The 12 Best Restaurants in Punta Mita, Mexico

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The best restaurants in Punta Mita, Mexico take visitors on a culinary adventure. Whether you want traditional Mexican food or want to expand your palate, the Punta Mita restaurants will not disappoint. 

My husband and I have visited Punta Mita, Mexico, several times and are always searching for the best restaurants in Punta Mita. As part of our search, we often get recommendations from friends who live in or own vacation rentals in Punta Mita.   

Is Punta Mita the same place as Punta de Mita?

Before we jump into the 12 best restaurants in Punta Mita, I want to give you the lay of the land. Visitors often ask about the difference between Punta Mita and Punta de Mita. Punta Mita is a 1,500-acre luxurious gated community owned by Cascade Investment LLC (think Bill Gates) within the City of Punta de Mita on the Pacific Coast of Nayarit, Mexico. 

Guests will find golf courses, gated residential communities, surfing, multiple beach clubs, delicious restaurants, and two five-star hotels within the gated community. Given the high security within the gated community of Punta Mita, it is no wonder it is home to celebrities, politicians, athletes, and those who value security and privacy in a beautiful beach resort destination. 

In this post, I will highlight the best restaurants in Punta Mita and outside the gates in the coastal town of Punta de Mita. 

The Best Restaurants in Punta Mita

1. Hector’s Kitchen

Hector’s Kitchen is known for producing creative culinary delights. Chef Hector Leyva brings a depth of culinary experience to his patrons. Drawing on his experience as the managing chef of the Punta Mita Four Seasons Resort and training from the Instituto Culinario de México, Chef Leyva masterfully creates dishes using locally sourced ingredients.   

Hector’s Kitchen recently moved from Punta de Mita to Punta Mita at the Kapuri Beach Club. The upscale ambiance encourages diners to have a fun night out. Consider starting your night with a cocktail at the bar. The craft cocktail menu is enticing, but so are the wines and spirits.

The dinner menu offers a variety of internationally inspired, mouthwatering culinary delights. We tried various menu options, including the short rib rolls, the day’s catch, the green curry (Gary said it was delicious), and churros for dessert. Each dish was unique, with unexpected flavors making each bite a culinary adventure.   

You can sign up for one of his cooking classes to learn the secrets behind Hector’s inventive dishes.

2. Mita Mary’s Boat Bar & Bistro (at The St. Regis Punta Mita)

A local favorite inside the gates of Punta Mita is Mita Mary’s. The casual open-air, toes-on-the-sand restaurant is a local favorite. The simple yet delicious menu at Mita Mary’s includes yummy food and handcrafted cocktails that are fresh and light.

After a long surf session, we ate at Mita Mary’s and worked up an appetite. We loved the guacamole, ceviche, grilled salad, and fish tacos. The flavorful dishes were a perfect complement to the incredible view. While eating at Mita Mary’s, I had several dietary restrictions, and the chef went out of his way to ensure I had a wonderful experience.

In addition to the terrific food, the secret reason people visit Mita Mary’s is to watch the extraordinary sunsets over Banderas Bay. For this reason, Mita Mary’s gets my vote for the best restaurant on the beach in Punta Mita. So, add Mita Mary’s to your list of the best things to do while visiting Punta Mita. You won’t regret it.

Pro Tip:  Unfortunately, the mosquitoes can come out at sunset. Apply bug spray before heading out. 

3. El Surf Club 

Located on the La Lancha surf break, El Surf Club is ideal for, you guessed it, surfers and adults. The surf break is well known, and when the swell is right, there are plenty of waves.

We have been to El Surf Club multiple times. It is one of Gary’s favorite places in Punta Mita because he can walk a few feet up from the waves after surfing and enjoy a margarita and fish tacos before heading back out for another surf session. 

The open-air beachfront restaurant boasts multiple seating areas, each with its own motif. Visitors can sit in the covered patio restaurant area, the lounge section, or catch some rays on the beach. The laid-back atmosphere creates an inviting place to hang out during the day. But don’t get me wrong, there is five-star service no matter where you land at El Surf Club.

El Surf Club is best for lunch. 

4. Sufi Ocean Club 

The updated Sufi Ocean Club in the Porta Fortuna area of Punta Mita is more than just a delicious restaurant. Sufi Ocean Club is a beach club and restaurant within the gates of Punta Mita. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views across Banderas Bay during a delicious meal.

The beach club includes a saltwater pool, cabanas, and daybeds to relax while enjoying a beach day. The wicker hanging chairs, chandeliers, and lanterns set the mood for a casual yet elevated beach vibe. 

We have been to Sufi in Punta Mita multiple times, and it is a go-to spot for us! I am a big fan of the tuna carpaccio. Gary loves the tortilla soup. I had some dietary restrictions while visiting, and the chef accommodated me without any issues.

Sufi is one of the best restaurants in Punta Mita on the water.

5. St. Regis Private Barbeque on the Beach

One of the most memorable restaurants in Punta Mita was the private beachfront BBQ experience at The St. Regis. While not exactly a restaurant, you have everything you would expect from a formal “restaurant.”

If you want a romantic and splurge-worthy evening, the private beach barbeque at the St. Regis is what you have been looking for! The entire experience, from start to finish, was incredible. The wide variety of food is expertly prepared for guests. While we dined on appetizers, the main course was prepared on the grill on the beach specifically for us. All of the food was amazing. There were so many dessert options that we took a box of sweet treats back to our room because we could not eat another bite.

But the fun did not end with dinner. The St. Regis staff set up a seating area for us on the beach to relax and listen to the waves crash while we roasted marshmallows over a bond fire under the stars. The St. Regis Punta Mita private beach barbeque gets five stars!

6. Amara (Four Seasons Resort)

For those looking to mix it up and try a different type of cuisine, head over to Aramara at the Four Seasons Punta Mita for an international journey. Cooking techniques from Hong Kong, Thailand, and other Asian countries inspire the flavors in the dishes at this Four Seasons Punta Mita restaurant. The chef designed the menu to bring out the flavors from the freshest local ingredients. Signature dishes include miso-glazed pork belly steamed buns and Japanese yuzu cheesecake. Guests can also order a variety of sushi, meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

7. Si Sishi

Si Sishi is a culinary treasure inside the gates of Punta Mita that seamlessly blends Japanese and Mexican flavors. The fresh sushi and sashimi dishes are expertly prepared with a Mexican twist.

The presentation of the dishes is an art form in itself, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail. The extensive sake and cocktail menu complements the meal beautifully. The attentive service and oceanfront views make Si Sishi one of the best restaurants in Punta Mita with a view.

The Best Downtown Punta de Mita Restaurants

In Punta de Mita, just outside the gates of Punta Mita, you will find a few highly regarded restaurants that locals tend to frequent. These downtown Punta de Mita restaurants are some of my favorites. 

8. Mina (Formerly Si Señor)

The atmosphere immediately changes as you step into Mina. After leaving the parking lot, the open-air beachfront restaurant transforms into a romantic atmosphere with soft lighting and simple décor. 

The fresh seafood is the star at Mina. Every dish I tried at Mina was terrific. Even Gary, who is a picky eater, loves Mina. 

The attentive staff adds to the overall dining experience, making you feel like a cherished guest. Given the surroundings, the excellent food at reasonable prices, and the attentive staff, Mina has become popular with tourists and locals. Mina is a must-visit for those looking to savor the essence of Punta Mita’s culinary scene. It is one of my favorite downtown Punta Mita restaurants. 

If you plan to visit Mina, I highly recommend you make a reservation.

Pro Tip: People try to sell souvenirs to those at the beachside tables. If you prefer not to shop, I suggest you ask for a table off the beach. 

9. La Rustica Mita

Known for terrific pasta and pizza, La Rustica Mita is a staple in Punta de Mita. La Rustica is a charming beachfront Italian restaurant with an inviting and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal with friends and family.

La Rustica offers a beach club atmosphere in front of the El Anclote surf break in Punta de Mita. This hidden gem is the perfect place for those who want to expand their culinary experience beyond Mexican food. The rich, flavorful sauces, like Alfredo or linguine with seafood, make the pasta dishes hard to resist. The pizzas are equally impressive. The Margherita pizza, with its simplicity and quality ingredients, is a must-try.

Whether dining in or taking out, La Rustica in Punta de Mita is a delightful change of pace.

You can also check out La Rustica Mita’s sister restaurant in Sayulita in Nayarit, Mexico. 

10. Zicatela

Zicatela captures the essence of coastal dining with its relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant’s beachfront location in Punta de Mita offers breathtaking ocean views, setting the stage for a memorable Punta Mita dining experience.

Chefs Hector Leyva (Hector’s Kitchen) and Magdalena Juárez serve southern Mexican Pacific food. The menu selections and high-quality ingredients highlight the fresh seafood on the menu. 

The bar is also a popular spot for a cocktail in Punta de Mita. Zicatela has an impressive selection of Mezcales, Tequilas, Mexican beers, wines, and craft cocktails. 

11. Punta Mercedes

Located in Punta de Mita, Punta Mercedes prides itself on using its wood-fired oven to create fresh, sought-after dishes. The rustic flavors and textures of its pizzas, homemade bread, and desserts draw locals time and time again.

The owners of Punta Mercedes are from the City of Mercedes in Corrientes, Argentina. Blending their Argentina roots with their Mexican experience, Punta Mercedes has become a popular mainstay in Punta de Mita.

Punta Mercedes combines delicious food with its approachable wine list to create a perfect place to enjoy dinner in Punta de Mita. 

12. Naef

Naef is a sophisticated choice for those seeking a refined dining experience in Punta de Mita. The menu features a variety of Mexican and Mediterranean dishes that skillfully blend flavors and ingredients from both culinary traditions. Naef is a terrific option for a romantic dining option. 

Diners at this Punta de Mita gem can choose from traditional Mexican dishes like Chile Relleno or Mediterranean delights like grilled octopus. 

During the day, Naef is a popular ice cream stop. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Punta Mita known for?

Punta Mita is known for being a five-star, heavily gated community on the Emerald Coast of Riveria Nayarit, Mexico, that caters to those looking for a luxurious retreat where you can golf, surf, snorkel, play tennis, and relax at high-end spas and beach clubs. You can rent a luxury place to stay, or stay at one of the five star hotels in the community, including The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. You might also enjoy the Auberge in Punta de Mita.

What are the best restaurants in Punta Mita on the water?

The best casual Punta Mita restaurants on the water are Mita Mary’s and El Surf Club, and if you include Punta de Mita, I would add Mina. These are also the same restaurants that I consider to be the best restaurants in Punta Mita on the beach. 

Where do celebrities stay in Punta Mita?

There are multiple resort options for celebrities in Punta Mita. Celebrities might stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita, the Four Seasons Hotels and Villas, Casa Aramara (a private estate with a staff of 30 on the beach), or a luxurious rental property, like Condo Azul. 

For those looking to stay outside the gates in Punta de Mita, check out the new Susurros del Corazón, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.

Is all of Punta Mita gated? 

Yes, Punta Mita is a 1,500-acre heavily secured private gated community in Punta de Mita, Mexico.

What is the best airport for visiting Punta Mita, Mexico?

Most people traveling to Punta Mita fly into the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The airport is about 19 miles (45 minutes) from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

What are the most expensive restaurants in Punta Mita?

Some of the most expensive restaurants in Punta Mita include Caroline at The St. Regis Punta Mita and Bahía by Richard Sandoval at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.  

Are there any Michelin-star restaurants in Punta de Mita?

None of the restaurants in Punta de Mita have received a Michelin star.

Check out the following blog posts for

more information about Punta Mita

Where to Stay in Punta Mita

Condo Azul – a fabulous luxurious rental property

The Top 10 Reasons to Stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita

What to Do in Punta Mita

The Ultimate Guide to Punta Mita

The Top Surf Spots in Punta Mita

A One-Day Punta Mita Itinerary

The Best Things to Do in Riveria Nayarit

Your Guide to Hiking Monkey Mountain