Gastronomic Getaway: Where to Eat in Guayabitos and Los Ayala

September 17, 2026

Santa Martha Bungalows

Jaltemba Bay is meant to be eaten with your hands — literally, if you order pescado zarandeado. Between Rincón de Guayabitos and Los Ayala there's a simple but hard-hitting food scene, built around fresh seafood and recipes perfected over generations. Here are the spots worth seeking out, all just minutes from your bungalow.

‍

First, What You'll Be Eating

Before the restaurant list, it's worth knowing the dishes that define this stretch of coast. Pescado zarandeado is the undisputed king: a whole fish, usually red snapper, marinated in a blend of chiles and spices, slow-grilled over wood coals until juicy and smoky. Aguachile is its spicier cousin — raw seafood "cooked" in lime juice and green chile. And you can't skip skewered seafood: shrimp or fish grilled on sticks right on the beach, locally known as "emba-rasados."

‍

Restaurante Pineda

The area classic, located on the road toward Los Ayala, right on the water. This is where zarandeado earns its reputation, alongside an aguachile with a hint of chipilín that many consider one of the best in the bay. Also famous: cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped shrimp — the kind of dish everyone brings up when recommending where to eat in Guayabitos. Expect a wait on weekends, but it's worth it.

‍

Vista Guayabitos

Exactly what the name promises: seafood, meats, and a panoramic view of Jaltemba Bay that competes directly with the food. A great pick for an unhurried meal, watching the sea as the afternoon fades.

‍

Camarón Real

On one of Guayabitos' main walking streets (Avenida Sol Nuevo), this restaurant specializes in Nayarit-style cuisine: meat, poultry, and seafood with the regional flavor that sets coastal cooking apart. A good choice if you're traveling in a group and want variety to share.

‍

Tonita I

With a prime beachfront location, Tonita I is a favorite for a relaxed meal, margarita in hand. The vibe is casual and family-friendly — ideal for a long, unhurried afternoon.

‍

Bonus: La Peñita Market

If your stay allows for it, it's worth a trip to La Peñita de Jaltemba, the neighboring town, known for its Thursday street market. There you'll find fresh seafood straight off the boat, local snacks, and seasonal fruit — a different kind of experience than eating at a restaurant, closer to the region's everyday rhythm.

‍

In Los Ayala Itself

You don't need a formal restaurant to eat well here. On the beach in Los Ayala, and in Guayabitos too, look for stands grilling shrimp and fish skewers right in front of you — they run about 30 to 50 pesos and are one of the most authentically Nayarit experiences around. For breakfast, stands along the main avenue serve coffee and antojitos at good prices before you head to the beach.

‍

Tips for Eating Well in the Bay

On weekends and during high season, the most popular restaurants — like Pineda — can have a 20 to 30 minute wait; arriving early or making a reservation when possible helps a lot. If you like heat, ask them to warn you about the spice level of the aguachile before it hits the table — the Nayarit coast doesn't shy away from chile. Another tip: if you're traveling in a large group, call ahead to Restaurante Pineda or Camarón Real to secure a table, especially during Semana Santa or summer vacation, when the bay fills up with visitors.

‍

Back to Santa Martha

None of these spots are more than a few minutes from Santa Martha Bungalows — so the only plan you need is an appetite. And once you're done eating, your bungalow and the sea breeze are just around the corner for the after-meal chat.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating in Guayabitos and Los Ayala

What's the one dish I can't miss? Pescado zarandeado, without question — it's the signature dish of the entire Nayarit coast.

Do restaurants accept cards? Larger spots like Pineda or Vista Guayabitos do, but beach stands and skewered seafood vendors are usually cash-only.

Are there options for people who don't eat seafood? Yes — Camarón Real and several restaurants in the area also serve meat and poultry, and there are taco stands with varied options along the main avenue.

‍