10 best restaurants in Colima
Colima may be one of Mexico’s smallest states, but when it comes to flavor, it punches far above its size. Tucked between the Pacific coast and the dramatic silhouette of the Volcán de Colima, this destination blends seaside freshness with inland tradition in ways that surprise even seasoned travelers. Here, you’ll find smoky tatemado, ultra-fresh seafood pulled straight from Manzanillo’s shores, coconut-infused specialties, and family-run kitchens that guard recipes passed down for generations. But Colima isn’t just about tradition—there’s a new wave of chefs redefining the local scene, pairing regional ingredients with modern techniques and elevated presentation.
So where should you book a table first? Whether you’re planning a beach weekend, a food-focused road trip, or simply searching for the most memorable meal in town, this curated list of the 10 best restaurants in Colima will guide you to the state’s standout dining experiences. From oceanfront terraces to hidden city gems, get ready to discover why Colima deserves a serious spot on your foodie radar.
1. El Fogón Manzanillo
El Fogón Manzanillo is a welcoming restaurant with a family-friendly spirit and a nostalgic, old-school setting that instantly puts you in “vacation mode.” The vibe feels warm and relaxed—perfect for slowing down, sharing plates, and letting the grill aromas do the talking. It’s the kind of place where you show up hungry and end up staying longer than planned because the atmosphere keeps everything easy and enjoyable.
You’ll find it in Salagua Centro, a convenient area in Manzanillo that makes it simple to fit into your day—whether you’re coming from the beach, meeting up with locals, or planning a low-stress meal with a group. The space is set up to handle gatherings comfortably, with details that support longer visits, like a terrace or garden option, parking, and a private room when you want something more organized for a celebration.
This spot is especially ideal for lunch and dinner, thanks to its steady, all-week schedule and a menu style that pairs naturally with an unhurried meal. The experience leans into bold, satisfying flavors that feel true to a classic Mexican grill-and-family-restaurant concept. Add in music and a welcoming rhythm of service, and it becomes a dependable place to make your meal feel like part of the trip—not just a stop between plans.
El Fogón is especially ideal for families and friends, whether you’re planning a casual reunion, a birthday meal, or just want a comfortable table where everyone can relax. The listed price range is $300–$500 MXN per person, depending on what you order and how much you share. And if you’re traveling with a four-legged companion, this place admits pets, making it even easier to include everyone in the plan.
2. Punta Zuk Manzanillo
Punta Zuk Manzanillo is a scenic, experience-driven restaurant where the view is part of the menu. Set up on two levels with a spacious terrace, it’s the kind of place that turns a simple meal into a “remember this” moment—especially when the bay lights up at sunset. The atmosphere feels polished but breezy, balancing coastal elegance with a relaxed rhythm that invites you to slow down, order a few rounds, and enjoy the night.
You’ll find it in Olas Altas, a prime stretch of Manzanillo that’s easy to work into beach-day plans or a special evening out. The location is a big part of its charm: sea air, panoramic views, and a setup that makes every table feel like it has a front-row seat. With amenities like a terrace, music, and the option to host events, the space is designed to feel flexible—romantic one night, celebratory the next.
This spot is ideal for lunch and dinner, especially if you like a menu that blends coastal freshness with Italian-Mediterranean influence. It’s a great place to start with shareable plates and let the meal build naturally—something bright and citrusy, something rich and comforting, and a main course that feels worthy of the setting. The pacing here is unhurried, which makes it perfect for lingering over cocktails, wine, or a long conversation while the sky shifts colors.
Punta Zuk is especially ideal for couples and friends, whether you’re planning a date night, an anniversary dinner, or a sunset meetup that turns into a full evening. Expect a per-person spend of $150–$460 MXN, depending on what you order and how drink-forward the night becomes. And if your plans include your furry sidekick, you’re covered—this place admits pets, making the terrace experience even more enjoyable.
3. Daruco Oriental Kitchen Colima
Daruco Oriental Kitchen Colima is a modern restaurant that brings an exciting Asian-fusion lineup to the city—think Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese inspiration all sharing the same table. The vibe is calm and stylish, with an open-air feel that makes the whole experience lighter, more relaxed, and perfect for lingering over a few rounds. It’s the kind of place you choose when you want something different from the usual, but still approachable, flavorful, and easy to share.
