La Palapa Griega — Restaurant in Sonora

I recently visited this restaurant with a group of friends, and while the setting was great—right by the beach with a nice view and a relaxed vibe—the experience left me with mixed feelings.

One of my friends wasn’t feeling well and wanted some fruit, so I decided to quickly run to a nearby supermarket to grab some. Before we even looked at the menu, my friend asked if they had fruit salad or mixed fruit, and we were told they didn’t. So, I went ahead and ordered some food for the group, including drinks and appetizers. When I returned with the watermelon for my friend, a staff member approached me. I thought he was going to apologize for not having fruit on the menu, but instead, he told me I couldn’t bring in the watermelon because outside food wasn’t allowed. I explained that my friend was just trying to eat something light since she wasn’t feeling great, but he stood firm on the policy.

In the end, my friend had to eat her watermelon in the parking lot while I kept her company, missing out on the meal I had just been served. It's hard to understand why, when we had asked for fruit and were told it wasn’t available, we were then denied bringing in something so simple as a piece of watermelon.

The food itself was decent, but the service didn’t quite match the atmosphere. I get the importance of maintaining policies, but in this case, it felt like they could have been more flexible, especially since they didn’t offer the very thing we were asking for.

Overall, while the location and vibe are nice, I think they could’ve handled this situation better. If you’re looking for a beachside spot, this place has potential, but be prepared for some inflexible policies that could make your visit...

The best San Carlos dining experience on the beach, bar none. Authentic Greek food. Gyro special on Tuesdays, gyro salad, beet salad, appetizer combination, spaghetti with clams, and the best crab tostadas anywhere. Their tzatziki sauce is the best. And the coldest beer and great margaritas, as well as other cocktails.

I noticed some reviews note a lack of salt/'spices' (I appreciate this, actually) but their authentic spices like oregano and lemon juice/slices are authentic and if you want 'spicy' a salsa cart with no less than 6-7 types of hot sauce (along with S&P) are on every table.

Come for the food, service (always courteous and professional), the ambiance, and music is most days between 5-8 pm, Sunday from 3-6; if you want to sit under the palapa, out of the wind, sit inside.

La Palapa Griega remains my go to destination restaurant experience in San Carlos. Don't charge a thing!

One last thing: someone mentioned recently being 'disappointed' that their queasy friend wasn't served food (fruit) that wasn't on the menu, so they disregarded the prominent signage and brought in a watermelon to their table. Yikes! I don't think that would be acceptable behavior at any restaurant, with or without signs posted. (See pictures: Hard to see how they missed the sign!) And in closing, If they allowed coolers and outside food/drinks/alcohol, it would soon destroy the ambiance as well as the beach as part of the restaurant's business. Don't ask for exceptions! Thank you to the staff of LaPalapa for standing firm in enforcing your policy.

Thanks to the staff for their attentive, courteous and friendly service! See you...

Great atmosphere. Gyro was good and drinks were well made.

The only issue I had was with the staff. Left my headphones ($150 USD) at the restaurant. I called the following day and no one would talk or respond to me. They told me the manager isn't working so they can't check where my headphones are. Then I called back and they answered and hung up on me repeatedly.

I waited til the following day and called again when the manager was working and they basically did the same thing. Answered, said they don't know, then hung up without saying bye.

Even if they didn't find them I would have expected a little more courtesy. Considering how so many restaurants in SC have friendly staff, it's the only complaint I have.

I tipped the waiters generously and honestly thought I had found my new spot until this fiasco. I don't feel super comfortable going back as they definitely know who me now as the guy who lost his headphones.

Maybe I'll make my way again there one day and have a different...