Whether you want the best fish tacos, breakfast, gourmet dining, local bars with great happy hours, or a beachfront seafood restaurant with margaritas, there’s something for everyone. We live in the area and are constantly updating it, so we can guarantee you’ll have some amazing food at the best restaurants in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle during your visit to this little piece of paradise in Banderas Bay.
El Mar by Chef Escobedo
My Favorite Order: The dried shrimp ceviche or the Cucaracha Shrimp with a cold beer.
Nestled off the beaten path, El Mar by Chef Escobedo offers a delicious twist on traditional Mexican seafood dishes. The menu boasts flavorful, spicy, and fresh options at very reasonable prices. My personal favorites include the flavorful Cucaracha shrimp, fresh tuna sashimi, and inventive dried shrimp ceviche. Chef Escobedo’s style shines in every dish.
https://www.facebook.com/laparrilladelmar
322 189 1466
Tacos Junior
My Favorite Order: The combo plate
Come grab a combo plate of 5 al Pastor tacos for $75 MXN with some delicious salsa options. The place is BYOB, so you can grab a beer at the store on the corner. Service is friendly & fast, and they also deliver!
Website: Tacos Junior, La Cruz
Number: +52 322 318 3103
Hours: 5:00 pm – 12:30 am
The Little Hot Grill
Their menu boasts a delectable array of dishes, but the stars of the show are undoubtedly their verde enchiladas and chili rellenos. Each bite bursts with flavors that transport you to the heart of Mexico. The homemade hot sauce, a fiery masterpiece, adds an unforgettable zing to every dish. But the delights don’t end there. Breakfast at The Little Hot Grill is a must-try. They keep it simple but perfectly executed, offering fresh-pressed juices and chilaquiles that are nothing short of divine. The salsas served here are not just spicy; they possess a depth of flavor that complements the food without overpowering it. The creamy, well-seasoned beans are another testament to their dedication to perfection. What sets this restaurant apart, besides the outstanding cuisine, is the friendly and welcoming service. The staff makes you feel like a part of their family, adding warmth to an already inviting atmosphere. The casual and relaxed ambiance makes it a great place to start your day.
Masala Bar & Grill
A fine dining experience in La Cruz with a passionate chef who really knows how to create amazing food that is creative and unique. Masala is a quaint restaurant only a couple of blocks east of the main square. They specialize in Mediterranean food with fresh local ingredients. Chef and Owner Julio and staff are dedicated to their profession of creating the very best cuisine and atmosphere with an extensive wine cellar. Ask for their vegan and vegetarian options!
Octopus Gardens
Octopus Gardens in La Cruz is known especially for its coffee. It is a wonderful, hip music venue with a good menu (coffee, juice, smoothies, paninis, and desserts) that also offers, salsa dance classes, yoga, and twice-a-week Spanish classes.
Falconi Pizzas & Pasta
If you are looking for great pizza and pasta, this is the restaurant to check out in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Everything is freshly made in the moment, portions are large, and prices are just right. They are also known for their massive calzones, and they have good wine by the bottle or glass. They also deliver!
Columba
Columba in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a seafood restaurant that has won over diners with its excellent culinary offerings at fair prices. Their dishes, which range from fish salad tostadas to stingray meatballs, stand out for their authenticity and flavor. Despite its modest setting, the place is comfortable, and the service is friendly, with the owner always present to ensure a pleasant experience. It has become a favorite for those seeking to enjoy authentic seafood cuisine in the region.
Columba offers an authentic seafood culinary experience in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Their dishes, from delicious stingray and marlin stew to fish meatballs, are praised for their genuine flavor. Despite its simplicity, the restaurant provides warm and friendly service, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes it a preferred spot for those seeking authenticity in their seafood dining.
Tacos on the street
Tacos on the Street is one of the most famous spots in town as it offers delicious, unpretentious street food. They use chopped grilled ribeye and provide a selection of fresh and delicious salsas and other toppings. They also offer killer margaritas! One thing that really stands out are their thick and fluffy homemade corn tortillas. Oh, and don’t miss the flan for dessert!
Treehouse
Treehouse is the best spot for great live music, atmosphere, and food. The venue is beautiful and they have great service. The entertainment provided is wonderful and often without a cover charge. They are known for their ribs and the pulled pork burrito that is big enough to feed two people. Make sure to check out their Facebook page to see the live music schedule and more of their weekly specials (as they change frequently):
- 2×1 ribs
- Burrito Lucido
- All you can eat ribs
- and more!
Black Forest
The Black Forest German restaurant has been a staple in La Cruz for ages. Sunday’s are their Schnitzel 2×1! 🍻 We recommend making reservations as they can fill up, especially on Sundays. They are open from Sundays to Fridays from 5 pm to 9:30 pm.
Vegan Paradice
This ice cream shop uses a coconut milk base for all their products. They have so many unique flavors such as lime basil, granola, passion fruit as well as the standard chocolate and vanilla flavors… all delicious! They also offer specialty toasts for lunch. The owner is lovely and has created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Menu: https://veganparadice.com.mx/menu/
La Peska / Frascati
Within the Riviera Nayarit Marina, this restaurant offers a unique combination of seafood and Italian cuisine, catering to a wide range of tastes. With its prime location on the third floor, diners can enjoy breathtaking views of the marina and Sierra Madre mountains. While the prices may be on the higher side, the ambiance and scenic backdrop make up for it. It is part of the Grupo Argentilia restaurant chain which also run Mikoh and Meet Meat.
El Ring
Friendly, cute cafe with a good menu of breakfast/lunch food with very reasonable prices. The family that owns it is very friendly and welcoming!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/elringdelacruz/
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