With its spectacular view, twinkling white lights, and wafting scent of garlic, the breezy patio restaurant of the Hotel Maya Vista (tel. 504/448-1497, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily) is perfect for a sunset cocktail or a romantic evening out, with seafood dishes (the lobster is superb) as well as some pasta, prepared with homemade sauces, for US$5.50–11 per entrée. The hill-climb up is steep, but a taxi is just US$0.75–1 from the beach.

Luces del Norte (tel. 504/448-1044, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, sometimes earlier) on 11 Calle, one block north of the park, is a favorite among foreign visitors. Service can be painfully slow, which is a significant drawback given how hot it can get inside, but it’s worth the wait for the flavorful curried conch soup, lobster, grilled snapper (US$6–10), and very good breakfasts (US$2–4). Pasta, chicken and beef dishes are available as well.

Also serving good conch and shrimp, as well as great flauta-style tacos, is Cesar Mariscos (tel. 504/448-1934, tel./fax 504/448-2083, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily), with open-air seating facing the beach. Entrées, including many seafood dishes and salads, run about US$10, although the tacos and a sprinkling of other dishes are cheaper.

The Restaurante Bahía Azul (tel. 504/448-2381, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. daily), on 11 Calle just past the bridge, is surprisingly nice inside, with polished wood tables and cloth napkins. Seafood is the specialty, with shrimp and snooker (robalo) dishes going for around US$10 each.