Travel Advisory: Jalisco, Mexico
Updated February 24, 2026: Due to ongoing cartel-related incidents in Jalisco, Mexico, we recommend referring to government guidance (U.S. State Department, Government of Canada, U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, etc.) for safest travel recommendations and to stay up to date on what is going on.
If you’re planning your trip to Sayulita, this list of the best restaurants is your guide. I spent a week eating my way through Sayulita and loved so many of these spots.
North of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is famous for its jungle and ocean landscape, surf culture, and great dining options. With plenty of great options for Mexican food, you’ll also find some surprises. Spots that do wood-fired pizza, Thai cuisine, and healthy, organic breakfast fare are just a few.
Sayulita also has great options for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking to grab a hamburger at a local food truck or sit down to some beautifully plated fish tacos. And you have to dine once while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
This list includes all of my favorite places to eat in Sayulita, and if you’re looking for more on Sayulita, don’t miss my in-depth guide or best hotels roundup.
Planning a Trip to Sayulita? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Sayulita:
- La Joya Sayulita, for the best overall beachfront hotel
- Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas, for the best boutique beachfront hotel
- Amor Boutique Hotel, for the best luxury beachfront hotel
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Sayulita is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy (My guide to renting a car in Mexico covers everything you need to know). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The 18 Best Restaurants in Sayulita
1. El Itacate
My meal at El Itacate might just have been the best one I had on my trip to Sayulita. I highly recommend a stop if you visit Sayulita for the street taco-style food. The taco al pastor and queso fundido were incredible, and I loved all the salsas that accompanied the dishes. It’s a casual setting and a great spot for enjoying heaping portions of Mexican food.
Beyond the food, it’s the sense of community and the warm, welcoming vibe that makes El Itacate stand out. The staff are friendly and eager to share their love for Mexican cuisine, making you feel like part of the family. El Itacate captures the essence of Sayulita’s laid-back lifestyle and rich culinary heritage.
Address: C. Jose Mariscal 42, Centro, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
2. La Rustica Sayulita
Close to Sayulita’s main plaza is the modern, open-air La Rustica. Born and raised in Sayulita, the restaurant’s chef has created a menu of the city’s best wood-fired pizzas. You’ll also find salads, seafood, and pasta dishes. The bar prides itself on its cocktail selection—including its margarita—and collection of local craft beers.
Address: Av. Revolución 40C, Centro, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
3. Tekuamana at La Joya Sayulita
Set inside La Joya Sayulita, Tekuamana has a beautiful terrace that overlooks the restaurant. It’s a beautiful spot for a sunset dinner between its quiet, peaceful surroundings and coastal vistas. I have eaten here several times during my previous trip. Plus, the restaurant is health-focused, cooking without seed oils and sourcing organic, local, and wild ingredients.
If you do stay at La Joya during your trip, I can’t recommend their breakfast enough as well. The papaya bowl and everything else is so delicious. The food is made with love here!
Address: Escondida 6, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
4. Don Pedros’ Restaurant & Bar
Global fare takes center stage at oceanfront restaurant Don Pedros’, whose menu includes dishes from chicken provencale to bouillabaisse to Sonoran filet mignon. Don Pedros’ is also committed to improving the quality of life in the local community. The restaurant contributes to sewer and power grid updates and holds the status as Sayulita’s largest employer.
Address: C. Marlín 2, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
5. Anchor Cafe
Anchor was my personal favorite spot in town each day for coffee and breakfast. Tucked away up the street from downtown, it features several healthy options. You can find everything from smoothie bowls to heartier fare like bagel sandwiches. The café itself is also beautiful and a great place to enjoy a morning beverage.
Address: C. Marlín 45, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
6. Tierra Viva Restaurant y Bar
For an option that will please everyone, there’s Tierra Viva, whose breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are diverse. Coconut shrimp, grilled marinated flank steak, and chile relleno are all on offer, and care and creativity are put into the presentation. The local seafood stands out, and the service and charming terrace also get high marks.
Address: C. Marlín 10, Zona Centro, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
7. Atico
Breakfast café by day, hookah bar by night, Atico is a laid-back but lively spot that features live music nightly. Atico is a particularly great option for vegans, offering items like vegan hot dogs and jackfruit nachos. Its cocktails also get great reviews, making it a solid choice for a low-key night out.
