You’ll Fall in Love With These 8 Tasty Treats From the Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit’s gastronomy is just one of the many attractions that travelers fall in love with when they visit our destination. This time around we want to share 8 tasty treats that we can’t get enough of—prepare to be completely tempted!

Here are a few pics of visitors enjoying the destination’s specialty: seafood. (We’re leaving the dish’s names in Spanish, too, so you know what to order!)

1-Pescado Zarandeado (Grilled Fish)

This is at the top of the list because no one can leave the Riviera Nayarit without trying it: yes, it’s fish, but the special seasoning is what makes it amazing, and it’s served with anything from tortillas, rice, and even salad. You can enjoy it in pretty much any of the Riviera Nayarit’s micro-destinations, but we recommend ordering this yummy dish in Guayabitos, Chacala and San Blas (Playa Las Islitas).

2-Ceviche de pescado (Fish Ceviche)

There are several different kinds of fish ceviche, each with different ingredients, but the one from Bucerías is a favorite. Seriously, you can’t leave town without trying it out—with or without mayonnaise, it’s delicious!

3-Pulpo Zarandeado (Grilled Octopus)

Words fail us when describing this dish. It’s a little spicy but super tasty, and the smoky flavor from the coal fire makes it just right. It’s perfect for those who like to eat octopus or if you’re looking to try an alternative to the traditional pescado zarandeado. This is authentic Nayarit. Ask for it in the restaurants in Nuevo Vallarta and be sure and tell us what you think!

4-Aguachile (Spicy Shrimp Cooked in Lime Juice)

The 7 flavors of aguachile are distinctive and well-known in San Pancho: there’s red, black, yellow, and the traditional green. Each one has a main ingredient that lends it a unique color and flavor; it’s an excellent option if you want to try a very traditional dish with an original twist. You’ll love them all!

5-Camarones al coco (Coconut Shrimp)

This dish is part of the top 5 because it’s pretty much a “must” for shrimp lovers. Ask for it in Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, and San Pancho.

6-Ensalada de Camarón (Shrimp Salad)

This is another variation on the shrimp theme, served with different vegetables, sauces, and lots of lime juice. The salads in Bucerías are a “must”—if you haven’t had one yet, you really need to!

7-Ostiones (Oysters)

Even though you can find oysters in several of the Riviera Nayarit’s micro-destinations, it’s said the very best ones are from Bucerías and Aticama in the lovely port of San Blas. If you haven’t tried them yet, those are two of our favorite options!

8-Sashimi de Atún (Tuna Sashimi)

Last but certainly not least, the Tuna Sashimi is perfect if you’re looking for something light and fresh. There are several restaurants in Nuevo Vallarta that make a mean sashimi, don’t miss it!

Some of these dishes are traditional, some not so much, but truth is all of them are very much sought after by visitors and locals. Share with us your favorite, where you had it, and which ones you’d like to try. Don’t forget to add the #RivieraNayarit hashtag on your social media—we love to see you enjoying paradise!