Diners in Acapulco enjoy stunning views and fresh seafood. The quintessential setting is a candlelit table with the glittering bay spread out before you. If you're looking for a romantic spot, Acapulco brims with such inviting places; most sit along the southern coast, with views of the bay. If you're looking for simple food or an authentic local dining experience, you're best off in Old Acapulco. Cheap, fresh seafood can also be found at any of the simple restaurants in the local "Barra Vieja" neighborhood near Diamante. Note: A deluxe establishment in Acapulco may not cost much more than a mass-market restaurant. The proliferation of U.S. franchises has increased competition, and even the more expensive places have reduced prices. Trust me -- the locally owned restaurants offer the best food and the best value.
Downtown: The Zocalo Area
The old downtown abounds with simple, inexpensive restaurants serving tasty eats. It's easy to pay more elsewhere for food that's not as consistently good as in this part of town. To explore, start at the zócalo and stroll west along Juárez. After about 3 blocks, you'll come to Azueta, lined with small seafood cafes and streetside stands.
If There's Pozole, It Must Be Thursday
If you're visiting Acapulco on a Thursday, indulge in the local custom of eating pozole, a bowl of white hominy and meat in broth, garnished with sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, onions, oregano, and lime, served with crispy tostadas. The traditional version includes pork, but a newer chicken version has also become a standard. You can also find green pozole, which is made by adding a paste of roasted pumpkin seeds to the traditional pozole base. Green pozole is also traditionally served with a side of sardines. For a singular Acapulco experience, enjoy your Thursday pozole at the cliff-side restaurant of the Hotel Los Flamingos .
