Eat Well and Make Friends! The Top Restaurants for Expats in the Riviera Nayarit

All along Banderas Bay, local restaurants have gone beyond just places to eat. Now, they are gathering spots where friendships spark and expat communities thrive. Through hosted events and simply warm, easygoing atmospheres that invite conversation, these dining destinations are some of the best ways to meet others living the Riviera Nayarit dream. Read out to find our top picks for where to eat, drink, and connect with other expats in the area.

 

 

With lively open mic nights, casual dinners with familiar flavors, and so many other surprises, these restaurants and bars are ideal for expats looking to feel at home, make new connections, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of coastal life in the Riviera Nayarit.

 

 

 

With breezy outdoor tables and an inviting Mediterranean-Italian menu inspired by the owners’ own family recipes, Taormina feels like a taste of home for many expats. It’s a local favorite with a loyal crowd, making it the perfect place for spontaneous conversations and slow dinners that turn into new friendships.

 

 

This Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant is known for its bold flavors, fresh sushi, and exciting open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs in action. A popular hangout for both locals and expats, it offers a great choice for those who appreciate culinary creativity and a relaxed social setting.

 

 

Set in an open-air space surrounded by restaurants, Fonsini represents the social heartbeat of Nuevo Nayarit. Opening for lunch and staying lively beyond dinner, the bar itself is where many new friendships begin. With great cocktails and a relaxed vibe, this is the kind of place where conversations flow as easily as the drinks.

 

 

Perched atop Marival Distinct resort, Insú is a sophisticated-yet-friendly rooftop bar where expats and visitors alike come together for sunset cocktails and savory tapas. The sweeping views of the bay set the tone, but it’s the warm ambiance that makes it easy to strike up a chat with someone new.

 

 

ParrotFish offers an Asian-Mexican fusion menu and a mixology menu that always surprises. The vibe here is unmistakably social, perfect for catching up with friends or meeting someone new. This is one of Punta de Mita’s favorite places to gather, laugh, and linger just a little bit longer.

 

 

Ready to reserve your spot with your expat friends or simply show up and see who you meet? Here’s how:

 

Online: parrotfishrestaurant.com

Punta de Mita: +52 329 688 1535

 

Online: taormina.restaurant

Call: +52 (322) 226 9765

 

Nicksan

Online: nicksanmexico.com

Call: +52 (322) 297 2464

 

No reservations required. Just arrive, grab a seat, and enjoy some drinks.

 

No reservations needed. Come early for the sunset, stay for the company.

 

 

In the Riviera Nayarit, making new connections is as simple as sitting down for dinner or sharing a drink at the bar. These restaurants offer great food and drinks, of course, but they also offer a sense of belonging. Are you here for the season or here to stay? Either way, these spots are perfect for discovering the community waiting just around the corner.