We’ve been living in Sayulita, Mexico (just outside Puerto Vallarta) off and on for 5 years now, and I’ve been slowly growing my list of favorite bites. A foodie hit list if you will. My friends Valerie and Hope came to visit one season and I decided to dedicate a post to them – a Scavenger Hunt of Deliciousness – to ensure they taste every amazing morsel in this magical little Mexican village. Since their visit I’ve continued to groom and update to reflect my latest favorite bites.

1. Tacos Mary’s Way

There’s so much to love about Mary’s. The wooden sidewalk lunch counter, the frozen limeade on a sweltering day, the enormous plate of fresh guacamole…but the Tacos de Camarones Mary’s Way don’t mess around. Shrimp, roasted poblano peppers, melted cheese (optional), and fresh avocado. Doctor those bad boys up with an assortment of delightful salsas provided and you’re in business. I’ve heard the veggie burrito is amazing too!

2. Nady’s Agua Frescas

Nady’s is a popular spot, with few places to sit. You can eat on the sidewalk, sit on the corner or take it to go (which you would never do since it’s packaged in styrofoam). Best meal for the value in Sayulita in my book with great options for vegetarians. I’m partial to the tacos with chicken chipotle or pork with squash, but the aqua frescas are to die for. Splurge on the grande, you’re worth it.

3. Ahi Tostada Barracuda

I’ve made it my mission to sample every tuna tostada in town and this one is my latest fav. I prefer the Atun Serrano with chile vs the regular with tomatoes (pictured here) because I think you get more tuna and I like the mellow kick. Served with an assortment of delicious sauces to customize just for you! Try the limeade too!

4. Spicy Tuna Tostada – El Break

Right on the beach in the heart of the action. Two tostadas and an order of guacamole para compartir and you’re in heaven. Smoothies are good too (I’m partial to piña, guayaba, banana y agua). I’ve had people stop on the sidewalk to ask me what I’m eating, it looks THAT good.  Coco Frio pairing optional.

5. Wakika Heladeria

Popsicle insanity! Fresh, healthy, creative. Pineapple-Basil! Mango-Chile! Or straight up fresh coconut…this place is the bomb. Dozens of flavors to choose from. Milk or coconut water based. I eat one every day.

UPDATE: I’ve recently discovered a rival! Paletas la Reinita near the beach, try the Prosecco and Peach. Speechless.

6. Tacos Ivan – The late night street taco

To be eaten after 10pm with a good buzz. Located on the plaza inside Monchi’s or the original location in front of the butcher shop right before the bridge on the left. It’s a cart with some tables and chairs. There’s a big slab of pork on the vertical rotisserie, shawarma style. You tell them how many. The guy hacks off some pork into a taco and then with one elegant motion, hacks off a slice of the pineapple above it you didn’t even notice before, leans back and catches the pineapple in the tortilla. BOOM! Sprinkle some onions and cilantro on top. Viva Mexico Cabrones! At 12 pesos a pop (< $1) you’ll go back for fourths.

7. Yah-Yah’s Coffee

Delicious coffee traditional or blended. Dirty Chai, mmmm. Plus they have A/C in their new location. Score!

8. La Princesa Pizza at Rustica

Val and I don’t dig on cow cheese. They made this one for me with goat. Pesto, sundried tomatoes, olives, arugula, balsamic glaze…D-LISH! Pasta’s look good too and waiter’s are super friendly. If you’re in the mood ask for the jalapeño margarita, it won the Public House “Best Margarita” contest last year.

9. Tamales from the Tamale lady

When you’re sitting on the beach and you hear “Tomales?”. Say yes. ’nuff said.

…and then there are the Drinks!

Classic Margaritas on the Beach

Las Sirenas Beach Club, best margarita in town in my humble opinion. Relax in a lounge chair and sip this secret recipe that’s perfectly tart while you watch the surfers rip by.

Mojitos at El Patio

Lovely setting, awesome menu (try the ceviche) and beautifully made cocktails right on the beach. I love the classic mojito but the margs are great too. Be sure to try a paleta at La Reinita next door on your way!

Drinks on the plaza Public House

Multi-level, great bartenders, lots of locals, great menu and right in the heart of it all.

Artisan Margaritas at La Zouave

Every corner is Instagram worthy in this nooked out little Moroccan inspired love cave. Fresh fruit muddle margs made with love.

House Made Tequila at Cava

My most recent discovery and possibly favorite hole in the wall. Cava is a little strip of a bar with  fabulous house made tequila you can buy in beautiful bottles, and a great vibe.

Craft Beer at Palmar Trapiche

The only beer garden in Sayulita. This tranquil setting boasts the largest craft beer menu in town. They often host drink-for-a-cause to raise money for local schools and animal shelters which I find awesome.

But wait! There’s more…

• Esperanza’s for breakfast lunch or dinner, the quinoa salad with goat cheese and roasted beets….
• Scallop Sushi or Bouillabaisse at Don Pedro’s
• Acai bowls at El Fortín

All I can say is thank goodness I’m as enthusiastic about surfing these days as I am about eating. Sayulita, I love you!

Related Posts

• Dogs In Sweaters – A Thai Scavenger Hunt – Chiang Mai
• Eat Pray Eat – The Best Food in Ubud