Saffron
The quality of hotels in Acapulco often means some of the best food can be found in their affiliated restaurants. Saffron is an excellent example of this. Part of the Banyan Tree Hotel, this is highly recommended even for non-guests, as its Indian and Thai cuisine is to die for. Make sure to stop by for sunset and enjoy the spectacular view, alongside the divine curry dishes bursting with flavor or the outstanding pad Thai. It is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two, but watch out for the smart-casual dress code.
Banyan Tree Cabo Marque, Boulevard Cabo Marques S/N, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 434 0100
BellaVista
BellaVista has excellent service as well as an awesome outlook over Acapulco bay. This place is conveniently located on the heavily restaurant-and-bar-populated Carretera Escenica, within Las Brisas Hotel. It provides a dining experience that is unmissable. Every plate comes beautifully prepared and presented with a menu of options to suit anyone. Wine lovers will also enjoy dining here as the wine list is extensive and fairly reasonably priced. The live piano music is the cherry on the cake, complementing the high-quality food and full-bodied wines.
Carretera Escenica 5255, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 469 6929
Palladium
Palladium is a big name in Acapulco, given that it’s one of the biggest and best nightclubs in the area and has been for many years. While neither a restaurant nor a bar, this deserves an honorable mention given the outstanding views that are a highly unusual quality in a nightclub location. This spot is not one for the fainthearted, given the thumping house music and strobe lighting that dominates. However, the view provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for those who want to go loco, loco down in Acapulco. Pay your cover, and drinks are free inside.
Carretera Escenica S/N, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 446 5490
Zibu
A regular feature on top restaurants in Acapulco lists for good reason, Zibu is a fantastic restaurant offering Thai seafood dishes with a Mexican twist. The restaurant itself is a masterpiece, with a focus on natural elements like wood, bamboo, and stone. This only complements the outstanding view you get when you dine at Zibu. Planned with open spaces in mind, the majority of the seating is on the outdoor patio, but try to get there for sunset to take full advantage of the glorious cliffside location.
Avenida Escénica S/N, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 433 3069
María María
Formerly known as Zuntra, the fairly recently renamed María María is a restaurant, bar, and terrace all rolled into one. It now serves a Mexican-themed fine-dining menu. Rest assured the service remains as impeccably good as before and the food is just as recommendable. After dinner, ascend to the top floor terrace and enjoy the stupendous view with a cocktail, or perhaps even have a dance. Located as it is on the Scenic Highway, María María is not cheap, but the atmosphere and the quality justify the prices. Check it out.
Avenida Escenica 4201, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 446 7341
Su Casa
An Acapulco institution, Su Casa has a lovely familiar and romantic vibe and brilliant outdoor dining options showcasing views over the city’s skyline. The terrace has a small swimming pool – mainly for decorative purposes, we feel, rather than as a mid-meal dip option. Additionally, it is adorned with flowers and fairy-lights, meaning it feels cozy and intimate particularly during the sunset. Food-wise, check out the exquisitely prepared, tender steak options or the mahi mahi. Photo opportunities are plentiful in front of the crisp white arches that frame the view.
Avenida Anahuac 110, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 484 4350
Sky Garden
A sprawling and sumptuously decorated bar, or perhaps more aptly called a lounge, Sky Garden has a jaw-dropping terrace with numerous sofas and tables for you to sink into with a cocktail. The moody blue-hued lighting really sets the mood. It adds to the feeling of luxury you get in this Acapulco bar, with its terrace-top pool and candlelit ambiance. Understandably, Sky Garden attracts the wealthy and the beautiful like flies to a honey pot. Dress up smartly for access to this lovely lounge and don’t bank on it been a cheap night out.
Carretera Escenica 28-1, Bis Centro Comercial Linda La Vista, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 446 5771
El Gran Recuerdo
This restaurant is perfectly located for views over the bay, as well as offering first-rate service from the well-trained wait staff. The prices are steep, particularly the wines. However, the food is exquisite and there are three-course meal packages to be had. Given the spectacular views from El Gran Recuerdo, try to make reservations for sunset in order to take advantage of the excellent location and enhance the romantic vibe of the evening. The restaurant name translates to “great memory” and that’s certainly what you’ll go away with after a dinner here.
Costera Miguel Alemán, Int. Plaza Marbella, Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico, +52 744 481 2749
Siboney Piano Bar
Siboney Piano Bar is a classy piano and karaoke bar with a more sophisticated, older vibe than many of the night spots in Acapulco. This makes it perfect for those who want to chill out and really appreciate the music and surroundings, or couples seeking a date night spot. The romantic and refined ambiance is highly recommendable, not to mention the beautiful views over Acapulco Bay.