El Presidio Cocina de México — Restaurant in CENTRO

Last night we dined at El Presidio…after we found it, that is. GPS got us to the restaurant but there was only a very small sign on the building that we didn’t see until afterwards. We were met with mild amusement when we asked a local where El Presidio was, and he pointed to the building we were standing in front of!

Once inside (we made reservations for the garden area) we were escorted through a large garden courtyard and seated at a table. The atmosphere was incredible—we were sitting among trees with a spreading canopy of branches and leaves overhead.

Our party was 4 adults and a 4-year old. We ordered drinks—two glasses of wine, two Coronas and a Coca Cola. The menu had a variety of items, including a section for children. The appetizers and entrees all sounded so good and made choosing difficult. We waited a reasonable time before the waiter took our orders. Unfortunately I was on a restricted diet so I ordered the grilled asparagus, rice and toast. They didn’t have full length asparagus and asked if it mattered that the asparagus was not full length. What I got was the stems that are normally thrown away. They were woody and not grilled. I didn’t get my rice until everybody else had finished their food and only after I asked about it.

The others thought their food was wonderful. They ordered breaded cauliflower, grilled brussel sprouts, bacon wrapped shrimp with rib eye steak, pepper sauce steak and grilled shrimp with pasta. Even the 4-year old loved her chicken fingers and she is a picky eater.

It took longer than it should have to get the bill. When we did, it was for a different table! Once we got that straightened out it took longer than it should have to pay (the restaurant wasn’t very busy). The total was $1,957 pesos plus the IVA tax of $313.

I gave the 3 stars for the excellent food and the ambiance. The service left a lot to be desired. Not the kind of service I would expect from a...

Our experience was overall great. After reading all of the reviews I thought it would be excellent....but that's life.

I attempted to make a reservation and the hostess informed me that they were full the entire day. When I asked about another day at the same time, they were full again. Seems like a busy place. Then I asked when is the next day they have availability anytime. She then said the original day I requested but now from 1-4pm while I has requested 6pm. Very odd. I wonder how many potential clients are lost because of this.. Then I asked which day is available for a 6pm reservation and she said the very next day and I wanted two days after.. I see.. seems very unorganized but no problem, we sorted it out.

I asked if they do anything for birthdays, and the response almost made me cancel the reservation. "We don't give a free dessert" I just laughed and hoped the actual dinning experience wasn't the same. As a restaurant owner I think it's unprofessional to assume at a fine dining restaurant that someone is just looking for something for free. This isn't MacDonalds.

At the restaurant the decor, ambience and setting is incredible and worth it all. The food is impressive and delightful. The "free appetizer" was great and our main courses were fantastic. We had Robolo and Pork Shank. The service is very good and the people are very nice. Out daiquiri drinks were also very good. Seems like they may potentially be losing people even before they walk in door because of the host.

Friendly advice. Customize each experience but asking the people who are making a reservation if they are a. Celebrating anything special or b. Allergic to anything. If a. Offer a free pastry with a congratulatory remark or b. Your free appetizer. You will most likely get a second visit and a 5 star rating. Never ever ever loose a customer before they walk in the door. Your hostess should be the nicest person in...

We walked into the establishment on a Tuesday evening without reservations early at 5pm, and were promptly seated. A prominent local chef gave a strong recommendation to experience the colonial ruin restaurant in the heart of old town Mazatlan. It is indeed spectacular scenery inside, with many mature trees, exposed weathered brick, soaring walls, many plants and great lighting. Cafe wrought iron seating blends with French wicker. Cocktails are balanced and fresh. The Sikil’pak inspired black purée appetizer with chips to start. Lettuces we’re beautifully composed with a fine brunoise of apple, however the was no indication of an allergen within the description on the menu of the vinegret, (so my partner had to refrain from enjoying it altogether.) We enjoyed the empanada with a delicate molé. Entree to split was the duck breast. Overall was a completely enjoyable plate., however I would’ve liked the breast served more warm and a smidge more cooked through, (it was slightly too rare, so we sent it back to refire, however I appreciate it not over cooked). All savory dishes needed just a pinch of sea salt on the plating as a finish. We enjoyed a sorbet for dessert. I would’ve liked to have a real linen napkin rather than paper. Such an easy elevation for any establishment at this caliber. Coasters too, under the beverages. Tiny thin napkins tear and become saturated and disintegrate when wet from condensation. Service was lovely, caring, and thoughtful. The bar was impressive in its eye appeal. I purchased a ball cap on my way out....