Restaurants in Rocky Point: The Best Food in Puerto Peñasco
BY JARED DILLINGHAM
THE BEST RESTAURANTS & FOOD IN ROCKY POINT
If you’re looking for restaurants in Rocky Point, you’d expect great seafood options, since it’s along the Sea of Cortez. Puerto Peñasco delivers, when it come to fish, shrimp, and oysters, but it also has a few surprises in town.
You can find Italian food, a German coffee ‘haus,’ a great breakfast diner, and more delicious food options and restaurants in Rocky Point.
Key Takeaways
This is by no means a complete list, but it includes a wide variety, whether you’re looking for a breakfast diner, something quick and easy, fine dining, or food with a view of the Sea of Cortez.
The list of restaurants in Rocky Point covers a stretch of the coast from Sandy Beach, west of town, to the Mayan Palace Resort, 45 minutes east.
Select dates to see prices for rentals in Rocky Point.
Keep in mind: Many condos in the resorts on the beach rent as VRBOs:
Breakfast Restaurants in Rocky Point
Breakfast is my favorite meal, so I love trying out new diners and breakfast joints! Rocky Point has quite a few good options.
Candy Cake Diner
Candy Cake is much more than it seems! I thought it was basically a donut shop. Even the font on its branding resembles Dunkin’s!
Inside, however, you’ll find more of a diner atmosphere, with friendly staff buzzing around between the counter and tables.
Candy Cake is most known for its huge cakes, plus sweet treats from donuts to pastries. But … the French toast will keep me coming back 😋
I’m not even a fan of French toast, but Candy Cake’s is amazing. The omelettes here are also great.
Later in the day, they serve sandwiches and pastas for lunch.
As is the case with many Rocky Point restaurants, Candy Cake is cash only. Expect to pay $30 for a breakfast for two, or $30 for one of the huge cakes to take home!
Candy Cake Menu & Address
- They don’t have a menu posted, but their Facebook page has photos and more information
- Lázaro Cárdenas y niños héroes #239 col. Centro 83550 Puerto Peñasco
Candy Cake Hours
- Cake Shop: 7:30am – 9:00pm
- Breakfast: 8:00am – 1:00pm
- Lunch: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Kaffeehaus, Puerto Peñasco
First, be prepared for a potentially hellish parking situation. After you park, things will get better!
To be fair, they usually have someone out front directing cars to parking spots. If the lot is full, you can park across the street and dart across through traffic.
Kaffeehaus is a longtime Rocky Point restaurant, owned by a German man (as the name implies). Uwe Holtze met his wife, Lily, on vacation in Mexico, and together they established this popular breakfast spot in Puerto Peñasco.
Expect a crowd inside, and a line of people waiting for their names to be called outside.
They serve full breakfast, or just coffees and cakes. As is the case with many Rocky Point restaurants, Kaffeehaus only accepts cash.
Kaffeehaus Menu & Address
- Blvd. Benito Juarez 216-B, Puerto Peñasco
- No menu is posted online, but you can check the Kaffeehaus Facebook page for more information
Kaffeehaus Hours
- Open daily
- Weekdays: 7:30am – 4:00pm
- Weekends: 7:30am – 3:00pm
La Maria Bistro at Las Palomas
La Maria is one of the restaurants at Las Palomas, one of the largest and most-popular resorts on Sandy Beach in Rocky Point.
I loved several things about their breakfast, including the $6 Bloody Mary that came with my meal one day, and the $7 mimosa which came the next.
Of course, the healthier options of fresh fruit and smoothies were also very good. The omelet ranks high on my list of breakfast foods, and La Maria has several to choose from for $10.
