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Recommended Reviews - El Itacate
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Cheese, cheese, and more cheese! They were very busy, so we had to wait about 20-30 minutes to be seated, but they hustled to get people seated as quickly as possible. The specialty here is the Itacate - it is a burrito, but instead of being wrapped in a flour tortilla, it is wrapped in cheese. I ordered tacos because we had the queso fundito appetizer (delicious and more than enough for 4). After tasting an Itacate, tacos was the right decision. Otherwise it would have been way too much cheese. The pulpo (octopus) was amazing, but the veggie taco (ordered since they were out of poblano) was disappointing. I'm still giving them a 5 though because my husband reported that his ribeye taco was very good, and my daughter's jamaica (hibiscus) quesadilla was amazing. There was a nice assortment of sauces, onions, and beans that came with the orders too.
El itacate . burrito made with cheese shell. this is in the top meals I've ever eaten in my life. death row meal. not for the faint of heart or stomach - itacate is a cheese wrapped burrito apparently and nothing has ever made me so happpy. I was sitting there out loud going "I'm so happy" over and over again - I got the mahi mahi filling which was delicious but def not the usual combo because it's like fresh and light protein and tbis should have been paired with chicken or steak or carnitas (which my friends got) - if someone said a hot sexy boyfriend or this queso .... I'd take this queso. I think I would actually take this queso over everything. anything. - burritos were sooooo superior to tacos don't even think about the tacos. - the burritos had peppers and onions and SO MUCH CHEESE AHHHH
Eagerly waited until they opened at 1pm. Good lord, people. THE HYPE IS REAL. This is one of the best things I've ever eaten. This is one of those things you almost hate to eat because you're going to go home and crave it and be so sad you can't just walk over and get one to go. My favorite part (aside from the perfectly grilled cheese exterior?) was the veggies inside and the side of chargrilled onions. Next time I may even skip the meat. But the ribeye was cooked perfectly and super flavorful. This itacate burrito itself is huge and worth every peso. I only ate it an hour ago and i already can't wait to go back! Pro tip: it's cash only. Bring enough to tip your server (service is super attentive and friendly.)
Had the best vegan tacos in my life at @el.itacatesayulita! The first one is Jamaica (hibiscus) flower sautéed with onion and tons of garlic and the second one is Tinga, a spicy carrot blend that definitely set fire to my tongue! The hibiscus is actually for a hibiscus quesadilla but since I'm vegan and can't eat cheese I had them as a taco instead and I'm still thinking about them!!! Oh, and the salsa flight is something else! Three different salsas, an onion & cilantro mix, pickled white onions and limes. Then, they add a side of dank beans and small foils of grilled onions. Two ginormous tacos (easily spread out into 4 with the amount of fillings) was just $110, or $6.50 USD. A little pricy for Mexico but compared to vegan food in the US it was a fantastic price!! The server was super friendly and made sure my side of beans was vegan as well. He walked us through the salsas and then laughed with me when I over spiced my Tinga taco. Their new location just over the bridge towards the highway is a gorgeous building, all white with black trim and looking sleek. Theres an attached cigar lounge as well if youre into that sort of thing. If you visit Sayulita, make sure to try El Itacate!
100 STARS - HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I'VE EVER EATEN. EVER. Period. This place is an absolute game-changer. The Itacate burrito is so good that it makes me want to lower the rating of every other restaurant I've ever reviewed because this place is genuinely above and beyond 5 stars. During our trip, we told every friend and person we met to come here and try the Itacate. We may have annoyed some friends, but they quickly understood our enthusiasm once they tasted it. The Itacate is a tortilla shell made entirely of seared mozzarella cheese, filled with steak and veggies. It's truly a masterpiece. While their other items are also great, nothing compares to the Itacate. Our vegetarian friends and their family of six were pleased with the variety of vegetarian options they had available. We visited this place three times during our trip, and we still dream about it. The service here is top-notch, whether you dine in or take it to go. When you dine in, you can sit at nice shaded tables on the street and watch horses and cars go by. They give you chips and a variety of salsas and guac, all of which are delicious. Overall, this place is 1000% BOMB.