Set in Girasoles, Daruco feels like a low-key local gem with a polished edge. The space is designed for comfort: a terrace-style setup, an easygoing soundtrack, and an atmosphere that works whether you’re arriving with a plan or just following a craving. It’s a great option when you want a spot that feels casual enough for a spontaneous visit, but curated enough to make the night feel special.
Because it opens in the afternoon, it’s ideal for lunch and dinner—perfect for a late lunch that turns into a long sobremesa or a relaxed evening meal with friends. The menu is built for variety, so ordering a few dishes for the table is the move: bold mains, satisfying shareables, and flavors that keep things interesting bite after bite. It’s especially ideal for families, friends, and couples, since the setting supports everything from group hangs to date-night pacing.
Expect a typical spend of $350–$450 MXN per person, depending on how much you explore the menu and what you add to drink. And if your plans include your four-legged sidekick, you’re covered—Daruco admits pets, making the terrace experience even more enjoyable.
4. Mazunte Cantina Bistro Manzanillo
Mazunte Cantina Bistro Manzanillo is a vibrant, coastal-inspired restaurant that blends cantina energy with bistro-style presentation. From the moment you step in, the space feels fresh and social—colorful details, an upbeat rhythm, and a layout designed for sharing plates and stretching the evening a little longer than planned. It’s the kind of place where lunch can easily turn into sunset drinks without anyone noticing the time.
Located in Santiago, one of Manzanillo’s most active and easy-to-navigate areas, Mazunte fits seamlessly into beach-day or weekend plans. The terrace-style setup gives the space an open, breezy feel, perfect for coastal weather and group gatherings. With practical amenities like parking and a flexible dining layout, it’s built to handle everything from spontaneous meetups to planned celebrations.
This spot is especially ideal for lunch and dinner, thanks to a menu that blends seafood-forward flavors with Mexican and contemporary twists. The experience encourages ordering a few dishes for the table—bright, fresh options that pair naturally with cocktails or cold beers. The cantina influence keeps the mood lively, while the bistro edge adds a polished touch to the presentation.
Mazunte is especially ideal for friends and families, particularly when the goal is to gather, celebrate, and keep things relaxed. Expect a price range of $300–$500 MXN per person, depending on how drink-forward your meal becomes. If you’re looking for a Manzanillo restaurant that balances flavor, atmosphere, and a social coastal vibe, Mazunte Cantina Bistro is a strong pick.
5. Luisiana Colima
Luisiana Colima is a comfort-meets-creativity restaurant that’s built for the kind of meal where everyone at the table finds a favorite. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a modern-casual setting that feels equally right for an easy weekday stop or a longer weekend plan. Its concept leans into fusion-style cooking with crowd-pleasing dishes that feel familiar, but with enough personality to keep you curious from the first order.
You’ll find it in Lomas Verdes, a convenient area in Colima that makes meetups simple and stress-free. The space is designed for staying a while, with a flow that works well for groups and celebrations, plus practical amenities that make the experience smoother when you’re coordinating plans. It’s a place where the atmosphere supports conversation—no rush, no pressure—just a steady, enjoyable rhythm.
This spot is ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which makes it a great “anytime” option when cravings hit. The menu mixes comfort with variety, featuring standout picks like Pizza Lucrecia, Fettuccine Alfredo con Camarones, Pastel Azteca, and the Toste Texas, plus drinks that range from specialty coffee to signature cocktails and natural juices. It’s perfect when you want to order a couple of things for the table and let everyone try a bite.
Luisiana is especially ideal for families, friends, and couples, whether you’re planning a casual catch-up, a birthday meal, or a date that turns into a long sobremesa. Expect a per-person spend of $300–$400 MXN, and good news if you’re bringing your furry sidekick: it admits pets.
6. La Tilapia Roja Villa de Álvarez
La Tilapia Roja Villa de Álvarez is a lively, family-friendly restaurant that leans into fresh seafood, bold Mexican flavors, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer. The experience feels festive without being overwhelming—good music, warm service, and plates that arrive with that just-made energy that matters most when you’re ordering from the sea.
