Newcomers and frequent visitors to Melaque, Mexico, are always searching for or inquiring about where to dine in town. Cathryn and I are foodies so when we visit restaurants we look for good food and service, hoping those things are reflected in the price. Some folks think that cheap food or large amounts of it is great but we expect more. We often dine with friends and try to offer honest reviews. Links are included if one can be found.

El Dorado (Club Nautico) – usually our first stop after arrival since our fridge and cupboards are empty. It’s the first place east of the earthquake hotel, offering one of the best views on the beach, they have a varied menu. My favorite is a platter-sized slab of chicken parm with a loaded baked potato and veggies. Cathryn enjoys the Papillon (Dorado). We’ve tried other dishes that have been hit and miss, depending on who’s cooking that day. The margaritas aren’t nearly as good as they used to be and some staff speak decent English. This came in handy when the waiter thought we were only sharing a baked potato.

La Chinita – formerly in a terrible location on the highway, this is the best Authentic Chinese food in town. But if sweet & sour chicken balls are your thing, they have them too. Great spring and egg rolls and homemade wonton soup. The new location is in Villa Obregon where Vanilla Pimienta was and they’ve recently added a rooftop bar with pool and pingpong tables. We were six on our last visit and everyone loved their meals. We’ve also had them deliver to a party at our casa – food was hot and plentiful.

Patas – It’s small and the menu is limited but everything listed is awesome. Their burgers are one of the best in town and their ‘Denver Burrito’ is man-sized and stuffed with beef or chicken. Even their nachos are top notch, probably because they make their own chips. There’s something extra-special about warm tortilla chips and fresh guacamole. We’ve never had a bad meal at Pata’s. Cathryn can’t get enough of their cilantro margaritas.

Quetzal de Laura – Friends have given us mixed dinner reviews but swear by their crepes. For Cathryn and I it’s the best breakfast place in town, with great omelets and both gringo or Mexican dishes. Breakfast usually comes with a fresh, warm biscuit, small salad and home fries. Prices are about half what we pay at home. They use cream cheese in their omelets, a savory treat in my opinion. Their breakfast meals have been consistently good for years.

Kyoto – A Japanese restaurant that used to be downtown, a new Melaque experience for us. Toted as a Sushi restaurant, it’s more of an Asian fusion menu, with sushi, stir-frys and soups. They accept reservations there but service is exceptionally slow, even by Melaque standards. Out of our party of six, only one thought his sushi roll was lousy. Cathryn and I liked our California roll and egg rolls. We didn’t care for the dumplings – we chose the fried ones. Quiet entertainment allowed us to carry on conversation. Washrooms were broken.

El Patio – My second favorite breakfast place – right on the main drag in town. I prefer the sidewalk tables where I can watch the world go by. Only open for breakfast and lunch, they have a menu that attracts gringos and nationals alike. I’ve sampled their various omelettes and was pleasantly surprised by their authentic clubhouse sandwich. From the sidewalk, you can watch your meal being cooked. Service is quick and prices are very reasonable.

La Oficina – We didn’t make it here last year but recently went for what many call the best burger in town. Cathryn and I split one and have to admit it’s one of the top three, at least. There’s no question that their Caesar salad is top notch and our friend gave a thumbs up to his chicken burger. We’ve also taken their smoked marlin and marlin pate home, returning for more. Service is amazingly quick for the amount of food the kitchen puts out. Prices are in line with everyone else. Lots of tv’s for sporting events.

Rusty Compass – A new player in town, it’s more of a beach bar than restaurant, owned and managed by Canadians. The beer is cold and cheap and pub grub is served from a food truck. We had a shrimp cocktail that blew us away. Our friend enjoyed the taquitos and happy faces around us said the burgers were good too. No plastic cups there, wine is served in stainless steel vessels. It’s the new hot spot in town with daily entertainment.

The Frog – Our first visit back in a few years was a pleasant experience. Next to the old Simona’s in Barra, the chicken cordon bleu is the best I’ve had around here. The cream of broccoli soup was excellent and our friend thoroughly enjoyed his Czechoslovakian pasta, saying it was like chicken cacciatore. Frequent patrons at the next table raved about the fish dishes offered there. Other friends have also bragged about their breakfast.

Tacos Pedros – One of friend’s favorites on Taco row, Cathryn and I don’t see the attraction. Craving tacos, we gave it another chance. A few doors down from the main square, menu choices are listed on the wall, and limited – basically tacos or quesadillas (tacos with cheese). My pastor was edible but Cathryn’s chicken looked exactly like my pork, both virtually flavourless unless you consider one of the hot sauces, flavour. I pigged out on their radishes and beans. No sour cream or even guac available. Sorry, I’m a Taco Bell kind of guy.

Moon – Top Floor of Casa Leon – Hands down, the best view in Melaque. As much as we try to like this place, the food has really let us down. The wait staff is excellent but something’s amiss in the kitchen. On our recent visit, only one of our group of eight was happy with his steak. His calamari was overcooked and bland. Ribeye and New York’s were paper thin and fatty or grisly. It appeared they were boiled or steamed before being grilled and Cathryn’s was way undercooked. Salads were very good, as was the lemon cheesecake. Many other friends rave about the two-for-one rib or burger nights if that’s your thing. We feel prices are high for the quality of food we received. They now offer a Sunday brunch with seems to be getting positive reviews.

We’ve also eaten at the Sea Master in Barra, Seriana Gordita at Coco Beach, Pedro’s in La Manzanilla, and Pata Salada in Manzanilla, all with decent offerings, but I’ve kept this list to Melaque.

Please keep in mind that opinions expressed are our own and from our dining friends. You might have a completely different experience since menus and staff change frequently. Be brave, be adventurous. Happy dining!