For Part 2 of this years list of area restaurants, Cathryn and I and some friends have visited the following restaurants in the past month. I’ve attached links for additional information, and as always, opinions are solely ours. One thing we’ve noticed this season, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone else, is that prices have gone up substantially.

Bistro Escondido – This hideaway has been around as long as we’ve been coming to Melaque, in one form or another. Cathryn and I actually stayed in the upstairs apartment for a few years. The cozy restaurant is off the beaten path, under a shady palapa, poolside. The menu is limited with what have come to be favorites of patrons who return regularly. Try the black & blue burger, fish & chips, or the assorted tapas. Sunday brunch is also popular, with an artisan market and music.

La Palma Negra – Definitely off the beaten path, on Coco Beach on the far side of Barra, Cathryn and I have voted this little place the best for coconut shrimp. Plump, fresh, and delicious. I once tackled one of their giant burgers and still have the stretch marks to prove it. Guacamole, ceviche, nachos, octopus…it’s all good. They have entertainment and you can even stay in a little beach hut beside a lazy river and pool. There are also turtle releases next door.

Chavakia – One of my occasional go-to places on my morning walks, this quiet spot offers one of the heathiest menus I’ve seen yet. Fresh fruit juices and smoothies, granola and yogurt, salads, and pancakes, waffles or French toast for those with a sweet tooth. They also offer plenty of other breakfast items like eggs benny, divorced eggs and omelets. Prices are very reasonable.

Moon – Offering the best view in Melaque, this restaurant should be packed every night. On the top floor of the new Casa Leon building at the west end of town, Moon was originally touted as upscale, a place where you could put on your Sunday go to meeting clothes for a night out. They still offer a selection of good steaks but have resorted to 2 for 1 specials to bring in diners. We did the burger night and were not impressed. Giving them another chance, we went with a group of 8 for dinner, having filets and rib eyes, ribs, fish n chips and pasta. Everyone was pretty happy with their meals.

Los Cocos – We happened on this beach restaurant by chance when Las Hamacas was filled up for a Bandidos performance. Located next door, we could hear the music and still carry on a conversation. We only had a light lunch there, a burrito, nachos, and a clubhouse. All were good portions and better than expected. the dinner menu looked good and they were prepping sections of pork for the barbeque that evening.

La Chinita – Chinese food in Mexico? Sure, why not, for a change? Li Xie, a little Chinese firecracker, owns and runs the restaurant, cooking most of the home made specialties herself. Fresh spring and egg rolls, meat and veggie dishes, assorted rice and great wonton soup with juicy and plump noodles. The restaurant is on the highway, across from Pemex and not the best of locations but the food makes up for it. They also deliver.

Colimilla – There’s a group of 5 restaurants – Mary’s, Lilly’s, Fortinos, Colimlla, and one other I can’t think of at the moment. To me they’re all about the same – waterfront eateries offering the same fare, mostly seafood and Mexican dishes, with some specialties. The quickest way to reach any of these places is to hop on one of their water taxi’s that will take you across the bay, behind the Grand Bay Resort, which borders the town of Colimilla. You can also drive around, taking the road to Isla de Navidad off the highway, just east of Barra.

Pechacane – Arguably the best pizza in Melaque or Barra, depending on whether or not you like normal or thin crust pizza. Cathryn and I liked this place before but now they have a new chef and expanded menu that includes lasagna’s, pastas, and even fish n chips. Our friend had the lasagna, a portion large enough for 2. The noodles were light and fluffy, the Bolognese meat sauce extraordinary – probably because it’s the chef’s grandmother’s recipe. She was from Bologna, Italy. Our pizzas were great.

Titos/Livys – There’s not much of a Facebook page but anyone who’s spent any time in Melaque knows about Titos, or now Livy’s next door. There is always some kind of entertainment at one of these beach bars, and being next door to each other gives patrons room to spread out and enjoy the music or food at either establishment. Tito is known for his 2 for 1 drinks and strong margaritas. We’ve been hit and miss on the food but most times the pub grub is pretty good. We do miss the pizza ovens.

Chantli Mare – If you want to go for a little drive, perhaps to visit the crocodiles in La Manzanilla, continue along the beach road for a couple miles and watch for the sign and gate to Chantli Mare. It’s a beach restaurant and more, offering seaside rooms for the night. The cuisine is French/Vietnamese/Mexican fusion with all the usual entrees plus some unique surprises. There is a bar, pool, patio and beach tables, and probably the nicest banos on the beach.

There are plenty more good places to eat in the Melaque/Barra area so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try some of these places. Buen provecho!