Perched along the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan is an important port and the Spanish landed in the area in 153q. The Pearl of the Pacific loves its seafood, especially its shrimp. As in the rest of Mexico, the food is celebrated and excellent in Mazatlan. During your trip, sample its specialties and sip its local drinks. Here is where to eat in Mazatlan and the top Mazatlan restaurants.
Where to Eat in Mazatlan
Eat Breakfast at Panamá Restaurantes y Pastelerías
Savor the Old Recipes at Comedor Amelia
Sample on a Tomatl, a Mexican Culinary Experience Tour
Grab a Taco at Lalo’s Birria
Try a Taco Dorado at Cenaduria Chayito
Dine at Mariscos Beto Zona Dorada for Seafood
Grab a Table at Mariscos la Palapa Efren
Enjoy the Lush Patio at Presidio Cocina de Mexico
Dine at Casa 46 overlooking Plaza Machado
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Mazatlan History and Food
The City was colonized in 1531 by the Spanish and draws its name from the Nahuatl word for place of deer. From the pre-Hispanic people to modern immigrants, people crafted a unique Mazatlan cuisine.
The pre-Hispanic people used corn, beans, chili, and fresh fish to create the foundation of the regional cuisine in Mazatlan. Then the Spanish introduced ingredients like wheat, rice, olive oil and spices.
As a port, it saw the arrival of ingredients from around the world, further expanding its culinary heritage. The Mazatlecan cuisine is influenced by the five foreign cultures that settled in the area over the years: French, Spanish, German, Asian and American.
What to Sample in Mazatlan
While in Mazatlan, sample its unique food and drink. From Pacifico Beer to Chiliquiles, there’s a mix of local and regional Mexican cuisine not to be missed.
Birria–Traditionally stewed goat in a chili broth
Chilaquiles-Tortilla chips stewed with a sauce or mole, served for breakfast
Concha–A sweet bread with a shell motif on top, often eaten at breakfast
Shrimp Tostadas–Flat and fried corn tortillas
Aquachilies—A Spicier version of Ceviche, originated in Mazatlan
Dried Shrimp–A popular crunchy and salty snack
Pacifico Beer–Originated in Mazatlan in 1901
ToniCol Soda–A vanilla soda
Cafe de Olla–A sweetened and spiced coffee
Horchata–A rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon, sweetened with sugar and vanilla
Jamaica–A bright pink drink brewed from dried hibiscus flowers
Mazatlan Marshmallows–They are coconut-flavored and available at grocery stores
Tres Leches Cake–Three Milk Cake with evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk and topped with whip cream and fruit
Nieves de Garrafa–An ice cream treat similar to sorbet, sold in cars in the Historic Center
Where to Have Breakfast in Mazatlan
Don’t skip breakfast in Mexico; some of the best Mexican dishes are served for breakfast. One of my favorites is chiliquiles, a dish of tortilla chips with a sauce and cheese. Most places will offer two types, red or green; however, in Mazatlan, I found several more options.
If you’re not an adventurous breakfast eater, then dip your toe in with Huevos Rancheros. It’s basically fried eggs on tortillas with a tomato-chili sauce. Another easy option is a Café de Olla, a spiced coffee served in Mexico.
Another recommendation is the fruit platter. The Mexican fruit is vine-ripened, sweet and much of it is grown in Mexico, so it’s fresher. From the mango to the melons to the pineapple, a fruit plate is a must while in Mexico.
Another must is the avocados. They are creamier in Mexico since they are vine-ripened and not picked hard for easier transport. Sliced and added to a taco or tostado, or in guacamole, enjoy the avocados while in Mazatlan.
Panamá Restaurantes y Pastelerías
With three locations in Mazatlan, this is a solid choice for breakfast. Panama features an extensive menu of Mexican favorites. During my visit, I started with a Café de Olla, a spiced and sweetened coffee drink.
