Salmastros – Refined Coastal Dining with a View in Zipolite
📍 Paso a Playa del Amor S/N, Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca
In the heart of Playa Zipolite, where the rhythm of the waves shapes the tempo of daily life, Salmastros offers a dining experience that is both elemental and elevated. It doesn’t rely on signage or spectacle to attract diners; it simply lets the aroma of garlic, sea air, and honest cooking speak for itself. Drawn in by scent rather than sight, I discovered a restaurant that understands the value of restraint, of quality ingredients, and of letting a beautiful setting do its work.
Drinks
Agua de Melón & Cantaloupe
To begin, I sampled two traditional aguas frescas — melon and cantaloupe — each served ice-cold and refreshingly understated. The melon variation stood out with its smooth texture and brighter flavor, offering a subtle sweetness that lingered with elegance. The cantaloupe, while similarly light and hydrating, lacked the same depth, though it remained a pleasant and cooling complement to the meal.
Rating: 9/10
Dishes
Spaghetti con Camarones
An unexpected standout. The pasta was cooked al dente, with a light yet flavor-packed garlic sauce that clung beautifully to each strand. The shrimp — plump, fresh, and expertly seared — brought sweetness and brine to the plate, perfectly balancing the richness of the oil and the bite of the garlic. This dish was a study in simplicity done right: nothing fancy, no excessive garnish, just honest cooking elevated by precision.
Rating: 10/10
Ceviche Costeño
Prepared with slender ribbons of fish (tiritas), tomato, onion, shredded carrot, cilantro, and a touch of habanero, this ceviche costeño delivered exactly what one hopes for in a coastal ceviche: brightness, texture, and clarity of flavor. The acidity was balanced, drawing out the natural sweetness of the fish without overpowering it. A slightly bolder seasoning or a touch more chili would have lifted it even further, but its freshness spoke for itself.
Rating: 9/10
Service
Service at Salmastros was quietly attentive — staff moved at a relaxed pace, yet were available at all the right moments. Friendly, unhurried, and knowledgeable, the servers reflected the casual charm of the setting while still maintaining a level of professionalism that enhanced the experience. Their confidence in the menu showed a familiarity with the food that felt personal rather than rehearsed.
9/10
Ambiance
There’s no artifice at Salmastros — just a few tables and chairs on the sand, steps from the tide line, shaded by palms and fabric. But it’s precisely this raw proximity to the ocean that makes the atmosphere so memorable. Whether during the calm of early afternoon or the golden glow of sunset, the setting is sublime. The sound of crashing waves replaces any need for background music. It’s not a backdrop — it’s part of the meal.
Rating: 10/10
Pricing
For a beachfront restaurant offering high-quality seafood, well-executed dishes, and generous portions, the pricing is more than fair. In fact, it feels almost modest given the caliber of the cooking and the setting. Salmastros manages to deliver a premium dining experience without adopting premium pretensions — a rare and commendable balance.
Verdict
Salmastros is more than just a beachfront restaurant — it’s a celebration of coastal cuisine in its purest form. What sets it apart is not innovation, but intention: dishes that respect their ingredients, flavors that lean into freshness, and a setting that doesn’t try to distract from what’s already perfect. I was so impressed by dinner that I returned the next morning for breakfast — which, save for a slight lapse in service, was equally delightful.
This is the kind of place that stays with you — not just for the food, but for the mood it captures. Salmastros is a must-visit for anyone seeking soulful, seaside dining...
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