Restaurant Ratings

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Below is a list of ratings for places to eat in Maz

The list below was posted with permission of Tim Meyer based on his June 2005 survey of Maz Info users.

This is the list of restaurants recommended by both locals and tourists. Please remember that some of the tourists may have been to Mazatlan on their first visit, so what they thought was good (or even excellent) may not agree with what folks who have visited Mazatlan a lot, wintered here or live here know to be even better places. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to make the list and indicate which were first time tourist's votes and which were long time visitor's, snowbird's, local's votes. Besides, sometimes that first time tourist stumbles onto something that even locals and Mazatlan lovers don't yet know about. Many of the single vote entries are votes by snowbirds/locals who know places that the average tourist doesn't find. Read the notes carefully, but remember, these are individual, subjective experiences. Your experience could differ. This is why single, individual, negative experiences have NOT been noted. The (3) style numbers after the some listings are only an approximation, not necessarily the actual number of votes as no exact tally was kept.

(** = see notes below)

Casa Loma - supper (6)
Papagayo - Inn at Mazatlan (6)

Panama Bakery - breakfast & more (5)

Chili Peppers - lobster & shrimp (4)
Pancho's (4)
Pedro & Lola - supper, music (4)
Torres Mazatlan - particularly breakfast & Sunday brunch (4)

Canucks - good food, shrimp, drinks & music (3)
El Bambu - steaks...and seafood (3)
El Tunel - Mexican (3)
Gus & Gus - breakfast & more (3)
Jungle Juice - breakfast (3)
Mister A's - seafood & Mexican (3)
Old Broadway Cafe - shrimp, entertainment (3)
Senor Frog's Restaurant - entertainment (3)
Sheik - breakfast (3)
Los Arcos - seafood, shrimp (3)
La Casa Country (3)

Aree !LuLus - Mexican (2)
Beach Burgers (in Plazuela Machado) (2)
Cenaduria Chayita - Mexican (2)
Copa De Leche - Mexican & breakfast (2)
Il Mosto (in Plazuela Machado) (2)
Juanita's - across the street from the Oceana Palace Hotel - Mexican (2)
La Puntilla - seafood (2)
La Terraza - Hotel Playa Mazatlan - surf & turf, music & dancing (2)
Minnesota Cafe - Solamar Inn - cheap beer (2)
Montalayo - Mexican lamb barbeque (2)
Playa Mazatlan (La Terraza) - brunch (2)
Plazuela Machado - anywhere - in general - a number of restaurants, some new, some old, some on the list, some not, all good to excellent. (2)
Pueblo Bonito (Mazatlan and Emerald Bay) - brunch (2)
Shipwreck (Now Mauricio's-name change) - Balboa Towers - breakfast (2)
Taqueria Martin - Tacos (2)
Victor's - Stone Island - seafood (2)
Ambrosia - vegetarian (2)
Chava's - Mexican (2)
Costa De Oro - breakfast (2)
El Guamuchilito - seafood (2)
El Portal Latino (2)
Ernie Tomato's (2)
La Costa Marinera (2)
Mango's (2)

Cocina de Ana
Cuchupetas - seafood - in Villa Union, see notes
El Capitanos (Coral Reef Hotel complex)
La Marina Toro - Mariscos - seafood - lunch
La Terraza - Hotel Playa Mazatlan
little jardin restaurante - generic name, see notes
Mamucas - seafood
Ostioneria - generic name, see notes
Q'Cotorro - tacos
The Place - lobster & steak
The Saloon - burgers
Villa Italia - pizza
Bahia - seafood
Bernard's - German specialties
El Nuevo El Patio
El Parador Espanol
El Torrito - seafood - possible name & ownership change recently
Evolucion - tacos
Gringo Lingo
Guadalajara Grill
Heather's Place - new, American homestyle meals
La Rioja
Lety's - Stone Island - seafood
Purple Onion - breakfast
restaurante on Witch's Beach (Playa Bruja) - see notes Shrimp Bucket

Notes on the (starred) restaurants - in no particular order.

