25 BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido for Foodies! (2023)
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Looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido? Well, as a HUGE foodie myself, you’re in the right place! We lived in Puerto Escondido for nearly two months, and the food was just *incredible*. Here’s a list of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido!
As backpackers, we tend to opt for the cheapest food rather than the nicest whilst travelling. Sometimes we spend our last pennies on dodgy street food or save them altogether by cooking in the cluttered hostel kitchen. For most of us, it’s rare to say, ‘let’s get dressed up and go to a restaurant!’
But one of the best things about Puerto Escondido was that we could do this. And we definitely didn’t need to get dressed up!
Yes, we still ate street food (and it was yummy), but most of the restaurants in Puerto Escondido are budget-friendly, meaning we could eat out most nights. This was such a treat for us as backpackers, and we were able to experience all the incredible food Puerto Escondido has to offer.
From traditional homemade Mexican tacos, to middle eastern falafel, smoked BBQ and good old fashioned American, there’s a restaurant in Puerto Escondido for everyone.
And like I said, we lived there for almost two months, so we tried most of them!
In the following post, I outline the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido. These are all restaurants I personally ate in myself. If a restaurant didn’t meet basic expectations, it’s not included on the list (meaning I can personally vouch for every single one of the venues below!)
So, let’s get started on the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido!
BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido: A Summary
Before we begin, it’s important to know that Puerto Escondido is split into five main areas. All of the restaurants on this list are in one of the five areas.
These main areas are:
- La Punta
- Rinconada
- Centro
- Bacocho
- Zicatela
Getting around Puerto Escondido is easy, but if you’re staying in La Punta and want to go out for dinner in Rinconada, you’ll need to grab a taxi or jump on your scooter.
Each restaurant on the list has where it is (including the area), so just make sure you check the address from your accommodation before you head out.
Disclaimer – I am NOT a food blogger so the photos on this page aren’t the greatest! Ha – but they’re there to help you seek out the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido!
Vegetarian?
Being a vegetarian in Mexico isn’t the easiest. Most restaurants serve only meat, so it’s important to look at the menu beforehand. In the following list, look out for the (V) symbol. This means at least one vegetarian meal is served at this restaurant.
1. The Smoke Shack (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Korean and Mexican BBQ
💵 Budget: High (£££)
📍Address: Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Fun but chilled
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Honey-glazed Brussel sprouts and bacon
⏱ Opening times: 2-11pm
The Snoke Shack was undeniably the best meal we had in Puerto Escondido. It’s a mix between a Korean and Mexican BBQ, and every dish we had was absolutely delicious.
The menu states the platters can be split between two, but we found it was more of a one-person meal. It’s expensive but worth every penny!
It also has loud music playing for a fun, vibrant atmosphere, as well as local performers throughout the night. I highly recommend The Smoke Shack for a Friday or Saturday evening out!
2. Amoki (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Mexican burritos
💵 Budget: Low (£)
📍Address: Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta S/N, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Brisas de Zicatela, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Outdoor tables with a casual atmosphere
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Californian steak and Oaxacan cheese giant burrito
⏱ Opening times: 1pm-11pm
Mmmmm. I think I’ll be dreaming of the giant burritos in Amoki for the rest of time.
Amoki is absolutely one of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido for exceptional value. For around £5 ($6), you get a giant (and I mean, giant) burrito, full of flavour, filling and my favourite – Oaxacan cheese.
And don’t expect any fancy dining at Amoki. It’s a small venue in a hut on the side of the road in La Punta/Centro, with a few wooden tables out the front for you to use. But this adds to the experience. It’s quick, easy, delicious and cheap, and undoubtedly has some of the best Mexican food in Puerto Escondido.
3. The Fish Shack (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Fish and vegetarian tacos with fries
💵 Budget: Low (£)
📍Address: Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta S/N, entre Heroes Oaxaqueños y Benito Juarez, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Outdoor tables with a casual, fun atmosphere
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Coconut-fried cauliflower tacos
⏱ Opening times: 12pm-11pm
The Fish Shack is one of the most popular restaurants in Puerto Escondido. It’s a chilled, laid-back small curb-side restaurant with loud music, friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. And best of all? It has some of the best tacos in the whole of Puerto Escondido.
