Restaurante Bar Doña Celia — Restaurant in Oaxaca

Review: Restaurante Bar Doña Celia 📍 Cerrada de Monte Albán Lt. 2, Mz. 21, Sector A, Bahía de Santa Cruz, 70989 Crucecita, Oaxaca

Positioned near the bustling harbor of Bahía de Santa Cruz, Restaurante Bar Doña Celia presents itself as a spacious, waterfront dining destination with the promise of fresh seafood and Oaxacan hospitality. However, while the view is undeniably appealing, the overall experience struggles to match the picturesque setting.

Food

Taco Chips with Salsa A promising start: the house-made chips arrived fresh and crunchy, paired with a vibrant, mildly spicy salsa that was both flavorful and balanced. A classic staple done well. Rating: 8/10

Lobster Wrap The concept held promise—a warm tortilla wrapped around seasoned lobster—but the execution faltered. The lobster, while well-seasoned, was unfortunately overcooked, resulting in a chewy texture that dulled the luxury of the protein. At this price point, one expects delicacy and precision, but the dish lacked refinement. Rating: 5/10

Shrimp with Eggs Offered as a breakfast option, this dish combined scrambled eggs with sautéed shrimp and a side of refried beans. While the beans were comforting and well-prepared, the shrimp suffered the same fate as the lobster—overcooked and slightly rubbery. Seasoning was respectable, but the technical execution left something to be desired. Rating: 6/10

Drinks

Coffee & Piña Colada The coffee was serviceable—standard filter brew with little complexity or character. Fortunately, the piña colada fared much better: cold, creamy, and refreshing, it delivered the tropical sweetness one hopes for in a beachside setting. Rating: 6/10

Service

Service was underwhelming. While the waiter was courteous and offered a few initial recommendations, there was no follow-up once the meal was served. The lack of attentiveness stood out, especially in a venue that presents itself as more than a casual eatery. Rating: 5/10

Ambiance

The restaurant enjoys a prime location with ample seating and a lovely view of the water. The open-air design invites breezes and relaxed conversation, making it a pleasant place to sit—particularly in the early hours. It’s one of the stronger elements of the experience. Rating: 7/10

Pricing

With two breakfast meals and drinks, the total cost felt disproportionately high relative to the quality of food and service. For a restaurant charging premium prices, there is a clear expectation of better technique and greater care in both preparation and presentation.

Verdict

Restaurante Bar Doña Celia boasts a beautiful setting and a promising menu, but the execution falls short. While the chips and salsa, along with the piña colada, hint at potential, the kitchen’s struggle with overcooked seafood and the lack of attentive service make it difficult to justify the price. A return visit might be warranted for the view alone, but culinary improvements are needed before this becomes a true dining destination...

Man, I wish I had read the Google reviews before going here. The problem is that this place used to be fantastic. The owner of the condo we stayed at listed Dona Celia as having the best lobster tacos ever. Unfortunately, his list was several years old and the place has changed ownership/management. The lobster tacos were extremely salty and dry and actually tasted awful. Then the check came... This was our second outing in Huatulco. Earlier that same day we had lunch at Jessymar (also in Santa Cruz). The food was not inexpensive, the drinks and food were delicious, and the service was outstanding. After a day swimming (Jessymar let us leave all of our belongings at the restaurant while we swam), we decided to mix it up and try the "best lobster" tacos at Dona Celia. We closed out our bill at Jessymar and were pleasantly surprised to find the bill matched our calculations. We noticed there was no sales tax and no additional fees or charges. A very nice surprise and a stark contrast to what followed later at Dona Celia. At Dona Celia, the bill was 11% higher than what we calculated. When we told the waiter he was very rude and said this was a standard fee with taxes and other fees "mas o menos". We paid the bill, but left no tip since it was obvious they had inflated the bill. DO NOT EAT HERE!! No business should not get away with this now that we are armed with information on social media. In the days following, several locals said that the bill should only include what you ordered and that adding the extra tip automatically was a way to rip off touristas AND locals. Learn from our mistake. Edit: Had to include that the prices at Dona Celia were outrageously high compared with anywhere else we ate in Santa Cruz. AVOID...

I came to this restaurant on the beach in Santa Cruz (cruise ship harbour) in Huatulco, Mexico 14 years ago and had the incredible hollowed out pineapple filled with oxoaca cheese shrimp and pineapple (a must have and still on the menu) and it became my favourite place on the beach where they will even provide an umbrella, reclining chair while you eat and drink. The menu is vast including everything from the best nacho’s in Hautulco to full lobster dinner to filet mignon and pasta - all amazing and good size and good prices.

When it comes to drinks cold and my beautiful wife says Pina Collada is huge and very tasty.

Staff are wonderful all dressed in black pants and Dona Celia shirts which is nice. No pushy waiters trying to get you to sit but instead a restaurant that draws its repeat customers time after time.

The decor in on the beach with a Palapa roof colorful wooden chairs with matching tables with beautiful hand wove table clothes. No cheap plastic...