We always hang out at Aree LuLus. It's behind The Shrimp Factory on the side street and have great food and good prices. Their service is also good. Aree LuLus - good for inexpensive Mexican dishes, the guacamole is usually great, and they have good prices on beer.

The suggestion for Tacos Martin (Taqueria Martin) is a good one. It is clean, open till 4 a.m. and never misses on delicious! Won't break the budget either. All taxi drivers know where it is, near the Fisherman's monument. Taqueria Martin - great for cheap tacos, baked potatoes, carne asada, grilled onions and soupy beans, home made tortillas, you watch the women make in front of you.

The restaurant at Torres Mazatlan (which sits right on the beach) has very good food from an interesting, well thought out menu that you don't find everywhere else, including delicious desserts. They have a Sunday brunch during northern tourist season as well. The shrimp and avocado sandwich on toast is to die for. They have the best Philly Steak Sandwich I've had in Mazatlan! Like you say, the setting is incredible. The security is tight at the front gate so you'll have to explain you're there for the restaurant.

Don't forget El Capitanos in the Coral Reef Hotel complex (Just north of the swimming pool). They are consistently good, as is Pancho's a little further north along the beach.

Pancho's - excellent, my favorite choice for good food at reasonable (although continually rising) prices on the beach, good service.

Jungle Juice is quite good for breakfasts especially, and have internet available for your use (nice touch).

Try the great home made pizza at Villa Italia across from El Cid. You can watch them make it in the giant wood ovens. A pizza shared between two people with a side salad each makes a complete meal. Good wine list.

We met up with Marlene, Santana, Jim and Patty at Canucks. Now, THAT is the best place for great drinks and food!! The music was terrific!! Santana and his band are really wonderful. Hope to get back to Maz again in the future.

Old Broadway Cafe is a different and nice place to visit. Yesterday I went with my wife. The attention is great, the decoration is nice. The food is outstanding, try the jumbo shrimp with mango and chipotle sauce, the lemon pie or their mandarina or apple daiquiris...they are something. Finally a new place in Mazatlan that goes away from the Senor Frog's style. It deserves a visit. They have different shows every night.

Bob...not far from your digs is a little beachfront place called Chili Peppers. We go every time we are down there...one of our favorites. The food is good, prices reasonable and the staff are great. Try Chili Peppers for lobster and shrimp. It is on the beach not too far from the El Cid tower hotel, ask a taxi driver.

Desayuno-late, relatively heavy breakfast:

The veranda at Sheik, the restaurant inside the Valentino's Fiesta Land Complex. Absolutely stunning oceanside location, view, and ambiance. Service is excellent and the overall price is about the same as # 2. I think it's the only place I've ever eaten breakfast in Mazatlan that knows how to properly prepare a omelette. No, I haven't eaten everyplace by a long shot. Unfortunately, one of the most expensive places in Mazatlan for dinner.
The Shipwreck (now Mauricio's) on the Balboa Tower's veranda. Almost as good a view as Sheik's, good service, a few more tourists in season, AND they have "nopales", a Mexican specialty of diced, cooked cactus, served with eggs and all the hot sauce you want to add. An absolute must for Vegans, but seldom seen in tourist restaurants--Mary and I both love them, I don't crunch the raw serrano peppers while I eat them, though; she does and it makes shivers run up and down my back. We often go there, as parking is easier and closer than Sheik's and it's a bunch closer to my bookstore in case I have to go directly to work. For you guys, the beach "view" is sometimes absolutely stunning. A note for Vegans: Watch those frijoles refritos & flour tortillas. The best are prepared with LARD, not vegetable oil or fat--everywhere in Mexico. 0 Gus & Gus, right across the street from the Hotel Costa de Oro. If we're more interested in just eating and running (it's only 1/2 block from the bookstore) this is the place. Good food, good prices, good service, and they never let your coffee cup run dry. Odd note: they deep fry their bacon until crisp, very unusual, very good--I think. Cholesterol, what's that?

