We believe that food is one of the most important aspects when getting to know a new destination and its culture. Although Puerto Escondido has become a favorite surfing destination for both Mexican and international surf enthusiasts, this port town has a lot more to offer. If you take a closer look, you will discover tons of restaurants in this part of Southern Mexico and will have plenty of dining choices during your entire trip!
With all the amazing restaurants in Puerto Escondido, choosing the top picks can be quite a challenge. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up all the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido that you definitely should not miss.
Best Restaurants in Puerto Escondido
This list is in alphabetical order.
1. Almoraduz Cocina de Autor
First on our list is Almoraduz, which happens to be Lonely Planet’s top choice Mexican restaurant in Puerto Escondido as well. Located behind Playa Carrizalillo in the budding Rinconada area, this unpretentious contemporary kitchen is one of the few true gourmet restaurants in Puerto Escondido.
Husband-and-wife chefs Quetzalcoátl Zurita and Shalxaly Macías prepare and serve fresh and creative dishes that highlight regional Oaxaca cooking. The menu often changes, but some of their well-loved dishes are the black seafood risotto, fish in green mole, and black mole enchiladas stuffed with confit duck, cheese, and parsley.
The drinks selection includes artisanal mezcals, craft beers, and original fruit drinks.
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin | Serves: Lunch, Dinner | Location: Boulevard Benito Juárez Locales, 11 y 12 Fraccionamiento Rinconada Sección B, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca | Website
2. El Cafecito
Known for serving affordable hearty breakfast and brunch meals, El Cafecito is a household name and is often busy as a result. The restaurant cafe has two locations: one in Puerto Escondido town and one on Zicatela Beach. Both are equally popular and we understand why.
Whether you’re watching what you eat or have a large appetite, you’ll find something that will satisfy and satiate your hunger here. El Cafecito has gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan options. Their delicious food is served in generous portions, too. Don’t know what to order? Get their bestseller, the Huevos Oaxaqueños (eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and topped with quesillo).
Open from 06:00 AM – 11:00 PM, this restaurant serves not only delicious breakfast and brunch but also lunch and dinner. There is also an on-site bakery, Carmen’s, that serves coffee and baked goods.
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, Cafe | Serves: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Snacks | Location: Boulevard Benito Juarez 1 Section C Local 11, Rinconada, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
3. El Nene
If you’re looking for impeccable service, fresh seafood, great drinks, and a fun atmosphere, head to the famous El Nene, Puerto Escondido. This restaurant has it all!
Also strategically positioned in Rinconada, this restaurant serves Mexican food, international-style fresh seafood, steaks, and burgers. Some of the crowd favorites are the Mahi-Mahi in white wine sauce, the charcoal-grilled octopus, and the mezcal mojito.
El Nene also serves vegetarian dishes, flavorful desserts, wines, and craft beers! Other features of the restaurant include takeout, reservations, outdoor seating, parking, and free Wi-Fi.
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, Seafood, International, Contemporary, Healthy | Serves: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks | Location: Boulevard Benito Juarez 14A, Rinconada, Puerto Escondido 71980 Mexico, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
4. Espadin (They Serve Shrimp Tacos!)
Spend your late afternoons feasting on quality great food at Restaurante Espadín inside the luxurious Villas Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido. Enjoy the fantastic views of the ocean and the sunset while you indulge in appetizing Mexican gourmet dishes.
Espadin’s varied menu includes delicious guacamoles, grilled snapper with cherry tomato and chili salsa, spicy shrimp tacos, sweet mango Mahi-Mahi ceviches, and a lot more! The restaurant also offers a wide selection of signature cocktails and mezcals. Espadin is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, International, Seafood | Serves: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner | Location: Villas Carrizalillo, Av. Carrizalillo, No. 125, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca | Website
5. La Olita
If you prefer a more casual dining setup near the beach, you must try La Olita. This street-side restaurant offers great tacos, great salsas, and great guacamoles at great prices!
Serving a variety of mouthwatering tacos in generous portions, this iconic restaurant is designed and furnished with kitschy surf murals, bamboo walls, and timber tables. La Olita also serves great drinks including beer, margaritas, and mojitos. Non-alcoholic fresh juices, coffee, and tea are available as well.
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, Fusion, Seafood, Grill | Serves: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night Snacks | Location: Brisas de Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
6. Pez Gallo
Pez Gallo is an open-sided restaurant that sits on a wooden pier overlooking the sea. It is the oceanfront restaurant of Club de Playa Villasol Beach Club. Styled in a truly Puerto Escondido fashion, Restaurante El Pez features whitewashed furniture and palapa roofs.
The restaurant serves comfort food and seafood dishes, including filets of fish with side salads and coconut-encrusted catch of the day. They also offer strong icy margaritas, lactose-free milk for your cappuccino, and vegan options. You get free access to one of Puerto Escondido’s most swimmable beaches, too.
Cuisine: Mexican, Seafood | Serves: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch | Location: Club de Playa Villasol, Playa Bacocho, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
7. Smoked Fish Taco
Wanna try something different from the regular grilled or battered tacos? Then Smoked Fish Taco is the place to be. As its name suggests, this vegetarian-friendly restaurant is famed for its super delicious fish tacos that are smoked to perfection. This is a great spot for a cheap yet beyond satisfying meal. Make the most out of your visit by washing down your fish tacos with an ice-cold Cerveza.
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, Seafood | Serves: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner | Location: Boulevard Del Pacifico, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
8. Turtle Bay Restaurant
Claiming Tripadvisor’s top spot on its list of best restaurants in Puerto Escondido is Turtle Bay Restaurant. It serves straightforward bistro food made of fresh ingredients. Decorated tastefully with a rustic charm, this restaurant has a kerbside dining room and terrace that features terracotta tiles and hardwood tables. Turtle Bay Restaurant is known to have excellent service, a comprehensive wine selection, and some of the best dishes in town!
Cuisine: Mexican, International, Seafood, Healthy | Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch | Location: Calle Jacarandas #14, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca