3 Best Restaurants in Manzanillo, Mexico

Waitresses in funky, meter maid–style hats serve good seafood to canned music and the rhythm of nearby waves at this unpretentious restaurant. The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors, all of whom are particularly keen on stopping by to enjoy the sunset. Specialties include amazingly fresh seafood dishes like the Jalisco favorite pescado sarandeado (barbecued fish), camarón mustache (butterflied shrimp breaded in shredded coconut), and gigantic portions of ceviche. When in doubt, ask for half portions; servers are also flexible about substituting french fries or beans for rice. A smaller branch, El Bigotes 2 (Puesta del Sol 3, Tel. 334/334–0831), in the Playa Azul district, has the same great food but fewer specials.

The German chef at this little restaurant with tiled floors and beamed ceilings does exceptionally well with Mediterranean cuisine. The pastas are made fresh, and the pizzas are tasty—especially the cuatro queso pie made with Gouda, mozzarella, Parmesan, and goat cheese. A complete selection of Italian, Chilean, Mexican, and German wines rounds out the offerings.

Service is consistently friendly and fast at this longtime Manzanillo favorite. Specialties on the eclectic menu include seafood shish kebab served with rice and steamed vegetables, a three-lettuce salad with goat cheese, and a Caesar salad. For dessert, try the tiramisu. Most of the tables sit on the simple outdoor terrace overlooking the beach. People start using the dance floor nightly after 8:30.