18+ Best Restaurants in San Pancho, Nayarit

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San Pancho might be a small pueblo on Nayarit’s Pacific coast, but its culinary options are anything but few and far between! We lived here for two years and are always surprised by how delicious and diverse the restaurants are! If you’re looking for the best places and restaurants to eat in San Pancho, look no further!

Where else in the world can you eat mouth-watering churros, thin-crust pizza, authentic Mexican tacos, quesadillas, tortas, or pozoles, drink a craft beer while nomming on gourmet cheese and charcuterie, gulp down sweetened homemade jamaica (hibiscus) water, chomp on smoky, grilled barbecue chicken or ribs, and cut into a vegan quinoa waffle covered in exotic fruits?

The gastronomic options seem endless in San Pancho, not because there are infinite amounts of restaurants, but because each place is so unique and delicious in its very own way. One night, you can enjoy Italian pasta, pizza, or ravioli, and another night, fresh seafood and catch-of-the-day sashimi.

I initially wondered if I should even write about the best places to eat in San Pancho because the food scene here seems to change every month! But 

There are at least 20, if not more, restaurants and other places to eat in San Pancho that are worth discovering.).

Where to Eat in San Pancho, Mexico

Here are the 20 best places and restaurants to eat at in San Pancho, Mexico. 

This list is constantly updating as more restaurants pop up in San Pancho, so keep your eyes peeled!

1. Cafe Floresta

Located inside Hotel Marii, Cafe Floresta serves upscale Mexican breakfast dishes like chilaquiles and pan Frances — otherwise known as French toast! You’ll also find delicious drinks like their homemade kombucha and fresh squeezed juices.

Known for using fresh, local ingredients, this beautiful spot is surrounded by jungle and open air while still being nestled under a thatched roof for shade.

The ambiance and friendly service at Cafe Floresta are what really seal the deal and will keep you coming back multiple times throughout your trip to San Pancho.

Be sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards!

Best time to go: Breakfast or Lunch

Menu: Traditional Mexican breakfast items and American dishes, too. Chilaquiles, pan Frances (French toast), eggs benedict, fungi toast, juice, smoothies, coffee.

2. Chido Greens

Looking for an ultra-healthy lunch spot in the heart of San Pancho? Chido Greens has just what the doctor ordered. 

You’ll find everything from green smoothies to fresh pressed coconut water, quinoa bowls, and leafy salads, all perfect after a day in the sun or fueling up before a surf session.

Hearty breakfast and lunch items are also on the menu like chilaquiles, cochinita pibil, omelettes, and sandwiches if you’re looking for something a little more substantial. 

Best time to go: Breakfast & Lunch

Menu: Salads, smoothies, sandwiches, fresh squeezed juice.

3. Arigato Bake & Brew

One of the only Japanese restaurants in town, Arigato Bake & Brew is so much more than just another sushi spot. 

You’ll find specialty craft beer brewed in house, Argentinian sandwiches tucked between two slices of their handmade sourdough bread, and Mexican fusion bites like Japanese guacamole. 

Just a few of the items on their menu include beef lomo sandwiches, miso slaw, wild shrimp hand rolls, and sweet treats like purin, otherwise known as Japanese flan.

This spot is tiny and there are only a few outdoor tables so be sure to get here early if you want to snag one!

Best time to go: Lunch & DinnerMenu: Sushi, hand rolls, organic sourdough sandwiches, craft beer brewed in house.

4. Bistro Cielo Rojo

Huevos rancheros + veggie beet burger

Organic, locally sourced, sustainable, excellent service and atmosphere… That’s everything you’ll get at the Bistro Cielo Rojo!

We like to think of Hotel Cielo Rojo’s Bistro as one of our best-kept secrets in San Pancho. It’s not on the main street, and takes a curious wanderer to find it, but if you do, you’re in for a real treat.

The menu is inspired by a simple philosophy of eating healthy and sourcing organic, ethically responsible ingredients that are better for you and the environment.

With their fresh, seasonal ingredients, they create amazing surf and turf dishes that are scrumptious and aesthetically pleasing. We love eating here!

Best time to go: Breakfast or lunch between 8-2 pm. Keep an eye out for their dinner events!

