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.

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, Instagrammable cafes, local eats and Mexican street food as well as great international cuisines like Italian and Thai.

After recently spending quite a few days making our way around quite a fair share of restaurants in Sayulita, prioritizing those that serve healthy, plant-based cuisine, I’m happy to report that by the end of it, our stomachs and our souls have come back full.

So what makes a restaurant the best restaurant for us? Well, if you come here often you’ll know we are all about healthy travel and wellness and uncovering the best places that support that kind of lifestyle.

Saying that however, we don’t compromise on authenticity or taste either. If you’re also looking for fresh and healthy yet tasty and authentic food you’re in the right place.

Keep reading for our 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.

Note: There aren’t any vegan restaurants in Sayulita (apart from a taco joint or two) but most restaurants and cafes have veggie or plant-based options.

The one fully vegetarian restaurant, Americua which we wanted to try always seemed to be closed whenever we walked past. According to their opening hours on Google, they are generally open for dinner if you want to check them out yourself.

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 17 Sayulita, Mexico restaurants, these were our absolute favourite when living in town for 2 months.

1. Sueños Creative Cuisine and Cocktails

The best place in Sayulita for conceptual and creative food this is a must for all foodies. Using ideas from global cuisines, Sueños leans more towards modern European cuisine yet uses only the freshest ingredients from Jalisco.

There’s the perfect balance of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes on the menu making this a great spot for anyone looking for a fine dining alternative. There are also many vegan options and the chefs and open to veganising dishes.

Like the food, the cocktail menu is just as creative. We couldn’t resist trying the ‘Nube de Oro’. Make sure not to miss this gem, there’s no creative menu quite like it around.

Check out their menu here

2. Anchor Cafe

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

It’s best at breakfast time 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, bagel 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.

Check the menu here.

Read more: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

3. El Itacate – Best Tacos in Sayulita Mexico

A favorite among locals and digital nomads alike, 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 favourites 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.

Check the menu here

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.

Check the menu here

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.

Check the menu here

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 favourites, Miscelánea Cafe is one of the best options in town from 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 slow 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, yoghurt 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.

Miscelánea Cafe is very vegetarian-friendly but much less vegan friendly. They do make up for it with the avo toast, stir-fried vegetable toast and smoothie bowls.

Check out the menu here

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

10. Achara

If you’ve just had too many tacos recently and are looking for something different head to Achara, one of the only Thai places in Sayulita.

With all the Thai classics like green curry, papaya salad, and pad thai, Achara is a great place to come for a spot of dinner, drinks, and some delicious Thai flavors.

The dishes are flavourful, pretty authentic, and beautifully presented. There are quite a few vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu too.

Check out the menu here

11. Barracuda Sayulita – Best Restaurants in Sayulita Mexico

Barracuda is the place to go to 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

Ok, not exactly healthy, but a street taco place has to feature on the best restaurants in Sayulita Mexico guide right?

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

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

Don Pedros 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 favourite 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. Ki’Ino Ramen

Although we didn’t eat here ourselves, this place came recommended a few times. Specializing in Mexican-Japanese fusion, it’s the perfect stop if you fancy something a little different.

With bowls of ramen on the menu, Asian-style rice, jackfruit pad thai, and poke bowls among others, it’s a great opportunity to sample some Asian flavors when in Sayulita.

The Best Restaurants in Sayulita Mexico: Our Verdict

When it comes to the best restaurants in Sayulita Mexico, it wasn’t easy to choose one. It really depends what you want to eat and the type of food you like. Here are our personal favorites:

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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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