25 Best Restaurants in Huatulco: Seafood, Breakfast + More

ByJulien Casanova Updated On

When my friend from Oaxaca City told me Huatulco restaurants aren’t great, I thought he was being overly dramatic. But on my first visit, I understood what he meant. Fortunately over the years, I’ve watched the Huatulco food scene evolve to offer more variety and flavor. 

From the best seafood restaurants in Huatulco to casual spots for breakfast, Huatulco now has some great choices for delicious food. And it inspired me to create this guide to help you navigate. It highlights some of the best spots for local flavors, affordable meals, and seafood. 

I’ve organized this list of the best restaurants in Huatulco by category since it covers a range of cuisines – from Oaxacan food to seafood and even a vegetarian restaurant that will also satisfy vegans.

To help you find your way, I’ve listed the neighborhood with a link to the map location of each restaurant. Make sure you save this post so that you always know where to eat in Huatulco.

At one of the best restaurants in Huatulco Mexico, an overhead shot of a white plate of fruit on a wooden table that includes slices of papaya, pineapple, mango, banana, and apple. A fork and knife wrapped in holder with a tropical plant design is on the left.

Best Oaxacan Restaurants in Huatulco

From tlayudas to mole, these restaurants highlight the unique flavors that make Oaxacan food what it is. They spots use local ingredients and cooking techniques to create regional favorites that capture the essence of traditional food from Oaxaca.

1. Bladu’Yú Restaurant

📍 Location: Bahía Chahué

Located in Bahía Chahué, this colorful restaurant brings the authentic flavors of Oaxaca’s Istmo region to Huatulco Mexico. The complimentary starter of totopos de Istmo and fresh cheese set the tone for our meal. Spoiler alert: they’re not your typical store-bought chips. 

At Bladu Yu restaurant in Huatulco, an overhead shot of meat with potatoes and lime wedges on a rectangular wooden serving dish. On the side are two bowls - one dark salsa and the other bright pink pickled red onions.

Made with holes and cooked on the side of a clay oven, these totopos have a unique texture and flavor I hadn’t come across, even after several years living in Oaxaca City.

Bladu’Yú’s serves unpretentious, traditional flavors that are true to their roots—Oaxacan classics like mole, tlayudas, and garnaches. This is one of the top restaurants in Huatulco, especially if you’re looking for a taste of Istmo de Tehuantepec.

2. Oaxacan Breakfast in Route to the Waterfalls

If you’re planning to visit the waterfalls in Huatulco, I highly recommend stopping for breakfast on the way. Both of these local restaurants cook on a comal over an open fire, adding to the rustic charm of the meal.

A woman cooks memelas, chorizo, and other meat on several round clay surfaces, called a comal with wood providing the heat. The fire is intense as various pots also cook over the fire.

I first discovered Las Muelles (map) when I booked this waterfall tour, and it left such an impression that I later returned with my father. Here, you’ll find women cooking over the fire, roosters wandering nearby, and coffee made from the owner’s own beans—a wonderful start to the day.

Guisados Rancheros Doña Tella (map) is another spot I tried on a trip to the waterfalls, this time with my mom. Doña Tella’s offers just a few breakfast options, but each dish is both delicious and economical, making it a great stop before a day of exploring.

3. Comedor Esperanza

📍 Location: Mercado

Located inside the local market, Comedor Esperanza, is a reliable spot for affordable, traditional food in Huatulco. It’s a great place to try one of Oaxaca’s famous 7 moles or enjoy a hearty tlayuda with tasajo. 

With its market setting and economical prices, Comedor Esperanza offers an authentic taste of Oaxaca in a casual environment.

4. Tlayudas del Sector I

📍 Location: Sector I La Crucecita

Tlayudas del Sector I is a casual spot for enjoying authentic Oaxacan tlayudas alongside other favorites like tacos, tortas, and tostadas. 

After ordering, you can head over to the salsa bar to add toppings and salsas to your liking. This spot offers a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy classic Mexican street food in Huatulco.

