17 Best Restaurants in Sayulita Mexico You Can’t Miss

Heading to the little surf town of Sayulita? These are the best restaurants in Sayulita, Mexico you can’t miss in our ultimate Sayulita eating guide.

Updated: Fully for 2025/2026 season

The little coastal surf town of Sayulita is becoming more and more popular every day. For good reason. Located on the Riviera Nayarit and just 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is the perfect place to come for a couple of days.

There are so many things to do in Sayulita such as shopping, spending time on the beach, and surfing, but what makes Sayulita really stick out is its eating options. The restaurants in Sayulita are a must.

For such a small town, the Sayulita food scene is buzzing and has its fair share of incredible restaurants to fit all tastes and budgets. Here you’ll find aesthetic, chic cafes, local eats, and Mexican street food, as well as great international cuisines like Italian and Mediterranean.

After spending a couple of months eating my way through Sayulita, I prioritized restaurants that not only deliver creative spins on Mexican classics but also highlight the town’s love for fresh seafood, vibrant flavors, and laid-back dining.

Keep reading for my list of the best restaurants in Sayulita, Mexico that you have to eat at least once.

*This ‘sayulita best restaurants’ post may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.

Read more: Top Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico: The Complete Sayulita Travel Guide

17 Best Restaurants in Sayulita, Mexico

So, where to eat in Sayulita? While there are many more than these Sayulita, Mexico restaurants, these were my absolute favorites when living in the Riviera Nayarit for 2 months.

1. Tacos Al Pastor Diaz

Tacos Al Pastor Diaz is a popular eatery in Sayulita, Mexico, known for its flavorful tacos al pastor. Situated on Calle Jose Mariscal near the town plaza, this spot attracts both locals and tourists with its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Mexican street food.

The signature tacos feature ‘al pastor’ marinated pork, traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, served on fresh corn tortillas, and complemented by a variety of salsas and toppings from their well-stocked salsa bar.

I loved the quick service and the opportunity to enjoy a meal at outdoor seating, immersing myself in the lively surroundings. The prices here are affordable, and of course, there’s the reputation for delicious tacos, Tacos Al Pastor Diaz is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic culinary experience in Sayulita.

2. Anchor Cafe

Hands down my favorite cafe in all of Sayulita, a visit to Anchor Cafe at least once during your stay in Sayulita is a must.

It’s best at breakfast time or brunch, where you can dig into extraordinary portions of banana bread French toast, vegan chia pudding topped with a frozen smoothie, and creamy avocado toast on homemade sourdough.

There’s also an array of smoothie bowl options, bagels, and ciabatta sandwiches and smoothies.

The selection of drinks is also something to write home about. From matcha lattes to oat milk cappuccinos, cold brew and homemade Balinese-style Jamu juice (turmeric and ginger mix) everything is super fresh, tasty and extremely well-presented.

Anchor Cafe also has a small lunch menu where you can get fresh soup with grilled cheese or a farm bowl that includes hummus and fresh veggies on a bed of brown rice.

If you’re looking for a great cafe with quality food and a great aesthetic, make sure to come to Anchor.

Read more: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

3. El Itacate

A favorite among locals and digital nomads, El Itacate is one of the best Sayulita restaurants for steak tacos. Not only that, their salsas are all out of this world. Start with some tasty chips and guacamole and a cold beer.

Don’t order anything else but tacos- there’s a large selection from their famous steak tacos to shrimp tacos and even vegetarian options. The best part is their beans and onions you can also put on top of your tacos along with the fresh salsas.

El Itacate has some of the best tacos in the heart of Sayulita- make sure not to miss them.

4. Organi-K

You’ll no doubt walk right past Organi-K at some point while in Sayulita, and you’ll want to go in.

With a line down the street most mornings, this cafe/restaurant in Sayulita has the best coffee in town if you like yours strong.

They also do amazing açai bowls, avo toast (but if avo toast is what you’re after it’s better at Anchor Cafe or Miscelánea), smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and poke bowls.

My personal favorites here are the açai bowls and the coffee. They are blended smooth, and they don’t skimp on the toppings either.

It’s a great place to just grab something to go on your way to the beach.

They also have branches in Punta de Mita and Puerto (Nuevo) Vallarta just in case you miss the one in Sayulita.

