The food in Puerto Escondido can be pretty hit or miss but I did find a few places that I loved to eat at. Since Puerto is full of tourists from all over the world, there are a ton of different food options to choose from.
Note: Puerto is in a really really hot and muggy part of Mexico so a lot of places are only open for dinner after the sun goes down.
I’ve been to Puerto twice now and I kept track of my favorite places to eat so that I can share them with you. As always, keep in mind that I am mostly vegetarian but I do travel with meat eaters so I’m not completely oblivious to the good meat options.
1 Fish Shack
Fish Shack is a Puerto icon. This spot is located in the heart of La Punta, about 10 steps away from the beach. They serve a ton of different fish tacos, fried fish baskets, and some solid veggie options. I highly recommend stopping here for a couple fish tacos and a drink. Keep in mind this is a popular place in a busy area so you might have to get close with some strangers.
2 Ala Burger
The first time I went to Puerto I took a cab from the airport, dropped my bags at the airbnb, and immediately went and ate at Ala Burger. This place is outdoors with big shared tables. You’ll have your feet in the sand, a bunch of new friends at your tables, and delicious food in front of you. They mostly sell pizzas and burgers. I had a portobello mushroom burger the first time I went and a vegan pizza the second time. My friends ate the actual burgers and cheese and meat pizzas and loved them too!
3 Anything at the Zicatela Market
Both times I was in Puerto I stayed only a few blocks from Mercado Zicatela. The market itself isn’t huge but it does have everything: sit down restaurants, a pharmacy, convenience stores, produce, bakeries, coffee shops, handmade clothing, bikinis, toys, you name it. I highly recommend the vegan taco shop!
I also recommend eating at one of the sit-down restaurants in the back of the building: they all have an incredible view of the ocean! If you see a lovebird on one of the restaurant owners’ shoulders, her name is Mango and tell her I said hello!
4 Espacio Cometa
Puerto has a few cute little food stall markets but I spent most of my time at Espacio Cometa. There’s stir fry, vegan tacos, sushi, crepes, and a cocktail bar. There’s a ton of communal and private tables to choose from and the energy in this place is social but chill. My recommendations: a few vegan tacos and a sweet crepe for dessert!
5 Cocofam
Cocofam is a vegan restaurant located near the center of Puerto. I highly recommend this place for a day when you need a healthy meal. Their food was fresh, homemade, and mostly made of whole foods. Plus look how pretty it was! One of my meat eater friends went and raved about it too so I know it’s not just me that loves this place!
6 La Casa Del Surfer
Just go and order fish tacos and a green smoothie. I didn’t even get to look at a menu and I’m pretty sure there isn’t one. My friend said just tell them how many fish tacos and get a smoothie if you want, so I did. I can actually taste the smoothie right now thinking about it, do not skip it.
7 Punta Vida Sunday Barbecue
Punta Vida is an interesting little spot on the beach near La Punta. You’ll catch a lot of people playing volleyball here almost every day of the week. Every Sunday Punta Vida hosts a big barbecue where you can get a plate with something off the grill and some sides for a reasonable price. They also have a DJ later in the night and the place turns into a huge dance party!
8 Micheladas El Rey
Micheladas are not technically a meal but I don’t care. Alcohol is a food group in my humble opinion, especially when it involves tomato juice, tajin, and an edible straw. I ended up here one night looking for a different bar and didn’t regret a thing. The micheladas they make are literally the size of your head. I probably only drank a 10th of mine and still had heartburn for a week.
This was one of the few places in Puerto I went that was mostly frequented by locals. Sometimes while traveling along the gringo trail you can accidently fall deep into the backpacker culture and forget to chill with the local community. One of the bartenders here even came out and salsa danced with me just because I mentioned that I wanted to practice.
Affordable Guide to Puerto Escondido: What to Do, What to Wear, Where to Stay
Last year I went to Puerto Escondido twice and I had similar experiences both times. It’s a great place to surf, connect with other backpacking beach bums, and party the night away. If you’re looking for a warm, affordable, and non-Cancun beach town in Mexico this might be a great option for you! I’ll be…
Jamie Eats World 
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