La Maria Menu:
- Click here for La Maria’s menu
La Maria at Las Palomas Hours:
- Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Breakfast: 7:00am – 12:00pm
- Lunch/Dinner: 1:00pm – 10:30pm
- Call +52 (638) 108 1000 for hours when you’re in town
- Bar: Open 5:00pm – 10:30pm
Restaurants on the Beach in Puerto Peñasco
You’ll likely have several meals on the beach on a trip to Rocky Point. These are a few options which will give very different experiences.
balché at Mayan Palace
Balché is a beach restaurant at the upscale Vidanta property in Puerto Peñasco, attached to the Mayan Palace and the Grand Mayan resorts. It’s named after a sacred drink of the ancient Mayans.
It’s quite a drive from downtown Rocky Point (about 45 minutes) but it’s a much quieter beach setting.
The food is good, but not overly fancy. You’ll find sandwiches, burgers, and their catch of the day. The tables are all outside, between the expansive pool and the sandy beach.
balché Menu
- Click here to check out the menu options.
balché Hours
- Monday thru Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Winter hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Manny’s Beach Club
Manny’s is open long hours at its longtime spot on Playa Mirador in Rocky Point. It’s just east of the Malecon.
The complex is pretty big, and includes a stage, swim-up bar, restaurant, and beach area on the Se of Cortez.
Manny’s is a longtime favorite in Puerto Peñasco, which has been known by several names over the decades. It closed for a while but reopened in 2018. The “new and improved” Manny’s Beach Club now includes a motel, cabanas, an infinity-edge pool, and 5 different bars.
While it’s advertised as a “club” with spring break crowds, DJs and live music, Manny’s is also family-friendly during the day. They’ll often have activities for kids, like arts and crafts.
Manny’s Beach Club Menu & Address
- The menu isn’t posted online, but you can check Manny’s Facebook page for more information.
- Av. Coahuila S/N, Benito Juárez, 83554 Puerto Peñasco
Manny’s Hours
- Monday thru Thursday: 8:00am – 11:00pm
- Friday thru Sunday: 8:00am – midnight
Wrecked at the Reef
Wrecked at the Reef is arguably Rocky Point’s most famous and popular bar/restaurant right now. It’s off, down a sandy road west of downtown Puerto Peñasco, and right on the beach.
It’s a large complex, which includes a big indoor area, stage, dancefloor, and bars. Outside, you’ll find several more bars, another stage, fire pits, and rows of plastic dining tables in the sand.
The food at Wrecked at the Reef is standard bar fare. You really come here for the drinks, including their popular buckets of beer and margaritas.
I have a separate blog about Wrecked at the Reef, which includes more photos and information about different activities you’ll find at this spot.
Don’t let the black-and-white pirate theme intimidate you! The staff is welcoming and the crowd is friendly.
Bands play on the weekends, usually beginning around 1:00pm, and their longtime house band, La Merca, usually takes the stage around 9:30pm
Wrecked at the Reef Menu & Address
- The menu isn’t online, but the restaurant’s Facebook page has more information.
- Blvd. Paseo de la Duna, Playa Arenos, 83555 Puerto Peñasco
Wrecked Hours
- Monday: 9:00am – 10:00pm
- Tuesday thru Thursday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 8:30am – 12:30am
- Sunday: 8:30am – 10:00pm
Restaurants with Live Music
There’s quite a bit of live music in Rocky Point. You’ll find many of the bars and restaurants have stages setup.
In addition to Wrecked at the Reef, let’s talk about another Puerto Peñasco favorite.
Banditos Cantina, Rocky Point
Singer Roger Clyne owns Banditos Cantina, with his bandmates in The Peacemakers.
Banditos is named after one of his songs, and the band often performs on the stage. The restaurant usually has live music every weekend.
The menu is a mix of tacos, burritos, and burgers.
Banditos serves a good brunch menu, too, complete with hangover remedies like Bloody Marys and Bloody Marias (made with ‘Mexican moonshine’ instead of vodka). Or try one of the $5 house margaritas.
Banditos Menu & Address
- Click here for Banditos’ food & drink menus
- Paseo de las Olas 6B/9B, Centro, 83550 Puerto Peñasco
Banditos Hours
- Sunday thru Thursday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00am
Italian Food & Pizza in Rocky Point
Italian food wasn’t on my mind on my first trip to Rocky Point, but that changed after someone at the hotel recommended Pane e Vino!