5. Doña Oly – Tlayudas y antojitos

📍 Location: Sector J

If you prefer a more homemade meal where the tlayudas are grilled, Doña Oly’s is the place to go. Located right in front of her home, this spot offers an inviting, local experience with authentic flavors. 

Alongside tlayudas, she serves other favorites like sopes, tostadas, and huaraches, all prepared with the care and simplicity of a home-cooked meal.

6. Restaurante LuzMar

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

Restaurante LuzMar may not be exclusively Oaxacan, but it offers several regional specialties, including a selection of moles and tlayudas—even a vegetarian option. They also offer a daily menu del día, the selection of which is announced on their Facebook page.

Located at the south end of La Crucecita, this family-owned spot has been a local favorite for over 12 years. LuzMar’s welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a solid choice for anyone looking for breakfast, Oaxacan dishes, or seafood in Huatulco.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Huatulco Mexico

Given its coastal location, Huatulco restaurants offer a fantastic range of fresh seafood, with local spots that cater to all tastes. From classic dishes like ceviche and fish tacos to creative plates inspired by regional flavors, there’s lots for seafood lovers to explore. 

Many of the best seafood restaurants in Huatulco focus on balancing traditional recipes with inventive twists. After exploring some of Huatulco’s top beaches, dive into the local seafood scene at these restaurants.

A mural of a Mexican woman with an ocean wave on the white wall in the exterior of Alvelu restaurant in Huatulco, a place to eat seafood tacos.

7. La Tosta del Mar

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

When I first ate at La Tosta, the menu focused on one thing – tostadas topped with your choice of seafood. And these aren’t your standard tostadas. They are creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

The tostadas include hot and cold options, from fried seafood to ceviche, and even includes a vegetarian choice in each section. Now in a new location in La Crucecita centro, La Tosta has expanded its menu to feature tacos and seafood cocktails. 

My top recommendations are the Kraken tostada, a satisfying mix of breaded, fried octopus with chipotle crab dip; the aguachile tostada; and the Captain Jones tostada. For a fresh take on seafood tostadas in Huatulco, La Tosta del Mar delivers.

8. Don Crudelio

📍 Location: Sector I La Crucecita

Don Crudelio was one of the first seafood restaurants I visited in Huatulco, and it’s kept me coming back over the years. 

A close up view of two fish tacos severed on a plate made of driftwood at Don Crudelio, one of the best places to eat seafood in Huatulco. The tacos are garnished with thin slices of radish, jalapeno, and cilantro.

The menu has grown to offer a creative mix of traditional and fusion dishes, each with a beautiful presentation that showcases fresh ingredients. Classic choices like ceviche, aguachile, coconut shrimp, and fish tacos deliver while reviewers rave about the perfectly cooked pulpo.

What sets this seafood restaurant apart is that Chef Victor blends flavors to create inventive seafood options such as kushiage de pulpo and the porky bao bun. Reviews highlight his dedication to dishes that are both visually appealing and flavorful. If you’re searching for fresh, creative seafood in Huatulco, Don Crudelio is a must-try.

9. Alvelú

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

Alvelú is my go-to for fish tacos in Huatulco. You can order them grilled or fried, and each taco is topped with a light cabbage slaw that adds just the right crunch. I especially appreciate that they offer both battered and breaded Baja-style options.

A battered and fried fish taco garnished with cabbage slaw and a slice of lime on a round plate. In the background are two bowls of salsa and a bottle of beer.

Beyond fish, Alvelú’s menu includes shrimp tacos, fried squid, and pulpo. Pair your meal with an ice-cold beer, and you’ve got a satisfying, no-fuss seafood spot. This small restaurant delivers great value with generous portions for the price, making it a solid choice for casual, tasty seafood in Huatulco.

10. El Camaron Borracho

📍 Location: Sector T

The name alone—El Camaron Borracho, or “The Drunken Shrimp”—was enough to get me intrigued. Shrimp is the main attraction at this seafood restaurant in Huatulco. And they prepare it every way you can think of. 