We were recommended this taco shop. There wasn't a line but we got the last table and then they started to get busy. They are one in the same as La Mariscal. We ordered their popular tacos- octopus, ribeye, and shrimp. The octopus had one huge tentacle, which was great but the octopus itself lacked seasoning. Then the worst was the ribeye taco which was full of grizzle, fat and barely any decent meat to chew on. Every bite had a chewy part that we couldn't eat. I threw the chewy parts down to the street dogs and they didn't even want it. And the meat itself had no seasoning whatsoever. It was so bland. Their signature dish is the fried cheese wrap one but we didn't get it and maybe that's our bad. This was probably our worst meal in Sayulita. We ate, paid (cash only) and left. Would not recommend for tacos. We ended up getting some more tacos at Diaz and Ivan to wash our mouths out with good tasting tacos.
Heat stroke, $100 USD, Overpriced underwhelming, no menus other than posted sign. No description of food. Used weird words that didn't translate to anything. When asking the waiter to bring me the 5 best tacos of the house or the favorites. I was brought 2 steak and 2 chicken tacos, dry and flavorless and a small spicy shrimp taco. Really? What are your specialties? What is your name taco? Absolutely too hot and smoky inside, took over an hour to get food. Not enough toppings, ran out of salsa and onions on 2 tacos. No service.
We came upon local recommendations when I asked for street tacos. There are a few tables inside and outside and we were able to seat ourselves inside relatively quickly. Menu options were good, price is ~US pricing and cash only, service to take the order was pretty fast but getting the food took a very long time. I think we waited at least 45 minutes to get our tacos for some reason. Sadly the carnitas tacos were very bland, sauceless and dry..we both thought maybe we got the wrong meat and that it was chicken and asked to clarify (and looked at other photos) but it was indeed carnitas. The chorizo sausage was pretty good. Chuletas was ok flavored and mahi mahi was nice and flaky though the sauce it came with was a little bland. Lots of salsa, beans and toppings to make up for lack in taste or texture but tbh, adding the toppings meant most of the tacos tasted the same. Not worth the price or wait for us.
2 years ago
This place is a foodies delight! The food is so yummy and the tacos are grilled to order. We shared a table with a couple of sisters who just got in from California, it was the first time there for one of the sisters and you can tell she was skeptical of her sisters ravings on the place. The hubs was in the same boat, but after waiting for what felt like a LONG hot time the food arrived and it was as good as I remembered from when they first opened in 2011. We ordered two ribeye steak tacos and a shrimp Itacate. For those who don't know, an Itacate is perfect if you love cheese and are gluten and carb free. It's literally grilled cheese that is used as a tortilla and stuffed with whatever you like. I opted for a healthier option with grilled onions, peppers and shrimp. The tacos are HUGE with tons of flavorful meat straight from the grill. On the table they place 2 wooden boats that contain all the condiments and salsas for your tacos. We loved the foil packets of grilled onions and white beans. Did I mention how cheap everything was. Two entrees and a beer came out to $230 pesos or $14 USD. read more
"Street" Tacos is what they are known for. Portions are big, so be aware. The tacos themselves are so good and filling. Their interpretation of a michelada is seriously so good. Seating is literally on tables on the street. Its a fun place to visit. Food is very decent. Great option. read more
4 years ago
Waited in line for the over hyped El Iticate last night to have some cold, mediocre rib eye carne asada tacos. The beans were flat out horrible as well. Yes they have a cool cheese wrapped burrito but, do yourself a favor and eat at Yeikame next door instead. Yeikame was incredible- see my review on Yelp or Instagram of Yeikame. Ignore the Instagram hype that brought you to Itacate, it was very disappointing. Super fun street vibe, good service, better similar restaurant next door with the same feel. read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
MUST TRY. Went two days in a row because I was sooo impressed by the steak tacos. I was pleasantly surprised how great their cocktails were as well. One of the best margaritas I had on my trip. It was passion fruit flavored and they used fresh passion fruit! A must in Sayulita. It's right on the street so it's fun to sit and enjoy the area. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Second time here and was happy to see that it has remained open since COVID. These Itacate cheese burritos are amazing. Last time the seafood one came with fish and shrimp, this time it was shrimp. Still good! They are quite large so we split one. Salsas and sauces are amazing, i with i had a more spice-"able" palate because i know they are sooo flavorful. I remembered the agua Fresca here was amazing, unfortunately when we can the second time they were out. Outside dining due to COVID, server wears mask. read more
