Sayulita food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when travelers rave about this beach town. But with a fishing heritage and farms close by you know the food is going to be good.
I didn’t think I’d like Sayulita but actually it has great tacos. And the prices are surprisingly affordable.
Sayulita Food Influences
Sayulita started as a fishing village where coconut oil extraction drew workers. Surfers discovered the waves in the mid-1960s and the Varas-Vallarta highway opened access
in 1965. In the early 2000s artists and travelers arrived, transforming the town while maintaining its fishing heritage.
Sayulita’s cuisine combines indigenous Huichol traditions, Spanish colonial influences and Pacific seafood. The region’s culinary roots date to the 1500s when Spanish galleons brought ingredients from the Philippines and Asia.
Today’s food scene uses fresh catches from local fishermen and produce from nearby valleys.
Sayulita Taco Restaurants & Street Food Stalls
I did not have Sayulita on my bucket list as I heard Sayulita hotels were expensive and up a steep hill.
But I’m so happy I visited during off season and was able to get an amazing rate on this central hotel in Sayulita with a separate kitchen and living room for $20. And so I stayed a few days to explore the restaurants in Sayulita.
Tacos Tal Ivan
This family-run taqueria has evolved from a street food stall to one of the most popular spots in Sayulita, with two locations that stay open late into the night.
Their specialty is tacos al pastor, made fresh daily with meat rolled and seasoned on a rotisserie. Watch as the taquero expertly shaves pork from the spinning trompo, catching a slice of grilled pineapple in the same motion.
They also serve a variety including mushroom and cheese options for vegetarians, complemented by three excellent housemade salsas.
Av. Revolución 26, Sayulita, Nayarit
Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine
This local institution near the main square has built its reputation on signature tacos that combine shrimp with roasted poblano peppers, melted cheese and fresh avocado.
The generous portions and reasonable prices make it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking traditional Mexican flavors.
Beyond tacos, the chile rellenos stuffed with chicken and cheese, served in spicy tomato sauce, draw consistent praise. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, though tables fill quickly during peak hours. Cash only.
Av. Revolución 36, Sayulita, Nayarit
Tacos Al Pastor Diaz
Located on the corner of the plaza near Tacos Tal Ivan, this newcomer has earned its reputation as a serious contender for the best al pastor in town.
I heard it was a tough choice as to who had the best tacos, here or Tal Ivan. But they do have more choice here with different kinds of proteins and vegetarian options.
Their sauce bar features multiple options, with the green salsa offering mild flavor and the orange delivering serious heat.
I loved the tacos al pastor and choice of fiery salsas. At 24 pesos per taco and so many choices this spot is fantastic.
C. Jose Mariscal 1-5, Sayulita, Nayarit
Tacos Toño
Located on a side street along the Sayulita River, this local favorite operates late into the night, drawing crowds with the aroma of grilling meat that drifts down the street.
The spot serves some of the best tacos in town at unbeatable prices, with exquisite housemade salsas ranging from standard pico de gallo to guacamole to mango.
The menu includes tacos de asada, adobada, tripa, suadero, and campechanos, with vegetarian options also available.
The spot draws more locals than tourists, a sign that authenticity trumps location.
Calle Pelícanos 12, Sayulita, Nayarit
El Itacate
This is more of a gourmet taco joint with insane portion sizes.
It made a name for itself with generous servings of high-quality rib eye, arrachera, sirloin and other meaty delights. But they also have excellent vegetarian, fish, pork and chicken options.
Their chile relleno taco stands out as a revelation, combining the sour-sweet vegetable base of the pepper against the intense salty richness of cheese, piled with additional vegetables.
The garlic mushroom taco offers earthy intensity for those seeking vegetarian options. One taco makes a meal, two is a feast, with portions far exceeding the typical street taco experience.
C. Jose Mariscal 42, Centro, Sayulita, Nayarit
La Fogonera
This food truck eatery, affectionately known as “Techno Taco” for the house and techno music often playing, serves up more than just tacos.
While known primarily for burgers with handcrafted brioche buns, their tacos and quesadillas earn loyal fans, especially the vegetarian options featuring hibiscus and zucchini.
The jamaica (hibiscus flower) burger draws raves from vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The spot also serves kombucha and consistently tasty agua fresca.
For dessert, churros topped with ice cream and cajeta, plus boozy paletas, provide the perfect finish. The casual setup offers outdoor seating with a laid-back vibe perfect for Sayulita’s atmosphere.
C. Playa Azul 338, Sayulita, Nayarit
Birria Fabiola
This family-run operation serves only birria, the typical Jalisco meat stew cooked for 10 hours until tender and richly flavored. The setup is garden-like near Magaly’s store on the Punta de Mita highway, open only once a week. Arrive before 11:00 am as they sell out quickly.
The family’s dedication to the traditional preparation, spending hours tending the slow-cooking meat, results in deeply flavorful tacos with rich consommé for dipping.
Near Magaly’s store on Punta de Mita highway (garden setup) – Sunday mornings only
Cocina Doña Naty
Running since 2010, this family operation started as a mobile cart before claiming its current spot on Calle Marlin just one block from the plaza and beach.
Owner María Natividad, known as Naty, works alongside her mother and crew serving tacos built from family recipes passed down through generations.
she serves guisados, fillings are slow-cooked stews combining meat with vegetables, creating hearty options piled on triple-layered corn tortillas.
The mole tacos earn particular praise for their complex sauce that takes hours to prepare properly. Vegetarian options include cactus, potato, mushroom, and bean with cheese featuring generous chunks of queso fresco.
Two tacos make a meal for most people at prices around a dollar each.
Open for lunch service only from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, closing earlier on Sundays.
Calle Marlín 13, Sayulita, Nayarit
Tacos Gaby
This tiny spot, literally a hole in the wall near downtown, has built a reputation for excellent seafood tacos, particularly shrimp and fish.
The fish and shrimp are tempura fried to order, creating crispy exterior with tender seafood inside. The shrimp comes from the bay rather than farms, ensuring the best quality you’ll find on your trip.
The stand also serves mahi mahi ceviche and empanadas stuffed with shrimp or fish. Arrive early in the day when everything is freshest, as the spot often packs with locals during lunch.
Cash only.
C. Jose Mariscal 35, Sayulita, Nayarit