If you’re a meat and fish eater, go for the fried shrimp tacos. They’re layered up with slaw, avocado, salsas, and lime laid on top of a fresh, tasty, soft taco shell. They’re a bit tricky to eat, but so worth it!
Vegetarian? The cauliflower tacos cooked in coconut were some of the best tacos I’ve ever eaten in my life. Don’t ask me what they do to them, but they are incredible. Even if you’re a meat eater, they’re worth a try!
And don’t forget to order some of the classic Fish Shack fries as a side dish. They won’t disappoint!
In Puerto Escondido for the Janaury sun? I’ve got you covered in my post: Puerto Escondido in January: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
4. Alaburger (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Burgers and pizza
💵 Budget: Medium (££)
📍Address: Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta, La punta de sitalet, 70934 Brisas de Zicatela, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Fun but chilled. Outdoor large sharing tables.
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Building your own burger! Order any burger from the menu to try.
⏱ Opening times: 1pm – 11.45pm
Alaburger is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido in La Punta. It’s a large venue with big sharing tables outside, decorated with fairy lights and a sandy floor.
The best thing about Alaburger is…the burgers. Once you’ve ordered, they’ll bring over a giant basket full of salad, toppings, sauces and dips, all for you to build your own burger.
Just order the main filling (vegetarian, beef, cheese, bacon…) and get building!
If you’re not a big burger fan, the pizzas are also incredible. And they’re served up with a side of tasty ‘nduja sauce. Mmmmm.
5. El Cafecito (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Mexican, American, Italian, Bakery
💵 Budget: Low (£)
📍Address: Boulevard Benito Juárez 1, Seccion C, Local 11, Rinconada, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: Rinconada and Zicatela
🎶 Atmosphere: Indoor casual restaurant
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Chorizo and potato tacos
⏱ Opening times: 6am – 11pm
Need a cheap and cheerful meal?
El Cafecito is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido for cheap, yet incredibly good Mexican food. There are two branches of El Cafecito, one in Rinconada, and one in Zicatela, both working from the same menu with the same prices.
Known for serving hearty, traditional Mexican dishes, El Cafecito was one of our favourite go-to restaurants when we lived in Puerto Escondido. Also serving western food like pesto pasta, burgers and carbonara, it’s an excellent choice if you’re with any fussy eaters!
If you’re a meat eater, I recommend the chorizo and potato-filled tacos. They’re served with rice and refried beans and served in a crispy taco shell (which is rare in Mexico!). But if you’re a veggie, there are also plenty of options like potato and cheese-filled tacos, or whole veggie dishes. Their menu is extensive, and there are lots of options to choose from!
6. Pinches Tacos (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Mexican build-your-own tacos
💵 Budget: Medium (££)
📍Address: Blvd Benito Juárez Boulevard Benito Juárez lote 11 70839, Rinconada, 70839 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: Rinconada
🎶 Atmosphere: Chilled outdoor tables
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Vegetable or arrachera tacos
⏱ Opening times: 3pm-11pm
Pinches Tacos is located on the Rinconada restaurant strip, and is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido. It may be a little pricier than some of the options on the list, but what it lacks in budget-friendliness, it makes up for in taste!
If you’re a meat eater, try the arrachera tacos (steak), or if you’re veggie, go for the standard vegetable tacos. Both are served plain, as you take your plate up to the counter to layer on your own toppings. I think this is what makes Pinches so great!
Toppings include everything from coleslaw to spicy salsas, pico de Gallo and salad. Doing this yourself really adds to the experience, and you get to eat your tacos exactly the way you want them!
Swimming in Puerto Escondido? Click here for everything you need to know.