Menu: Organic huevos rancheros, marlin quesadillas, gourmet beet burger, fresh turmeric juices, baked goods, and more.

5. Maria’s

The best food + service for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Maria’s is one of our favorite go-to places to eat in San Pancho! Their staff excels at customer service, which makes the already delicious food taste even better. And the portions (and prices) are just right!

Paul and I love Maria’s so much we chose to eat here for our anniversary dinner. The atmosphere is welcoming, happy, and tropical. We love sitting out in the garden area for breakfast or lunch when it’s nice and sunny out.

Best time to go: Breakfast or lunch, but dinner is awesome too (the dinner menu is different).

Menu: Omelettes, sandwiches, salads, steaks, chicken, American + Mexican breakfast, some fish dishes.

6. Barracuda

One of the best sashimi we’ve ever had!

Owned by one of the original families in San Pancho, Barracuda is a must-try restaurant serving up fresh seafood in delightful ways. If you love to sit down for lunch or dinner in a nice, cozy atmosphere, Barracuda in San Pancho will hit the spot.

Often, for dinner, they’ll host live music performances on the street, so this place easily fills up fast. If you plan to go with a group, I’d definitely recommend booking a table!

Tip: Order the Mahi-Mahi sashimi as an entrée (or for lunch) and prepare to be wowed. Lemon + chili oil + soybean caviar = scrumptious!

Best time to go: Lunch + dinner

Menu: Raw plates, seafood tacos, seasonal oysters, steaks, soups, pasta. Great wine selection.

7. Burrito Pinata 

Burrito Pinata is a homegrown restaurant owned by one of our friends here in San Pancho. It can be found inside the Entreamigos community center and is the perfect place to grab a vegan/vegetarian lunch.

For only 100 pesos, you’ll get the fresh juice or water of the day, a starter, a main course, and a dessert! Everything is homemade with locally sourced ingredients to bring you the freshest taste and combination of Mexican and international fare.

Best time to go: Around lunchtime between 1-4 pm.

Menu: Varies depending on seasonal ingredients. Vegan & Vegetarian

8. El Gallo (Best place to eat in San Pancho for breakfast!)

El Gallo is easily one of the most memorable places to have breakfast in San Pancho. The entire restaurant is outdoors, making it a perfect setting in the morning and at night for some pulque and salsa dancing!

You can’t come to San Pancho without at least one visit to the El Gallo restaurant. More than just a restaurant, it’s a place of conviviality where the community gathers for live music, theatrical events, shows, and salsa dancing on Friday nights.

Enjoy Nixtamal blue corn enchiladas, quesadillas, or tacos as you sit around the restaurant’s nearly 100-year-old tree. The food is prepared using authentic traditional cooking methods from the region.

Best time to go: Breakfast/lunch (for food) and at night after 6 pm (for pulque and other drinks + music, etc).

Menu: Blue corn quesadillas/tacos/enchiladas with a variety of veggie or meat fillings and sauces, huevos rancheros, divorciados, etc. Fresh juice/agua del dia, organic yogurt, and more.

9. Dolce Amore / Dolce Jardin

Dolce amore menu + dolce jardin pizza and fondue!

Craving a huge bowl of fresh pasta? Or maybe a wood-fired pizza? Then you’re in luck! Both places are just in front of the other, and which one you go to really depends on what mood you’re in.

Dolce Amore is an iconic San Pancho restaurant, serving up yummy, shareable bowls of pasta or their homemade lasagna. You can also order gelato on the side.

Dolce Jardin has a nicer atmosphere and is set in a cozy garden under a tree canopy just across the street. Here, you can order steaks, tacos, and cheese fondue, but most people go for their tasty pizzas.

Luckily, both locations offer a delicious brownie with ice cream for dessert! :p

Best time to go: DinnerMenu: Pasta, pizzas, salads, wine, beer, gelato, etc.

10.  La Ola Rica (Best restaurant in San Pancho for dinners + drinks)

The classiest drinks @ La Ola Rica

La Ola Rica is definitely the go-to restaurant in San Pancho for expats, which isn’t a bad thing, per se, but it does mean it’s a little pricier than other places.

However, La Ola Rica remains popular season after season because of its unique atmosphere, excellent service, and, of course, tasty meals! 