5. Alquimista

If you’re looking for a relaxed local cafe with great, healthier Mexican food options then head right here. With a great selection of Mexican and Western breakfast classics like breakfast tortas and burritos, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and even oatmeal, this is a great way to start the day.

They also have great coffee which is sourced from Don Pancho- local, third-generation Mexican farmers in the Nayarit area.

For lunch or brunch, there are lots of classic options like tortas, tacos, salads. They have a variety of smoothies and hot and cold drinks too.

There aren’t too many plant-based options here- mainly vegetable tacos, burritos and salads but they are great.

6. Burrito Revolution

For some of the most scrumptious burritos in town, come right here to Burrito Revolution. With a small menu of mainly burritos, tacos and nachos, it’s really the burrito you want to grab here.

Choose between seafood options or the plant-based friendly black bean option (omit the cheese if vegan) and you have yourself a cheap and hearty meal option.

Burritos are also some of the most portable Mexican foods so if you’re looking for something to take to the beach this is a perfect choice.

Note that the burritos here are huge. I could barely finish one so if you’re not that hungry it’s an idea to split one between two.

7. Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine

One of the best places in town for authentic Mexican food and good vibes, Mary’s is loved by many. A small, hole-in-the-wall eatery with great prices and large portions, come here for shrimp tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, rice, chile rellenos, grilled fish, and tasty mole.

As there are only a few tables- most of them outside, there tends to be a long line here, especially during the high season. Make sure to come early this is one of the best restaurants in Sayulita Mexico.

Read more: The Best Restaurants in San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico

8. Tacos Gaby

This street food stall is just iconic in Sayulita. One of the best places in town to grab some Baja-style fish tacos, Gaby is super friendly as she serves up fried fillets of fresh fish. Wrap your fish in a tortilla, throw on some garnishes and salsa, and you have yourself a delicious taco.

For those who don’t eat meat, this taco stand is a great alternative at a very affordable price.

They also serve tostadas too if you’ve already had your fill of tacos.

9. Miscelánea Cafe

Another one of my personal favorites, Miscelánea Cafe is one of the best options in town for breakfast and brunch and everyone seems to know it so come early or you’ll have to wait.

It’s a great cafe if you really want to wake up slowly and have a leisurely breakfast.

Miscelánea Cafe does breakfast, brunch, and lunch with so much vibe and aesthetic. Choose a seat outside in the patio surrounded by great light, blue walls, and giant cactuses, or opt for the beautifully decorated inside with a natural aesthetic.

The menu here is impressive with so many delicious breakfasts and brunch classics it’ll take you ages to decide. Go for gluten-free pancakes, eggs, chia oats, yogurt bowls, fruit bowls or local breakfast classics like chilaquiles.

We ordered the avocado toast (which I thought was the best in town) and the corn pancakes. Everything was just so good.

My only regret? Not having time to come back again. There is also one in Puerto Vallarta.

Headed to Tulum? Check out the Complete Guide to Vegan Restaurants in Tulum

10. Matiz

Matiz is an open-air seafood restaurant in Sayulita, Mexico, offering a romantic ambiance and a menu that highlights fresh, local seafood prepared in both Veracruz and Sinaloa styles. Diners can enjoy craft cocktails at the bar or refreshing aguas frescas.

On the small but excellent menu, you’ll find a range of tostadas, aguachiles, as well as other fresh seafood dishes celebrating Sayulita’s prime seaside location.

11. Barracuda Sayulita

Barracuda is one of the best restaurants in Sayulita for seafood. The food here is fresh, tasty, and well done and the menu is creative.

One of the best things to order are the seafood tostadas, fresh fish topped with tomato, avocado, and fiery salsa. There are also some pretty amazing fried and grilled fish and seafood dishes too.

It’s all cooked to perfection and well-balanced. For seafood lovers, this is the best restaurant in Sayulita for seafood.

In terms of drinks, all the standards are available, but you’ll want to go for their freshly-made cocktails- the perfect way to finish the day.

12. Tacos Tal Ivan

If you’re looking for simple, cheap, no-frills yet delicious street tacos this place is where to go.

There are two different locations, one on the main plaza which is open for lunch and dinner and the other on Calle Marlin 12 which is only open in the evening.