7. El Sultan (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Middle Eastern
💵 Budget: Low (£)
📍Address: Boulevard benito juarez s/n fraccionamiento Rinconada 71983, Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: Rinconada
🎶 Atmosphere: Chilled outdoor tables
👍🏼 Recommended dish: 2-for-1 falafel wrap on Wednesdays
⏱ Opening times: 8.30am – 10pm
El Sultan is another great restaurant in Rinconada. Located right next to the entrance of Playa Carrizalillo, it’s a cheap, easy and casual restaurant serving Middle Eastern food. I became a little obsessed with the falafel and houmous wraps, but they also serve shawarma wraps, salad bowls and other kebab-like foods.
8. Cafe Losodeli and Co-Working (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Breakfast and lunch pancakes, eggs, croissants and coffee
💵 Budget: Medium (££)
📍Address: Prolongación de, Calle Segunda Nte. sn, Centro, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: Rinconada
🎶 Atmosphere: Chilled co-working space with strong Wifi
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Nutella pancakes
⏱ Opening times: 7.30am – 4pm
If you need to get a bit of work done whilst grabbing breakfast or lunch, Cafe Losodeli is one of the best places to do it. Their breakfast options are reasonable prices for the portion sizes, and the Nutella pancakes are delicious.
Cafe Losodeli is also a co-working hostel, which you can find out more about here.
9. La Chula Taquiera
🍽 Cuisine: Street food tacos
💵 Budget: Low (£)
📍Address: Alejandro cardenas, Hidalgo esq, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Chilled street food in an enclosed setting. Ping pong table and cocktails in the evening.
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Tacos al pastor
⏱ Opening times: 10am – 1am
La Chula Taqueria is like a street food van inside a modern restaurant with fun decor and a pool table. But, the food costs the same as a street food van!
The best option is to get three tacos al pastor for 45 pesos (£1.80/$2.20). This includes all the toppings – pico de Gallo, salsa, lime… for you to choose from. If you’re looking for a recommendation, get the tacos al pastor. We may or may not have over-ordered every time we visited. It’s without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido.
What is ‘tacos al pastor‘?
A traditional Mexican dish is tacos al pastor (directly translated as ‘Shepherd’s Style’). This taco is chopped up kebab-like seasoned pork, which is spit-grilled and marinated. The taco will then be filled with cilantro, onion, tomato and even pineapple to give it that fresh and juicy taste. If you’re visiting Mexico, it’s a dish you need to try!
10. Casa de Los Abuelos (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Homemade Mexican food
💵 Budget: Low (£)
📍Address: Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta 660, Brisas de Zicatela, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Small garden with outdoor tables
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Chorizo tlayudas
⏱ Opening times: 8.30am-10.30pm
Casa de Los Abuelos is one of the oldest and best Mexican restaurants Puerto Escondido. It isn’t anything fancy, just a few outdoor, worn down tables in the front garden with the kitchen out the back. But it served some of the best food we had all trip!
Expect traditional, home-cooked, hearty Mexican food without any fuss. It’s perfect for budget backpackers as the prices are so low.
For meat eaters, I recommend chorizo tacos or tlayudas. If you’re a veggie, there are also vegetable options. I had a vegetable tlayuda layered with Oaxacan cheese.
Puerto Econdido in February? I got you covered in my post: Puerto Escondido in February: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
What is a ‘tlayuda‘?
A tlayuda is a homemade traditional Oaxacan street food, so you’ll find them served in most Mexican restaurants in Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. They’re a large, thin, crunchy tortilla, filled with an ingredient of your choice (meat, beans, vegetables, cheese), and of course salsas, pico de Gallo and everything else you’d like. They’re then folded over to be toasted on a fire, or fried. It’s a food you MUST try in Oaxaca!
11. Malagua (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Breakfast and lunch pancakes, sourdough, eggs and smoothie bowls
💵 Budget: Medium (££)
📍Address: Av Alejandro Cardenas Esquina Hidalgo 388, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Chilled co-working cafe
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Matcha pancakes
⏱ Opening times: 8.15am-3pm
Malagua is another exceptional co-working spot with delicious pancakes. Their meals are a little more expensive, but they’re large and filling. If you’re visiting for the first time, order the pancakes! They’re topped with peanuts and chocolate spread… they may not be healthy, but wow they are good!
