends or peak instances, it’s sensible to make a reservation. Cellphone: 954 147 7469
6. Chill a Kill: Gourmand Hideaway in Bacocho
Whereas Chill a Kill Restaurant has been round since 2021 I didn’t handle to make it over there till this 12 months. Now, I’m making up for misplaced time!
Maybe it’s due to its location (relatively off the crushed path of restaurant row on the Rinconada) or due to its title (it’s a play on the phrase “chilaquiles”) however Chill a Kill Restaurant is a hidden gem. An overused phrase in journey writing however on this case it’s true.
Not solely is the decor, set beneath a hovering palapa, trendy, ethereal and spotlessly clear however the kitchen helmed by Chef Paola seems inventive delicacies that’s thrilling and pleasant. The bar has an intensive collection of mezcal in addition to the same old beer, wine and aguas de frutas (fruit waters).
Though Chef skilled as a lawyer, at Chill a Kill she’s following her ardour by tapping right into a pure expertise to mix flavours and textures in distinctive and scrumptious methods.
The extremely recent fish of the day, for instance, topped with caramelized garlic comes accompanied by house-made bread and a great deal of veggies.
There are additionally loads of vegetarian and vegan choices. Chill a Kill (Google Map) is among the finest vegetarian eating places in Puerto Escondido.
Living proof a unbelievable mushroom enchilada that comes bathed in savoury salsa roja – perfection! Plus there’s hummus and several other different tasty Center Japanese dishes ( paying homage to the unique El Sultan of Puerto fame).
So subsequent time you’re on the lookout for an ideal meal in a stunning setting, head a couple of brief blocks up from Benito Juarez Boulevard to Chill a Kill (2 Dorados). You’ll be stunned by what you’ll discover.
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
7. La Julia Espresso, Market & Gallery in Bacocho
Whereas Parisian-themed La Julia shortly vaulted onto our checklist of finest breakfasts in Puerto Escondido shortly after it opened, it took us a couple of visits to find that in addition they do a nice job on dinner.
The setting within the afternoon is as magical as it’s within the morning, with its Parisian flea market meets Midsummer Evening’s Dream decor within the coronary heart of the Bacocho neighbourhood.
A protracted stroll within the warmth of the afternoon makes the reflecting pool with its curtain of cascading water droplets really feel like an actual oasis.
Sip an icy chocolate frappe and dine on specialities comparable to creamy spinach or albondigas (meatball) soup and really feel the day’s warmth slip away.
La Julia is situated at Tlaxiaco 3 (at intersection of Tehuantepec, Pochutla and Tlaxiaco) (Google Map) in Bacocho close to Lodge Suites Villasol, among the finest funds motels in Puerto Escondido.
Open 7:00 am to eight:00 pm. Closed Tuesday.
8. Cañabrava: Finest Restaurant on Zicatela Seaside With a View
When you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a vigorous Women Evening with music and seated eating, Cañabrava will ship.
This two-storey Zicatela seashore bar/restaurant (Google Map) has been delivering epic eating for years.
Its lovely rounds of parota wooden tables and ingenious cocktails are fashionable amongst each locals and vacationers.
Sip a sangria, an Aperol spritz or an artisanal mezcal whereas having fun with one of many finest sundown views in Puerto Escondido.
Along with the fabulous views, Cañabrava additionally occurs to supply among the finest meals on the Zicatela strip.
Quite than the same old ho-hum grilled fish filet you’ll discover on most different menus in Puerto Escondido, at Cañabrava a filete de pescado al ajillo is elevated to one thing particular.
It comes garnished with slivers of chile guajillo and accompanied by a creamy risotto-style rice, steamed veggies and two house-made recent salsas for 220 MXN pesos or US$10.50.
9. le Bistrot du Marché: French Meals in Mercado Zicatela
Many individuals (together with myself) lamented the closure of chef David’s Paris Le Bistrot on the Rinconada a couple of years in the past.
Now, there’s trigger for celebration. He’s again and creating fantastic informal French fare at a nook location inside breezy Mercado Zicatela close to La Punta.
A lot as a Parisian bistro that serves moderately-priced easy meals, the menu at le Bistrot du Marché options informal French fare.
Highlights of the menu embrace three forms of quiche (swoon-worthy ratatouille quiche), flambeed shrimp in Pernod and arrachera (skirt steak) bathed in a creamy mushroom leek sauce you’ll need to slather overtop all the pieces.
The home-made desserts are one other standout. Can’t determine between the mousse de chocolate, the profiteroles or the crème brûlée?
Go for choice #5 on the menu ( 70 MXN pesos or US$3.50) and also you’ll rating mini variations of all three plus an espresso or tea. Mais oui!
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 7:00 pm. Sundays till 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays.
10. Santa Fe: Basic Delicacies and Service at Zicatela Seaside
Located inside the Santa Fe Lodge, a gracious grand dame set on the entrance to the Zicatela strip the place it meets Playa Marinero, this long-standing restaurant has endured for many years for good cause.
