The 27 Must-Try Restaurants in Huatulco

This family-operated rural Mytoury is located in what used to be grandpa Chelo’s metal workshop. Now, Chelo’s daughter, Reyna Isabel Reyes Jimenez, prepares fresh handmade tortillas, pumpkin tamales filled with beans, and her renowned caldo de gallina, a traditional farmhouse chicken soup (available only on Saturdays and Sundays), alongside other regional specialties like costilla de puerco en salsa de chicatana, pork ribs in a chicatana ant sauce. [$-$$]

Located just outside Huatulco's International Airport, this family-owned Mytoury specializes in traditional dishes from Guerrero and the Costa Chica, the homeland of the Santos Quiroz family. Their green pozole, available on Sundays from 11 a.m. until sold out, is considered the best in the region. The ribs are also exceptional, offered in various styles including encacahuatadas, entomatadas, in mole, adobo, amarillo, salsa verde, salsa de chile de arbol, and salsa de chile morita. Don’t miss out on their seafood options, such as shrimp in salsa and caldo de pescado. [$-$$]

Set under a rustic palapa on the quaint tourist cove of Bahía Maguey, Ay Caray distinguishes itself from nearby Mytouries with its traditional wood-fired oven and the culinary brilliance of chef-owner Sandra Cardenas. Savor local Costa delicacies such as seafood-stuffed pineapples topped with melted cheese, whole roasted spiny lobsters, seafood moles, and whole-roasted parrotfish, all while enjoying a refreshing michelada with your toes in the sand. — Lesley Suter

This classic Italian Mytoury is named after the late owner’s grandmother, Teresina, and her granddaughters now uphold the family legacy by serving pizzas, pastas, gnocchi, and paninis to Huatulco residents. A local favorite is the Chiaro di Luna pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, and arugula. [$$]

This restaurant began as ¡Ay Caray! in 2005, transitioned to Hemingway’s, and was rebranded as Alfredo’s in 2013, yet the chef and owner, Alfredo Patiño Ramirez, has remained constant. Here, you can savor tacos, pasta, the day's fresh catch, or the camarones de la jefa, a beloved dish inspired by Alfredo’s late mother, Doña Alfreda, featuring a spicy sauce made from tusta chiles, tomatoes, and white wine. During peak season, enjoy live music almost every day, making it a popular spot for both drinks and full meals. Note: The restaurant is closed every September and October. [$$-$$$]

Owners Luis Estavillo and Elva Medina moved to Huatulco from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, in 1987, bringing with them their beloved traditional menudo de panza de res con maíz pozolero, a hearty tripe soup made with a special large-grain corn and a rich broth of dried red chiles. Located in the heart of La Crucecita, right across from the main park, the restaurant boasts a beautiful view that complements its menu of regional classics and unique dishes. Tacos al pastor shine alongside a pizza al pastor and alambre, a dish featuring grilled beef topped with bacon, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, with vegetarian options available. Pair your meal with mezcal served in a traditional clay jug. [$-$$]

Casa Mayor is run by a family of third-generation coffee producers, and their plantation, Finca el Pacífico, proudly holds the distinction of being the first certified organic farm in Oaxaca. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee alongside their house specialty, Casa Mayor eggs: fried tortillas filled with Mexican-style eggs, beans, roasted chiles, and chorizo. In the evening, the ambiance transforms with live music, cocktails, and a stunning view of La Crucecita’s main square. [$-$$]

Established in November 1991 by Francisco “Grillo” Ríos and his wife Doña Pola, this beloved seafood spot is now managed by their three children: Francisco, who cooks, along with Gabriel and Reyna Ríos. The menu remains unchanged, which is intentional; for decades, it has served as a dependable local Mytoury offering fresh fish at budget-friendly prices. Expect grilled catches of the day, ceviches, seafood cocktails, and hearty soups, all paired with the coldest beer in town, in a relaxed, family-oriented environment. [$$]

Established in 1993 by Eduardo “Lalo” Burgos, La Crema stands as one of Huatulco’s most celebrated bars and is the oldest in the area. Recently moved from its original location to Flamboyan, just a few blocks away, La Crema offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends over margaritas or enjoying a pizza and beers. Don't miss the wood-fired pizzas, burgers, or La Crema’s Bolognese nachos, all best enjoyed with a glass of mezcal. [$$]

