While Puerto Escondido is nowhere close to the prices you’ll see in Holbox, it’s becoming more popular which means naturally prices are rising. It’s easy to splurge a lot of money on a meal out if you have the budget, but for all you low-budget travellers out there, I’ve got you. Here are the best budget restaurants that you’ve gotta try out in the dreamy beach town of Puerto Escondido.
Just a heads-up, you’ll find that the majority of my recommendations are based around downtown as this is where the local spots and, therefore, naturally cheaper spots are. Not sure what I mean by downtown?
Save for later: Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
El Sultan is not only the best middle eastern restaurant in Puerto but also the best lunch spot after a lazy beach morning at Playa Carazallio. Don’t expect anything fancy or a 5-star service, it’s no fuss and tasty. Although it’s not advertised, on Wednesdays, they do a 2-for-1 deal on the falafel wraps. I’m talking MXN 65.
Order: Falafel wraps and chicken salad
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 8.30h-21.30h. Closed on Sundays.
Oaxaca Grill Rinconda was our weekly spot after watching the sunset at Mirador Las Tortugas. It has a cute back garden set up and it feels like you’re at your extended family’s house for a BBQ.
A burger is MXN 90 which is a bargain once you see its size. It’s my boyfriend’s favourite food spot, and he recommends that you drown your burger in the cheese sauce they offer for free on the side.
Updated: Now, they’ve got two more places open in Zicatela and La Punta, shows how successful they are!
Order: Double cheese burger, duh.
Opening times: Thursday – Tuesday 16.30h-22.30h. Closed on Wednesdays.
Around the corner from El Molcajete, you’ll find a delish lunch spot serving only vegetarian food. Service is sometimes a little slow, but the food and the sweet family who run it make up for it. The menu is tiny which is always a good thing. They offer two kinds of tacos, tortas and delish fruit water. Oh, and the pottery they use to serve is cute!
Order: Tacos verde or rojo and fruit water
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 10.30h-18.30h. Closed on Sundays.
After three months of travelling through Mexico, I didn’t want to put another taco in my mouth until a friend dragged me to this place after a recommendation. But I was pleasantly surprised at the smoked fish tacos and I definitely recommend going at least once while in Puerto.
Order: Smoked fish and shrimp tacos
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 10h-18h. Closed on Sundays.
El Cafecito is an institution in Puerto Escondido and the place you want to go if you’re after an authentic Mexican brekkie. It opens super early at 6am, so especially in the Rinconada branch, you’ll find mainly locals starting their day here with a chilaquiles and refillable coffee. Sure, avo on toast is an AC western place is nice, but you’ve gotta give this place a go too.
Order: Chilaquiles and a refillable coffee
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 6h -22.30h. Closed on Sundays.
El Molcajete is one of the best local cheap-eat restaurants in downtown Puerto Escondido. Find it opposite Puerto Dreams Hostel. It’s run by two lovely ladies who make all kinds of no-fuss Mexican food – tacos, tortus, tlayudas etc.
Order: El pastor tacos or a torta
Opening times: Thursday – Tuesday 16h-23h. Closed on Wednesday.
This local haunt is a must-try, only open for lunchtime service if you’re looking for a local and cheap Mexican seafood experience. Their menu changes daily depending on what’s available, but they’ve always had sashimi when I’ve visited, which is top-notch. And the best thing? It’s basically in a carwash. So if Google Maps sends you to a car wash, don’t be surprised.
Order: Sashimi and a cold corona
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday 13h-19h. Closed on Wednesdays.
Nothing more to say than that they do insanely big tasty burritos for less than MXN100. Just go and you’ll see.
Order: Pastor burrito with guacemole
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 11h-19h. Closed on Sundays.
This is on the higher end of ‘cheap eats’. But I thought I’d throw it in as it’s the best place to grab a Western brunch in a hidden, rustic garden setting. Elephant Garden is located in Zicatela, down a little hidden alleyway. Once you go through the door, you’ll be in a green oasis of a terrace. They also often have live performances to brighten up your morning.
Order: Everything on the menu is delish; you can’t go wrong.
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday 8h-13.30h. Closed on Wednesdays.
Hot tip for meat eaters
Head to Politto Ranchero, a rotisserie chicken shop opposite Mercado Benito Juarez Market. For MXN 80, you can buy half a cooked chicken, including rice and two sides. Bargain. And then pop around the corner for 10$ tortillas, and you’re good to head to the beach with a picnic.
Order: 1/2 chicken with sides
Opening times: Unsure, but I always headed there around lunchtime, 11h- 15h
