Jul 21

Jul 21 Top Sips and Bites in the Gastronomical Region of Nayarit

Beverages, Chef Highlights, Culinary, Food, Restaurant Reviews, Reviewed

When it comes to eating in Nayarit, there isn't a shortage of good eats. It's simply a gastronomic paradise. Nestled between Bahia de Banderas and the Sierra Madre mountains, the Nayarit region has it all. Fresh seafood, coconuts, corn, wheat, beans, bananas, and sugar cane are abundant here. With rich fertile soil and an idyllic coastline, there are a variety of dishes that will rank top-tier and deliver an incomparable flavor. Here are our top picks for eating your way throughout the Nayarit region.

Don Pedros in Sayulita:

Food with a view? Yes, please! We suggest beginning your day at Don Pedros, a beachside eatery that gives you all you can ask for. Begin your culinary journey with a bowl of Thai ceviche. Composed of coconut milk, Thai chilis, and lime this ceviche is fresh, spice, and everything nice. Afterall, you can't make your way to Nayarit and not have ceviche. If you're going to have ceviche once, make it at Don Pedros! The expansive menu has a few options for every craving however, in our opinion the carne asada was delicious. Grab a side of pineapple-habanero relish (you can thank me later).

Tres Aromas at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta:

Dining at a hotel restaurant isn't typically on the list; however, dining at Tres Aromas at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta has single-handedly changed my perception. The chic lobby restaurant is unique and serves innovative fare that is beyond memorable. Highly suggest trying the elote which is prepared tableside with bone marrow. At Tres Aromas, many starters are unique and delectable. Opt for an evening of starters to try a variety of items. You won’t be disappointed.

Nukari Quinta Boutique Hotel Restaurant in Jala:

The chicharron chilaquiles from the restaurant at Nukari Quinta Boutique Hotel were some of the best we’ve tried.

Location, location, location! This restaurant is on the rooftop of Nukari Quinta Boutique Hotel, which is in the city center. Grabbing a bite here is perfect way to end the day after exploring Jala. The food is smoking hot and cooked by utilizing the natural elements such as the volcanic rock. Chef Betty Vázquez and Marco Valdivia have created dishes that are rich in flavor in a place full of history.

Here, opt for the volcano steak which is served on a slab of volcanic rock (from volcano Ceboruco ) and topped with corn and vegetables. If you find yourself in the area in the morning, grab breakfast at the hotel. The chicharon chilaquiles dish is otherworldly. This dish was topped-high with fresh pork crisped to perfection and the best we’ve tried.

Jala holds the record for the largest ear of corn, and it's well-celebrated around the town. From corn pudding and corn pie to corn cheesecake, Jala does it all. The corn cheesecake was a semi-sweet surprise. Whatever you opt for, if you're not grabbing corn here, you're doing yourself a disservice.

El Manantial in Compostela:

If you find your way to Compostela, stopping by El Manatial is a MUST! The local favorite serves the best ice cream and shaved ice in Compostela. Try the shaved ice topped with spicy mango. The refreshing sweet treat is piled high with fresh mango, tajin, and chamoy.

The region of Nayarit is a gastronomical paradise. From the land and sea to spices and local vegetables, you can’t go wrong with any dish you opt for while visiting Nayarit.