In Mexico, when I find Chilaquiles, I order them. It is a beloved breakfast dish with corn tortilla strips, simmered with a sauce, then topped with crema and guacamole. Panama Restaurant featured several types of Chilachiles.
For breakfast, there are also a number of egg dishes, from Huevos Rancheros to a Denver Omelet. Diners will find other options, like pancakes and fresh juices. The menu is immense, and that’s just for breakfast.
Even though I dined at Panama for breakfast, I still ordered something from its dessert cart that rounded the dining room. Its offerings change daily and are made on-site. I selected the Key Lime Tres Leche cake, one of the best I have had. It was moist and creamy, but not soggy. It was similar to Key Lime pie in its flavor.
Each location features its own hours; however, it is open from breakfast to dinner. Panama features an English menu.
Comedor Amelia
Under Chef Roberto Ruiz, he takes family recipes and regional specialties and shares them with diners. Comedor Amelia is popular with tourists and residents. Inside, its interior offers charming vignettes like a vintage typewriter. Its antique door with a stack of old Samsonite luggage is another cute photo opportunity.
During my visit, I started with a glass of Jamaica, an iced tea steeped with Hibiscus leaves that is a deep reddish-pink with a tart flavor. Its pancakes are a favorite for their unique presentation, where the server lifts a ring holding the sauce in front of the diner as it flows over the stack.
During my visit, I sampled its specialty, the Amelia Enchiladas. It is three chicken enchiladas in a cream sauce with corn. Muy delicioso.
Located at Av. Gaviotas 100, Zona Dorada, 82110 Mazatlán. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Comedor Amelia features an English menu.
Take a Food Tour
If you’re not sure where to go, I recommend scheduling a food tour while in Mazatlan. I did this, and I enjoyed learning more about the regional food scene, even after visiting Mexico countless times.
The Tomatl, a Mexican Culinary Experience Tour, was a highlight of my trip. Guided by Paola Osuna, she is a bilingual native Pata Salada, meaning born in the city.
During the tour, we learned about the shrimp industry from its docks. We sampled the dried shrimp sold in marketplaces and eaten as a snack with hot sauce.
We also went to a fresh shrimp market where the Shrimp Ladies sell fresh and dried shrimp. Located at Aquiles Serdán 2307, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán.
We learned about Birria, and traditionally, it was an old goat stewed for a very long time to make it tender. We sampled a taco at Lalo’s Birria, a popular open-air place and open for breakfast and lunch.
Then we sampled another specialty, the Taco Dorados. They are filled with meat, then deep-fried, topped with lettuce and covered in a broth.
During the tour, we learned about the beer industry in Mazatlan. During our tour, we went to the Pacifico Brewery, founded in 1900 by German beer makers. It still brews a 7-ounce Pacifico beer on-site.
For a non-alcoholic drink, try ToniCol, a naturally flavored vanilla soft drink popular in Mazatlan.
To book, head to its website. There are several tours available.
Sample Birria at Lalo’s Birria
Birria is originally from Jalisco; however, it is popular in western Mexico (and my home state of Texas, too). Traditionally, it is an old goat that’s stewed to tenderize its meat.
During my visit to Lalo’s Birria, we sampled a birria taco on a soft corn tortilla. It included chopped onion, cilantro and birria. They made the taco in the back, and you can watch if you’d like.
It’s a popular open-air restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch. The menu is limited; however, tacos start at MX$30.
Located at Av. Miguel Alemán 230, Playas del Sur, 82040 Mazatlán. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cash only.
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Try a Taco Dorado at Cenaduria Chayito
Home to the Taco Dorados, a regional specialty. Taco Dorados are filled with pork, beef or chicken, then deep-fried.
On the plate, they are topped with lettuce, tomatoes, purple onions, cucumbers and queso fresco. Then I poured a rich broth over it; very unique to Mazatlán and muy delicioso.
Located at Teniente José Azueta 2407, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where to Eat Shrimp in Mazatlan
Shrimp is a main ingredient in Mazatlan cuisine. During my visit, I had shrimp most days for lunch and dinner. However, if you have an intolerance or allergy to shrimp, stay mindful of exposure during your stay.