If you’re in the mood for upscale dining, with cocktails, steaks, and gourmet angel-hair pasta with seafood, etc., then La Ola Rica won’t disappoint you.

They also offer a range of delicious desserts, like their crême brûlée, which satisfies our sweet tooth.

Best time to go: DinnerMenu: Steaks, ribs, chicken, seafood, small pizzas, cocktails, soups, etc.

11. Mr. Ribs (best restaurant in San Pancho for meat-lovers)

Mr. Ribs street view (left). A popular place for grilled meats, live music, and watching the games!

I’m shocked I’ve made it to #9 already without mentioning Mr. Ribs! Mr. Ribs is another iconic San Pancho restaurant that’s usually packed with both locals and tourists, nearly every day of the week.

The style is very American/Canadian, but nonetheless, you can get delicious smoked and grilled barbecue chicken, ribs, or steak. After renovating their BBQ area, it’s much more enjoyable to sit and enjoy your meal without having the smoke blow in your face.

If you’re in town while there’s a match on, you’ll see Mr. Ribs fill up quickly with fans watching the TVs.

Best time to go: Lunch or dinner

Menu: BBQ chicken, fish, steaks, ribs, soups, etc.

12. Cervecería Artesanal San Pancho (Best microbrewery in San Pancho)

A brewery? Good for food? Well, yes!! La Cerveceria is San Pancho’s number one place to grab a beer and some fries with friends. But what makes it really great is that you don’t have to get up and search for food if you’re feeling hungry.

While limited, their menu offers fair-priced sandwiches, charcuterie + cheese plates, and more that’ll no doubt satiate your appetite.

Unfortunately, I never took a picture of the cerveceria while I was there. Or at least it’s lost in my millions of photos from San Pancho. Guess I’ll have to go back!

Best time to go: Dinner / late-night

Menu: Pork belly mustard sandwich, brie + honey sandwich, large/small charcuterie + cheese boards, french fries, burgers, etc. 

13. Taqueria Los Arbolitos (Best local tacos in San Pancho)

The typical Mexican taco stand. Garnish-your-own tacos and quesadillas @ Los Arbolitos

Taqueria Los Arbolitos is a staple when it comes to San Pancho’s Mexican cuisine scene.

If you want a typical Mexican experience, eating handmade corn or flour tortillas on plastic tables on the street with house-made horchata (rice drink) and all the taco and quesadilla fixin’s — then come to Los Arbolitos!

Single-ingredient tacos are extremely cheap so you can stack up as much as you want!

Best time to go: Open for dinner only

Menu: Tacos/quesadillas/volcanes al pastor, chicken, mushrooms, cactus, rajas (poblano peppers), steak. Flan.

14. Restaurante Limbo

Jamaica (hibiscus) tacos @ Limbo

Restaurante Limbo sits just steps away from the beach! When it first opened up, their gourmet-style tacos were an absolute hit. I love their agua frescas, especially the red fruit agua fresca (which sadly isn’t offered anymore).

The menu has evolved a little, but you can still go taste their unique flavors and taco combinations for lunch. 

If you’re craving something fresh from the sea or land, try their popular al ajillo (garlic + guajillo chiles) combos with fresh fish, shrimp, crab, or mushrooms, served with crispy tostadas.

Best time to go: Lunch for tacos, dinner for everything else

Menu: Tacos, ajillo dishes, panela, sea avocado, pork, seafood, ceviche.

15. Itzalanyasayan

Smack dab in the center of Tercer Mundo on your way to the beach. You can’t miss it!

Itzalanyasayan is an unpronounceable, yet hugely satisfying, family-owned restaurant in San Pancho. 🙂

The menu features healthy, earthy Mexican fusion cuisine, locally sourced and hand-prepared in San Pancho.

We actually knew the cook — a caring mother of five kids after whom she named her restaurant — long before eating here. She is the one that actually adopted our 3 stray cats that lived outside our first apartment in San Pancho.

If you’re looking for super healthy and nutritious, homemade Mexican cuisine with an edge, this is the place to go.

Fun fact! The first time we ate at Itzalanyasayan, we ended up meeting Lauren, who had just joined The Lumineers, and her partner Ryan, who is the co-founder of Blind Pilot – another famous band.