An overhead view of a whole fried fish at El Camaron Borracho, one of the places to eat the best seafood in Huatulco. The fish is topped with onions, tomato, and olives and served with a small salad and rice.

My top menu picks are the drunken shrimp, which delivers on its reputation. Or the whole fried fish. El Camaron Borracho is a popular spot, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to avoid a wait, especially on the weekends.

11. El Grillo Marinero

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

The outside corner of Grillo Marinero, one of the best seafood restaurants in Huatulco, features a blue wall with colorful fish, lobster, and octopus painted on the lower half. The palapa roof is made with natural materials.

I almost didn’t include El Grillo Marinero because I think it’s slightly overpriced for what it is and one dish we ordered, the octopus, wasn’t very good. But the seafood soup redeemed this Huatulco seafood restaurant. And that’s exactly what I recommend you order.

It also helps that it’s conveniently located in La Crueceita centro. The restaurant itself is a small corner building with a tall palapa roof and lots of fans whipping the air around to keep things cool. Keep in mind, they only accept cash.

Planning a trip? You’ll want to read about my top spots to snorkel in Huatulco

Places to Eat Mexican Food in Huatulco

There are also a few restaurants in Huatulco where you can enjoy Mexican flavors beyond the region’s well-known Oaxacan dishes. From hearty tacos de guisado to classic street food staples, these spots serve up traditional Mexican food that are both flavorful and budget-friendly. 

A bowl of birria consome with a side of tortillas on a plate as a man uses metal tongs to pick up pickled onions and habanero.

12. Tacos del arbol

📍 Location: Map Location

One of the best places to eat in Huatulco is under this tree where women serve tacos de guisado as customers stand and sit while waiting for their order. A red tarp hanging from the tree provides more shade.

Every morning, locals line up at Tacos del Arbol for a quick and satisfying meal under the shade of the tree that gives this spot its name. Located just outside of La Crucecita’s center, it’s a great option for a cheap lunch or breakfast in Huatulco. 

In Huatulco, tacos de guisado (stew) are served on a plate covered in plastic. The tacos each have two tortillas.

The menu centers around tacos de guisado—premade stews served in tacos or empanadas—with options like chicken tinga, poblano peppers con crema, papas con chorizo, and chicharrón.

13. Antojitos Los Gallos

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

Antojitos translates to “snacks” or “cravings,” and if you’re craving Mexican street food, Antojitos Los Gallos is the place to go. This is one of the most flavorful and affordable restaurants in Huatulco.

Los Gallos serves up a variety of street foods like sopes, huaraches, and tlayudas. The menu also includes traditional Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, chilaquiles, and a steaming bowl of pozole. If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to eat in Huatulco, this is an ideal choice for a hearty meal packed with authentic flavors.

14. Lartillería

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

If you’re looking to elevate your street food experience, Lartillería is the spot. The menu covers traditional Mexican street food staples—huaraches, gorditas, and pambazos—from regions across Mexico. But Chef Otto takes these classics up a notch while still respecting their traditional flavors. 

A nighttime view of the outside of Lartilleria restaurant in Huatulco shows several tables full of customers sitting on the front patio. The front of the building is lit using a green light.

Each dish we tried was simple but expertly prepared and the extensive use of blue corn throughout the menu is a standout. With an inviting environment and a focus on quality, Lartillería serves some of the best Mexican food in Huatulco at a very reasonable price.

15. Mr. Birria

📍 Location: La Crucecita

Four tacos de queso birria on a plate lined with a paper stamped with a man's face and the words "Mr. Birria Huatulco Oaxaca."

One of my favorite meals in Oaxaca is barbacoa, but birria—a slow-cooked, flavorful beef dish—comes in a close second. And Mr. Birria knows how to make it right. 

This spot offers a range of birria options, from classic tacos and quesabirria to consomé and  birria ramen for something a little different. Be sure to ask about their homemade hot sauce—it’s got a serious kick and isn’t for the faint of heart.

