Ixtapa Restaurant Dining Guide

SEAFOOD

El Faro

This was the most memorable dining experience after 10 years of travel in Mexico. Yes the food and service were good but the location, atmosphere, view, and gondola ride are what makes this place special. This was not just eating. This was an experience! Other than driving up the hill by taxi, the alpine-like gondola ride is the only way to go. The gondola departs at beach level at the very south end of the Ixtapas main beach. The gondola climbs up the hillside via cable a couple hundred yards to the restaurant. The ride is free for diners. The view from the restaurant is awesome. 180 degrees of vista over the hotel zone roughly northward. Wow! I saw no kids while I was in the restaurant. The menu is priced somewhat high for the area; however the view is worth it. The attire was more dressy than most area restaurants. I saw a few people dressed in shorts, tanks, and sandals who were welcomed as warmly as those dressed nicer; yet I cant help but think they felt underdressed. We did not need reservations, but it was not the high season. The menu was international: seafood, pasta, steaks, etc. The international liquors and fine wine list were ample. If one can afford the $50 or so per person, this is a must do place. A time share development owns the restaurant and asks if you would care to tour their condos, but it is a soft sell, and one "no" is enough for them to drop it.
Villa de la Selva
Close to Las Brisas Ixtapa Hotel
Tel: +52-755-533-0362
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The Fat Mermaid

This place is in the fishing village of Zihuatenejo, down along the cobblestone streets around the warf. They will cook and serve your catch, if you have chartered a boat and caught some of the local fish. We went there for tacos. They have more ways to fix fish tacos than I have ever seen! Barbequed fish, garlic-roasted fish, grilled, blackened, and fish mixed with other things like bacon, other seafood, veggies, etc.


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CAFÉS

La Casa Cafe
Adelita # 7 - La Madera - Zihuatanejo
Tel: +52-755-554-3469
Considered a must for Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo visitors ... featuring fresh organic coffee drinks ... and wonderful breakfast and lunch menus
Hacienda de Ixtapa
Calle Principal
Tel:
Great place for breakfast along the main drag in Ixtapa.

MEXICAN

Mama Norma's and Barbara

So, my husband is a salsa fanatic. Every restaurant we visited in Ixtapa was rated based on its salsa. Mama Norma's won!This eatery became our regular. Not only was the food delicious and plentiful, but it was less expensive than its counterparts. The menu is traditional Mexican. The service is excellent - very friendly. The owner (Barbara) is Canadian, which allowed us some enjoyable conversations in English (a nice break from our choppy Spanish all week!). They serve a fantastic breakfast with Pina Colada pancakes!
Villa de la Selva

Villa de la Selva is situated on a cliff overlooking a spectacular ocean view.
The menu was traditional Mexican with a twist. The crab taco appetizer was served with a light and flaky crust and served with a flavorful french-style sauce. The pasta with shrimp was served with the most delicious cilantro dressing. The menu ranged from standard fare (salmon, pasta) to complex contemporary cuisine. Try the bananas flambe. They cook them right in front of you! They also mix a great Cosmopolitan.
It is pricey, but well worth the trip!
CARLOS & CHARLIES
Blvd Ixtapa s/n
Tel: +52-755-533-0085
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Villa de la Selva
Close to Las Brisas Ixtapa Hotel
Tel: +52-755-533-0362
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ITALIAN

CAFÉ MILANO
Esquerro #15
Tel: (612) 125-9981
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AMERICAN

BURGER KING
Abasolo y Lerdo de Tejada
Tel: (612) 128-8494
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