Best time to go: Open every day for lunch and dinner. Bring mosquito spray!

Menu: Homemade blue corn quesadillas/taco plates stuffed with a mix of healthy veggies; quinoa, sweet potato, grains, etc., and cheese. Plates come with a dressed side salad. Meat options include ham, Marlin fish, etc. Fresh agua del dia like jamaica and grapefruit.

16. Ikan Cocina Marina

Spicy crab taco @ Ikan!

Ikan is a delicious seafood bar located on Calle Asia. The space is small and sits right on the street, but it is extremely cute with nicely decorated bar seating, street-side tables, and lighting!

We were excited to try because we had heard amazing reviews of their seafood dishes. When we walked up, a lady sitting at a nearby table urged us to eat there.

I’m personally not a huge fan of seafood – beyond salmon, oysters, crab – I’m a total wuss. I don’t do grilled octopus. But apparently, they know how to do it and they do it well, so if you like seafood, you’ll have to try this cute place out.

Best time to go: Around lunchtime

Menu: Ceviche (veg option available), seafood tacos + tostadas. Fresh agua del dia.

17 & 18. La Perla And Las Palmas (2 Beachfront Restaurants)

Paul working on the beach at Iguana Las Palmas

Finally, there are two restaurants located right on the beach as you walk out onto la playa San Pancho.

La Perla (on the left) is where we usually go for snacks or meals. The service has always been excellent, even if the food isn’t the best, and we’ve just naturally migrated to that side of the beach as we walk out. 

We always used to lounge on the beach chairs at La Perla, until one day they began charging a minimum of 200 pesos. Before, we could just grab a beer and chill. So, after 6 months of frequenting their business regularly, we stopped going almost indefinitely.

Las Palmas (on the right) gets an equal amount of business, I’d say, but really, the two are very similar in price and quality of food. The portions from both restaurants are copious and fresh. 

The atmosphere is nice on both sides. It’s really just a matter of preference. Although now, Paul and I have been increasingly enjoying the shade under the palms at Las Palmas since they opened up a second bar area (also called Las Palmas) but with a slightly different drink and snack menu.

In either case, both locations will bring you the beachy, tropical experience your heart desires.

Sit back, relax with a Corona or michelada and watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean from your chair. Paradise!

Best Drinks / Coffee / Snacks in San Pancho

While the places below aren’t typical restaurants, I wanted to recommend some of my favorite go-to places that serve the best coffee, snacks, and other goodies in San Pancho.

Mexicolate – Cocoa/Chocolate Bar

Delicious cocoa / banana / peanut butter smoothie @ Mexicolate

Don’t leave San Pancho without trying Mexicolate’s fresh cocoa! The smell itself is intoxicating. Mexicolate is much more than a chocolate bar; it’s a place to go and learn about the history, process, and the cultural and spiritual significance of cocoa in the region. 

You can taste fresh cocoa nibs, try their various chocolate pieces with fruit or nuts, and also order a fresh smoothie or drink made with only natural, healthy ingredients.

Their banana/peanut butter smoothie with cocoa is such a treat that’ll cool you down while refreshing your senses. Unlike coffee, cacao energizes and invigorates without making you crash later.

Best time to go: Anytime during opening hours (9 am – 7 pm) *closed Sundays

Menu: Hot & cold cocoa/chocolate drinks, smoothies, organic products (honey, cacao nibs, etc.)

The Churros Couple – World’s best churros 

Enjoying the bestestestest churros in the park!

Most evenings before sunset, “the churro couple” (as Paul and I call them) set up their churro stand on the side of the road from the back of their truck. The churros are only 10 pesos each (.50 cents) and taste like heaven on earth!

Every time we have family visit us in San Pancho, they’re amazed at how good the churros are. You just won’t find better — promise!

Ceviche Lady – Fresh ceviche on wheels 

If you see an orange push bicycle with a blue rooftop tent and a strong, smiling lady yelling “Ceviche!” as she walks down Av. Tercer Mundo, then make sure to run after her and treat yourself to a fresh ceviche tostada. 

Dona Tera (I believe that’s her name!) makes the best homemade ceviche ever, even better served with her special salsa. One tostada costs only 12 pesos!