You’ll find it in Los Triángulos, right along Av. Pablo Silva García, making it an easy stop for a satisfying meal that doesn’t require a complicated plan. The setup includes a terrace or garden vibe that keeps things breezy and social, plus practical details like parking that make group outings smoother. It’s a comfortable spot for everything from casual meetups to birthdays, with a welcoming rhythm that suits locals and visitors alike.
This is especially ideal for lunch, thanks to its daytime hours and menu style that shines in the middle of the day. Expect seafood specialties with craveable, coastal character—think aguachiles, fried fish, and house favorites like stuffed tilapia—plus drinks that fit the mood, from micheladas to fruit-forward cocktails. The experience is built for sharing: order a few dishes for the table, mix flavors, and let the meal unfold at an unhurried pace.
La Tilapia Roja is ideal for families, friends, and couples, whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend comida or celebrating something with a bigger group. The typical spend is $250–$500 MXN per person, depending on what you order and how drink-forward the table gets. And if your four-legged companion is part of the plan, you’re covered—this spot admits pets.
7. Mariscos La Bichi Manzanillo
Mariscos La Bichi Manzanillo is a high-energy, flavor-forward restaurant that captures exactly what you want from a coastal seafood stop: bold seasoning, bright citrus, generous portions, and a vibe that feels like a mini celebration. From the moment you sit down, the rhythm is set—music in the background, colorful plates hitting the table, and that unmistakable aroma of freshly prepared mariscos. It’s not a quiet, minimalist dining experience; it’s social, vibrant, and built around sharing.
Located in Playa Azul Las Brisas, one of Manzanillo’s most recognizable and accessible areas, it’s perfectly positioned for beach-day cravings or weekend plans with friends. The space is designed to handle groups comfortably, making it easy to gather everyone around one table without feeling crowded. There’s a relaxed coastal energy throughout—come as you are, order big, and let the afternoon unfold naturally. It’s the kind of spot where time stretches out and “just lunch” quickly turns into a longer hang.
This restaurant is especially ideal for lunch, when seafood feels freshest and the day still feels wide open. The menu leans into craveable classics—aguachiles with a punch, shrimp cocktails loaded with flavor, zarandeado-style fish, tostadas piled high, and house specialties that balance heat, lime, and savory depth. The style of ordering encourages abundance: choose a few plates for the table, mix and match textures, and build your own feast. Drinks like micheladas and chilled beers fit seamlessly into the experience, amplifying that beach-town mood.
Mariscos La Bichi is especially ideal for families and friends, particularly when you’re planning a celebratory meal or just want a place that feels lively and generous. Expect a typical spend of $300–$500 MXN per person, depending on how much you explore the menu and whether drinks are part of the plan. And if your four-legged companion is tagging along, good news—the restaurant admits pets, making it even easier to enjoy a relaxed, inclusive outing in Manzanillo.
8. Trópico Manzanillo
Trópico Manzanillo is a bright, breezy restaurant that feels like a reset button—fresh air, tropical energy, and a menu that matches the “slow morning by the coast” mood. The vibe is relaxed and health-leaning without being boring, with an open, sunlit feel that invites you to linger. It’s the kind of place where you arrive for a quick bite and end up staying because the space makes everything feel easy.
You’ll find it in Península de Santiago, one of Manzanillo’s most scenic areas, which makes it a natural stop when you want a meal that feels like part of the destination. The setting shines as a terrace-style experience, perfect for catching a breeze while you sip something refreshing. With handy details like parking and card payments, it’s also a smooth choice when you’re coordinating plans with other people.
Because it runs in the morning through early afternoon, it’s ideal for breakfast and brunch, especially if you like starting your day with something fresh, balanced, and satisfying. The concept leans into a “living healthy, living tasty” approach—think colorful plates, lighter options that still feel filling, and the kind of menu that works whether you’re craving something clean or something comforting. It’s a great option for a slow start before the beach or a relaxed midday break that doesn’t feel heavy.
