4 Best Restaurants in Huatulco, Oaxaca

The delicious aromas from the busy kitchen lure fans to the outdoor patio of this cheerful trattoria in a neighborhood that's fast becoming known as "Little Italy." Ebullient chef-owners Manuel and Giordana have a warm energy that matches their classic Italian cuisine; la dolce vita begins with a basket of bread sticks and crusty bread served with two addictive pestos (one habanero and the other anchovy herb). The menu includes a tempting array of house-made pastas including spinach ravioli and tagliatelle. But don't hurry to make your choice; wait to hear the daily specials, which are always market-fresh and simple, using the finest seasonal ingredients. Portions are generous and offer excellent value. The wine list is better than average.

Just two blocks from the plaza, this local favorite family restaurant serves traditional seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Try one of the seafood cocktails featuring shrimp, octopus, and oysters, or splurge on a pineapple stuffed with seafood and smothered in cheese.

Good value, dependable Mexican cuisine, and a prime view of the town plaza make Los Portales a wise choice for breakfast or an afternoon meal. As one of the more authentic taquerías in a resort town catering to visitors, Los Portales offers traditional tacos al pastor, grilled meats, and Oaxacan moles as well as a full menu devoted to seafood. The aguachile is tasty, especially when accompanied by a mezcal cocktail from the bar.

This open-fronted but underventilated restaurant near the main plaza is the perfect spot to learn the ABCs of traditional Oaxacan cooking. Try one of the massive sampler plates (enough for two or three people). You can go as far as nopal (cactus) soup or a side dish of chapulines, the spicy, toasted grasshoppers that locals consider a delicacy. For the less adventurous diner, any one of the chicken dishes in gently spiced mole sauce is recommended. This is also a good place for a late-night snack of tlayudas (giant open-faced tortillas with toppings) or queso fundido (a heavenly fondue).