Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo cuisine is a blend of mountain flavors and a rich production of fruits, seeds, and spices, along with the wonders of the sea, all with unique ancestral touches. Its signature dish is fish strips. According to legend, the dish originated when some fishermen were stranded at sea with nothing to eat. They cut the fish into strips to share it, and with onion, Creole chili, salt, and lemon juice, they managed to survive until they returned to the bay. Today, you can find the original recipe and various versions in any restaurant in the area.
At Carmelitas Café, you can find various delightful dishes prepared by Carmelita Ramírez, a traditional cook known for her excellent culinary skills. Thanks to her efforts, this café has made it to to the 250 Best Restaurants in Mexico list by Culinaria Mexcana. Don’t skip the relleno de puerco, a pork stew baked in a claw pot, or the mahi-mahi fillet, served with rice and vegetable salad.
La Angustina is a restaurant that specializes in Guerrero’s signature cuisine. Chef Felipe Meneses combines the flavors of mezcal with his creations, which primarily consist of seafood dishes such as garlic mojo shrimp and grilled catch of the day.
There are some great tasting menu options available that offer a refreshing change. Tentaciones Restaurant, located inside the hotel of the same name, is a great example. They offer a five-course menu that changes weekly, based on the catch of the day, obtained at the local market, as well as produce from the area’s farms. It’s an inspiring option for those looking for something different.
La Gaviota is a traditional restaurant on Zihuatanejo’s iconic Playa la Ropa. It has been renovated to become one of the leading gastronomic destinations in the region. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including shrimp tacos, tuna tostadas, and almond fillets, as well as the famous Gaviota fish strips, black aguachile, and traditional strips.
If you want a seafood restaurant serving fresh and authentic seafood, visit Marisquería Leo. The restaurant is known for its barnacles that the chef catches from the edge of a cliff. This activity requires excellent skill and respect, as capturing these specimens from where the waves break on the rock is challenging. However, this activity adds an extraordinary flavor to the dish.
The region offers a variety of typical dishes, such as chocolate clams and lobster
salad with carrots, cucumber, and parsley. One of their most delicious dishes is the
octopus toast with avocado dip. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, a popular tourist destination,
offers a unique blend of flavors that can surprise even the most discerning palates.
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