6 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.

Sky-high prices are justified by the sky of stars above your head as you dine at this romantic bay-side restaurant. Hanging lanterns, a glowing blue pool, and a sleek lounge complete the scene. The menu is ambitious and international, highlighting lobster, shrimp, and fish tartare. Although at times the views can seem to outshine the cuisine, the service is always top-notch.

Helmed by warm and gracious owner-hosts, the restaurant in the Hotel Posada Edén Costa is widely considered the best in Huatulco. Its menu is certainly more varied than the competition, with French, Mexican, and Italian dishes—all well prepared. The huachinango en crema de poro (red snapper with a creamed leek sauce) is wonderful as is the boeuf bourguignon; the creamy almond-paste ice cream with fruit sauce is memorable. The bar has a fine selection of artisanal offerings such as Fidencio mezcal from Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. The hotel's serviceable rooms (the largest have full kitchens) are beloved as long-stay havens by snowbirds from the United States and Canada.

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.

A second-story restaurant that overlooks the activity of La Crucecita's zócalo, Onix is emblematic of the high-concept development that has sprung up around Huatulco to complement its luxury resorts. Options on the ambitious menu include lobster with four butters, fragrant with local flavors such as epazote and chipotle. The wine selection is better than average.

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).