Pane e Vino Ristorante, Puerto Peñasco
Pane e Vino is a big Italian restaurant, perched on top of what’s known as Whale Hill in Rocky Point.
It has two full floors of dining space, plus an outside patio, where you can dine with a view of the Sea of Cortez.
Pane e Vino is owned by an Italian-born chef, from the northwestern part of the country, near the border with France. He worked in Scottsdale’s Tutti Santi before heading south to Rocky Point to open Pane e Vino in 2011.
For more than a decade, they’ve been making their own pastas and breads, and serving red wines from Mexico, Chile, the US, and Italy.
The menu is full of Italian favorites, from lasagna to seafood dishes to bolognese.
You’ll be stuffed after all of the pane and vino, but save room for the tiramisu! Some sort of chocolate cake is supposed to be their famous dessert, but I’m partial to the layered, creamy tiramisu!
Pane e Vino Menu & Address
- Their menu was taken offline, but their Facebook page has information.
- Avenida del Agua 83554 Puerto Peñasco
Pane E vino Hours
- Daily: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Capone’s, Rocky Point
Al Capone’s Pizza & Seafood has been popular in Puerto Peñasco for more than 15 years.
It’s in the Playa Mirador area, just east of downtown Rocky Point, and easily accessible from the Las Conchas neighborhood.
As is the case with many Rocky Point staples, a couple of Arizonans are behind the restaurant. Two of the guys who helped found the popular Four Peaks Brewery in the Phoenix/Tempe area built Capones in 2007.
They planned to open a brewery in Rocky Point, but one thing led to another and they built a pizza shop instead. And while pizza is the main draw, Capone’s is also known for using the abundant fresh seafood in their dishes.
I haven’t tried their breakfast or brunch menu, but it’s on my list for our next visit!
Capone’s is also a good spot for live music, and to watch football games during the season.
Al Capone’s Menu & Address
- Their menu isn’t online, but Capone’s Facebook page has information.
- local 1 y 2, Av. Sinaloa 61A, Benito Juárez, 83554 Puerto Peñasco
Capone’s Hours
- Daily: 8:30am – 10:00pm
Steakhouses in Puerto Peñasco
Rocky Point is probably better known for its seafood restaurants, but it’s home to a couple of good steakhouses, too.
Garufa Steakhouse
Garufa is known as Puerto Peñasco’s premiere steakhouse. It’s conveniently located behind som of the main resorts, just west of downtown.
The chefs at Garufa grill beef over an open fire, and create meals they consider to be “modern Argentinian gastronomy. “
Garufa’s Menu & Address
- Click here for Garufa’s menu
- Paseo Las Olas 6D11, Playa Arenos, 83555 Puerto Peñasco
Garufa’s Hours
- Sunday thru Thursday: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 2:00pm – 11:00pm
- Call for reservations: +52 638 688 0101
Citron Restaurant at Las Palomas
Citron is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Las Palomas Resort in Rocky Point, but I really enjoyed the steak.
You’ll be full, but don’t leave without sampling the chocolate volcano cake with ice cream or the tres leches!
And while the drink menu at Citron is pretty extensive, I’d recommend the hibiscus margarita!
Citron Restaurant Menu
- Click here for the menu for Citron Restaurant at Las Palomas
Citron Hours
- Call to make a reservation: +52 638 108 1000
Restaurants on Rocky Point’s Malecon
The Malecon is a row full of stores and restaurants in Puerto Peñasco, which runs right alongside the sea downtown.
You’ll find tourist traps, multi-story bars, authentic kitchens, and seafood options along this convenient and (at times) rowdy stretch.
Boo Bar
Boo Bar gets the first mention in this section because of its connection and dedication to Arizona! The walls are lined with all kinds of “State 48” decor.
