Best Restaurants in San Pancho, Mexico: Must-Try Food

I just returned from eating at so many restaurants in San Pancho, Mexico, and I have to say it was some of the best food I’ve had in a Mexican surf town. The restaurants served the healthiest, freshest food, and I was surprised at the many options that this small town offered. If you’re wondering where to eat in San Pancho, these were my favorite restaurants in San Pancho that you won’t want to miss. Also, make sure to check out my guide to San Pancho, if you’re looking for other tips while you enjoy this laid back town.

Best Restaurants In San Pancho, Mexico

Breakfast

1. Nieri Cafe & CoWorking

I found Nieri Cafe by accident. It was on a quiet street, with tables that spilled out, just beckoning me to sit at one of them. The chef is very talented. I started out by trying some of the wonderful cacao and his homemade cacao concha. I loved it so much that I went back for breakfast many times. They make the best green juices and smoothies. I also loved the shrimp chilaquiles, and the cheese crusted poblano and onion omelet was brilliant. Everyone is so friendly here, and I miss it already.

2. Cafe Floresta

Cafe Floresta was my other favorite breakfast restaurant in San Pancho. It’s located in the Marii Hotel Boutique which is adorable. I especially loved the omelet that was filled with zucchini, carrots, and broccoli. I also enjoyed their version of avocado toast, though I’d recommend getting the sauce on the side. Everyone here was also super friendly. Make sure to sit near the edge for a beautiful view of the palm trees and mountains.

3. Bistro Organico

Bistro Organico is known for offering healthy and nourishing organic food, and I really enjoyed it. I especially loved the Buddha bowl that I had for breakfast. Their huevos rancheros on a whole grain tortilla are also very good. I loved their coconut water that was mixed with rose water (the menu says Bulgarian rose oil, but I watched them just add rose water). It was still delicious! It’s located in the beautiful courtyard of the Hotel Cielo Rojo that’s full of plants and trailing vines. It was a peaceful way to start the morning.

Lunch And Dinner

1. Ikan

Ikan gets the award for being the very best of the restaurants in San Pancho, hands down. I went three times during my week long visit. They serve both lunch and dinner. I’d recommend making a reservation for dinner, as it’s a small restaurant, and they are popular. The cocktails are creative and whimsical. The wine list highlights wines from Guadalupe. Don’t miss the Chenin Blanc!

Favorites were the guajillo octopus tostada, the curry prawns, the fish crackling tacos, and the young coconut flan. They also do have non seafood options, but I never got around to trying those since seafood is their specialty.

2. Taquería Los Arbolitos

Taqueria Los Arbolitos is so delicious because they serve their tacos on handmade tortillas. The carne asada was the best one. I didn’t care for their pastor. They have many options from adobada, chorizo, suadero, pollo, and for vegetarians-queso, nopales, mushrooms, and poblano strips. Tacos are about $1.50 USD each. You can also get quesadillas and volcanes. They are only open for dinner.

3. Chido Greens

Chido Greens was my favorite lunch restaurant in San Pancho. I also went here 3 times. They are known for their salads, smoothies, and juices. I mostly got their maiz bowl and added chicken. It was so good with fresh veggies, goat cheese, and quinoa. I also tried their fish taco salad, but this one wasn’t my favorite. Make sure to ask for the salsa macha on the side. It’s so delicious!

4. Barracuda

I really loved the ahi tuna tostada at Barracuda. It was so fresh and heaped with tuna. I also tried the shrimp chef tacos with fried Chinese noodles on top, but I didn’t enjoy these as much as the tostada. Other favorites are the lobster tacos and coconut shrimp.

5. Taqueria el Pocas

This is the spot to go if you’re craving pastor al trompo. The pastor is perfect, and I ate so many of these that I lost count. They offer other kinds of tacos, too, but do yourself a favor and eat as many of the pastor tacos that you can! This place is located on the Main Rd, and you’ll see it, as the trompo is right on the sidewalk.

6. Miralo Gastrobar

Miralo offers brunch on the weekends and dinner during the week. I had the best shrimp and bacon Caesar salad here, just when I was wanting something a little different. The shrimp was garlicy and cooked perfectly. I didn’t, however, like their dressing, at all. It was super thick and very mayo based. I’m so glad I got it on the side, as the salad was great without any dressing. People enjoy the pitchers of margaritas here and the brussels sprouts. They are also known for their chicken and waffles at brunch.

7. The Gipsy

When most people think of The Gipsy, they think of the bar and of live music. But, they also serve incredible Indian food. I had the dal and the naan bread, and the naan bread was the best naan I’ve ever had. It’s pillowy soft and so amazing. The prices were great, as well. When you need one of the restaurants in San Pancho that offer something different than Mexican food, this is the place to go.

8. Restaurant Victor’s

Restaurant Victor’s is the place to go when you want affordable and authentic Mexican food. While many of the restaurants in San Pancho can be pricy, Victor’s still offers great prices and mouthwatering food. I loved the enchiladas I had, and I loved that they also paid attention to presentation. I loved enjoying this spot at lunch.

9. Yasmina`s Multidimensional Wellness Restaurant

If you’re looking for vegan restaurants in San Pancho, then head to Yasmina’s. They only serve vegan food with the purest ingredients. I had the Lemurian soup and the passion fruit agua fresca. They have an extensive menu with options representing food from all around the globe. The setting is in a beautiful garden courtyard, but bring mosquito spray, or ask the restaurant to use some of the spray they keep on hand.

10. El Punto Pizzería

El Punto Pizzería is most well known for their incredible sourdough pizza. It’s absolutely fantastic. You can get it by the slice ($2.50), or order a whole pie. They also make a few pastas, which I didn’t get the chance to try. The focacia bread is also incredible, and they also make sandwiches on this bread. They are also located in the garden courtyard next to Yasmina’s if you want to sit for a while. My hint is to make sure to take a few of these slices to go for your flight home. Add in some focaccia for an incredible breakfast sandwich the next day. You won’t regret it!

Dessert

1. Mexicolate

Mexicolate has a lovely cafe in San Pancho, and I enjoyed all of their cacao drinks. My favorite was the cacao agua fresca and the love shot. Also, don’t miss their raw brownie. It was so good and made for a lovely treat.

2. Chichili Helado Vegano

Chichili made the best vegan ice cream I’ve ever had. You could get ice cream by the scoop, by the pint, or their spectacular paletas that were dipped in chocolate. My favorite one was the matcha dipped in chocolate. They also had other vegan treats like frozen Snickers , but I never got past the ice cream.