Comida - late lunch:

Since the kids don't get out of school until 2 or 2:30 (they go at 7:30 and only have a light snack-"lonche" while there), and they're usually so voraciously hungry that they're fussy (especially the two youngest ones) this is almost always eaten at home followed by a nap, unless they can talk Papa David into Burger King (rarely). Pricey, I think. Or maybe tacos at Q'Cotorro on Rafael Buelna right next to the Dodge dealership. Yummmmm. If we really want to splurge (NOT on a school day) we might go to one of the many open air seafood restaurants that abound in Mazatlan. Our current favorite is on Av. La Marina about 5 blocks south of Gigante, I think it's called La Marina Toro. Extra Yummmmm. It's just 2 blocks past (south of) the original Restaurant Montalayo, the absolute best lamb barbacoa (Mexican style barbecue) in Mazatlan. Mary and I love it, but the kids aren't crazy about it so we don't often go.

Cena - dinner (late, maybe heavy if we've planned ahead) always

a special outing, just for the two of us, so the purse strings are usually loosened a bit: 1. Casa Loma, just as far (about 6 blocks) as you can go directly east of the Dairy Queen. Great ambiance and service, outstanding international food, pricey, but worth every centavo. What more can I say Well, when I say pricey, there are a number of more expensive (some, a lot more expensive) restaurants in Mazatlan, but none have food that even comes close to Casa Loma, in my opinion. 2. In El Centro Historico it's always Pedro & Lola on the Plazuela Machado. This is where I send everyone who asks me where a "special" place to eat in Mazatlan is. That says it all. 3. If we're in El Centro and feeling a little more funky than fancy we always go to Cenaduria Chayita on Teniente Azueta, 1 block north of Juan Carrasco. Exactly 1 block east of the "shrimp ladies" (the street side open air shrimp and seafood market on Aquiles Serdan). Absolutely great food, her posole (a sort of Mexican hominy stew) or her beef brochettes, are to die for. No ambiance at all. Lots of local families, a real pretty open air courtyard for outdoor dining. One catch, you've got to bring your own beer or wine or any other alcoholic beverage you desire. She doesn't have a booze license. It's perfectly legal to bring your own though, and your waiter will even open it and serve it for you (tip good) for no extra charge. 4. If we're having a need-some-seafood fit, the only place, in my opinion, is Mamucas. A menu that has so many choices that even though I've eaten there many, many times (I used to live just a block away), I still haven't tried every single one (but some are soooo good I've ordered them a lot more than once). Lots of actually prepared, sauced seafood or fish dishes. Not just the usual deep fried or broiled choice. I can't think of anyplace even close to as good, in Mazatlan. Mamucas is 2 blocks south of the Malecon on Guillermo Nelson (first street where you can actually turn left past Fisherman's Monument) and 1/2 block west on Simon Bolivar.

Another good place just to drink and eat cheap is Gus & Gus. Last Saturday my wife and I had supper at Gus & Gus. Those guys really go the extra mile to make you feel at home, the mixed brochetas (beef and shrimp) and the mexican plate were excellent and the live music very good. The guitar player is really good.

Most places are good but for fine dining with all the frills there is no better than:

CASA LOMA
Mr. A's

Mister A's is another elegant restaurant in the Casa Loma tradition. They are located just across the street from the Inn at Mazatlan. You can see their large sign, featuring the Ace of Hearts, on the main street. Ordered the lobster, which they will only serve if it is fresh and of good quality. I received three full tails, and found myself in lobster heaven. The menu includes seafood, Mexican food, and pasta. The atmosphere is elegant, with all the waiters dressed in black tuxedos. Many customers come casual however.