Note if you want to use the co-working space, you need to pay an additional £5 ($6) an hour.
Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido? Found out in my post: Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido? 2023 Updates
12. Sabina (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Mexican, Italian, American
💵 Budget: Medium (££)
📍Address: Calle Héroes Oaxaqueños Esquina con Guanajuato La punta, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Chilled outdoor co-working spot with excellent wifi
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Pesto pasta or chicken burritos
⏱ Opening times: 7am – 4pm
Sabina was one of our favourite restaurants in Puerto Escondido for lunch. Their food is homemade and exceptional, from the chicken burritos to the standard pesto pasta.
And if you need good wifi, Sabina is the place to go! Sabina had the strongest wifi we could find in Puerto Escondido, so it’s a great spot to eat and work.
13. Mombasa (V)
🍽 Cuisine: Pizza and cocktails
💵 Budget: High (£££)
📍Address: Heroes Oaxaqueños entre calles Nayarit y Nuevo Leon, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: La Punta
🎶 Atmosphere: Fun and lively bar with funky cocktails and live music
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Oysters!
⏱ Opening times: 5pm-1am
Mombasa is a lively restaurant and cocktail bar in La Punta. Because of the setting, decor and live music, the prices are a little higher, but the taste is worth it!
We returned to Mombasa a few times for the cocktails alone. They also put on nightly live music, DJs, and jazz bands, so you can always expect something to be going on! Its definitely one of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido!
Looking for help getting to Oaxaca from Mexico City? Click here for a full breakdown.
14. Amalfi Italian (Benditos)
🍽 Cuisine: Italian
💵 Budget: Medium (££)
📍Address: Av. Alfonso Pérez Gasga 605, Centro, 71890 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
🗺 Area: Centro
🎶 Atmosphere: Fun but chilled Italian restaurant
👍🏼 Recommended dish: Pepperoni pizza!
⏱ Opening times: 3.30pm-11pm
Over in Centro is this amazing Italian restaurant, Benditos (well, when we were there, it was called Amalfi, but on Google it is Benditos). If you’re craving a good old-fashioned cheesy pizza, or a creamy carbonara, this is the place to go!
Plus, the staff were so friendly and welcoming, which always makes a difference!
Your guide for the best party spots in Puerto Escondido is here!
What is ‘pico de gallo‘?
Pico de Gallo is one of the most common toppings you will find in Mexico. Served with almost everything (burritos, tacos, quesadillas, tlyudas…) it’s a type of salsa including ripe red tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. Adding pico de Gallo to your tacos gives them a ‘fresher’ and juicier taste.
Other incredible restaurants in Puerto Escondido
These restaurants all still deserve a notable mention, as again they are INCREDIBLE. As I said, I have eaten at every single one of these restaurants, and can personally vouch for each one having delicious food!
15. The Food Market, La Punta: (££) A food market serving fresh pasta, pizza, tacos, and Thai food with a full bar.
16. Piyoli Superfoods, La Punta: (£££) expect everything from falafel sandwiches to green salads.
17. Mundaka Pizza and Cocktails, La Punta: (££) tasty pizza, pasta and cocktails.
18. Lychee Thai Food, La Punta: (££) tasty pizza, pasta and cocktails.
19. Chicama Peruvian Food, La Punta: (££) traditional Peruvian food along with dancing and a fun atmosphere.
20. The Boneyard, La Punta: (££) the perfect place for chilled beers and pizza.
21. Juana Mezcala, La Punta: (££) tacos and mezcal, what more could you want?!
22. Frida, La Punta: (££) a fish-based menu with other options. We loved the banana chips and guacamole!
23. Pitaya Smoothie Bowls, Centro: (£) the best smoothie bowls I had in the whole of Puerto Escondido! They also do a fantastic iced latte.
