Zicatela Punta De Mita — Restaurant in Nayarit

We went on NYE 2022, and were profoundly disappointed. First the price was $150 pp, for a 4 course meal, but we were like ok, this place supposedly has the same chef as hectors, where we had been before and liked, and had wanted to go to again for NYE, but couldn’t due to a power outage. I knew it probably wouldn’t compare to the set menu places we’ve been to in seattle but still hoped for a good meal. First course: a small avocado taco of sorts, good Second course: some “warm salad” that had mediocre tasting ingredients all drowned in a bowl of cottage cheese. None of us liked it. Third course: catch of the day that was good but nothing special, and then 2 of the 3 of us got the lamb, which was served rare, seemingly a bit weird to have not mentioned that to us. I asked for mine heated up, they cooked it to medium rare which was great, but I lost the small empanada sides in the process and it was still nothing special. 4th course was some dessert which seemed like they’d tried to do too much with, weird jam stuff in the mousse, really at this point it didn’t matter we wished we had gone elsewhere

When I went to pay, I complained about these things and said I was only tipping 10% and even that didn’t make sense given what a scam it had been. The waiter gave me this story about he gets nothing with 10% etc and to my regret, I so badly wanted out of there that I agreed to go to 15%. In hindsight, I should have gone with 0% and asked to speak with his manager about my complaints. Not sure if this was a one off failure due to NYE or the power outage but I would never do a fixed price menu there again, and I’d be wary going there period. I never leave reviews but this sucked so bad I had to...

I’ve been coming to Punta Mita for 29 years when there were only 3 restaurants on the beach and they all closed at sundown. Boy have things changed. Coming here year after year, you see restaurants come and go. Even some of the better ones disappear but Zicatela is here to stay! They have a great location on the beach with a gorgeous view and comfortable restaurant ambiance. Their menu appeals to vegetarian and carnivores alike. Falling into the carnivores camp myself, it was truly a pleasure that I fell in love with the grilled Caesar salad. It was beautifully plated but what made it exceptional for me was the exquisite dressing. Lightly grilled whole head of Romaine lettuce graced with a hardy helping of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, like a light dusting of snow piled high and draped with two dainty anchovies, surrounded by crunchy croutons. The service was also top notch. Waitstaff there when you needed them, taking orders and clearing plates like clockwork. Perfect for a special lunch or a romantic dinner. Looking forward to going back to sample...

The food at Zicatela was truly excellent—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The setting is gorgeous and the ambiance is perfect for a relaxed afternoon near the ocean. I chose this place to celebrate my mother’s birthday, and the food definitely lived up to the moment.

That said, the service left a lot to be desired. Our server didn’t introduce himself, didn’t offer any recommendations, and seemed disengaged the entire time. When I tried to mention it was my mom’s birthday and ask if anything special could be done, I was cut off with a quick “yes” and no follow-up, which felt dismissive.

What really surprised me, though, was when I tipped $370 pesos—despite the lackluster service—and as I was leaving, the server stopped me and gave it back, saying “that’s not even enough to pay for my living expenses to work here.” I was honestly shocked. Tipping is optional and based on service, and I still tipped generously. That comment soured what was otherwise a beautiful experience.

I hope management sees this as an opportunity to improve consistency in service. The food and location are worth five stars—but kindness, attentiveness, and gratitude go a long way, especially when people choose your restaurant to celebrate meaningful moments.

La comida en Zicatela fue excelente: fresca, bien presentada, y con mucho sabor. El lugar es hermoso y el ambiente es ideal para pasar una tarde tranquila frente al mar. Elegí este restaurante para celebrar el cumpleaños de mi mamá, y la calidad de la comida sí estuvo a la altura de la ocasión.

Sin embargo, el servicio fue decepcionante. El mesero nunca se presentó, no ofreció recomendaciones, y se mostró poco atento durante toda la comida. Cuando intenté mencionar que era el cumpleaños de mi mamá y preguntar si podían hacer algo especial, me interrumpió con un simple “sí” y siguió con lo suyo. Me sentí ignorada.

Lo peor fue al final. Dejé una propina de 370 pesos —a pesar del servicio— y al salir, el mesero me detuvo para devolverla, diciendo: “eso ni me alcanza para vivir trabajando aquí”. Me quedé en shock. La propina es un gesto voluntario, basado en el servicio, y aún así fui generoso. Ese comentario arruinó un momento que era importante para mi familia.

Espero que la administración tome esto como una oportunidad para mejorar. El lugar y la comida merecen cinco estrellas, pero la calidez y el trato al cliente también cuentan. Especialmente cuando los clientes eligen su restaurante para celebrar...