I very much enjoy the food at Casa Loma, a ten minute walk inland from the ocean in the Golden Zone, and I find the food at the La Terraza - Hotel Playa Mazatlan to be first rate. Montalayo - delicious, inexpensive, a must try for lamb - now open for desyuno, comida, AND cena. (7 AM - 10 PM). Back in their original location, 3 blocks south of Gigante on Avenida La Mariana.

Senor Frog's, but watch your bill. Extra drinks seem to show up regularly. Note: the first vote for Senor Frog's was for the entertainment, not particularly the food.

Anyone who would put Senor Frog's or Gringo Lingo on their list of best places to eat in Mazatlan doesn't deserve to go to Mexico. Why not include McDonald's Or Taco Bell? It appears that most of your respondents never leave the Zona Dorada. For real Mexican food, Sinaloa style, try El Tunel, directly opposite the Angela Peralta Theater in the historic district.

El Tunel - Mexican. Truly one of the best for clean, tasty local Sinaloan dishes, and reasonably priced. Also check out Copa De Leche, on the malecon at Olas Altas 1220, down the hill from Icebox Hill.

Copa De Leche - Good for breakfast with a view. For seafood, try La Puntilla, on the dock where you get the small boats to Stone Island.

A trip to Mazatlan would not be complete without getting a puerco torta at the little jardin resturante on Insurgentes (2 blocks west of the stoplight at Av. La Marina) or a Sunday afternoon at the restaurante on Witch's Beach (Playa Bruja).

To the list I'd like to add the Ostioneria (sp?) near the cruise ship docks. The Green Machine (Sabalo Centro bus) stops nearby there at the end of its run. A working class neighborhood, just blend in, use the Usual Precautions while walking about. Great ceviche, a dozen oysters (hence the restaurant name) were 90 pesos last year. Made me a believer in warm water oysters as we are somewhat spoiled here in Puget Sound. It's been a year, so I am presuming they're still in business. "Shopping Spanish" is helpful; it appears that English is not widely used there. Kinda adds to the authenticity, sabor mexicano autentico. Watch for the great mariachi (sic-they are really banda) bands that play there. Seems that the musicians gather from all directions, assemble near the sidewalk, and fire up! While working on my oysters, I had a band start up behind me and just about blew me outta my chair! Paz. Ostioneria - Do not visit this at night, the area is not a very safe area.

We have eaten at The Place many times...so obviously enjoy it! The prices are reasonable and the food great! We usually went in the evening and had the lobster and steak and all the margaritas you can drink....yum!!! My hubby and friends went for lunch and breakfast and really enjoyed it as well! Yes, it is right close to the Oceana Palace on the right hand side of the road heading south! Enjoy!

We still really like the Minnesota Cafe at the Solamar Inn in the Golden Zone....15 pesos for Pacifico AND you get taco chips and salsa with it. A great place to "hang around for a few." Lots of Americans and Canadians having a beer or two at all times of the day. The Minnesota Cafe in the Solamar Inn is selling regular size Pacifico and Corona 2 for 15 pesos........that's 7.5 pesos a beer. Can't beat that!! **all day*-every day.

Juanita's - Great local dishes at very reasonable prices. Besides what you find on the menu, you can ask for the meal of the day at lunch time; that is what most of the beach vendors order. You see them on the side in the alley. It's about half the cost of what you find on the menu. If you want, go next door to the super, buy a ballena (750ml Pacifico), and Juanita's is happy to give you a plastic cup if you want beer with your meal.

Panama Bakery - One of my favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Simple but innovative plates, always plenty of variety to choose from, reasonable rates and the finest service in any restaurant in Mazatlan. Ordering from the pastry cart for dessert is a must. My favorite for breakfast: huevos bravos. Victor's - Best lunch on stone island and worth the additional ten or twenty pesos you'll pay over all the other restaurants.

