Ixtapa Restaurants
Mexican food at an Ixtapa Restaurant — Photo Credit: Jake Putnam
Dining Out in Ixtapa
There are several good restaurants in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. The following have proven themselves again and again, the dollar signs indicate price $- cheap, $$-inexpensive, $$$- more expensive, $$$$- expensive for Ixtapa.
Here are a few of our favorite spots.
Casa Que Canta - International $$$$
Reservations Required/Dress Code (Smart Casual, no shorts, men wear closed toed shoes) Ph. 555-70-30
Located in Zihuatanejo in the Zona Hotelera. This restaurant situated on the side of a cliff overlooking the entire Zihuatanejo Bay. The ambiance is unbeatable, very romantic with a view that's breathtaking. (Be sure to get an early reservation while it is still light outside, 6:00 or 6:30 p.m.) This restaurant became well know after it was seen in the movie, "Scent of a Woman" starring Al Pacino. It has also been featured in the magazine "Gourmet". The food is very good, a little over priced. Service is excellent! Items featured on their menu are fresh fish prepared very nicely in different sauces and accompaniments, chilled soups, salads, seafood dishes and excellent desserts. Note: Don't forget to bring your camera, great place to take pictures as a couple.
The Bay Club - Italian $$$
Reservations Recommended
Located in Zihautanejo just up the hill in the Zona Hotelera. This new restaurant overlooks the Bay in Zihautanejo. Food is very good. Good Service. Feature items on the menu are; Fresh fish, lobster thermador, pasta, calamari, soup and salads. Beautiful restaurant, nice music, a great view and fairly reasonably priced.
Emilios - $$
This is one of our favorite places and we highly recommend it! You should try the chocolate abuelita (Mexican hot chocolate) or the gamberti pizza (tequila, shrimp, chili). Emilios is located across from Ixtapa Palace in downtown Ixtapa.
Beccofinos - Italian $$$$
Excellent Italian Food; it is located on the waterfront side of the Ixtapa Marina beside the lighthouse. The beautiful view of the Marina, candle lit tables, soft music, a warm tropical breeze and the aroma of great food creates a wonderful ambiance. One word of advice, don't fill up on the garlic bread. Some great dishes to try are: The catch of the day (fresh fish), usually Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Bonito, Tuna or Shark are all great choices, grilled with garlic and black butter and lemon on the side is excellent. They make an excellent Sangria (Red wine and lemonade); Sangrita is a tomato base cocktail chaser nice with Tequila. The soups are good and salads are all good and safe to eat. After dinner enjoy a cappuccino/expresso and "crepas con cajeta" or a scoop of their strawberry, coconut or vanilla ice cream, they are DELICIOUS!
Da Baffone - Italian $$$
Very good Italian food. They are located in the main shopping plaza in Ixtapa. Great garlic toast, fresh fish, soups; salads and oven-fired pizza are all wonderful.
This restaurant is very similar to Beccofino's in menu selection, differences being they serve pizza and more pasta dishes. (The owner's are cousins and both from Italy)
Westin Brisas - Mexican-International $$$$
The hotel offers a wide range of delights; from it's lobby lounge overlooking the ocean, great for watching the sunset sipping on a tropical drink after a hot day on the beach. (Happy Hour is 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.), you get two drinks for the price of one while you also enjoy some entertainment. The restaurant downstairs offers a feature buffet as well as a menu. The view is breathtaking during the
morning hours while you enjoy brunch. The food here
Brazzeros - Mexican $
Located in downtown Zihautanejo. If you like Tacos el Pastor and many traditional mexican dishes this is a great place to go in the evening after shopping at the markets and stores in Zihautanejo. This is probably the best value for your money in the whole region. You can eat like a king or queen for $5!
Casa Vieja - Seafood $$
Located in the heart of Zihautanejo, close to Zona Hotelera. Take a right turn at just after the clock tower. Great Margaritas, (muy grande), known for their ribs and fresh fish dishes. Nice rustic atmosphere and good service.
Barcelo Ixtapa (was the Sheraton) for Fiesta Mexicana $$$
Every Wednesday evening the Barcelo has a Fiesta (Mexican Party)
You must buy tickets in advance at the front desk inside the hotel lobby. The cost is approximately $50.00 or $60.00 per couple. That's for all you can drink and eat plus entertainment for the evening. It's a lot of fun, best fiesta in Ixtapa!!
Bandidos - $$
Located across from the Open Air Market near the marina in Zihautanejo. Banditos usually has live music and is a great place for dancing and drinks!