24. Las Chinas Oaxaca, Centro: (£) cheap and cheerful burritos near Playa Principal!
25. Dulce Tierre, La Punta/Rinconada: (£) my go-to when it comes to coffee and smoothie bowls. I started every morning off in Puerto Escondido with a Dulce Tierre cappuccino!
Looking to get an uber around Puerto Escondido? Read this post first.
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
Looking for the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido? I’ve written a guide on the best areas in Puerto, as well as the best hostels.
But if you’re specifically looking for La Punta hostels and hotels (as most backpackers are!), here are some of the best places to stay.
- Bonita Escondida (££): if you want to party, meet friends and have a crazy time in Puerto Escondido.
- Experiencia Surf and Spanish school (££): if you want to learn Spanish and surf during your time in Puerto Escondido.
- Casa Punta (££): for a fun, social hostel.
- Pacific Buddha (£): for those on a tight budget needing a hostel room in the heart of La Punta.
- Casa Terranova (££): for budget hotel rooms with a pool.
- Frida Paradise Beachhouse (££): to be in the middle of the main street in La Punta, with a live music bar and swimming pool.
- Casa De Los Abuelos (£): for budget backpacker hostel rooms in the middle of the main street in La Punta.
Other things to do in Puerto Escondido
Here is a quick list of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, and find out more info here!
- Release baby turtles on Playa Bacocho
- Try surfing for the first time, or take a surfing lesson
- Spot dolphins, whales and turtles on a boat tour
- Learn Spanish at Experiencia
- See the bioluminescent plankton during a new moon
- Join the daily volleyball match on the beach in La Punta
- Dine in the restaurants on the Rinconada strip
- Go kayaking in the mangroves of Laguna Manialtepec
- Do the coastal walk on Playa Principal
- Take a day or overnight trip to Mazunte
- Do a Puerto Escondido skydive
- Relax on one of the many beaches
- Go horseback riding during sunset
- Watch the unbeatable sunset from Playa Carrizalillo
- Listen to live music in La Punta
- Watch a world-class surfing tournament at Playa Zicatela
- Go snorkelling on Playa Coral
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise
- Drink a cocos frios on the beach
- Take a walk around Puerto Escondido’s biggest market, Mercado Benito Juarez
- Go on a day or overnight trip to Chacahua, where you can spot whales from the beach
- Visit the nearby waterfalls
- Go shopping in some of the many shops in La Punta
- Watch skateboarding and rollerblading at The Boneyard
- Visit one of the oldest restaurants in Puerto Escondido, Casa de Los Abuelos (La Punta)
- Party the night away in Juane Mezcale (La Punta)
- Have a late-late night in Xcaanda
- Take a Mexican cooking class
- Try the famous fish tacos at The Fish Shack
- Catch up on some work in a co-working spot
- Join a local event in Centro
- Try a mix of Korean and Mexican BBQ food in the Smoke Shack
- Build your own burger in Alaburger, one of La Punta’s best restaurants!
Read my guide for everything you need to know about Rinconada.
Getting around Puerto Escondido
Getting around Puerto Escondido depends on where you’re going to stay.
For example, La Punta is entirely walkable. It’s only a small area, so you do not need a car or a scooter if you are only planning on staying in La Punta. However, if you would like to explore other areas and beaches, taxis, coletcivos and scooters are your best option.
And then there’s getting around Puerto Escondido as a whole. Again, it’s easy, especially by scooter, colectivo or taxi. It is possible to walk, but journeys like La Punta to Bacocho would take a couple of hours, and it’s HOT!
If you need to know the ins and outs of getting around, check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2023: A Complete Guide. If you’re adding Oaxaca City to your itinerary then make sure to check out my guides on what to wear, uber in Oaxaca City and is the water safe to drink?
Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico
If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Best Restaurants in Puerto Escondido: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido, in the most extensive Puerto Escondido restaurant guide on the Internet!
When you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- How To Get From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte: Step-by-Step
- 32 BEST Things to do in Puerto Escondido For First-Timers
- Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