Nestled in La Crucecita, the heart of Huatulco, Rocoto is the creation of chef Claudia Jordán. After living in Chile and yearning for the flavors of Mexican cuisine, she discovered rocoto, a traditional Chilean pepper that satisfied her cravings. Now, in her beach town kitchen, she incorporates rocoto and other Chilean ingredients into a range of Mexican dishes infused with South American flair. Don't miss the spicy ceviche Lima featuring fresh dorade or the surf & turf dish, which includes a slow-cooked beef rib paired with succulent shrimp. [$$-$$$]

For the past 15 years, the intersection of Carrizal and Guamúchil in La Crucecita has been filled with delightful aromas thanks to Don Silvino Hernández, the creator of Tamalería Bahías. Here, you can savor tamales de rajas made with poblano peppers, tamales in salsa verde, jarocho tamales with yerba santa leaves, and, of course, tamales with mole. Be sure to try one of each alongside a warm atole prepared with oatmeal, rice, or chocolate. [$]

Eduardo Santiago, affectionately known as Lalo, launched this mobile venture during the pandemic, initially delivering meals on his motorcycle before evolving into a full-fledged food truck. Nowadays, Marea Alta is stationed at the entrance of Marina Chahué, offering stunning marina views. Enjoy a diverse selection of seafood dishes, including fresh empanadas, fish tiraditos, seafood salads, and aguachiles. For those who prefer to stay on the beach, delivery is also available. [$]

Doña Azucena and her family have established El Padrino as a staple in Huatulco. This cherished taqueria offers a diverse selection of stewed tacos crafted from handmade tortillas, along with sopes, tortas, and tlayudas, plus refreshing juices made from local fruits. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast or lunch, you can choose from a variety of guisados (stews) to fill your tacos, including cochinita pibil, chicken tinga, rice and egg, and creamy chicken. Though it can be challenging to find a table, the food makes the wait worthwhile. [$]

For 26 years, the iconic Kiosko of Santa Cruz has been the beloved home of Café Huatulco. Here, locals and visitors gather to enjoy the rich aroma of coffee brewed from local Pluma beans, all while taking in views of the nearby marina in a serene park setting. The café offers a straightforward menu featuring excellent coffee and delicious dishes, such as clay bowl-served gratin chilaquiles and tamales wrapped in banana leaves, filled with mole, spinach, picadillo, and sweet beans. In the evenings, Café Huatulco transforms into a cultural hub, hosting events like trova concerts, art shows, and fashion displays, along with a fantastic selection of mezcals. [$-$$]

This family-operated beachfront spot is celebrated for its meats, including marinated flank steak (the house specialty), smoked ribs, and a variety of grilled Argentine and Mexican sausages. For a taste of everything, try the 'parrillada,' served with a hearty portion of frijoles charros, or cowboy beans. Jaime Lemini oversees everything from the shrimp soup and crispy fried shrimp to live ranchera music — indeed, the cook also performs! [$$-$$$]

Launched in 2013 as a modest market with only 11 local vendors, MOH (Mercado Orgánico de Huatulco) has blossomed into a premier destination for regional produce, serving as the vibrant hub of Bahía de Santa Cruz park. Open every Saturday during the high season and on the first and third Saturdays in the low season, the market features local producers showcasing their harvest, including organic fruits and vegetables, jams, zesty salsas, honey, coffee, chocolate, free-range eggs, mezcal, and an array of spices and tropical plants. Recently, the market introduced a prepared foods section with vendors offering dobladas, tamales, and more. [$]

At Doña Leti’s Tlayudas la Escondida, the menu features tostadas and sandwiches, but the real draw is the crispy tlayudas. Choose from tasajo, chorizo, chicken, or a mix of meats, and pair it with refreshing Jamaica water or sweet horchata. This spot mainly attracts locals, yet discerning tourists often find their way here through word of mouth. [$]

