10 essential seafood restaurants in Sayulita, Mexico

Fishing is the main livelihood in town, so there is never a shortage of Sayulita seafood restaurants. In this article, we will give you all the best places for seafood in Sayulita.

Almost all restaurants in Sayulita have a seafood menu, but in this article, I am only including places I think about first when I think of getting seafood.

sayulita seafood

Lunchtime can be a great time to take advantage of Sayulitaโ€™s geographic location and long-standing fishing heritage to enjoy fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos are an excellent choice.

There are four simple seafood options, though they are prepared in many different ways: tacos made with shrimp or fish and ceviche made with fish or shrimp.

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๐Ÿฆ Is it safe to eat seafood in Sayulita?

Sayulita seafood restaurants always have their mariscos fresh. It is so easy to have access to good fish in Sayulita. You can even just go to the fishermanโ€™s boats every morning and buy freshly caught fish straight from them!

sayulita seafood restaurants

You donโ€™t have to worry about getting sick from eating seafood in Sayulita as all ingredients are guaranteed fresh.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Map of seafood restaurants in Sayulita

sayulita seafood restaurants

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿฝ Open this map of seafood restaurants in Sayulita in full view

๐Ÿฃ 10 best Sayulita seafood restaurants

Barracuda: best octopus dish

๐Ÿ“ Delfines 21
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $10 USD

Located in Sayulitaโ€™s โ€œslap street,โ€ itโ€™s always nice to sit down at Barracuda because this is the center of action in town. They specialize in seafood gourmet and all their branches in Riviera Nayarit have unique seafood dishes!

Birria de marlin, fried calamari, and tuna tartar are the most popular starters (US$7). For main dishes, they have two special โ€œcatch of the dayโ€ dishes at US$17 and both are big plates.

sayulita seafood restaurants

The best way to eat here is to order a bunch of small plates and share them with your group. This is where I usually go for weekday brunches with friends โ€“ it never fails!

They also have a food truck by the beach which has an entirely different menu. Try both and see what you like better!

El Pescador Poke Bar: best raw bowls

๐Ÿ“ Delfines 16
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $8 USD

A lesser-known Sayulita seafood restaurant is El Pescador. Tucked in the plaza, you wonโ€™t really notice this restaurant unless you hear it from a local.

sayulita seafood restaurants

Itโ€™s one of the best spots to people watch as you will have a complete view of the plaza when you sit here to eat.

They have a big seafood menu which often confuses me when I choose to dine here but their best-sellers are their poke bowls. Filete de mahi-mahi is my favorite at El Pescador (pictured above).

Tierra Viva: best sushi

๐Ÿ“ Calle Marlin 10
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $10 USD

Tierra Viva has a wider seafood menu so it can get overwhelming but take it from me: if you want sushi, this is the place.

sayulita seafood restaurants

They take a lot of pride in being the best sushi place in Sayulita and they have over 10 specialty sushi dishes. I love spicy so I always go for the spicy tuna roll (fresh tuna, cucumber, avocado, furkake wrapped in the alga, and rice.)

One of the most unique things I tried here is the banana roll, which is shrimp with banana, cucumber, and avocado. If youโ€™re not a sushi fan, definitely try their coconut shrimp with sweet and spicy sauce.

Emilianoโ€™s: best grilled seafood

๐Ÿ“ Ave Revolucion 34
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $12 USD

Emilianoโ€™s is probably the only Sayulita seafood restaurant where you will find Nayaritโ€™s iconic zarandeado dish. The fish is split in half (like a butterflyfish) and then grilled.

sayulita seafood restaurants

This is a 500-year old grilling method in the state of Nayarit and you wonโ€™t easily find this dish in another part of the country!

Emilianoโ€™s uses red snapper fish for their zarandeado. This is a big meal and it is highly recommended to share!

La Isla: best beachfront spot

๐Ÿ“ Sayulita main beach
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $12 USD

For those looking for beachfront Sayulita seafood restaurants, La Isla is a shaded, cozy spot at the Sayulita main beach. This is usually a drinking place but people come here for late lunch or sunset sessions.

sayulita seafood restaurants

I also love their coconut shrimp here and the fried fish. They specialize more in cooked seafood than raw. Happy hour is from 4:00 pm โ€“ 5:00 pm every day so come here for an early dinner to enjoy their drinks promo!

Don Pedroโ€™s: best for families with kids

๐Ÿ“ Calle Marlin 2
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $15 USD

Don Pedroโ€™s has all sorts of food and this is highly recommended for families traveling with kids. They have a kidsโ€™ menu and the ambiance was designed for families.

sayulita seafood restaurants

Like Tierra Viva, Don Pedroโ€™s is also popular when one craves sushi. Their menu is not only limited to seafood but this is one of the upper-tier Sayulita seafood restaurants.

Si Seรฑor: best date spot

๐Ÿ“ Camino a Playa los muertos Playa Los Muertos
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $15 USD

Another upscale seafood dining option in Sayulita is Si Seรฑor where dishes start at US$15. The oceanfront gazebos attract couples and honeymooners for romantic dates. It really is a dinner spot for couples!

sayulita seafood restaurants

I had many brunches in Si Seรฑor but I am not particularly impressed with their other dishes. However, if you want to try a gourmet fish taco, this is the pride of Si Seรฑorโ€™s chef and itโ€™s honestly one of the best fish tacos Iโ€™ve tried in Sayulita.

