If you choose to venture out from your idyllic resort, you'll find some fine restaurants serving Italian, French, American, and Argentinian, as well as traditional Mexican cuisine. However, with many hotels offering all-inclusive packages, there aren't as many to choose from as in other Mexican beach resorts.

Local Dining Suggestions

• El Vaquero: A great family place, this replica of a circa-1900 cantina serves mesquite-broiled steaks and hearty chili and beans with all the fixins' (Crucero Las Brísas, 314-333-1654).

• Restaurant L'Recif: Enjoy a romantic dinner of traditional dishes at sunset at this elegant hideaway with a spectacular view of Bahía de Manzanillo from high on a hill. Reservations required (Av. Cerro de Cenicero on Península Juluapan, 314-335-0900).

• El Fogón: Taste the hearty meat dishes of norteño cooking while dining in the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Rancho Grande (Highway 200, Km. 9.5, 314-333-1654).

• La Pergola: Handmade pasta and freshly baked bread accompany German dishes and steaks at this patio-style restaurant set under the palms (Near Plaza Manzanillo, 314-333-2265).

• Juanito's: This popular eatery, owned by an American expatriate and his Mexican wife, serves up delicious burgers, milkshakes, and ribs, plus great breakfasts. You can even read an American newspaper or surf the Internet while you wait for your order (Highway 200, Km. 13.5, Santiago, 314-333-1388).

Dining Precautions

Most restaurants in the Zona Hotelera are clean. Bottled water is available everywhere. However, be cautious of buffets served outdoors in the intense summer heat.