You won't have to go far to satisfy your hunger in Mazatlán. Seafood tops most restaurant menus. But restaurants also serve a staggering variety of cuisines, from Italian to Asian to good old American and Mexican. You'll find enough restaurants in the Zona Dorada to provide you with a diverse selection, including some fine hotel eateries. If you want more Mexican atmosphere with your meal, head for Mazatlán Viejo. Cafés line Plaza Machado.

Open-air seafood restaurants line the beaches of the Zona Dorada. While some don't look like much, their food is often delicious. If your palette desires fast food, there's more than enough of the usual fare to satisfy you.

Local Dining Suggestions

• El Shrimp Bucket: This local institution serves shrimp any way you like it in a party atmosphere, with live marimba music with dinner (Hotel La Siesta, Avenida Olas Altas 11, 669-981-6350).

• Mamucas: Known as the “King of Seafood,” this downtown eatery serves up delicious grilled treats from the sea (Bolivar Poniente West, 669-981-3490).

• Pancho's: One of Mazatlán's best traditional Mexican eateries, it also overlooks the beach (Playa Goviatas, 669-914-0911).

• Pedro y Lola: Offering an extensive menu of Mexican and international dishes, here's where you'll also find great desserts, plus live music Wednesday through Saturday nights (Plaza Machado, 669-982-2589).

• El Parador Español: Good Spanish and Portuguese food is featured here, especially paella and a long list of tapas, served to the accompaniment of a flamenco show on weekends in the winter season (Camarón Sábalo, 669-913-0767).

Dining Precautions

Generally, food served in restaurants in the Zona Dorada is safe, and they also use purified water in ice cubes, but use caution with food served from small stands and street carts. Plus, bottled water is available everywhere.