10 Best Restaurants in Ixtapa Mexico to Eat in 2024

Looking for the best places to eat in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo?

It’s a odd thing to search for restaurants in a place where you’ve already paid for most of your meals with your accommodations. But, even if you’re staying at one of the all inclusive resorts in Ixtapa, chances are you’ll want to get out an explore other places to eat.

I expected most of the Ixtapa restaurants to be very touristy, but there are some hidden gems that serve traditional Mexican food and tacos. They are also where you’ll find the most affordable food in Ixtapa.

So, let’s dive into this list of the best restaurants in Ixtapa. It includes romantic dinner restaurants, authentic tacos, and a few of the best places to eat breakfast in Ixtapa.

One thing to keep in mind is that there aren’t many places to eat on the beaches of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. I assume this is because of the large amount of all inclusive resorts that occupy two hotel zones along this stretch of the coast.

This is a breakfast and lunch restaurant in Ixtapa Centro that makes really flavorful Mexican dishes.

I decided to eat at La Cocina de Zorayda when the smells emanating from its kitchen stopped me in my tracks. The menu includes several breakfast packages that include coffee and fresh orange juice as well as other Mexican classics such as enchiladas and sopes.

This all woman restaurant crew was awesome to watch as they worked alongside each other in the kitchen and front of the house. They also squeezed some of the most flavorful orange juice I had in Ixtapa.

If you’re looking for a tasty and inexpensive breakfast in Ixtapa, La Cocina de Zorayda is the spot. 

If you are looking for a healthy place to eat in Ixtapa, this is the spot. It’s also a great restaurant in Ixtapa for breakfast.

The menu includes classic Mexican breakfast, a variety of sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a variety of fresh juices and smoothies to choose from. 

As a bonus, this cafe features a small grocery section where you can buy healthy items like nutritional yeast, coconut oil, granola, and their homemade kombucha.

Want to try the best coconut shrimp I’ve ever tasted? You need to eat at Paraiso Escondido on Isla Ixtapa. Read my guide for all the details about this island paradise.

This is another Ixtapa restaurant to eat an economical breakfast or lunch. The menu includes Mexican favorites such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos dorados.

Or you can order the stew of your choice to be served with rice, beans, and handmade tortillas. Cocina Las Primas also serves pozole on Thursdays, a tradition in Guerrero

In the sea of tourist restaurants in Ixtapa, Tacos Chay is a welcome relief to eat authentic tacos.

When you arrive, order at the hostess stand at the corner. After you receive your tacos, load them up with shredded cabbage, salsa, onion, cilantro and lime.

There are more than a dozen options, including pastor, suadero, cabeza, lengua, and cecina. My favorite was the beef barbacoa and it’s clear that is the specialty here.

At less than 20 pesos per taco, this is an inexpensive place to eat in Ixtapa. Keep in mind, Tacos Chay is open in the morning until midday. Tacos for breakfast anyone?

On the back side of centro Ixtapa is this taco truck that specializes in USDA quality beef – from arrachera to rib eye.

And while tacos dominate the menu, there is also a burrito supremo and chile relleno taco available to order. And there’s an option to order your tacos with costra de queso, essentially a layer of thin crispy cheese.

Salsa enthusiasts will enjoy choosing from the array of more than half a dozen salsas they make in house.

Looking for more places to eat? Check out my list of best restaurants in Zihuatanejo.

I love the open air patio at this French bistro located on the north side of the hotel zone in Ixtapa.

The French influence is evident at first glance of the menu at Bistro Soleiado which includes escargot and mussels in a variety of preparations.

It’s further organized by protein – seafood, chicken, steak and lamb with quite a few salads, pastas, and risottos to balance the meal.

This restaurant specializes in burgers and wings. And while that may not be what you had in mind when coming to Ixtapa Mexico, sometimes you just have a craving.

The menu includes more than a dozen wing sauces, more burgers than I could count, and a selection of tacos. Plus there’s beer, cocktails, and other drinks to wash it all down.

My burger was solid and the fries were really good – both of which can be difficult to find in Mexico.

This Ixtapa restaurant serves classic Mexican breakfast dishes in the morning. For lunch and dinner, the menu switches to antojitos like pastor tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, sopes, and more.

But where I think La Luna really shines is in their specialty dishes at the end of the week.

Saturdays and Sundays the menu features traditional dishes such as barbacoa, tamales, pancita, and a requesón guisado. And Thursday is pozole day, as per usual.

This is a highly rated Italian restaurant in Ixtapa whose vast menu allows you to have a multi course Italian meal.

Appetizers include favorites such as beef carpaccio and calamari as well as some very Italian dishes such as vitello tonnato and a Sicilian style roasted octopus.

I was initially confused with the pasta dishes but later learned some are dry with the majority being fresh house made fresh pasta. The sauces vary from the well known bolognese to boscaiola, a rose sauce of Italian sausage, mushrooms, and peas.

The menu also includes a selection of main dishes. Meat includes pork, beef, and chicken, as well as a long list of fish options in which Sicilian style again takes center stage.

If you’re looking for an Ixtapa restaurant with a view of the bay, El Faro is nestled within the cliffs surrounding Playa Palmar.

Located within Pacifica Resort in Ixtapa, you should make reservations at this restaurant for sunset if you’re looking for a romantic evening or one to celebrate a special occasion.

If you’re looking for an afternoon treat or decadent end to your evening, you’ll want to visit Fragolino for the best ice cream in Ixtapa. They make lots of flavors ranging from fruit to chocolate.

Final Thoughts on Ixtapa Restaurants

As you can see, it’s worth stepping outside of your hotel or resort to taste the flavors coming from the best restaurants in Ixtapa.

Whether you’re craving authentic tacos or searching for a place to eat breakfast, these Ixtapa restaurants expand your options.