While visiting Mazatlan, I ate Shrimp Tostadas, a flat corn tortilla topped with seasoned shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes and crema. Shrimp tacos and shrimp quesadillas are also popular.
Most restaurants will have grilled shrimp and coconut-fried shrimp entrees on their menu. Ceviche is another mainstay in Mazatlan; however, sample its Aquachiles. It is a spicy version of Ceviche, where shrimp is cooked with an acid, like lime juice.
For foodies, sample Dried Shrimp. They are seasoned and dehydrated, packaged with hot sauce. It is a favorite to accompany a Pacifico beer.
Mariscos Beto Zona Dorada
In the Gold Zone, Mariscos Beto specializes in seafood. It’s a popular option for travelers, especially families, since it offers a kids’ menu.
The Shrimp Dip, Pate de Camarones, is a popular appetizer. During my visit, I sampled it, then its Aquachile, a spicier version of ceviche, a regional specialty.
At Mariscos Beto, there are tosado shells on the table to use. I also sampled a Shrimp taco in a corn tortilla. I recommend pairing these with a Pacifico. the local beer. Its guava cheesecake is another regional specialty.
Located at Ave Camarón Sábalo 6296, Zona Dorada, 82110 Mazatlán. Open noon to 6:30 p.m.
Mariscos la Palapa Efren
During my visit, I sampled several of its shrimp dishes. From the Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo, or Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, to its camarones a la diabla aquachile, or spicy Aguachile, this is another popular spot for shrimp.
Mariscos la Palapa Efren also cooks familiar options, like coconut-fried shrimp. There’s a kids’ menu.
Located at Aquiles Serdán 2307, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where to Have Dinner in Mazatlan
Dinner is slower and served later in Mexico. Diners should expect to spend over an hour and maybe longer.
In Mexico, most eat later in the evening, starting at 8 p.m. or so. I recommend enjoying a cocktail before dinner as well.
El Presidio Cocina de Mexico
El Presidio Concina de Mexico is located in a beautiful courtyard with lush tropical landscaping, under the shade of full-grown trees. It offers outdoor seating at market tables with umbrellas, or you can sit indoors in a greenhouse room.
El Presidio is fairly well-known, and this is where people go to celebrate with a special meal. During our visit, we had a selected menu, and one of the stand-outs was the Smoked Short Ribs.
Smoked for 12 hours, the meat falls off the bone. They are a house specialty. Another stand-out is the Zarandeado Fish, the catch of the day marinated in dried chilis and is a regional favorite.
Located at Blvd. Niños Héroes 1511, Centro, Mazatlán. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations required.
Casa 46
Overlooking Plaza Machado, Casa 46 is in a restored historic mansion. During my stay, I dined on Casa 46’s balcony, La Terraza, with a view of the square.
Casa 46 features a chef-created menu, focusing on heritage Mexican ingredients with a seasonal menu. As a port and seafood hub, Mazatlan was influenced by local flavors and the culture of immigrants, each bringing flavors from their home.
During my visit, the chef created a fall menu with flavors special to Day of the Dead celebrations. Diners will find seafood, mole and specialities like Duck Carnitas.
Located at Calle Constitución 79, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6 to 11 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).
The Melville Restuarant in Pueblo Bonito Vantage
In the Pueblo Bonito Vantage in the Historic Center Hotel, the Melville Restuarant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its chef-created menu focuses on Mexican fusion entrees, paired with continental classics.
While I was in Mazatlan, I had breakfast there. Once, just a cappuccino with a concha. The second time I had chiliqulies, a personal favorite.
I also recommend its Bar 1844 for an evening cocktail. Made by passionate mixologists with house-made garnishes, I had several drinks, like a Paloma.
The Pueblo Bonito Vantage is located at Constitución Blvd. Niños Héroes 300, Mazatlán.
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