Here you’ll find all the taco meat classics like al pastor, bistec, chorizo, arrachera etc. They also do gringas and tortas.

For plant-based eaters, they do mushroom tacos. Order a few tacos with onions and cilantro, load up the chili sauce and lime and you’re good to go.

It’s not healthy but it’s one of the most authentic places for tacos in town that do have non-meat taco options.

Note: The veggie options are not 100% vegetarian- they warm up the tortillas and cook mushrooms on the same grill where they cook meat so if this is a problem for you, you might want to avoid it.

13. Don Pedro’s

For a more upscale meal right on the beach, Don Pedro’s is a classic choice in Sayulita.

Don Pedro’s is very much a seafood restaurant with decent plant-based options too and some of the best views from a restaurant in Sayulita.

Some classics include raw oysters, ceviches and sushi, fish of the day, grilled tuna, shrimp or lobster. If seafood isn’t for you there are also pastas, pizzas, and some delicious salads.

It’s definitely a restaurant for those more special evenings or when you fancy something a little more classic.

Check the menu here

14. Tierra Viva

Another one of our favorite restaurants in Sayulita, Tierra Viva is a great spot for a mix of everything. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, start your day here with typical chilaquiles or huevos rancheros or perhaps a breakfast bagel.

For lunch and dinner opt for quesadillas, burgers, tacos, and tostadas. They also have a great sushi menu in case you’re looking for something lighter.

For dinner, don’t miss the seafood molcajete- especially a giant mortar filled with perfectly grilled seafood. Make a reservation on their terrace and enjoy dinner under the stars.

I highly recommend you make a reservation, especially during high season. Do so via their website here.

15. Ikan Cocina Marina (in San Pancho)

So it might not be in Sayulita, but I highly recommend at least a day trip to nearby San Pancho during your stay in Sayulita.

Not only is San Pancho a much quieter version of Sayulita, but it also has some pretty amazing restaurants too.

My favorite restaurant in San Pancho (San Francisco Nayarit) is Ikan Cocina Marina.

I first came here after seeing their superior reviews on Google, and I was not disappointed.

With a small, ceviche and taco-focused menu based around seasonal and great quality ingredients, Ikan serves sophisticated twists on Mexican seafood classics.

If you eat seafood, you need to try the grilled octopus tacos which are out-of-this-world. For plant-based eaters the roasted cauliflower tacos with hints of miso were phenomenal.

They also have ceviches- the tomato ceviche was light and refreshing and comes with a variety of sauces and tostadas.

This might not be the best restaurant in Sayulita, Mexico simply because it’s not in Sayulita but it was the best meal we had in the entire area. If you find yourself in nearby San Pancho make sure not to miss lunch here.

Check the menu here

16. La Rustica

You’ll see quite a few Italian restaurants scattered through Sayulita, and if you’re on a mission to find some great Italian Mexican-inspired food, don’t miss La Rustica. A sister company of the gorgeous Don Bonito Boutique Hotel, La Rustica is a great option at any time of the day.

Start the day with their delicious açai bowls or French toast and mouth-watering espresso or swing by at lunch or dinner to try their delicious pastas, woodfire pizzas (there’s a sweet potato base vegan pizza) or tacos and tostadas for something lighter.

While it’s not the most plant-based friendly place there definitely are options. The food here however is based on great quality rather than quantity. Is it one of the best restaurants in Sayulita Mexico? You decide!

Their drinks and cocktail list is fantastic and it’s a great way to end a beautiful day in sunny, vibrant Sayulita.

Check the menu here

17. El Tiburon

A little removed from the busiest corners of town, El Tiburon offers a more intimate atmosphere than many of the larger spots, with a modern yet relaxed setting that suits Sayulita perfectly. This restaurant in Sayulita is all about it’s seafood.

The menu may be compact, but every dish is carefully considered. You’ll find fresh catches prepared with restraint to let the quality shine—think seared tuna, aguachiles with just the right kick, and fish of the day cooked simply and beautifully.

Plates are generous, and the flavors pair effortlessly with a crisp glass of wine or a mezcal cocktail from the bar.

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Which of the best restaurants in Sayulita Mexico are you planning to eat at? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.

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