
From beachfront seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine - discover the flavors of Jaltemba Bay
From beachfront seafood palapas to authentic Mexican fondas, Guayabitos offers 125+ dining options. Don't miss pescado zarandeado (Nayarit's signature grilled fish) at Restaurante Pineda. Street tacos cost 15-25 pesos ($1). Expect fresh-caught seafood, family recipes, and honest pricing—no tourist traps. Most restaurants accept cash only. Peak dining hours: 1-3pm lunch, 7-9pm dinner.
Guayabitos offers something unique for every traveler: casual beachfront palapas serving fresh-caught fish for less than $5 USD, family-owned fondas dishing out authentic Mexican comfort food, and a growing number of innovative restaurants run by expat chefs. The local food scene is defined by fresh Pacific seafood, reasonable prices, and a lack of pretension—which is exactly what makes it special.
Most restaurants don't have websites. Many don't speak English. But that's not a bug—it's a feature. You'll find the best meals at places where locals eat, and our guide includes exactly those spots. We list phone numbers, exact locations, and what makes each place worth visiting. Use the filters below to search by cuisine type, price range, or location within the bay.
Lunch runs 1-3pm (main meal of the day). Dinner is 7-9pm. Most small restaurants close for a couple hours in the afternoon. Bring cash—many places don't accept cards. Prices are in Mexican pesos (roughly 17-20 pesos per USD). The signature dish is pescado zarandeado (whole fish grilled over an open fire), and it's worth trying at least once. Tipping 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants.
We've visited each restaurant personally, verified their current information, and included only places we'd recommend to friends. You won't find tourist traps here. You will find authentic local favorites, competitive pricing, and honest reviews from people who actually live in Guayabitos.

A spacious local institution known for live music, authentic Nayarit seafood, and family atmosphere. This is where locals celebrate birthdays, special occasions, and gather for weekend meals. The large venue features live music on weekends and serves some of the best traditional seafood in the area.

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Guayabitos is known for fresh seafood and authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Here's what to order at local restaurants.
The signature dish of the region. Whole red snapper butterflied, marinated in spicy Huichol sauce, and grilled over mesquite coals while constantly turning. Served with rice, tortillas, and salsa. This is what Guayabitos is famous for.
Fresh raw fish, octopus, or shrimp 'cooked' in lime juice with chopped onion, cilantro, tomato, and chili peppers. Served on crispy tostadas with hot sauce. Best enjoyed beachside with a cold beer.
Raw shrimp marinated in lime juice, chilies, cucumber, and onion. Similar to ceviche but spicier and with a thinner, more liquid consistency. Refreshing and bold, perfect for hot days.
Marinated pork slow-cooked on a vertical spit (Lebanese-influenced technique), served with pineapple, onion, cilantro, and lime. Usually available after 6 PM when the meat has been cooking all day. One of Mexico's most beloved street foods.
Battered and fried fish (often dorado or snapper) in a soft corn tortilla with cabbage, pico de gallo, and crema. Simple, fresh, and perfect for lunch after a morning at the beach.
Slow-cooked beef (sometimes goat) stewed in a rich, spicy broth with herbs and chilies. The meat is shredded and served in tortillas, often with the broth (consomé) on the side for dipping. A popular breakfast choice.
Crispy tortilla chips tossed in red or green salsa, topped with cheese, crema, onion, and your choice of eggs or meat. The ultimate Mexican breakfast, served everywhere from beach shacks to nice restaurants.
A regional twist on traditional pozole, this hearty soup combines hominy corn with shrimp, dried chilies, and spices. Garnished with lettuce, radishes, onion, and lime. Comforting and flavorful.
Steamed corn masa filled with meat, cheese, or chilies, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. Often sold by street vendors in the morning. Try the red pork or green chicken versions.
Flour or corn tortilla filled with melted cheese and optionally meat, beans, or vegetables, then grilled until crispy. Simple, satisfying, and available everywhere. Great for kids.
Rolled tortillas filled with chicken or cheese, covered in red or green sauce, topped with crema and cheese. Comfort food that's hearty and delicious.
Fresh avocado mashed with lime, cilantro, onion, tomato, and chili. Usually served as a starter with warm tortillas or chips. The quality depends entirely on the ripeness of the avocados, best in summer.
Cold beer mixed with lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and spices, served in a salt-rimmed glass. In Guayabitos, often garnished with shrimp, cucumber, and carrots. The perfect beach drink.
Sweet rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. Served ice-cold and incredibly refreshing in the heat. Non-alcoholic and kid-friendly.
Sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream), topped with whipped cream. Rich, sweet, and one of Mexico's most beloved desserts.
Most restaurants in Guayabitos are cash-only and prices are very reasonable. Expect to pay $3-5 USD for street tacos, $10-18 USD for a full meal at a casual restaurant, and $25-40 USD for upscale beachfront dining with drinks. The freshest seafood is caught daily, so ask your server what came in that morning.