Mexico Guide
Acapulco and the Pacific beaches
Eating
1 El Amigo Miguel Juárez 31 
744/483-6981 Two locations at the junction of Juárez and Azueta, both serving good soups, antojitos and seafood – sea bass, garlic shrimp and broiled Pacific lobster – at reasonable prices in clean, if institutional, surroundings.
2 Astoria inland end of the zócalo next to the cathedral 744/483-2944 Tucked just off the plaza under the shade of a huge tree, this is a cheap, quiet café with tables that spill out onto the pavement. The (mostly fried) dishes are predictable but satisfying – it's a good bet for a quick coffee and a giant torta.
3 Café Los Amigos La Paz 10 744/482-2390 Popular shady spot just off the zócalo. Excellent breakfasts and tortas served all day, plus daily specials of spaghetti, pork chops and the like. Hawkers are actively discouraged, so it's relatively peaceful.
4 Coyuca 22 Coyuca 22 744/483-5030 The most chi-chi, and expensive, place to dine close to the centre, with delectable gourmet cuisine served in an unlikely, but highly atmospheric Greek theatre setting with stunning sunset views. Prime rib, veal scallopini and New Zealand lamb are the house specialities. Closed May– Oct. Reservations recommended.
5 La Flor de Acapulco on the zócalo 744/421-7649 With a balcony overlooking the square, this is not the cheapest option, but is a pleasant spot to linger over hearty staples including chicken mole, fish pastor, pozole (on a Thurs) or pork tacos. It's a popular meeting place for solo travellers.
6 Marisol one block from the zócalo on La Paz 744/483-1475 Offers a variety of tasty Mexican dishes, including plenty of breakfast menus, at bargain prices – understandably drawing the crowds.
7 San Carlos Juárez 5, one block from the zócalo 744/482-6459 Another no-frills budget restaurant in the centre, with the added allure of a breezy patio, serving good pozole and comidas corridas all day for M$30.
8 
Baikal Carretera Escénica 16 744/446-6867 The best restaurant in the city, with seductive views of the bay from floor-to-ceiling windows in the classically stylish dining room. The small menu is a fusion of everything from traditional Mexican to French and Asian. Escargots sit atop jumbo seared scallops, and lobster tail is bathed in a creamy white-wine sauce and surrounded by fluffy peaks of mashed potato. Average mains are around M$250. Reservations essential (request window seating).
9 CasaNova Carretera Escénica, just south of Las Brisas hotel 744/446-6237. This is one of Acapulco's most highly regarded restaurants, as much for its spectacular location nestled in a hillside overlooking the bay as for its fine northern Italian cuisine. The menu features succulent veal chops, spaghetti with seafood and a selection of Mediterranean-prepared fish dishes.
10 Madeiras Carretera Escénica 33 744/446-5636 An Acapulco institution, with a variety of set menus to choose from featuring Mexican traditional fare, simple and tasty seafood and fish dishes, and nouvelle Mexican creations. The views from the understated, but elegant, dining room are wonderful.
11 El Ovido just west of Diana Glorieta 744/481-0203 Upscale nouvelle cuisine, combining traditional Mexican flavours with French and Italian dishes. Good crema quemada (Mexican-style crème brûlée) and dreamy views of the bay from the dual-level, open-air dining room.
12 Terra Luna west of CiCi Waterpark, opposite the Hard Rock Café 744/484-2464 Excellent crepes as well as French/Italian dishes and imaginative salads.