More appealing, however, is the view! You can pull up a chair (or a swing) and stare off the open-air balconies into the Sea of Cortez. It’s famously located “above the fish markets” on the malecon.
Boo Bar has a food menu (with desserts, too) along with the beers and margaritas you’d expect.
The view disappears at night, but the sea breezes are nice at Boo Bar, which is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Boo Bar Menu & Address
- Click here for Boo Bar’s menu
- Circunvalación y o Malecón Kino, El Puerto, 83550 Puerto Peñasco
Boo Bar Hours
- Sunday thru Thursday: 10:00am – 11:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00am
Tortilleria Hernandez
No matter what city you’re in, there’s a hole-in-the-wall place that’s sure to win you over with authentic, local cooking.
In Rocky Point, I highly recommend heading to a streetside kitchen, a block north of the Malecon, known as Tortilleria Hernandez.
You’ll find a couple women cranking out fresh tortillas and other breads, which you can take home as soon as they cool.
They sell 10-packs of tortillas for $3.
You won’t find the name on Google Maps, so here’s the closest address:
El Oktopus
El Oktopus has its famous Octopus Platter on the menu daily. It’s a whole octopus on the plate, surrounded by patatas bravas, for $30.
Octopus is incorporated into several of the seafood dishes, which are all fresh from the sea, but the restaurant features a variety of Mexican and American options.
The restaurant is on the malecon, but not up against the water. You’ll still get a great view of the water (and sunset) from the second floor patio.
El Oktopus Menu
- The menu isn’t posted online, but you can check out the El Oktopus Facebook page for photos of the food (and the Octopus Platter!)
El Oktopus Hours
- Daily: 11:00am – 10:00pm
- Happy Hour: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
- Call for information: +52 638 388 5570
The Point
The Point is a colofully eye-catching establishment on stilts over the water. It’s three-stories, with patios that wrap around different parts of all three floors.
The flounder with shrimp (the chef’s special) is highly recommended. If you’re looking for something other than seafood, their burritos and margaritas are sure to please.
I haven’t witnessed it, but I’m told diners are allowed to fish for their own dinners right from the patio at The Point. I’d likely down 10 margaritas before I landed something big enough to grill up, but it could be entertaining to try one day.
The Point is one of many restaurants with a Sea of Cortez view, but it’s the only one actually built on top of the water. You access it just off the malecon downtown:
The Point’s Menu
- The Point doesn’t have a website, and their social media is outdated by a few years.
The Point’s Hours
- Sunday thru Thursday: 9:00am – 10:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 9:00am – 11:00pm
- Call for reservations & information: +52 638 388 0779
Seafood in Rocky Point
Seafood is a staple in Puerto Peñasco!
Citron at Las Palomas
I mentioned Citron earlier under the steak restaurants, but I liked some of their seafood dishes even more.
Citron’s menu is full of seafood options, all fresh caught. My favorite is the flounder / white fish with tequila, shrimp and peppers.
Mare Blu, on Rocky Point’s Sandy Beach
Mare Blu is an upscale neighbor to Wrecked at the Reef. It’s a seafood restaurant with Italian options on the menu, too. Plus, it’s right on Sandy Beach, so you’ll get the gorgeous Sea of Cortez view.
The seafood portion of the menu features fresh-caught flounder, sea bass and shrimp. The Italian features the classic chicken dishes. My favorite menu item combines both sides: linguini al frutti di mare!
Mare Blu Menu & Address
- Click here to check out Mare Blu’s menu
- Camino a la Cholla km3.7, Playa Arenos, 83550 Puerto Peñasco
Mare Blu Hours
- Monday through Thursday: 4:00pm – 9:30pm
- Friday through Sunday: 4:00pm – 10:30pm
- Click here to make a reservation
Chango’s Bar & Grill
Chango’s is on a popular strip, adjacent to Rocky Point favorites like Garufa Steakhouse and Bandito’s.
While Chango’s is advertised as a “seafood and beer” restaurant, the menu includes burgers, tacos, quesadillas, and much more.