Moreover, she is especially awesome because — in the year that we’ve been living here — Dona Tera has switched from using disposable plastics and styrofoam to biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives. Hooray!!

Best time to go: Look for her cart between 11-4 pm somewhere, strolling on the main street or side streets.

Gaesha

If ever you see Amanda pushing around her cart selling her delicious homemade falafel wraps, take up the opportunity! She hand makes all her sauces, bread, falafel balls, and hummus – cilantro or chile-based. And for only 40 pesos, you can’t get a better deal than this! Paul and I often would come out to get one or grab one on the go.

More San Pancho Restaurants

As a testament to this little town’s foodie prowess, here’s an additional list of other great restaurants in San Pancho…

• Victor’s: A traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch spot on Tercer Mundo with favorites like the shrimp quesadilla, breakfast burrito, fish tacos, and piña coladas. 
• La Taza de Cafe: Another simple Mexican restaurant for breakfast or lunch on Tercer Mundo. Dishes include huevos rancheros, fajitas, tacos, and burritos.
• Yasmina’s: Yasmina’s is a beautiful restaurant dishing up an uber healthy take on traditional Mexican cuisine with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Enjoy dishes like yellow curry, vegan ceviche, and green quesadillas, surrounded by lush gardens.
• Dough Joe: American breakfast spot with favorites like donuts, biscuits, hash browns, and good coffee.
• Yum Yum: Yum Yum is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that serves both breakfast and lunch. You’ll find everything from pancakes and omelettes to falafel, salad, and burritos. 
• Casa Gourmet: Casa Gourmet is a tiny French bakery that dishes up pastries and sandwiches that are perfect for grabbing on the go.
• Bistro Organico: Located inside Hotel Cielo Rojo, Bistro Organico serves healthy breakfasts throughout the week and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
• La Patrona Beach Club: One of the most upscale spots in town, La Patrona is a combination restaurant, bar, pool, and spa. The $25 cover charge is well worth hanging out here for a day as the ambiance is second to none with soaring ceilings in the dining room and jaw dropping ocean views. Their menu includes both traditional Mexican and American items like tlaxti aguachile, battered fish tacos, and angus beef burgers. 
• Su Pancha Madre: A small restaurant on Calle Mexico, visitors rave about their sopes, a traditional Mexican dish made from a base of fried masa and topped with various ingredients like shrimp, mole, and steak.
• Tarraya: A beachfront spot known for their cocktails and fresh seafood. This is a perfect spot to watch the sunset over dinner!
• Miralo Gastrobar: A yummy dinner restaurant and patio that uses local ingredients in dishes like poutine, caesar salad, grilled octopus, and chicken sandwiches. They also have a well thought out craft cocktail menu. 
• Habibi: A beautiful, Bohemian restaurant that serves up high end Mediterranean fare. Dishes include tuna crudo, marinated olives, focaccia and dip, grilled t-bone steak, and pappardelle al ragu.
• Gipsy: Located on Tercer Mundo, Gipsy is a fusion Indian restaurant known for its live music and signature cocktails.
• Punta Las Olas: Does everyone in your group want something different? Head to Punta Las Olas, a food hall with options like Greek, Thai, burgers, and more. This is also a great spot for kids as they have a dedicated play area.
• Pizza el Punto: A delicious pizza place run by an Italian family. You can get pizza by the slice or focaccia-style, rectangular pizzas.
• Lobito del Mar: A seafood restaurant that specializes in oysters and has live music on weekends. 
• Chichili: A vegan ice cream shop known for their Frozen Snickers.

San Pancho Restaurants: A Foodie Guide

Wow! I hadn’t realized there were so many places to eat in San Pancho until I wrote it all down. And there are even more places to discover beyond the ones I highlighted here!

With that being said, don’t be afraid to branch out and try places not listed here. There are some extremely delicious local restaurants with no names that are worth trying, too.

Since the town is growing rapidly, many restaurants in San Pancho come and go, so it changes quickly. Right now, these are my favorite, top 18 restaurants and places to eat. For the most part, I expect all of these to stick around for a while!!

As you can see, San Pancho offers so much in terms of cuisine!! Which place to eat in San Pancho would you try first?! Let me know your thoughts and leave your questions in the comments!

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