This is also the preferred place to have lobsters in Sayulita.

Estrella del Mar: best aguachile

๐Ÿ“ Avenida Palmar 31
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $8 USD

The best seafood restaurant on the north side of town is Estrella de Mar (star of the ocean). Having lived up to its name for years, they have all types of seafood and sometimes cater to guestsโ€™ special requests!

sayulita seafood restaurants

This is probably one of the most affordable seafood in Sayulita, with dishes starting at US$5. I love their aguachile and ceviche โ€“ I particularly come here for this!

Alas Blancas: best gourmet seafood

๐Ÿ“ Delfines 219
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $10 USD

Alas Blancas has burritos, nachos, aguachile, ceviche, and many other seafood dishes on the menu. If you havenโ€™t tried the shrimp cocktail in Mexico, this is the place to have it in Sayulita.

sayulita seafood restaurants

Shrimp isnโ€™t my favorite but they do it so well here that I always end up having one when I visit. I know octopus is also something you wonโ€™t eat while traveling in Sayulita but give their octopus dishes a chance. It might change your opinion about it!

Alas Blancas is a beachfront restaurant so this is a good place for brunch. You can easily spend the whole afternoon day drinking and eating here!

La Terrazola: best shrimp cocktail

๐Ÿ“ Calle Miramar
๐Ÿ’ฒ from $12 USD

Terrazola is a Sayulita expat favorite not just because of its food but because it is a place for gathering, music, and soaking up the sun! It is located on the northside beach so this area is not that crowded.

sayulita seafood restaurants

Terrazolaโ€™s food quality is superb and this is also where you can find an affordable lobster meal for only US$25! If youโ€™re not familiar with the Baja-style fish tacos, they do it well here, too!

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Sayulita Travel Guide

  • Sayulita is a renowned destination for surfing lessons. Its warm, turquoise waters boast consistent, beginner-friendly waves, making it a top surfing spot in Nayarit.
  • Tequila tasting is a unique, sensory journey makes and a must-do while visiting Sayulita. Learn to appreciate quality tequila beyond the popularized shots, and engage with local traditions and artisans!
  • ATV tours and expeditions allow for exploring secluded beaches and hidden jungles. This is a great activity for groups and families with kids and an exhilarating way to experience the lesser-known side of Sayulita.
  • Embark on an exciting journey from Sayulita to the UNESCO-protected Marietas Islands. Discover hidden beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, and witness majestic dolphins and humpback whales.
  • Experience the captivating beauty of Sayulitaโ€™s hinterland with our Monkey Mountain tours. Trek through lush jungles, witness vibrant flora and fauna, and ascend to stunning panoramic vistas at the peak.
  • From the lively, surf-friendly main beach to tranquil, secluded coves, discover the diverse beaches of Sayulita.
  • Encounter colorful local artisans, explore eclectic shops, and savor authentic Mexican cuisine at Sayulita Plaza.
  • Villa Amor has panoramic ocean views, elegant accommodations, and personalized services nestled amidst tropical jungles.
  • Residencia Tropical Don Bonito has spacious, beautifully-appointed accommodations, modern amenities, and close proximity to the townโ€™s attractions.
  • Hotel Boutique Siete Luna is an intimate, serene retreat with panoramic ocean views, luxurious accommodations, and top-tier services.
  • Mexico has a shortage of housing for locals. The community will appreciate it if you book with local-owned hotels and accommodations.
  • Go to Cava Mezcaleria for a mezcal cocktail and/or authentic mezcal sourced from local communities all over Mexico. The watermelon mezcal is our favorite!
  • Lucid Bar is where the local kids hang out, any time of the day. If you make it here, try to cross next door and have drinks at Aloha Bar, too!
  • You wonโ€™t miss Yambak as everyone flocks here by the end of the night. 2 for 1 on ll drinks (except the artisanal beers) every Tuesday! Cross the street to El Barrilito if you just want to people-watch.
  • Savor the authentic flavors of Thailand at Achara. This restaurant serves meticulously crafted Thai dishes, bursting with exotic flavors, in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Sayulita Public House offers an array of local craft beers, expertly mixed cocktails, and delicious American bites.
  • Enjoy exceptional service, a charming atmosphere, and a Mexican food adventure that mirrors the vibrant spirit of Sayulita at Aaleyahโ€™s.
  • Experience authentic flavors, friendly service, and the real taste of Mexican tacos at Tacos Ivan. Itโ€™s open til late!
  • Pizza Venezia has handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a cozy, family-friendly setting. Vegan dough, available upon request! The best part? BYOB!
  • Discover the vibrant colors, tastes, and sounds of Sayulitaโ€™s Friday Market. Browse through a bounty of local produce, unique crafts, and delectable street food.
  • Experience the unique charm of Sayulitaโ€™s Hippie Market. Discover a treasure trove of handcrafted jewelry, vibrant textiles, artisanal goods, and bohemian fashion.
  • Sayulita is a walkable town with narrow cobblestone streets. You donโ€™t need any mode of transportation while there. You must take an airport taxi service from Puerto Vallarta (under $100 USD) to get there.
  • If you plan to drive around Nayarit area or to nearby towns, a rental car is highly recommended when visiting Sayulita.
  • You need travel insurance to Mexico!ย Ekta Travelingย is the recommended insurance (for travelers ages 2 months to 100 years old).

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