Their outdoor stage features live music (usually on the weekends) and draws a huge crowd during spring break!
Their Facebook page has updates on events.
Chango’s Menu & Address
- Click here to check out Chango’s menu
- Camino Ala Choya 83550 Puerto Peñasco
Chango’s Hours
- Sunday through Thursday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00am
Fresh Oysters: Buy from the Farm near Rocky Point!
If you love oysters, they don’t come more fresh than what you can buy at the Osteria!
Families farm oysters in a sprawling estuary, just off the beach outside of town. It’s one of the more interesting things to do in Puerto Peñasco!
They’ll raise the bed and shuck the oysters right in front of you! You can eat them on site, raw, or take a bushel home to serve up at your home or hotel.
Pacific Oysters, or Japanese Oysters, are found in the waters of Puerto Peñasco.
You can order them to take home, or eat right at the El Barco restaurant. Cooked oysters are $15 for a dozen, while raw oysters go for $6 a dozen.
Osteria Info & Address
- Click here for El Marco’s Facebook page
- Estero morua, direccion conocida domicilio conocido Estero Morua, 83553 Puerto Peñasco
Osteria Hours
- Daily: 9:00am – 6:00pm
La Casa del Capitan, Rocky Point
La Casa del Capitan is up on Whale Hill, next to the Pane e Vino Italian restaurant. It offers Mexican food, mariachi bands, and sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez. It’s another great spot to dine as the sun sets. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a school of dolphins swimming by, too!
The restaurant dates back to 1990, which is rare for a business in Rocky Point!
Shrimp and grouper are two of the most popular menu items. And while I can’t attest to this myself, a lot of people talk about how El Capitan’s margaritas are enjoyably strong!
El Capitan Menu & Address
- El Capitan’s Facebook page isn’t updated frequently
- Av Camino del Agua s/n, El Puerto, 83554 Puerto Peñasco
El Capitan Hours
- Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Call for information: +52 638 383 5698
Cook and BBQ Yourself!
The resorts usually have big BBQ areas outside, plus patios, so rather than eating out every night, it’s fun to stay in and cook with your friends and family on a trip to Rocky Point.
Fish Markets
The Malecón has several fish markets lining the street. They’re a great spot to grab a fillet or bag of freshly-caught shrimp to bring back to the grill at your rental home or resort.
The guys at Marco’s are really friendly. They offer bags of shrimp in five, six, and nine-point increments. Plus, they’ll have oysters and different kinds of fish to choose from, based on what fishermen are catching at the time. It’s all fresh-caught, on ice, and they’ll clean it all for you on the spot.
Deep Sea Fishing
Yes! Consider fending for yourself! Rocky Point has several fishing charter options.
Admittedly, I failed on our fishing expedition, but I’d planned to throw our catches back into the sea, anyway. Still, it’s an adventure, and the captain told me: the key is to book an early morning charter if you’re looking to bring home a haul to cook up for a crowd.
We took a ride with Federico’s Charters for a few hours. The prices vary greatly. We paid $230 for three hours.
The deep sea fishing boats leave right from the main marina in Rocky Point, next to the Mexican Naval base.
You’ll go out with the captain and a crew of two, who will slice up calamari and other bait fish to hook to the line.
Pancho Villa has a number of fishing charter options from Puerto Peñasco, including an overnight fishing adventure.
Fish On Charters is another option for deep sea fishing off Rocky Point.
Wrap: Best Restaurants in Puerto Peñasco
My favorites run the gamut.
First, I love Pane e Vino, but maybe because it was such an unexpected surprise in Mexico?
Candy Cake is my favorite breakfast spot. I was initially put-off by its marketing, which I found almost gimmicky, but the excellent food quality and friendly staff immediately won me over!
And, I can never say ‘no’ to a homemade tortilla, so the Tortilleria Hernandez, just off the Malecon is high on my list of favorite restaurants in Rocky Point, too!
Check out some of our other blogs and videos about travel in Rocky Point:
