Dinner often is the high point of a day in Acapulco, with choices ranging from local specialties to Japanese gourmet fare. The good hotels all have their specialty restaurants, and the Costera itself has many outstanding establishments. Others are up in the hills—where the views are spectacular—and out along the scenic highway. Dress in the spiffy places is "elegantly casual." Breezier, youth-oriented, open-air cafes are found along the Costera, as are many U.S.-style coffee shops. Those who want to go where the locals dine will find several choices around the main plaza downtown. Breakfast is usually eaten around 8 am. Lunch, considered a light meal, is served about 2 pm. Most people don't eat dinner until 9 pm or so, although many restaurants open for cocktails at 6:30 or 7 pm.

No matter where you wind up or what time you get there, consider sampling the house seviche, an appetizer of uncooked, lime-marinated fish served with tomato, onion and chilies. Acapulco's version—which has the consistency of cocktail sauce—is different from the dish served elsewhere in Mexico. Good local beverages include Mexican beers, liquados (nonalcoholic fruit drinks), agua de hamaica (a hibiscus flower drink) and horchata (a refreshing rice water). Restaurants that cater to tourists mostly use purified water for drinking and washing food, but it's always smart to ask. You can order either mineral (carbonated) or natural (noncarbonated) bottled water.