11 Unmissable Restaurants in Rocky Point for Delicious Dining in Puerto Peñasco
¿Planning a getaway and looking for unmissable restaurants in Rocky Point? Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point as it is known to many people, especially on the northern side of the U.S.- Mexico border, has long been a popular beach destination for travelers from both countries.
Located on the Coast of the Sea of Cortez in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora, this small but lively town is famous for its lovely beaches, water activities, and, of course, its vibrant food scene.
Whether you´re in the mood for deliciously fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine, or international options, Rocky Point’s restaurants are sure to satisfy.
In this article, we’ll explore some must-try restaurants in Rocky Point that are sure to enhance your experience in the beach paradise that is Puerto Peñasco. They range from a cozy hut serving the best grilled chicken in town to casual spots serving American and Mexican fare, all the way to fancy French, Italian, and Mediterranean options.
11 Must-Visit Restaurants in Rocky Point
1. Pane e Vino Ristorante
If you’re aiming for fine dining in Rocky Point with an Italian twist, Pane e Vino Ristorante is a top choice. Helmed by Italian chef Luca Appendino, who serves an extensive menu with dishes that are both rustic and refined, they are famous for their pastas made from scratch and wood-fired pizzas, as well as their expertly prepared seafood dishes.
With spectacular sea vistas both from the indoor and outdoor seating areas, this restaurant in Rocky Point brings a taste of Italy to the shores of the Sea of Cortez in an intimate ambiance.
A favorite on the menu include the seafood risotto, rich with shrimp, calamari, and mussels in a creamy and exquisite sauce.
- Location: Camino del Agua 1, El Puerto, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora; Mexico
- Reservations: Phone +52 638 105 7455; Whatsapp +52 638-110-7137
2. Garufa Steakhouse
Craving for premium Argentine.style beef? Garufa Steakhouse is your go-to for high-quality steaks and authentic grilling techniques! This restaurant in Rocky Point offers a unique blend of Argentine flair and Mexican hospitality, along with an excellent wine selection, making it the perfect spot for meat lovers looking for a hearty, indulgent meal.
The ambiance is rustic yet refined, while the menu features a delicious variety of cuts, including sirloin, tenderloin, and ribeye, all cooked to perfection in an open grill. You’ll also find great salads, seafood dishes, pastas, and other options, including Clam Chowder served in sourdough bread, all prepared to perfection with the freshest ingredients.
The “empanadas”, Picaña rump roast, and “bife de chorizo” – an Argentine-style sirloin,, juicy and flavorful – all perfectly complemented by their house-made chimichurri sauce and other condiments. For dessert, “alfajores”, chocolate truffles, or sweet corn cake with caramel.
- Location: Paseo Las Olas 6D11, Playa Arenos, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: +52 638 688 0101
3. La Casa del Capitán
Seeking a place where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset while indulging in a unique fusion of Seafood and Mexican flavors? Look no further! Perched on the top of Whale Hill – the highest point in Puerto Peñasco that overlooks Sea of Cortez and Rocky Point, La Casa del Capitán offers some of the most splendid vistas in this coastal destination.
The panoramic setting makes this a popular spot for a late breakfast or brunch, lunch, and early dinner. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset while indulging in their menu that includes the best Sonora has to offer.
This family-run eatery has been around for around 50 years, in which time it has become one of the most iconic restaurants in town.. While it is famous for its seafood with a Mexican twist, their menu also features steaks, chicken, and vegetarian options. The grilled octopus is a standout, marinated in an exquisite blend of herbs and spices before being cooked to tender perfection.
- Location: Av Camino del Agua s/n, El Puerto, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: +52 638 383 5698
4. La Curva Restaurante & Sports Bar
La Curva is a favorite with locals, serving both delicious seafood and traditional Mexican fare in a lively, fun atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tamales and other classics, along with fresh seafood specialties that reflect the coastal influence.
The seafood platter is a must-try. It is an incredible mix of shrimp, fish fillet, and scallops, with everything grilled to perfection. Meat cuts at La Curva are worth mentioning too. The Mexican state Sonora is famous for it rich, hearty beef produce, so be assured you´ll get nothing short of the best. Portions are generous, which makes it a great spot for indulging in a hearty meal.
As the name suggests, La Curva is the place to go for watching sports events with beers and cocktails, which are well served and prepared.
- Location: Blvd. Francisco Eusebio Kino s/n, Centro, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: +52 638 383 3470
5. Wrecked at the Reef
If you´re looking for lively, fun spot with a laid-back, casual dining experience, Wrecked at the Reef is the place to go.
Whether you want to watch a sports game in the interior dining room, or prefer live music entertainment with ocean vistas on the beach tables, Wrecked will deliver. This bar and grill at the end of Sandy Beach offers good food and great cocktails, as well as live music on the beach at 1:00 pm, 6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
During the day and early evening, you´ll find families enjoying breakfast or relaxing after a day on the beach. Later in the evening and into the night, the atmosphere is great for drinks and partying. The fish and chips are a standout here, with crispy batter and tender, flaky fish.
- Location: Blvd. Paseo de la Duna, Playa Arenos, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: +52 638 116 9059
You might want to read: The Ultimate Guide to Charming Rocky Point: Where to Eat, Play, and Stay in Puerto Peñasco
6. Pollos Lucas
For a budget-friendly, informal dining experience in Puerto Peñasco, Pollos Lucas is one the most popular places among both “Peñasquenses” and tourists. The super casual setting does not mean you won’t have a delicious meal, though, especially if you´re into smoky grilled chicken served with tortillas, beans, rice, and salsas.
