($$$) Mere steps away from the Artisan's Market, transport yourself from Zihuatanejo Centro to a trendy downtown lounge for drinks on the velvet chairs of Caprichos Grill House. After a cocktail or two, continue the experience by stepping into the candlelit hacienda-style patio for dinner from Caprichos unique mesquite grilled menu. The decor, ambiance, and food all take the very meaning of Capricho -- "on a whim" -- to an irresistible level. The patio's fountains, lush plants, art, and copper chandeliers will lure you to stay a while longer for another glass of wine from their broad selection, another cup of espresso, another taste of their homemade ice cream, or another song from the intimate live weekend performances.

just the facts, ma'am: Caprichos is open every day from 4 until 11 PM with live music on weekends.

don't miss: whether you just have a cocktail or indulge in a 4 course meal, Capricho's menu is eclectic, inspired by world music and the flavors of a mesquiite grill. The owner, Joaquin, is on the constant lookout for new wines, new tastes, and new music to expand the restaurant's charms.

meet me @: Avendida 5 de Mayo #4 in Zihua Centro next to the Catholic Church (Iglesia de Guadalupe).

filed under: @zihua- @zihua- casual dining- fancy schmancy- live music- restaurants by Isahrai (Oct 07)

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($$-$$$) A recent dinner at The Captain's Daughter restaurant began quite naughtily with the sinful combination appetizer platter but ended with redemption in the form of entree-sized salads. The appetizers included authentic (and picante!) Buffalo chicken wings, jalapeño poppers with cream cheese, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and french fries accompanied with various dipping sauces. It was more than enough for 2 people and if you're planning on eating an entree, you'll want to share with a whole table so you don't get stuffed. The salads are meals in themselves with ingredients ranging from blackened chicken to mango & toasted pecans to cheeses to a standard (but filling) "house" salad. Don't forget the main courses that include certified Angus beef burgers, BBQ ribs served with sweet corn, pastas, a roasted vegetable sandwich, and tuna steak.

just the facts, ma'am: Enjoy drinks and dinner while checking your email on your laptop with free wifi in the restaurant. This new restaurant is filling up fast but with a dozen tables and 4 seats at the bar, you can usually find a place to squeeze in. Wine is sold at 40-60 pesos/glass and 220-265/bottle. The appetizers run 25-60 pesos (with the massive combination platter for 130 pesos) and dinner can range from a 35 peso vegetarian sandwich to a 10 oz rib eye steak for 160 pesos.

don't miss: As co-owner, Kenny, warned us while hauling over our appetizers, "forget the diet!" Many of the foods on the menu, especially the pub-style appetizers are gloriously breaded and deep fried. However, there are quite a few healthy options on the menu including large complex salads, vegetarian sandwiches, and tuna steak. Margaritas are the house cocktail, made strong but quite reasonably priced at 35 pesos.

meet me @: the brother and sister team of Kenny and Tanya Jones created The Captain's Daughter above their popular downtown bar, La Playa. Enter the restaurant via stairs just inside the bar on Nicholas Bravo between Vicente Guerrero and H. Galeana. Both La Playa and The Captain's Daughter are closed on Mondays.

filed under: @zihua- casual dining- restaurants by Isahrai (Jul 07)

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($$$$) Among the exclusive beachside villas of Club Intrawest on Playa La Ropa, you will find the restaurant Zi, with its tantalizing menu and breathtaking views. Zi’s menu includes a variety of fresh seafood, steaks and chicken, uniquely prepared to combine traditional local and regional tastes with global cuisine.

just the facts, ma'am: Zi is an open-air restaurant with lovely views of Playa La Ropa and the Bay. Zi is open daily for lunch and dinner

don't miss: the Tuna Trio – hot smoked tuna mousse, tuna tempura and tuna carpaccio is a delicious combination that leaves you wanting more. Also, the crispy coconut crusted calamari is one appetizer you don’t want to miss.

meet me @: Zi is located at Club Intrawest on Carretera Escénica, the road to Playa La Ropa.

filed under: @zihua- fancy schmancy- restaurants by Bev (Nov 06)

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($$$$) Cut into the hillside high above Playa La Ropa, the boutique hotel Amuleto’s combines beautiful architecture with the gorgeous views of the bay and Zihuatanejo to provide a unique dining experience. The elegantly prepared meals and fine wines are unforgettable.

just the facts, ma'am: Amuleto’s restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner by reservation only. The dining area is small, so it is not suitable for large groups.

don't miss: if you can’t afford this upscale restaurant, go for a sunset cocktail – the view is breathtaking and worth the price.

meet me @: Amuleto Hotel is located on Calle Escénica #9, at the far end of Playa La Ropa.

filed under: @zihua- fancy schmancy- restaurants by Bev (Nov 06)

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($$$) During the day, Bandido's takes advantage of its location directly across from the Artisan's Market to offer a sampling of traditional Mexican food and refreshing beers and cocktails to passersby. At night, they ramp it up with live music by some of the best local and imported bands featuring popular Mexican music, standard Cuban salsa favorites, and the occasional jazz tune. The waiters can double as dance partners and, many nights, you'll find locals celebrating special occasions here and welcoming you to join la fiesta.

just the facts, ma'am: open from 11 am - 2 am, 7 days a week during high season (closed on Sundays during green season). With close proximity to where most cruise ship passengers disembark, there can be quite a lunch time crowd on cruise ship days. Live music often doesn't start until 11:30 so plan to meet up for cocktails somewhere else if you don't want to pay "live music" prices beforehand. Credit cards are accepted with a 400 peso minimum.

don't miss: the bartenders make a brisk mojito, a mean margarita, and can serve up just about any cocktail you order with their broad bar selection.

meet me @: Bandido's is easy to find at the edge of Zihua Centro on Cinco de Mayo, next to the Catholic Church and across from the Artisan Market (not to be confused with the central Mercado).

filed under: @zihua- @zihua- bars- casual dining- live music- nightlife- restaurants by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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($$) La Playa Bar is a popular meeting place for young locals who want an unpretentious, laid back spot to begin or end their night on the town. There are a few couches in the back in addition to plenty of bar stools up front. There are typically surf videos playing on the television and the regulars command the main bar until after many other Zihua spots close.

just the facts, ma'am: La Playa is open from dusk until at least 2 am and can be particularly lively during holidays and major sporting events.

don't miss: the vodka martini served in a chilled glass will transport you to a New York hipster lounge. Really, it's that good.

meet me @: Nicholas Bravo #39 in Zihua Centro.

filed under: bars- nightlife by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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