Mario Valderrama and Keaton Marie run this vibrant juice and smoothie bar, complemented by a health-centric cafeteria menu. Although not directly by the ocean, the wood, bamboo, palm, and surfboard decor creates a beachy atmosphere perfect for enjoying coffee, refreshing cold-pressed juices, and vibrant acai bowls. The menu features rotating dishes free from preservatives and refined sugars, with some gluten-free options available as well. [$]

At Santa Clara, Carolina Gómez Gallego delights diners with traditional family recipes perfected over generations. Signature dishes include chile en nogada, a classic Poblano dish of stuffed chiles covered in a rich walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds, and pollo al barro, a whole chicken slow-cooked in a clay pot (this dish requires a five-hour advance order). Arrive early to enjoy classic breakfast options like huevos a la hierba santa and huevos al albañil. [$$]

Ve el Mar, meaning 'see the sea,' has proudly stood on Santa Cruz beach for 34 years, offering stunning views of the bay and incoming cruise ships. The restaurant emphasizes quality ingredients, featuring traditional breakfast dishes such as enmoladas, chilaquiles, and entomatadas. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes unique options like Hawaiian shrimp, seafood-stuffed pineapple, the signature lobster Ve el Mar, grilled octopus, and a variety of whole fish roasted in a traditional wood oven. [$$-$$$]

After starting an Argentine empanada venture in a small building a decade ago, Diego Profético and Karimme Sanen now oversee Che Dieguito, one of the city's top spots for Argentine-inspired cuisine and wine. The menu, rich in meat dishes, blends Argentine, Mexican, and Arabic influences, and has recently added substantial breakfast options featuring excellent coffee alongside a selection of artisanal breads and pastries. [$$-$$$]

L’échalote, the acclaimed restaurant within Hotel Boutique Eden Costa, offers a menu that beautifully blends Oaxacan ingredients with European culinary techniques. Chef Sandra Rodríguez prides herself on providing a memorable tableside dining experience—try the chateaubriand or the ribeye flambéed with brandy on a Himalayan salt block. The extensive menu caters to all preferences, featuring seafood, paella, escargots, and various pasta dishes. [$$-$$$]

7 Tavoli brings authentic Italian cuisine to the Huatulco community, run by the Volpi family with chef Alessandro curating a rotating menu that highlights fresh local ingredients. Signature dishes include handmade pasta, chicken cacciatore, lasagna, and sometimes luxurious options like wild boar or pheasant. The wine selection is exceptional, accompanied by a view of the marina. [$$-$$$]

Located just steps from the beautiful Chahué beach, Bladu’Yú offers a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca. Menu highlights include garnachas—small, crispy corn tortillas topped with shredded meat, pickled cabbage, dried cheese, and salsa; sweet corn tamales; fried chicken with onions and potatoes known as pollo garnachero; flavorful beef stew (adobo de res); and estofado, a rich beef stew simmered with chopped fruits and vegetables for a unique sweet, tart, and spicy experience. The vibrant decor complements the menu, featuring a colorful fruit bar and traditional papel picado decorations typical of the Isthmus region. [$$]

The stunning view of Arrocito Beach from the restaurant's impressive palapa is a must-see, complemented by a creative yet reliable menu crafted by chef Eugenio Santillana. Gather your friends and enjoy dishes like tlayuda de camarón, tacos tropicales with jicama tortillas, and crispy fried shrimp while soaking in the sunset. [$$-$$$]

Since opening in 2008, Canadian Jane Bauer's Café Juanita has attracted a diverse crowd of expats, located on the second floor of a building in Tangolunda, directly across from the Dreams hotel. Enjoy the vibrant terrace with views of palm trees while savoring a fusion menu featuring Oaxacan shrimp and grits or huevos rancheros for brunch. In the evening, choose from substantial fresh salads and seasonal dinner options like steak with huitlacoche and Thai curries. Don't miss the popular Friday taco night! [$-$$]

Quiéreme Mucho is one of the few spots in Huatulco where you can sip mezcal paired with tasty bites like charcuterie and guacamole, right on the beach. This vibrant location represents the historic mezcal brand known for its intricately hand-painted bottles. Though the mezcal has been around since 1913, the mezcalería itself is relatively new, quickly gaining fame for its straightforward cocktails, craft beers, and playful alebrije-inspired decor. [$$]