16. Auténticos Tacos al Pastor Chahue

📍 Location: La Crucecita

At a restaurant for cheap tacos in Huatulco, plastic tables covered in a red table cloth with a Coca-Cola emblem are surrounded by white plastic chairs. In the background are two spits of tacos al pastor - a red seasoned pork - with pineapple on top.

I wouldn’t say these are the best tacos al pastor I’ve ever had—Mexico City still holds that title—but for a quick, cheap meal in Huatulco, this place hits the spot. 

At a restaurant in Huatulco, tacos al pastor garnished with onion and cilantro are served on a circular white plate.

Located along the main boulevard, they serve up classic al pastor and other cuts of meat as well as frijoles charros and more. Each taco al pastor comes topped with onions, cilantro, and a slice of pineapple, delivering a satisfying bite of Mexico’s favorite street food.

Love tacos? You’ll want to read about my favorite taco spots in Oaxaca City

Best Restaurants for Breakfast in Huatulco

Huatulco’s breakfast scene offers a mix of traditional Mexican favorites and creative twists, catering to a range of morning cravings. From classic chilaquiles to hearty egg dishes with fresh juice, these Huatulco breakfast spots provide a flavorful start to the day.

A close up view of a bowl of fruit topped with cottage cheese and honey for breakfast in Huatulco.

17. La Botanita

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

La Botanita initially caught my attention with its smoked salmon bagel, and it seems I’m not the only one—it’s a favorite among reviewers, too. 

The menu leans toward healthy options, with an entire page dedicated to fresh juice blends and creative dishes like an egg plate served on a nest of zucchini noodles, topped with bacon and cheese. 

For those seeking a Mexican breakfast in Huatulco, La Botanita also delivers, with options like chilaquiles, huevos divorciados, and a flavorful cazuela of baked eggs.

18. Restaurante La Chicatana

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

A view of the mountains and blue sky with light clouds from the terrace at La Chicatana, one of the best places for breakfast in Huatulco. In the foreground are trees and houses.

Located on a third floor terrace accessible by a glass elevator, Restaurante La Chicatana offers stunning mountain views. The setting alone makes it one of my favorite places to eat in Huatulco. 

Breakfast includes traditional Mexican dishes, fresh fruit plates, and a selection of omelets. If you visit for lunch or dinner, the seafood and classic Mexican dishes are the best picks, while options like pizza and pasta miss the mark a bit.

19. Terra Cotta

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

I would rank Terra Cotta among the best breakfast in Huatulco, thanks to their coconut French toast alone—and I’m not a sweets person. 

The full menu covers traditional breakfast favorites, including chilaquiles, enchiladas, and huevos motuleños. It also features a variety of omelets and creative dishes that incorporate Mexican ingredients like hierba santa. 

While breakfast is a highlight, Terra Cotta also offers a broad lunch and dinner menu, with Oaxacan classics like mole and tasajo alongside seafood, pasta, and pizzas.

20. Romero

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

Romero is a charming breakfast spot in Huatulco, with a cozy seating area nestled in a central patio surrounded by plants. 

The small menu offers flavorful dishes that blend local and international flavors in creative ways. I suggest starting your meal with one of their well-balanced green juices, a refreshing way to kick off breakfast in this peaceful setting.

21. Yellow Tropical Brunch & Coffee

📍 Location: Bahía Chahué

Yellow Tropical Brunch & Coffee brings a creative twist to breakfast in Huatulco, adding flair to classic dishes in a yellow-themed setting. 

The outdoor seating area at this breakfast restaurant in Huatulco features a bright yellow table and two white stools.

The avocado toast here gets an upgrade with sautéed veggies, while their waffles come topped with fresh fruit for a deliciously sweet start. Other options include a satisfying breakfast burrito, making this spot a great choice for a laid-back, flavorful brunch.

22. Casa del Café

📍 Location: Bahía Santa Cruz

The outside of Casa del Cafe, a top place for breakfast in Huatulco, shows several wooden signs with lettering advertising cappuccino, brownies, and other items hanging on the walls, outdoor seating, and a wooden sign that displays the name of the restaurant in white lettering with a coffee bean logo.

