In Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, restaurants range from simple beach eateries to deluxe establishments with international chefs.  Fresh fish and seafood -- such as shrimp, octopus, and oysters -- are the highlights of the regional cuisine.

Villas Caribe Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Restaurant Selections

El Galeon:
Eclectic - $5 to $25.  People-watchers like to settle in at the rope- and rigging-adorned bar of this Marina Ixtapa restaurant. You can eat on the terrace or in a reproduction galleon right on the water. The menu includes upscale Mexican and international fare. The tuna steak is outstanding, as are the pastas. But the signature dish is pollo galleón, medallions of chicken breast stuffed with lobster and bathed in a three-cheese sauce, served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. AE, MC, V.  Address: Plaza Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa, Mexico.
Phone: 755/553-2150

Coconuts:
Continental - $5 to $25.  Eat at the horseshoe-shape bar -- especially if you happen to be by yourself -- on the covered patio, or out under the sky. Restored by owner Patricia Cumming's architect husband, Zihua's oldest house has a gorgeous patio open to the stars and surrounded by zillions of tiny white lights. The kitchen is consistent: try the roast pork loin, the sweet and zesty coconut shrimp, or one of the vegetarian offerings. Five different dessert coffees are prepared flaming at your table. In the evening a keyboarder or romantic duo playing bossa nova or jazz is sure to entertain. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed June-mid-Oct.  Address: Pasaje Agustín Ramírez 1, Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
Phone: 755/554-2518

Tamales Y Atoles Any:
Mexican – Under $5 to $10 (Highly Recommended).  Six to eight different tamales are offered here each day, most savory, some sweet, all huge. A real treat is pozole: a delicious typical pork and hominy soup where you add your own condiments; even the "baby" size is huge. Everything about the place is typically Mexican -- crockery and coffee mugs, colorful striped table coverings, and local radio music in the background. The roof is thatched, and the walls are painted in vivid rural scenes. There's breakfast every day but Sunday. MC, V.  Address: Calle Ejido 38, at Calle Vicente Guerrero, Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  
Phone: 755/554-7373

La Sirena Gorda:
Seafood – Under $5 to $25.  Hundreds of model sailing vessels hang from the patio ceiling, and oil paintings depict the namesake "fat mermaid" at this small, friendly restaurant between the pier and the fish market. The setting is casual, with a dark, quaint, wraparound bar -- unfortunately often hot and still -- and two patios overlooking the town's lazy pedestrian walkway. The soundtrack of Latino tunes is at a volume that permits conversation. Specialties include seafood tacos, surf and turf, and octopus kebabs. The signature tacos al pastor are corn tortillas filled with fresh grilled tuna doctored with all kinds of condiments. The restaurant is open for breakfast as well. No credit cards. Closed Wed.  Address: Paseo del Pescador 90, Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  
Phone: 755/554-2687

Casa Morelos:
Mexican - $5 to $25.  Hundreds of model sailing vessels hang from the patio ceiling, and oil paintings depict the namesake "fat mermaid" at this small, friendly restaurant between the pier and the fish market. The setting is casual, with a dark, quaint, wraparound bar -- unfortunately often hot and still -- and two patios overlooking the town's lazy pedestrian walkway. The soundtrack of Latino tunes is at a volume that permits conversation. Specialties include seafood tacos, surf and turf, and octopus kebabs. The signature tacos al pastor are corn tortillas filled with fresh grilled tuna doctored with all kinds of condiments. The restaurant is open for breakfast as well. No credit cards. Closed Wed.  Address: Paseo del Pescador 90, Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  
Phone: 755/554-2687

Ruben’s:
American - $5 to $10.  The delicious scent of grilling meats will entrance you from blocks away; as you approach your ears will detect the soft yet persistent sounds of Latin rhythms to which unhurried waiters tap their feet. Music from the jukebox is loud inside, and after sundown most clients dine at the white plastic tables on the grassy front yard. The charcoal-grilled burgers, which are made of top sirloin, and the french fries, deep-fried zucchini, and baked potatoes are delightful American treats. For dessert try the grilled bananas glazed with cinnamon and sugar and served with a dollop of fresh cream. No credit cards.  Address: Centro Comercial Flamboyant, next to Bancomer bank, Blvd. Ixtapa s/n, Ixtapa, Mexico.  
Phone: 755/553-0027 or 755/553-0358