4 years ago
Stopped here for lunch not realizing what a treat we were in for! Between the 4 of us (hubby, 2 teenage boys, and myself) we ordered 6 tacos and an itacate de res, and we left there stuffed. So much so that my husband and I (1 taco each and shared the itacate) didn't even need dinner that night! The itacate was a new thing for us, and it while it was delicious, I'm glad we shared it because it was so rich I don't think I could have eaten an entire one on my own. Believe them when they say the tacos are huge -- they are piled high with the meat of your choice. Great service, great food, a must-stop while in Sayulta! read more
4 years ago
Great location and service. We ordered the rib eye tacos and the breaded chicken tacos which please take my advice and split them. One taco equals actually two fully loaded tacos, that's how much beef /chicken they had. If you are wanting to try the chicharrón de queso y suggest getting the queso fundido since it has a taster of the chicharrón de queso in it. Oh and must must try their Jamaica which is deliciously made with a fruit pulp. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
*PCTURED. "Did you order all that food". Yes and No. we ordered the food on the right: Quesadilla + Fondue. EVERYTHING else on the left: salsa, fried onion, pickled onion, beans ... all INCLUDED (AKA Free). Prepare To Get Messy. Each bite we recommend putting all the toppings: onion, beans, salsas, squeeze of lime juice. MAGIC IN THE MOUTH. Fondue was delicious and came with iconic fried cheese. Chips were perfect for finishing up all the toppings! We got the jicama quesadilla (tastes like pork but it's made out of dried flowers). Great for vegetarians. 10/10 would recommend. @hungryhungryhumans read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
Went in hungry on a busy Sunday evening and was not disappointed by the food. The meat was well prepared and seasoned. Flavor bomb especially w/ the added sauces and add on sides. Our waitress recommended a dish with bell peppers, steak and mushrooms wrapped in charred grilled cheese which was also excellent. Was looking forward to their octopus tacos but they didn't have any at the time. Bummer! Stopping by again would be a treat though read more
8 years ago
Wow, this place is crazy! This is a rock 'n roll taco bar. If you're lucky enough to get a seat outside, take that. Otherwise, there is more seating upstairs. Staff speak English and can interpret the menu. The options are simple and include mostly tacos and their specialty - itacate. The itacate is like a burrito but is wrapped in fried cheese rather than a grain-based tortilla. The beef and shrimp are the most popular options. I dare you to try it - you're on holidays and this dish is a one in a lifetime opportunity. Otherwise, try the rib eye tacos. The octopus taco comes with a giant hunk of tentacle and makes for a wicked photo to send to your grandmother. The salsa tray that comes with the tacos is unique and includes a 'seven chile' sauce that is smokey and divine. They make the sauces in house, according to our server. Drink options include margaritas (OK, nothing special) and craft beers (Fortuna, Victoria, etc). El Itacate is a must-try restaurant in Sayulita and is a great way to start a night on the town. read more
5 years ago
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My son's friend said we had to try El Itacate - do not miss this food! Wow! I had the Itacate Carnitas - it is amazing and I couldn't eat the whole thing. The guacamole is excellente, the tacos have enough meat on them for 3 tacos - my wife and I order the Itacate and 2 tacos and took a full meal home. The Itacate uses fried cheese instead of a tortilla to wrap around your choice of meet. Probably not the most heart conscious meal - but WOW is it good! The flavor is amazing!! This is a must visit if you are anywhere in the area! The people are great and the food outstanding! read more
5 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
Absolutely delicious! We ordered the queso, carnitas taco and a grilled chicken taco. Added on a side of rice too. The carnitas were slightly sweet, not overly salty. Loved all the different salsas and the fact that you could customize your taco just the way you like it. Will definitely be back before our trip is over! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
