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. What shows up on your plate depends on what’s in season, who’s cooking, and what time you arrive. The food is straightforward, fresh, and shaped by proximity – to the ocean, to tradition, and to the land.
Feet in the Sand
Paco’s
A local standby on the beach, Paco’s serves the kind of food you want after a long session in the water: golden-fried coconut shrimp, fish tacos wrapped in still-warm tortillas, and burritos that come out heavy and hot. No need to change out of your swimsuit, just walk up and eat.
Las Brisas
Home-cooked mariscos in a breezy spot with flour tortillas rolled by hand. The grilled fish comes out steaming and piled high; the camaronillas will become your new favorite staple. It’s simple, familial, and deeply satisfying.
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.
Coffee, Breakfast, & Midday Shade
Hacienda Café y Té
Serving up smoothies, iced lattes, chilaquiles, burgers, pastas, and more. Come early for coffee, stay through lunch, or drop in later for live music and wine. There’s reliable Wi-Fi if you need it, and a big terrace for everything else. Stop in la Esquina market next door after your meal for handcrafted gelato that you'll crave night after night.
Acadia
A café, surf shop, and boutique just inland. Once it launches, expect good espresso and quiet seating surrounded by mango trees.
Mole Negro (Zihuatanejo)
If you're heading to or from the airport - or making a supply run into Zihua - build in time for brunch at Mole Negro. The chilaquiles are some of the best around, the sourdough is baked in-house, and the coffee is consistently excellent. It’s always packed, and for good reason. A rare intersection of taste, style, and atmosphere that still feels local.
Tropical Munchie
A small stand near the point offering fresh-baked breakfast breads, cookies, and cakes made daily. Simple, sweet, and easy to crave after a surf session or morning walk on the beach.
Dinner Traditions
Lourdes
On Thursday nights the pizza oven fires up and the music starts around sunset. Thin crust, good sauce, cold drinks, and a crowd that knows the drill.
Angelina’s
A small kitchen turning out quesadillas, tacos, and other family recipes. It’s tucked off the road in Los Llanos and easy to miss. There’s something grounding about it… like you’ve been invited into someone’s home and told to sit down and eat.
Reliable two-for-one margaritas from 4–7pm, steps from the point. Laid-back and perfectly timed for golden hour.
Expand the Map
Outside of Saladita in towns like La Ensalada, La Boca, and Los Llanos you won’t find websites or signage. But you will find open kitchens, wood stoves, and delicious food made for the people who live here: birria served until it sells out, pozole on Thursdays, and open-fire grills running by 8am. These aren’t restaurants so much as homes with open doors. Follow the smoke or ask someone who’s been here longer than you.
A Note
Most places are cash only. Many don’t post hours. Some days they don’t open at all. The best way to eat here is the same way you do everything else in Saladita: stay flexible, stay present, and let the day unfold.
