One of the best reasons to visit Mazatlan, Mexico is definitely the food. The gastronomy scene is off the hook. But there are so many different restaurants to choose from. That’s why I’m here to help you out. Check out our top 10 favorite restaurants in Mazatlan.

As a family, we have traveled to Mazatlan, Mexico five times. Each time, we stay for about two weeks and go out to dinner nearly every single night. So yeah, we’ve tried a bunch of restaurants but there a several that we keep coming back to each time. Here’s a list of our favorites.

#1: Playa Bruja Mr. Lionso

This is a super open air restaurant right next to the beach. If you come early evening, you can watch the sunset as you eat. Aside from delicious food, there is usually live music playing. It’s a lively and engaging atmosphere. Our favorite dishes there are the coconut shrimp and the tortilla soup.

#2: Panchos

There are a couple of Panchos restaurants in Mazatlan, but we like the location right next to the beach just for those sunset views. My husband always gets the surf ‘n turf. It’s a delicious plate of steak, shrimp, potatoes and veggies. They also served warm empanadas when you sit down. We love eating here.

#3: Los Arcos

Similar to Panchos and Playa Bruja, this restaurant is on the fancier end but still affordable. It will set you back about $20 per plate. But their shrimp is to die for and is what they are known for. This is the perfect restaurant to leave the kids at home and enjoy a pampered night out.

#4: Tacos Wicho

You know you’re at the right place when there are more locals eating there than tourists. I would argue that Tacos Wicho is a local favorite. You can get classic vampiros, papas and tacos. They are made fresh with all the toppings. My personal favorite are the papas (potatoes). They are cheesy and warm and topped with whatever meat you want and a side of tortillas.

#5: Mercado Pino Suarez Taco Stand

In the heart of Mazatlan’s downtown market, you’ll find the most authentic taco stands in all of Mazatlan. Right along the busy streets filled with people, buses and vendors, there are tiny taco stands. You just take a seat on a stool next to a stand and take your order. Eat as many tacos as you like and then pay. But keep in mind, it’s cash only. We love to go shopping in the market and grab some “diesel tacos”, as we affectionately call them, on the way home.

#6: Estacion 23 juice shop

Mazatlan is known for lots of juice shops all over the place. We love to grab a fresh juice in the morning for breakfast. Our go to shop is Estacion 23 but honestly, they are all good. Just find the closest juice shop to your hotel. I love to buy a juice with mango and milk. You also have to try an escamocha (see picture below). It’s a Mexican fruit salad with condensed milk, nuts, raisins and coconut. They are so good.

#7: Roy’s restaurant

If you’re getting a little bit tired of eating tacos, Roy’s is a great place to switch it up. Their ribs are delicious and I love their burgers as well. It’s like a little touch of cuisine from the states but right in the heart of Mexico. Keep in mind, there is a Roy’s near Playa Bruja and another Roy’s near the Walmart. I like the Roy’s near the Walmart because they don’t have a loud band playing while you are eating.

#8: Taco Time

Before you say anything, no, this is not the same Taco Time that you see in the states. It’s completely different. This fun and vibrant restaurant is affordable and delicious. We can feed our entire family of seven for about $30. You can get family-style servings with a delicious topping bar with all the fixings.

#9: Scorpion Tacos

Not far down the road from Taco Time is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that is delicious. Scorpion Tacos serves delicious papas, gorditas and tacos with frijoles when you order. The service was a little slower but the owner is super friendly. It’s definitely a tourist favorite since he speaks English really well.

#10: Verano Ranch

This last restaurant isn’t really a restaurant. It’s a lunch that’s included in the zipline tour at Verano Ranch. But, it was one of the best meals that I have ever had in Mazatlan so I had to include it. So, go on the zipline tour and then eat their delicious melted cheese and fresh handmade salsa, both served in molcajetes. The food was soooo good.

I hope you liked this list of delicious restaurants in Mazatlan. Whether you are stopping for the day on a cruise or staying for several days, you won’t be disappointed with any of these restaurants. Let me know if you have any other restaurants that you like in Mazatlan in the comments below.

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