Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Eating out in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Dinner on the Mexican Pacific Coast is all about being outdoors in one of Marina Ixtapa's fine restaurants or along the pier in Zihuatanejo. Eateries range from simple beach huts to elegant banquet halls, and at whichever end you find yourself, the chefs, cooks, and waiters are sincerely eager to please and take pride in the quality of their food. Seafood is the staple of most signature dishes and the chefs are meticulous about freshness. Regional seafood favorites include tiritas (fish strips), pescadillas (fish tacos), and a la talla (baked in foil). Meals generally cost less in Zihuatanejo than in Ixtapa, but even the most glamorous restaurant in either place costs considerably less than in other resorts. Most restaurants accept "smart casual" dress, with just a handful that require a jacket for men. Excellent hamburgers, steaks, and pizza are around if you've got a craving. Many of the hotels in Ixtapa offer Mexican Fiesta nights with special buffets, entertainment such as folk dancing, singing, and games, usually on weekday evenings.

Gourmet

Paul's Restaurant and Bar is owned by internationally-renowned Swiss chef Paul Karrer, who creates the finest dining in Zihuatanejo. Professional food critics agree that the master chef serves "delicious food that must not be missed." Paul's is beautifully decorated with Mexican tile floors, exotic woods, wrought iron, and hueso (palm stick) ceiling. Loyal patrons line up for the fresh artichoke appetizer and the ever-popular fish filet covered with a smooth, delicately flavored shrimp and dill sauce, among many superb dishes. Benito Juarez #23, Zihuatanejo.

Highly Recommended

Villa de la Selva is the former home of Mexican President Luis Echevarría, set atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific. The international cuisine is as good as you imagine El Presidente having each night, and with each dinner comes a celestial light show as the sun melts into the sea. Paseo de la Roca, Ixtapa.

Local Flair

Villa del Sol Restaurant treats anglers like family when you bring in your fresh catch of the day. They prepare it for you at no cost and according to your preference, or with their own creative touch if you prefer to leave the cooking to the experts. You get a free bottle of wine, as long as you share with the other guests! Playa La Ropa, Bahia Zihuatanejo.

Romantic

Bay Club Restaurant has a simple decor because the owners feel that nothing they could hang on the walls or center on your table would compete with the view of the mountain-fringed Zihuatanejo Bay stretching across the horizon. Aromatic flower gardens edge the bay to either side of you and jazz musicians play for you under the stars. Playa La Ropa, Bahia Zihuatanejo.

Going party in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Discos, clubs, and bars line the Hotel Zone and marina area of Ixtapa, where the party goes on until the wee hours. Some of the larger resorts have their own discos, as well as Mexican Fiesta nights with live music, dancing, and fantastic buffets. Zihuatanejo is much quieter with most bars in the local restaurants or hotels, which close relatively early compared to Ixtapa.

Beach Serenades

Destined to be one of the most romantic memories of your life will be the night when you stroll hand in hand along the shore, settle in the sand to snuggle, then find yourself being serenaded by strolling musicians!.

Carlos-n-Charlie's

Drenched in nostalgia and photos from the Mexican Revolution, this restaurant-nightclub is always a-buzz with a party ambiance and good food, not to mention adventurous - the menu includes iguana in season! A raised, al fresco wooden platform out back is a picture-postcard spot for dancing. Ixtapa.

Christine's Disco

The area's poshest disco stages an incredible light show at midnight, in addition to spinning great dance music. Ixtapa.

Dino's

Popular with visitors and locals alike for its energetic, but not frenetic, scene. Zihuatanejo.

El Faro

Perched atop an 85-foot lighthouse, this is the motherlode for seekers of the perfect sunset view, especially if you'd also like a bar, live music, and dancing. Ixtapa.

Fandango

This is a casual and fun seaside bar that regularly features good local bands. Zihuatanejo.

La Valentina

Live tropical music is always the center of attention at this chic venue. Ixtapa.

Mr Mike's

Up on the hill, this live music bar attracts a hip, laid-back clientele. Zihuatanejo.

Common events in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Festival of the Virgin of Dolores

A festive religious day celebrated with a parade, music, dancing, and lots of good food. April.

San Isidro Labrador

A special day for animal lovers, when the local priest blesses all creatures great and small brought to the local church by their doting owners. May.

Festival of San Pedro

A festive religious day celebrated with music, dance, and fireworks. June.

Fintastic

This total-tag-and-release marlin and sailfish tournament awards its prizes and trophies based on a system of points allocated according to species and tagging efforts. November.

Sea Turtle Release

Each year, environmental groups welcome you to join in the release of hundreds of baby sea turtles into the ocean as part of a repopulation program for these highly endangered creatures. December.

End of the Year Party

A Mexican fiesta is held in the Main Plaza (Cancha Municipal) of Zihuatanejo to bid farewell to the joys and sorrows of the past year and ring in the hopes for the New Year. December 31.

Troncones International Art Show

Painters, jewelry crafters, fashion designers, and others get together to benefit a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Varying Dates.