Hectors Kitchen

Wife and I enjoyed a great dinner here. There was no alcohol because it was elections. Not as many people in the restaurant because of that. We ordered a wrapped short rib, raw seafood tostada and pork belly taco for appetizers. I loved the short rib. My wife likes the tostada. For entrees my wife got the short rib and I ordered the grilled octopus. They subbed out the mashed potatoes on the octopus for cauliflower. They asked if I wanted it puree or grilled then brought me both! Service was super attentive, clean restaurant and a great environment. Great spot with local ownership. Check it out.

This is a great little place located near the far end of Avenida de Anclote (where you will find a number of good restaurants catering to tourists). Very welcoming staff and all the attention you could need for the duration of your meal. My wife and I ate at the Chef’s Counter and had a front row view of all the action in the kitchen. The chefs are super talented and happy to chat when they’re not making culinary magic. Despite the frenzy in the kitchen they always found a few choice moments to talk to us, variously explaining the ingredients they were cooking with or asking us about our experiences visiting the area. Although not on the menu we were offered and accepted a tasting menu - a large selection of smaller portioned menu highlights. There were no disappointments but (as is typical for the region) seafood was the star. That said, the Short Rib Rolls were outstanding. There's a well curated wine list with some solid choices from Mexico. Also... the restaurant is not located on the water and does not offer any outdoor seating. Settle in and enjoy a quiet meal prepared with local ingredients by talented chefs.

Delightful meal and great service. Had the octopus which was delicious and tender. I also enjoyed the tortellini appetizer which had a beautiful presentation along with a fresh taste! The desserts were also fabulous but didn’t catch a picture before we all dove in. Note—this restaurant does not have outdoor seating, so if you have COVID concerns you may want to be aware. That being said, they seated everyone at a distance from each other. Enjoyed it!

We came to the area on a business/ leisure trip. We signed up to take Chef Hectors cooking class. It was AMAZING!! We started at the local fish market where he educated us on the local fishing village and the different types of local fish, how they tend to cook as a meat, etc. Then we traveled to his kitchen where he and staff had a beautiful set up for us ready to learn more and make our own saviche. We enjoyed eating our food and they made some delish drinks as well. If you are able to experience this with Chef Hector and his staff you absolutely should. We enjoyed the restaurant so much during class, we returned a few days later for dinner. It too was delicious, plated beautifully, and great service.

My family and I (7 people total) took a private market tour and cooking class with the folks from Hectors Kitchen. It was the loveliest experience. First, Ivan took us to the fish market in La Cruz. He explained what fish are the best for certain recipes and we ended up picking out a yellowfin tuna and a red snapper for the class. We took the fish back to Hectors Kitchen to cook the fish and other foods. They had us all set up in a round table style to watch and be involved in the process of cooking a 3 course meal. We were able to be as involved or not involved as we wanted. There was no pressure and that was really nice. They really did a wonderful job and made the 3 hour experience feel like we were a part of their little family for that period of time. It is obvious that they love what they do and have the skills to make some really mouthwatering, authentic Mexican dishes. I would highly recommend this class/restaurant to folks visiting the area. Our ages ranged from 25-65 and we all learned things and had a truly memorable experience. 10/10 and would do again!!

The most exquisite dining experience in Riviera Nayarit requires venturing outside the luxury resorts to Hector’s Kitchen, a lovely restaurant centrally located in the town of Punta de Mita that combines authentic flavors of Mexico with worldly sophistication. Award-winning Chef Hector Leyva transforms quality, locally sourced ingredients into distinctly Mexican culinary masterpieces that so very quickly disappear from the plate and, yet, leave lasting satisfaction. Start your evening with some of Hector’s elegant and refreshing cocktails—we recommend the Mita Fizz and Nayar Tiki. While enjoying our first of several cocktails, we ordered two flavorful appetizers: Kataifi Shrimp, succulent jumbo shrimp wrapped in crunchy pastry drizzled with a sweet pineapple sauce, and Short Rib Rolls which features tasty ribs drenched in curry sauce, topped with cashews and apple and daikon slaw. The varied textures of the tender and crunchy ingredients and the combinations of sweet and savory, create delightful culinary juxtapositions. Oaxaca, the chef’s home state, is known for its rich culinary traditions and its equally rich, often cocoa-infused, moles. You simply must order at least one signature mole entree at Hector’s Kitchen; we ordered two: Duck Magret and Pork Belly Confit. The meat was perfectly cooked and served with decadent dark sweet and spicy sauces. The meal ended with a dessert grand finale—Oaxacan Chocolate Mousse—a chocolate shell shaped like a cocoa pod which cracked open to reveal a delicious chocolate and raspberry mousse. The staff at Hector’s Kitchen was very friendly and the service, prompt and attentive. The restaurant features an open kitchen which enhances your dining experience, allowing you to watch the chef, and his team, work their magic. Chef Hector Leyva's desire to share his gift for good food is not only seen in the fantastic meals he delivers, but also, in the variety of experiences that Hector's Kitchen offers, including cooking classes and market tours in English or Spanish.

Best food I ever had in Punta Mita! We had the 8 course Menu for a reasonable price. Great service

Always has been the best food in Punta Mita, however now has the best location too! Hector’s Kitchen maintains its casual fine dining approach with creative, fresh, and delicious dishes. Try a bunch of starters, enjoy only an entree or go all out with a tasting menu...you will not be disappointed. Thanks to Cesar and Wendy for taking care of us tonight! And to Job and Ivan for sharing a bit of the history that makes Hector’s Kitchen so special. We will be back!!