Where to Eat and Drink in Zipolite (2025)
Welcome to Zipolite—Mexico’s first legal nude beach, one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive towns in the country, and our favorite place to eat barefoot, drink mezcal, and watch the waves roll in.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a few months, this tiny Oaxaca beach town offers big flavor. From sunrise smoothies to candlelit dinners, here’s our 2025 guide to where to eat and drink in Zipolite—including local gems, gay-owned spots, beach clubs, and fine dining favorites.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a few months, this tiny Oaxaca beach town offers big flavor. From sunrise smoothies to candlelit dinners, here’s our 2025 guide to where to eat and drink in Zipolite—including local gems, gay-owned spots, beach clubs, and fine dining favorites.
Breakfast & Brunch
Órale Café – Best for Coffee & Breakfast. This cozy gay-owned café has been a go-to for us since our first trip back in 2021. Expect strong coffee, colorful fruit bowls, fresh juices, and one of the best egg sandwiches in town (add avocado and cheese—you won’t regret it). The vibe is warm and welcoming, and we love that they actively support Zipolite Diverso, the town’s annual Pride event.
Espíritu Verde Zipolite – Best Açaí Bowl in Zipolite. Healthy, budget-friendly, and totally plant-based, this spot is a favorite for vegan açaí bowls, green juice, and Americanos. It’s a great place to start your day or detox after a big night out. Feeling brave? Try the chapulines (Oaxacan grasshoppers).
El Alquimista – Best for Beachfront Dining. For breakfast, brunch, or lunch, El Alquimista is an absolute must. With a stunning beachfront location, it’s one of the best spots to dine with your toes in the sand. Some of our favorite dishes include hot cakes, chilaquiles, guacamole, vegetarian lasagna, and their famous oriental chicken with rice.
ZIPOLITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Create a free account on either (or both!) to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay. We’re members of both platforms and always compare deals to find the best rate before we book.
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Zipolite and beyond.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Lunch & Beachside Bites
Brazza – Best for Casual Beachfront Lunch. A super chill beach restaurant run by a lovely local family. Think tacos, burritos, icy margaritas, and a view of the ocean from your table. Insider tip: ask for the guacamole—it’s not on the menu but absolutely delicious.
Hotel Naked Zipolite – Best Trendy Beach Club. Yes, it’s as cheeky as it sounds—and that’s why we love it. Grab a day pass, enjoy a nude swim, and order lunch from the beach club. We recommend the chicken club sandwich, “naked fries,” and a mezcalita to wash it all down. It’s one of the only places with a proper beachside shower too!
Dinner & Date Nights
La Fenice – Best Pizza in Zipolite. This Italian gem on the Adoquín is known for its thin-crust pizzas, grilled veggie toppings, and wine list that always delivers. It’s intimate and romantic—our go-to pizza is the Contadina with a glass (or two) of Chianti.
Mao Mau – Best for Thai & Asian Fusion. If you only have one night in Zipolite, make it Mau Mao. Run by Gabriel and Peter, this gay-owned Thai fusion restaurant is full of heart, flavor, and good vibes. Order the spicy tuna roll to start and share a pad see ew for the main. Pair it with mezcal and enjoy the live music when it’s on. It’s a magical post-sunset experience.
Q Restaurant – Best for an Elevated Culinary Experience
Tucked up the hill behind El Alquimista, Q at Maquil is an intimate spot with just eight tables, making for a quiet, romantic escape above the beach. Expect personalized service, beautifully plated Oaxacan-inspired dishes, and thoughtful touches throughout. Their wine list features boutique Mexican vineyards, and the open-air setting under the stars makes every meal here feel special.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Zipolite? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, gay nightlife, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Zipolite.
Nightcap & Mezcal
Mezcalería Gota Gorda – Best for Mezcal & Cocktails. For a true taste of Oaxaca, head to Gota Gorda, where you can enjoy small-batch artisanal mezcals from around Oaxaca. You’ll also find inventive cocktails and a cozy, social atmosphere—perfect for ending the night with something smoky.
Zipolite Dining Tips
To Nude or Not to Nude? We’re asked all the time if people eat naked in Zipolite. Short answer: no. Out of respect for local culture (and hygiene), it’s best to cover up with a sarong, swimsuit, or wrap when dining. But yes, people do swim between courses—because that’s how Zipolite rolls.
Cash or Card? Good news—more spots now accept cards (including tap-to-pay), but cash is still king at many beach bars and smaller eateries. There’s an ATM on the Adoquín, but it’s not always reliable. Bring pesos just in case.
Tipping? One local receipt summed it up best:
- 10% = okay
- 15% = good
- 20% = amazing
We typically tip 15–20% for great service.
Where to Stay
Zipolite has some of the best clothing-optional and nudist-friendly hotels in Mexico. From the luxe beachfront El Alquimista to the gay-mandatory nude Casa Nudista, we’ve reviewed them all.
Looking to book your stay?
Use our links below to compare rates and find the best deal:
- Book Zipolite Hotels on Booking.com
- Check rates on Hotels.com
🌟 Pro tip – Bonus tip: Both sites offer 10%+ discounts and perks like room upgrades when you create a free account. We always check both to see who has the better deal!
Final Sip
From spicy Thai dishes and beachfront tacos to mezcal tastings and pizza under the stars, Zipolite is a paradise for food lovers and free spirits. Whether you're lounging in the nude or dressing up for date night, there's something here for every appetite. And if you’re still thirsty for more, don’t miss our Zipolite Gay Nightlife Guide.
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