Address: C. Jose Mariscal 33, 63728 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
8. Organi-k
This health-focused chain was founded on the principles that you are what you eat and people can transform their bodies and minds through conscious food choices. Organi-k is committed to using high-quality local and organic products in its smoothies, acai bowls, poke bowls, and beyond. It also promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Address: Av. Revolución 21B, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
9. YAH-YAH Sayulita
Coffee and bagels are the focus at YAH-YAH. The cafe is a local favorite and contender for the title of Sayulita’s best coffee shop. Open til 3 p.m., it serves breakfast and lunch items that will hit the spot and include options for vegans.
Address: C. Niños Heroes #3, Col. Centro. Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
10. Cafetería Northswell Sabor Natural
Head to Northswell for some wonderful plant-based options. They originally started as a vegan dessert shop, but have since expanded to offer a full cafe menu.
Address: Av. Revolución 3, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
11. Mary’s Tacos
This laid-back and colorful establishment gets rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. It serves up large portions of Mexican classics, including tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more. The sidewalk seating is perfect for people-watching on downtown Sayulita’s lively streets.
Address: Av. Revolución 36, 63728 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
12. Alas Blancas
This laid-back oceanfront beach club is the perfect place to relax on the beach. Alas Blancas located near Sayulita’s main surfing area, so diners can watch the waves while enjoying beautifully plated seafood, and Mexican and international dishes. Diners can choose to sit under a palapa or at a table directly on the sand.
Address: Delfines 219, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
13. La Fogonera
If you need to pick up something casual, La Fogonera is your spot. It’s a gourmet fast food truck, and in addition to tacos and quesadillas, it also has hamburgers and vegetarian options. Churros here are a specialty, and you can try them filled with chocolate, hazelnut cream, condensed milk, and jam or cajeta, a thick caramel.
Address: C. Playa Azul 338, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
14. El Tiburón
I dropped by El Tiburón for a quick drink one morning and wish I could have spent more time here. Tucked away in an alley off the main street, the space is beautiful and the food looked amazing. The menu is a mix of Mexican and American bistro fare, and fresh cocktails are a focus—the restaurant bills itself as a hideout for day drinkers and night owls.
Address: Av. Revolución 37A, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
15. Barracuda
Originally started in San Pancho, the second outpost of this popular seafood restaurant sits on a busy corner in Sayulita. While fresh seafood is the focus at Barracuda—the menu has separate sections for ceviches, seafood tostadas, and oysters and clams—it has plenty on offer in the way of pasta, burritos, salads, and more.
Address: Delfines 21-Planta Alta, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
16. Tacos Al Pastor Diaz
My favorite tacos in all of Sayulita were the al pastor ones from Al Pastor Diaz. So delicious, perfect for a quick bite, and the salsas are amazing. It’s one of the best in town! The hours vary, so I’d suggest if you see it open, to pop in for a bite. Cash-only.
Address: C. Jose Mariscal 42, Centro, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
17. Bonito Cafe
Set back off the downtown area, Bonito Cafe is inside a small hotelito near the beach. The space is so beautiful, and the service team was incredibly friendly. Many locals and expats were hanging out here for the day, working remotely and eating breakfast. I’d come in for brunch or even a coffee drink.
Accepts credit cards with high minimum
Address: Av. del Palmar 29, 63734 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
18. MISCELANEA Sayulita
A good spot for brunch, MISCELANEA‘s chilaquiles were some of the best in town. They have a unique coffee menu as well with many different takes on coffee drinks. It does get pretty busy so I’d suggest getting here earlier than later for a bite to eat.
Address: Av. Revolución 32a, 63728 Sayulita, Nay., Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions About Sayulita
Can You Drink the Water in Sayulita?
I don’t recommend drinking tap water in Sayulita, as it can lead to stomach problems. That said, many hotels and restaurants either have water purification systems or provide bottled water for guests and diners, so it’s not hard to find drinkable water.
What are the Best Practices for Food Safety in Sayulita?
Aside from not drinking tap water, it’s important to make sure you eat food only from reputable places like the ones on this list. Generally speaking, if you follow those tips, it’s simple to avoid stomach bugs in Mexico.
What is the Best Hotel in Sayulita?
Sayulita has several beautiful properties to choose from, and I covered 16 of them in my best hotels I suggest three different beachfront hotels: La Joya Sayulita, Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas, and Amor Boutique Hotel. La Joya Sayulita is my top recommendation. Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas is a great boutique beachfront hotel. Amor Boutique Hotel offers a luxurious beachfront experience.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Sayulita?
Having a rental car in Sayulita is not 100% necessary for the town itself, but helpful for exploring nearby beaches.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy (My guide to renting a car in Mexico covers everything you need to know).
Save This Post for Later on Pinterest
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