Trópico is especially ideal for families and friends, since the vibe is casual, open, and built for conversation. Expect a per-person spend of $300–$800 MXN, depending on how you build your meal. And if you’re traveling with your four-legged companion, good news: it admits pets, making it even easier to keep your plans flexible in Manzanillo.
9. La Terraza Restaurant Bar Manzanillo
La Terraza Restaurant Bar Manzanillo is a coastal restaurant that feels like an instant upgrade to your plans—signature cocktails, Italian-Mexican fusion comfort, and a view that makes you want to time your arrival for golden hour. The atmosphere is breezy and social, with an open-air feel that turns a simple meal into a “let’s stay a little longer” kind of night. It’s the type of place where the scenery sets the mood, and the menu keeps you locked in.
Located in Playa Azul Salagua, this spot is perfectly positioned for anyone chasing that Manzanillo rhythm: relaxed, sunny, and built for enjoying the moment. The terrace setup is the main character here—fresh air, ocean views, and a layout that works just as well for casual hangs as it does for celebrations. Add a steady music vibe and the experience starts to feel like part dinner, part night out.
Because it opens in the late afternoon, La Terraza is especially ideal for dinner, when the sky starts changing colors and the cocktails feel like the right move. The kitchen leans into Italian-Mexican fusion with crowd-pleasers like pizzas, pastas, lasagnas, and salads—easy to share, easy to crave, and perfect for pacing your meal alongside a couple of rounds. It’s a great place to start with something for the table and build from there without rushing.
It’s especially ideal for friends and couples, whether you’re planning a sunset date, a birthday toast, or a laid-back celebration with a view. Expect a per-person spend of $300–$800 MXN, depending on how food- and drink-forward your night becomes. And if your furry sidekick is part of the plan, you’re covered: the restaurant admits pets.
10. El Chilaquil Manzanillo
El Chilaquil Manzanillo is a crave-worthy restaurant that turns a Mexican classic into a full-on choose-your-own-adventure. This is not your basic plate of chilaquiles—it’s a spot known for gourmet chilaquiles where you can build bold combinations and pick from an impressive lineup of 27 different salsas. The vibe is bright, casual, and made for starting the day hungry, whether you’re rolling in after a beach morning or meeting up with your favorite people for a comfort-food fix.
You’ll find it in Manzanillo (the listing doesn’t specify a colonia), and it’s set up with a relaxed, easy flow that makes it simple to settle in. The space includes parking, plus a terrace or garden area that keeps the experience breezy and laid-back. Add in music and a designated smoking area, and you’ve got a place that feels social without being overwhelming—perfect for turning “just breakfast” into a longer hang.
Because of its daytime schedule, it’s especially ideal for breakfast and lunch. Beyond chilaquiles, the menu also includes a wider selection of morning-friendly and traditional dishes, so everyone can find something that fits their mood—whether you’re craving something hearty, something classic, or something that lets you experiment with new salsa combos. The best move here is to lean into variety, especially if you’re dining with a group and want to try more than one style.
It’s especially ideal for families and friends, thanks to the casual atmosphere and the built-for-sharing vibe of the menu. Expect a per-person spend of $300–$500 MXN, depending on how you build your plate and what you add to drink. (The listing doesn’t mention pets, so that detail is omitted.)
Small state, big flavors
Colima may be small on the map, but when it comes to flavor, it delivers in a big way. From oceanfront seafood spots in Manzanillo to cozy breakfast favorites and contemporary kitchens in the capital, the state proves that great dining isn’t about size—it’s about character. Here, meals come with sea breeze, volcanic backdrops, bold salsas, tropical ingredients, and that unmistakable Pacific rhythm that makes you slow down and actually enjoy the moment. Whether you’re planning a beach weekend, a family getaway, or a spontaneous food stop, there’s always a table waiting that feels like it was made just for your mood.
And this list is only the beginning. Beyond these standout restaurants, Colima hides neighborhood gems, chef-driven concepts, and under-the-radar spots still waiting to surprise you. If you believe the best way to explore a destination is one plate at a time, keep browsing our curated guides across Mexico. Your next unforgettable meal might be closer—and more delicious—than you think.