Tasting the Best of Mexico, from Food Trucks to Waterfront Restaurants

Mexico is a remarkable vacation destination, boasting an almost neverending cavalcade of experiences, attractions, and fascinating things to see and do. From the sun-kissed beaches of Tulum to the deserts of Baja California and the deep jungles of Jalisco to the mountains of the Sierra Madre, a Mexican vacation can take almost any form you want it to.

With so much to see and do it can be easy to overlook the food of Mexico as a reason to visit, but this would be a mistake! Mexico’s rich and varied culinary traditions are incredible, from the UNESCO-recognized cuisine of the Yucatan to the street taco culture in Mexico City. Mouthwateringly good food in Mexico is available on almost every street corner, and no Mexican vacation would be complete without a comprehensive exploration of the best restaurants and casual eateries wherever you end up.

So if you are cruising to Mexico this summer and want to taste the very best of this beautiful country’s stunning cuisine, here are a selection of some of the best places to eat in a few choice locations along the Mexican Riviera from Ensenada to Puerto Escondido.

Ensenada

La Guerrerense

Described by Anthony Bourdain as ‘the best street food on the planet’, this tiny cart in the center of Ensenada serves up unbelievably delicious, fresh seafood tostadas to huge crowds every day. Now an internationally recognized brand, this family-run stand where it all started remains pleasantly authentic.

La Opah del Güero

Turtle stew or caguama is a Baja delicacy that is no longer legal thanks to the protected status of sea turtles. Most restaurants replace turtle with manta ray meat, but this street cart uses opah or sunfish to create something different but very special. Served with tostadas and a delicious sauce of mustard, habanero peppers, and red wine, this is a local delicacy that you should not miss. 

Puerto Vallarta

Tacos On The Street

This family-run stand has been in business for nearly 30 years and offers simple, homestyle flour tortillas filled with grilled beef and fiery salsas. It is an unassuming spot but incredibly delicious and well worth making the trip to the outskirts of Vallarta for. 

Mark´s Bar & Grill

In the quiet town of Bucerias overlooking the bay, Mark McMahon has been running his Mediterranean/Asian fusion restaurant for over 30 years. A mouthwatering menu combines beautiful sea views for a wonderful dining experience. 

Puerto Escondido

Agua Sala

So laid-back it is almost horizontal, this iconic beach bar and restaurant is the perfect place to refuel after a hard day’s surfing or grab a beer and watch the stunning sunsets. Despite the casual atmosphere, the food is exceptional, with the chargrilled octopus a particular gem.

Espadín

Given that the restaurant has its own brand of the stuff it is hardly surprising that mezcal is the star of the show at Espadin. Whether you want to try some of the best examples of this fiery Mexican spirit or enjoy fine dining with pairing, its magnificent location overlooking Carrizalillo Beach makes this one of the finest spots in Puerto Escondido.