I remember my first trip to Sayulita, I heard over and over again, go to the taco place with the orange tables and get the Arrachera tacos... That place was El Itacate and it has become a staple for us on our visits to Sayulita. We, of course, love the Arracherra tacos (flank steak) but they do often sell out if you don't get there early enough. There are also tons of other incredible things on the menu. I can't remember what the name of it was but there was a stuffed backed potato taco that was really delicious. You'll have plenty of entertainment from street performers due to the location, which can be fun but be aware as they will definitely come around asking for money as most street performers do. The cherry on top at El Itacate is that the staff is awesome and even put up with some crazy antics from those who may have had too much to drink with a smile and a laugh. read more
6 years ago
I read a lot of good reviews for this place online so we gave it a shot. We walked up at about 8:10pm on a Saturday and it was busy. I had put my name on the list and was told to come back in about 20 mins. We came back at about 8:45 and still had to wait about 10 mins - I am not complaining, just be aware that this place is popular and there might be a wait. To make things better, there was a pedestrian fire show by some locals that walk around after for some donations - very entertaining and perfect timing. We also got to see the kitchen in action, super super cool, the food looked great, and smelled even better! We sat upstairs had the queso and nachos as an appetizer. Do i love cheese? Yes. Do i love fried foods? Yes. Do i love nachos? Yes. Was it good? Yes. Was it anything special? No. It was not great, it was not bad...just that it was not worth waiting for. Would I personally get this again? Yes. Next up the rib eye tacos. The meat smelled amazing as the server brought it up and it was perfectly cooked to medium/medium rare. The meat itself was great but it wasn't very flavorful - adding salsa to this is a must. Was it anything special? No. Worth the wait for this? No. Last up was the chicken itacate. It was rolled fried cheese stuffed with chicken and veggies such as peppers and onions. It was gigantic and very very tasty! Back to the basics: Do i love cheese? Yes. Do i love fried foods? Yes. Was it good? YES. Was it anything special? YES. Worth the wait? YES. Dish is highly recommended! read more
7 years ago
This is our first night in Sayulita and we experienced our first Keto Friendly Cheese Burrito. OMG - You must try this fried cheese shell filled with your favorite protein and vegetables. They bring you six different salsa Sides from hot sauce to onions and limes. Team Tandem Boogie favorite! read more
6 years ago
Got the steak And shrimp Itacates. First time and they are delicious. While we sat outside we had some guys stop by and played some good music read more
4 years ago
So much deliciousness in every bite. Very glad we went. All the staff was happy and upbeat. I highly recommend this place read more
6 years ago
Very friendly staff!!! Also delicious food and drinks. We got the itacate de pollo and the itacate de camarones. Both delicious. Also the margaritas are delicious and well worth the price! ;) read more
7 years ago
Delicious food, great service, happening place and reasonably priced. Try the rajas (chile and cheese) and the hongos with garlic. SO yummy! I also had the camarones. The onions wrapped in foil melt in your mouth. My hubby had the Chuleta and mahi mahi. A must place to eat in Sayulita. read more
I've tried to put together the words to express the blessing El Itacate has provided to this fine earth in the form of their queso dip. I'm really not sure I can do it justice. The picture I've attached... also doesn't do it justice. All I can say is that a bowl of melted cheese is covered in a layer of fried cheese and the explosion of cheesy flavor in your mouth is to.die.for. If for nothing else, if you are in Sayulita you must stop by here for queso dip! Their tacos are great too. Be patient, because they aren't exactly in a rush (or even slow jog) to serve you, but it's definitely worth the wait. read more
Decided to try out a new spot in sayulita as I'd already eaten at my favorite place next door a couple times in a 24 hr span. That said, El Itacate was a great option and full of delicious tacos, salsas and service. A group of us decided to let our server order for the table so we could have a large sampling of everything. Seriously, I think we ordered everything on the menu! My favorite was the burrito where the tortilla/wrapper was made from fried cheese! Ha e you ever heard of such a thing?! All of the other tacos were really good too, especially the fried chicken. Another great option on the row of my favorite places to eat in town. You can't miss the fried cheese wrapped burrito! read more
More info about El Itacate
Calle Jose Mariscal 42
63732 Sayulita, Nayarit
Mexico
Directions
55 3068 0645
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