The service is attentive, the setting is attractive any time of day and the menu options dishes which are expertly ready. Which all provides as much as making it a very good guess for the finest meals in Puerto Escondido.
Breakfast comes with espresso sourced from its personal espresso plantation – Finca de las Nieves – and is among the finest espresso in Puerto Escondido.
Within the night, prime dishes to strive at this Puerto Escondido restaurant embrace catch of the day (often dorado), fish and chips, vegetarian lasagna and chile relleno. The menu is pescatarian however there’s a wealth of choices for vegetarians.
There’s usually dwell background music on weekends.
11. La Olita: Finest Tacos Fusion-Fashion
When you’re on the lookout for tasty fish tacos, then you definitely’ll need to strive La Olita. It frequently tops the checklist on Journey Advisor as among the finest eating places in Puerto Escondido and has grown much more in reputation and dimension over the previous few years.
Made from tacos of amaranth and moringa, the tacos listed here are a tasty change from tortillas de maize or harina.
One of many fashionable variations at La Olita comes topped with grilled or battered fish/shrimp plus a great deal of scrumptious grilled fruit and veggies comparable to broccoli, cauliflower and pineapple.
The home-made sizzling sauces are fiery good. The decor can be enjoyable — that includes native parota wooden and artistic murals. At La Olita, you’ll be able to even pair your tacos with an order of artisanal mezcal, served with chapulines.
There’s a second location in La Punta.
12. Fish Shack: A Buzzing Seafood Restaurant in La Punta
On the subject of deciding on the perfect tacos in Puerto Escondido, the Fish Shack La Punta (Google Map) is favoured as the finest restaurant in La Punta. It’s at all times busy, so be ready to attend for a desk or an order.
They provide each grilled and fried fish tacos with a collection of sizzling sauces. It’s a bit pricier than the others talked about however when in La Punta, that is the go-to.
Tucked away on a sandy pedestrian footpath to the seashore, it’s a bit onerous to seek out. However simply search for the line-ups and also you’ll be capable of discover it.
The loud, busy ambiance and mixture of expat/vacationer surfers on the communal tables provides to the thrill.
13. La Juquileña Restaurant: Typical Oaxacan Meals
There’s no higher technique to dive right into a tradition than by sampling the native delicacies. And lunch at Antojitos Regionales Las Juquileñas is a sensory extravaganza.
Though tlayudas (Oaxaca’s model of pizza – a large corn tortilla slathered in refried beans and toppings) are most often loved as a preferred avenue meals after a night of nightlife in Puerto Escondido, you will get them in the course of the day at Antojitos Regionales Las Juquileñas restaurant.
However that’s only one cause to go to this native favorite situated close to Benito Juarez market on Calle Octava Norte (Google map) in el Centro. It has communal tables, open grills, large portion sizes and a vigorous ambiance.
And it’s undoubtedly the finest restaurant in Puerto Escondido for conventional Oaxacan meals and soups.
The menu at La Juquileña contains conventional Oaxacan meals comparable to mole negro, mole amarillo, sopes, huaraches and empanadas in a variety of variations together with mushroom, tasaja (dried beef) chorizo and extra.
There’s even molcajete de carne, a tower of meats served in a bowl fabricated from volcanic stone.
Don’t miss the caldo de piedra (stone soup), a seafood, epazote and tomato soup made by immersing red-hot stones in broth in a gourd proper at your desk.
This conventional chinanteco dish is so necessary it has been acknowledged by the state of Oaxaca as a Patrimonio Cultural Intangible de Oaxaca for its cultural and artisanal significance.
14. El Horno Escondido: Native Eats in Lazaro
El Horno Escondido is a bit out of the best way because it’s above Freeway 200 (Google Map) however this newly-opened rustic restaurant options fresh-caught fish baked in a horno (clay oven).
It’s nicely value in search of out for a lunch or early dinner.
To order, you choose the scale of fish (often purple snapper) and request whether or not you need it with chile sauce or garlic. I like to recommend you go for each and luxuriate in every unfold on half of the fish.
The price for a complete fish begins at 500 MXN pesos and rises shortly primarily based on dimension.
Your meal might be preceded by a complimentary appetizer (often tiritas de pescado or escabeche) with house-made tortilla chips.
The baked fish — which is paying homage to the well-known pescado zarandeado of Jalisco state — is served butterflied and baked to crispy perfection.
Benefit from the fish tucked inside a heat tortilla topped with sizzling sauce with sides of fluffy rice, baked pineapple and easy salad.
Open till 6:00 pm solely.
It’s situated at Francisco Villa 427 in Lazaro Cardenas a couple of blocks up from the OXXO retailer on Freeway 200. Cellphone: 954-126-0587.
15. El Rincón de Los Almendros Restaurant and Grill
Set on the finish of Boulevard Benito Juárez the place it curves in direction of the Bacocho neighbourhood, el Rincón de Los Almendros is the place to eat in Puerto Escondido in the event you’re on the lookout for steak comparable to New York or rib-eye grilled to perfection.