Cocina de Ana - It's in the GZ near the Banamex bank and the Dairy Queen. It is a favorite among locals and snowbirds who keep it packed during the season. She has food set out in a buffet style where you walk through the line and fill up your plate how you want. She weighs it and charges the final price accordingly to the weight and the type of items on your plate. Reasonably priced and excellent food. She generally has local favorites, but rotates cuisine during the week so that one day is more Italian, two days are Chinese food, etc. Actually, her Chinese food is (IMHO) the best in Mazatlan. I'd say that Cocina de Ana comes really close to that for lunch, and since they have take out, too, you can have some for dinner.

El Bambu, between Sam's Club and the shopping mall (Gran Plaza), is a very popular place packed with Mexicans (and generally not one gringo in sight) with the best steaks and seafood at lower prices than in the golden zone.

Cuchupetas is my favorite place for seafood, in Mazatlan (the county, not the city), but it is in Villa Union (about ten minutes further south than the turnoff to the airport). I love the seafood brochette with big chunks of tender white fish and shrimp, onions, peppers, grilled and served with all the trimmings. Only open in the afternoon, not at night. Unfortunately, an expensive taxi ride.

The new restaurant on the Plaza (Plazuela) Machado (Il Mosto) had good food and **outstanding* service the 2 times we have eaten there. It is shaping up to be a winner in el Centro, with a good wine list, etc.

Il Mosto - The lasagna was good...not Italian...but for a Mexican style, it was tasty. Burro steak was delicious and worth the price of 130 pesos. It is swimming in a pool of burnt butter. Cholesterol city. Every bite is worth savoring. Another in my party ordered the steak Alcapone (all one word on the menu). Thin beef wrapped around spinach and cheese. Also very tasty. The salmon was scrumptious in a walnut sauce. For dessert, the flaming mangoes were a real treat. Elegantly presented and what a combination! Fresh mangoes, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, cointreau, brandy. I've heard mixed reviews on their rack of lamb. Some love it. Some hate it. BTW, we tried mushrooms as an appetizer and they were fantastic. I Like Il Mosto a lot too. I had the fish with spinach and cheese, and have tried some great appetizers there too. I am looking forward to that Burro steak!

It's hard to go wrong in Plazuela Machado since the setting is one of the finest in Mazatlan.

Beach Burgers - For the first time, I ventured away from their burgers. In our group we had a burger, the beef quesadillas and I tried the ribs. The burger was great, as always. The beef quesadillas, adequate. The ribs, not worth re-ordering. They were overcooked, dry, and lacked flavor. Our appetizers were good: we combined an order of guacamole, nachos and their house salsa. Yummy. At Beach Burgers I sometimes order the fish fingers.

The Saloon - 2 for 1 drinks every day 4 to 8. Wed. spaghetti night.

There is a great breakfast buffet at Emerald Bay (Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay) during the week, would guess they have one on Sunday, too.

Sunday brunch at Pueblo Bonito (Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan) is exceptional, and The Inn at Mazatlan (Papagayo) has a very nice buffet breakfast as does Hotel Playa Mazatlan (La Terraza). Also, I've found some pretty good food in the deli sections of some grocery stores.

Try a sidewalk cafe. Just any place that looks good. Order shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. You'll be happy.

One that was not mentioned, was "Vittores" Italian, owned by Los Sabalos hotel..and across from the hotel and Joes Oyster Bar. We usually eat there 3 times a week. There "rack of Lamb" is excellent. They use alot of goat cheese and eggplant to garnish. Better than Angelo's in Pueblo Bonito. (and their food is very well prepared. Also, their fish dishes, are usually very interestingly prepared, either with roasted peppers in a wine sauce or with pecans and wine sauce. The Steak filet was also very tender. Sometimes we just go there and have their house salad and a large bowl of minnistrone soup. A perfect lunch. And it is the only place they have PINOT GRIGIO WINE.. and reasonably priced. The service is good. As we all know, living in Mazatlan, a meal can be great one time and not the next. I would say Vittores is consistant. I would not recommend their pasta's... Maybe the Capallini Pompodoro. Their sauces are usually bland. (except for the raviolis and maybe lasagne.

David Shafer June 12, 2005