What’s on the Table:
Old faves, new ideas in Troncones, Majahua & Saladita
Restaurants are part of the fabric of daily life here: places to gather, linger, celebrate, or just grab something delicious and familiar. But it’s never static. Spaces change hands, chefs bring fresh ideas, and new spots quietly pop up in places you’ve walked past a hundred times. Dogs wander between tables, friends stop by to say hello, and more often than not you’ll run into someone you know. Our local food scene is casual, creative and always evolving—a mix of long-loved staples, fresh ideas, and small surprises that make you look twice and say, “Well, that’s new.” Old favorites to new arrivals, familiar kitchens to fresh projects, there’s always something happening—and while most places welcome walk-ins, the most popular tables do fill up fast in high season, so a reservation is sometimes a smart move. While we’re still putting together a full restaurant directory–complete with menus, hours and insider tips–here’s a taste of what’s cooking, morning, noon, and night.
What’s New This Season
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Lobo del Mar: History on a Plate
Lobo is leveling up this season with Cocina y Narrativa, a monthly five-course dinner series exploring Mexico’s culinary history through storytelling and food–from the favorite dishes of Frida and Diego to the elegant tastes of Maximiliano de Habsburgo. Seats are limited–10 per dinner, reservations recommended–and rumor has it a Chilango breakfast menu is in the works. Ping-pong, board games, futbolito, and a Tuesday morning bazaar will also be added this season to add to the casual community vibe.
https://www.instagram.com/lobodemartroncones/
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Quetzal
Bigger and better with the same good vibes. One of Troncones’ most beloved daytime hangouts has had a full refresh–expanding its seating, adding creative new vegan dishes and introducing a few surprises—all while keeping the smoothies, coffee and brunch staples that made it a favorite.
https://www.instagram.com/quetzal.troncones/
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Old favorites
TRONCONES
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Indigo
A Troncones favorite for Argentine-style grilled meats, wood-fired pizzas, nice big salads and empanadas. The in-house mini bakery is a must-visit for breads and that dessert you need for your dinner party. Cheeses and gelato, too.
https://www.instagram.com/indigo_troncones/
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Café Pacifico
A long time staple; relaxed, shady and reliable. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies & coffee, sandwiches and baked goods. Gelato too! The adjacent boutique Pleamar make hanging out a little longer easy.
https://www.instagram.com/cafepacifico.troncones/
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Mi JardĂn
Both a local and visitor favorite for its signature wood-fired pizzas and pastas, which are handmade with a Mediterranean-Mexican twist. It’s also one of the few spots in town with a regular live music schedule–featuring tropical, acoustic and contemporary sets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 to 9 pm.
If you’re a pizza person (and who isn't?) take note, their 2-for-$500 MXN special runs daily from 2 to 5 pm and stretches into the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
https://www.instagram.com/mijardintroncones/
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Costa Brava
Perfectly situated on the beach in Troncones–one of the original beachside restaurants. Super friendly service, excellent fresh seafood, cold beer and tropical cocktails. Loungers by the pool and on the beach. Staycation, anyone?
https://www.instagram.com/costabravatroncones/
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Lo Sereno
Minimalist, chic and dependable. As close to an elegant dining experience as Troncones delivers. Gorgeous beachfront setting; simple, elegant food; great cocktails.
https://www.instagram.com/losereno_casadeplaya/
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The Inn at Manzanillo Bay
Dreamy beachfront dining on the bay looking north. Sophisticated as your local country club, featuring consistent service and well-presented food. Ideal for sunsets, special occasions or visitors in town.
https://www.instagram.com/theinn_manzanillobay_troncones/
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Los Raqueros
This classic beauty, an old school hacienda right on gorgeous Manzanillo Bay is a secret worth sharing. Exceptional service, delicious food; both traditional and seasonal Mexican; BBQ ribs every night and some simple classics. You'll feel like youre on vacation, even if you're not!
https://www.instagram.com/los_raqueros_bed_and_breakfast/
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La CevicherĂa
Owner Vianca and bartender Elfie bring fresh and proper ceviche. Unique cocktails and great vibes are delivered here daily. Black margarita, anyone?
https://www.instagram.com/lacevicheria_troncones/
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El Chiringuito
A stunning newcomer to the Troncones scene, and different, too. Its Spanish/Mexican fusion-style tapas and other plates are served with an Ibiza chic in a feet-in-the-sand setting. Great bar and better people watching. And, yes, this is the old Roberto's spot.
https://www.instagram.com/elchiringuitodefran/
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La Mexicana
A longtime local favorite for traditional Mexican comfort food with super friendly service. Saturday brunches feature 2x1 mimosas and live guitar music, 10-12. Also offers live music, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7-10pm.
https://www.instagram.com/lamexicana.tronconesmx/
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Rufis
20-year old family-run classic ceneduria. Great local and traditional mexican food, and stuffed baked potatoes. Also, home to the Troncones Cooking School.
‍https://www.instagram.com/cenaduriarufi_/
https://www.instagram.com/troncones.cooking.school/
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Rumor Mill:
There’s talk of a chicken-wing joint opening in the old La Italiana space.
And, there is a buzz about some new blood coming to the old beloved Eden restaurant this season.
Check back and we’ll tell you more.
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MAJAHUA
Same Mariscos, New Energy
Majahua’s food scene is all about the sea. While many menus look similar–grilled fish, tiritas, pulpo and shrimp in every form–each place has its own vibe. It’s worth wandering and trying them all.
New on the map is Terrazza del Mar, taking over the old Marta’s beachfront space offering casual seafood dishes just steps from the waves. On the other side of town, Mahahual sits high above the beach with one of the best sunset views around.
Long-time staples Las Brisas Mexicanas and Un Piedecito de Cielo are still doing their thing. Chef/owner Esperanza from Piedecito is known for her crudos and fresh tuna preparations. Both with unforgettable beach front dining and sunsets.
Sandy is now cooking near the kindergarten–upstairs in the restaurant space that once housed Yela’s–turning out excellent sopes and seafood specialties.
Yes, there’s still Antonio’s–a place for watching NFL and college football while enjoying a proper steak or two.
SALADITA
While not yet a dining destination there is good food, great coffee, and fun times to be had in Saldita. Most meals here don’t need reservations. You’ll eat in plastic chairs, with your feet in the sand or under a palapa, surrounded by surfers, dogs, kids, and the crashing of the waves.
The hub of Saladita, La Hacienda, serves up great smoothies, iced lattes, chilaquiles, burgers, pastas, and more. Hacienda Plaza is a one-stop destination for a meal, a coffee, a business meeting, some groceries, cash from the ATM, a bottle of wine–even a gift, a tattoo or a new bikini.
Down on the beach you'll find several classic break front eateries. Marea features a variety of seafood dishes with themed nights on weekends and live music, creating a vibrant feet in the sand dining and chilling atmosphere. At Ilianet's The ceviche is bright and generous, the tiritas sharp and citrusy, and the fish always grilled just right. You can order in your rashguard, eat with your hands and be in the water again in under an hour. One of the first spots on the beach, Lourdes offers a variety of Mexican dishes, pizzas and burgers. With a balcony facing the point break, it’s a great place to eat, chill and enjoy live music. Back inland, look for Acadia, a new café, surf shop and boutique. Expect good espresso, nice vibes and quiet seating, all surrounded by mango trees.
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