Starting breakfast with a great cup of coffee paired with a delicious sourdough cinnamon roll is hard to beat and Casa del Café delivers just that. Known as one of the best places for coffee in Huatulco, the barista here is praised for crafting a perfect Italian cappuccino.

The limited menu includes healthy egg plates, flavorful chilaquiles, and other homemade options, making Casa del Café a great spot for a relaxed, satisfying morning.

Other Top Restaurants in Huatulco

For those looking to switch up the flavors, Huatulco has a few unique spots offering more than the usual Mexican dishes and seafood. 

From vegetarian twists on local classics to international flavors, these restaurants add variety and creativity to the restaurants in Huatulco.

The outside seating area at Bonaza hamburger restaurant in Huatulco features a covered wagon car and a couple of white tables with colorful chairs.

23. Bonaza – Best Hamburgers

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

Fries and a burger garnished with lettuce and slices of tomato at one of the best places to eat in Huatulco. In the background are several bowls of salsa and pickled jalapenos.

Finding a good burger in Oaxaca isn’t always easy, but Bonaza delivers with their handmade patties. This spot even offers vegetarian options, like a portobello burger with goat cheese and a unique plantain burger. 

The outdoor setting, with string lights and an old wagon car as a centerpiece, adds a rustic charm that makes Bonaza a fun and relaxed place to enjoy a burger in Huatulco.

24. La Verduzca Vegetropical – Vegetarian Restaurant

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

As one of the only vegetarian restaurants in Huatulco, La Verduzca Vegetropical is a gem for plant-based options. Plus nearly every dish available to be made vegan. 

An overhead view of a vegetarian burrito cut in half with roasted potatoes in between and a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side. The round clay plate was served at La Verduzca, one of the only places to eat vegetarian food in Huatulco.

I appreciate how they reinvent classic Mexican dishes with a vegetarian twist, like chorizo con papas made from cauliflower and seeds or mushrooms cooked al pastor style. 

The menu also features refreshing smoothie bowls and tropical fruit plates, making it an ideal spot for a light meal. With its open-air setting and friendly service, La Verduzca delivers a welcoming experience for anyone seeking vegetarian or vegan food in Huatulco.

25. Thai Pei Restaurant Huatulco

📍 Location: La Crucecita Centro

An overhead view of a round plate of red curry shrimp with white rice at Thai Pei restaurant in Huatulco. The plate is garnished with watermelon radish and parsley.

If you’re craving a change of flavors, Thai Pei offers a solid option for Thai food in Huatulco. While it may not be the most authentic Thai food you’ve ever had, it’s satisfying and provides a welcome way to enjoy more veggies than usual.

A round black plate of pad thai in Huatulco, garnished with a watermelon radish, bean sprouts, cilantro, peanuts, and a slice of lime.

I enjoyed the pad thai, and my mom’s curry dish with rice was equally delicious—a refreshing break from the usual fare.

Final Thoughts on Huatulco Restaurants

Huatulco restaurants now offer an improved variety of options, from fresh seafood and hearty breakfasts to creative vegetarian dishes and unique international flavors. 

Whether you’re looking for the best seafood restaurants in Huatulco or searching for where to eat in Huatulco on a budget, you’ll find it here.

For more tips and recommendations to plan your trip, join the conversation in the Mexico Travel Network, my free Facebook group.

Julien, the creator of Oaxaca Travel Tips, stands in an rock arch that frames the ocean in La Punta, Oaxaca. She's wearing a purple dress and has long blonde hair.

Hola! Soy Julien Casanova. And Oaxaca stole my heart.

When I set off to explore Mexico again, I found myself always coming back to Oaxaca. The vibrant culture, wonderful people, stunning beaches, and incredible food. All of it stole my heart and suddenly I desired to stay in one place. For a while at least. After living in Oaxaca for over a year, I decided to share my love for this area of Mexico.

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