Meat lovers with hearty appetites ought to go for the parrillada, a platter for 2 that includes grilled beef arrachera, hen, quail, pork ribs and chistorra (Basque-style sausage) served with charred onions, nopal (cactus), guacamole, beans and tortillas.
To take in the many of the pretty backyard setting, time your go to for the night.
Different Puerto Escondido Meals Experiences to Attempt
Break up Coconut: Finest Seaside Bar in Puerto Escondido
Whereas the legendary Bradley Lopez is now not with us, his spirit dwell on on the fabulous new location of his namesake restaurant bar on Zicatela seashore.
Positioned beside Sativa and throughout from the favored co-working hostel chain, Selina’s, Break up Coconut incorporates a unbelievable view of the sundown with plastic tables spilling onto the seashore.
Whereas open all through the day (horseshoes anybody?) the Break up Coconut is finest identified in Puerto for its dwell music scene. Night line-ups of basic rock and blues by native and visiting musicians draw a loyal crowd of snowbirds, retirees and Child Boomer ex-pats.
In between dancing beneath the palm bushes, you’ll be able to get pleasure from the brand new location’s expanded menu. It options a couple of new additions in addition to requirements such because the bone-sucking ribs made well-known on the Break up Coconut’s string of former areas.
Verify Brad’s Break up Coconut Fb Web page for updates on specials comparable to pork chops and rib eye steak nights.
When you’re craving dwell music or need to meet some English-speaking folks, Break up Coconut is your spot. Closed Tuesdays.
Gina’s Meals Strolling Tour
We’ve already included Gina’s Strolling Tour of Puerto Escondido as among the finest methods to start your day. It features a cease for a typical breakfast together with its deep dive into Puerto’s historical past, tradition and traditions.
But it surely’s at all times value checking in at her Info Sales space on the Adoquin to see what different gastronomy-themed excursions may be obtainable. Present choices embrace:
- Cooking courses
- The Secrets and techniques of Mezcal
- Loco Por El Chocolate (cacao manufacturing)
- Secret Lunch with Locals
Costs range. The strolling tour prices $400 MXN pesos per particular person, together with breakfast and takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:45 am – 10:00 am
Cellphone (954) 559-5518
Las Margaritas: Finest Worth Breakfast in Puerto Escondido
Questioning the place to eat in Puerto Escondido close to Benito Juárez market? Las Margaritas (Google Map) is actually an oasis from the bustling avenue scene alongside 8a Norte.
Parts of brochettes of fish are so beneficiant you’ll be able to take some dwelling in your subsequent meal! One other best choice is grilled beef arranchera.
Dishes include creamy guacamole, inexperienced and purple salsas, tortillas made on the comal, black beans and grilled nopal cactus.
The nice shaded courtyard, breezy followers, pleasant service and immaculate washrooms make it a spot you’ll need to return to many times. Each day specials and set meals are distinctive worth.
Search for Las Margaritas awning on the nook of Avenida Oaxaca and 8a Norte close to Benito Juárez Market.
Restaurante Eliel: Oysters at Agua Blanca
It’s nicely value a day journey south to Agua Blanca the place a string of seafood shacks serve seafood plucked recent from the Pacific.
Whereas it’s actually doable to order the same old beachside fare of coconut shrimp, entire fish (served al ajo, a la diablo, al ajillo and so on) or shrimp cocktail, the principle attraction right here is recent oysters, shucked whilst you wait.
You get a dozen of the most important, freshest oysters you’ll ever see for round 150 pesos. Whereas you will get them a la Mexicana or empanizados (breaded), one of the simplest ways to get pleasure from them is ‘naturales’ served uncooked with lime and sizzling sauce.
Whereas everybody has their very own favorite restaurant at Agua Blanca, we often head for Restaurante Eliel. Service is attentive and it’s simply steps to Agua Blanca’s elegant tidal swimming pools set among the many rocks. Public washrooms (10 pesos) are throughout the road.
This submit was initially printed in 2021 however was up to date in 2023.
FAQs
The most well-liked eating places in Puerto Escondido embrace el Cafecito, el Nene, the Santa Fe, Espadín, El Sultan, Cañabrava and Lychee Thai.
El Cafecito on Zicatela is an effective restaurant for households with kids because it’s near the beachside playground and has quick service in addition to excessive chairs. Excessive chairs are additionally obtainable at El Nene Restaurant on the Rinconada. Pizza is at all times fashionable with children (particularly teenagers) which makes Luna Rossa a very good choice for a family-friendly restaurant in Puerto Escondido.
There are numerous locations to eat in Puerto Escondido! From Oaxacan avenue meals comparable to tlayudas (large tortilla pizzas) to nice eating with a view at Espadín and Lodge Santa Fe and world delicacies comparable to Thai and Center Japanese, Puerto Escondido has a surprisingly wide selection of locations to eat for each funds.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seashore), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
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