Specializing in wood-fired grilled chicken, this cozy, open-air eatery with a palm roof offers simple yet flavorful meals that are ideal for a quick, tasty lunch or dinner without the frills. It is particularly convenient after a busy day at the beach.
The half-chicken meal, which comes with all the fixings, is a satisfying and affordable option that keeps customers coming back.
- Location: Blvd. Benito Juárez, Centro, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: No reservations (first come- first served)
7. El Tapeo Wine Bar
Looking to enjoy a casually refined evening with wine and “tapas”? Look no further than El Tapeo Wine Bar for an excellent dining experience with a Spanish flavor.
This madrid-style restaurant has an extensive wine list that features both Mexican wines and international selections, which you can pair with a variety of small dishes. They do have craft beer and cocktails, however. The atmosphere is cozy, with live music performances that add to the intimate ambiance.
The seafood paella is a must if you want a true taste of Spanish cuisine made with fresh seafood from the Sea of Cortez. Check out their social media for special events like Paella Fests, special menu tastings, “Sip and Paint” experiences, and such.
- Location: Bella Vista, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: +52 638 380 5017
8. Kaffehaus Puerto Peñasco
For a change of pace, be sure to stop by Kaffeehaus Puerto Peñasco, a charming café in Rocky Point that serves a mix of hearty German and American breakfast and brunch favorites.
Famous for their generous portions, freshly baked pastries, and strong coffee, this is the perfect spot to fuel up before a fun-filled day at the beach. It is also ideal for taking some treats back to your hotel or airbnb, or even a whole cake if you have a celebration. They open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 3:00 p.m. on weekends.
Their apple strudel is king, combining crispy, butter pastry with a sweet apple filling, but they have all kinds of goodies like eclairs, cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts, and much more. Everything is delicious and just right for a sweet tooth.
- Location: Blvd. Benito Juárez García 216 B, El Puerto, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations: +52 638 388 1065
9. Mare Blu Ristorante
Looking for restaurants in Rocky Point that serve Italian- Mediterranean food with a coastal twist? Mare Blue is an excellent choice. Housed in a white California-style building by the shore on Sandy Beach, with indoor and outside seating, this spot offers stunning ocean views that pair perfectly with its delicious seafood-focused Italian menu.
Specialties include fresh pasta, shrimp scampi, and seafood risotto. Their menu also features exquisite dishes like the filet mignon and chicken parmigiana, but the highlight is the lobster fettuccine, which perfectly blends the richness of homemade pasta with the succulent sweetness of fresh lobster.
Mare Blu is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or refined dining with friends, As you can imagine, it is a prime spot for stunning sunsets by the sea. It is also a great spot for special celebrations like birthdays, engagements, and even weddings.
- Location: Camino a la Cholla km 3.7, Playa Arenos, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Reservations:+52 638 383 0605
10. Citron
Located within the luxurious Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort Condos in the heart of Sandy Beach, Citron offers a fine dining experience in Puerto Peñasco, with a menu that fuses French-inspired and Mexican cuisine.
Renowned for its elegant dish presentation and outstanding service, as well as a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, Citron is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
The menu proposal includes dishes that range from fresh seafood to finely prepared prime meat cuts. Their filet of beef in red wine sauce is a signature dish, combining tender beef with a rich, velvety sauce that highlights the restaurant’s culinary elegance.
Another must-try is their Blue cheese beef filet steak, sealed and finished in the oven, served with blue cheese sauce, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes.
- Location: Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort (Blvd. Dr. Ernesto Guevara del Campo 150, Playa Arenos, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora)
- Reservations: +52 638 108 1000
- Website
11. Colin’s Cantina
Located within the Princesa de Peñasco Resort Condominiums and open to the public, just a few steps from Playa Arenos (Sandy Beach), Colin’s Cantina is the place to go for an American-Mexican fusion menu that carries the tried and true classics from both countries.
With dishes like breakfast burritos, juicy burgers, and spicy wings, this casual dining spot is perfect if you´re aiming for a laid-back atmosphere and a mix of flavors. Their Sonoran-style fish ceviche, made with fresh catch from the Sea of Cortez, is a favorite too, and their cocktail selection is fabulous.
Colin’s Cantina is also a popular place to play pool and watch sports, thanks to the large screens and accommodating staff. They´re also known to organize “Gringo Bingo” sessions, and pool tournaments, as well as other fun activities.
- Location: Princesa de Peñasco Resort Condominiums (Blvd. Costa Diamante, Playa Arenos, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora)
- Reservations: +52 638 382 8257
Unmissable Restaurants in Rocky Point: Conclusion
Rocky Point’s vibrant culinary scene is a delightful reflection of its coastal setting in northern Mexico, with a variety of options that offer fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and international cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience with a view, a casual meal after a day at the beach, or something in between, Puerto Peñasco’s diverse range of restaurants ensures that there’s something for everyone.
From fine Italian dining to laid-back beach bars, the exciting array of unmissable restaurants in Rocky Point has a lot to offer for food lovers looking for culinary experiences in this beautiful seaside destination.