The culinary offerings of Punta Mita and Punta de Mita have grown exorbitantly in recent years, not only in the sheer number of dining options but in their quality. Last season alone we saw the birth of Hector’s Kitchen, Babela’s, Lobster Paradise, and Punta Mercedes. These restaurants have already become favorites for many diners. Inside Punta Mita, at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the opening of Dos Catrinas was the highlight of the season.
We can’t forget about Tuna Blanca, Si Señor, La Pescadora (formerly The Blue Shrimp), and Margaritas. These restaurants have set the standard with culinary offerings that captivate even the most demanding palates and continue to reinvent themselves year after year. The following are some sure to be the main characters in this season gastronomic scene:
RESTAURANTS
EL BARRACUDA at CAREYEROS BEACH
There are two things that stand out about El Barracuda: it’s excellent location at the captivating Carayeros Beach and its gastronomy. The Barracuda is a market style restaurant specializing in seafood prepared with fresh ingredients and without pretense. In addition, they serve non-seafood options. Reservations: info@elbarracuda.com.
Tips: EL Barracuda is open for lunch and dinner and is pet friendly. If you visit, do not forget to bring your towel or bayada and biodegradable sunscreen.
EL CAFECITO DE MITA
For those who have not been able to visit El Cafecito de Mita, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. This place has stolen the hearts of many for its simplicity, practicality, quality and delightfulness. Its menu consists of smoothies, juices, fruit and salad bowls, baguettes and toasts. Reservations: cafecitodemita@gmail.com.
Tips: Enjoy a delicious light breakfast accompanied by an authentic regional coffee from the state of Nayarit. Closed Tuesdays.
NEW MENUS
The chefs of the resorts and beach clubs of Punta Mita are not holding back either. For this season they give us new gastronomic surprises by making changes to their menus, welcoming guest chefs and planning spectacular events that will undoubtedly raise the heart rate of any foodie. Following is some of the most outstanding news in the culinary scene of Punta de Mita.
Kupuri Restaurant
This season Kupuri Restaurant has prepared great surprises on its menu to satisfy all tastes. Chef Pato Pérsico presents interesting options thanks to his training and experience in Mediterranean cuisine, his Argentine origin and the many years he has lived in Mexico. He describes this menu as: “a small culinary journey through the Mediterranean with Mexican influence.”
Pacific Grill Latino
Chef David Vidales’ menu offers us new dishes inspired by his recent trips to the San Francisco Bay and the magnificent Sierra de Vallejo, that at the same time fuse fresh touches from the Riviera Nayarit. To mention only a few offerings, we will find at Pacific Grill Latino this season, there is the delicious clam chowder Muelle 19, served in wood-fired baked bread bowl; a green ceviche that gives guests a taste of this region; and a charcoal fish accompanied by local wild tomatoes.
Sufi Restaurant & Sufito Ceviche Bar & Grill
Chef Felipe Pelayo, faithful to his culinary approach, presents us with traditional dishes typical of the region. However, he has taken them to the next level with his characteristic gourmand touch, making his menu so interesting and honest. Some of the novelties that you will find at Sufito are fish “en-vara-asado”, governor’s taco and “tuna tiradito”. Also, at Sufi you can enjoy an American rack of lamb or heart of fillet of beef. Plus, you can’t miss the garlic squid with parsley served over sepia risotto then topped with an organic egg.
Dos Catrinas at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Dos Catrinas pays homage to Mexico’s past and future in all that is seen and experienced, starting with its extraordinary culinary offering. Chef Fernando Méndez presents a menu full of flavor and traditions from regions like Veracruz, Tlaxcala, Puebla and Oaxaca, to take guests on a culinary tour of Mexico. The magic continues with “La Clandestina Travelling Bar”, which is a full-service cart that will create spectacular personalized cocktails to your table, made with the exclusive Mezcal Los Mitos.
Carolina Restaurant at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Chef Miguel Soltero’s menu -this young talent of only 28 years old- is a gastronomic journey where traditional methods and contemporary techniques combine to present a truly unique modern Mexican food, highlighting simple, common fare served at family tables or from street food stands elevating them with sophisticated interpretations.
Four reservations, please contact concierge@puntamita.com.
TAKING OFF
And because gastronomic experiences are not found only in restaurants, we have the following recommendations for you:
Market Tour & Cooking Class with Hector’s Kitchen
This must-do experience begins with a visit to the “Mercado del Mar” in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, where chef Héctor Leyva will explain everything about the various local fish and the different ways to prepare them. Once you’ve chosen your favorite fish, you will be ready for the cooking class that Héctor teaches at his restaurant. Get ready to learn different culinary techniques and then taste your own creation while enjoying a variety of Mexican craft beers. Reservations: reservaciones@hectorkitchen.mx.
La Cruz Market Paraiso
This new market, “La Cruz Market Paraíso,” will run every Thursday, from November to April, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will be located at the Vista Paraiso Ranch in Higuera Blanca. The majority products you will encounter are regional and include fresh fruits and vegetables; prepared foods for all tastes including vegetarians and vegans; nuts and grains; items for meat-lovers; local honey and coffee; as well as personal hygiene products and hand-made crafts. We invite you to promote the consumption of organic, natural and biodegradable products while supporting the local economy.
Fresh Fish from La Pescadora (formerly The Blue Shrimp)
The new market at La Pescadora is located on Anclote Avenue and offers a variety of fresh fish, a ceviche bar as well as homemade gourmet products. Sales: ventas@mexicangroup.com.
Sunset Cruise by Punta Mita Expeditions
This experience has already become a tradition among our residents. What better way to enjoy the spectacular sunsets of Punta Mita than with friends, on a sunset sail around Banderas Bay with a gourmet menu and mixologist on board? This is the perfect excursion for the epicurean adventurer. Reservations: reservaciones@puntamitaexpeditions.com.
EVENTS
Finally, we want to remind everyone of the dates for the most anticipated gastronomic events this season:
PUNTA MITA GOURMET & GOLF
Nov 14 – 17
INTERNATIONAL GOURMET FESTIVAL
Nov 19 – 24
CRAFT BEER & TACO NIGHT
Nov 25
PUNTA MITA CHEF’S TABLE SERIES – GUEST CHEF MARCELA VALLADOLID
Nov 29 – 30
PUNTA MITA 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND
Dec 6 – 8
FLAVORS OF PUNTA MITA
Dec 8
We couldn’t be more excited to start this season that will undoubtedly attract many gastronomy-lovers as well as people passionate about life and enjoying wonderful experiences. These spectacular offerings are so diverse that our paradise has become the gastronomic jewel par excellence of the Riviera Nayarit!
Four information and reservations, please contact events@puntamita.com.