Carlos 'n' Charlie's
American, $10 to $25, Costera
 branch of a large and popular chain, Carlos 'n' Charlie's isn't big on authentic Mexican culture, but it is an Acapulco landmark. It also cultivates controlled craziness: prankster waiters, a joke-filled menu, and eclectic decorations. Picture a frat-house party where you don't know your fellow partiers and where the waiters are the hired talent. The crowd is mostly young and relaxed, and the menu straddles the border with ribs, stuffed shrimp, and oysters among the best offerings. AE, MC, V.
Address: Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 112, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-1285 or 744/484-0039

Casa Nova
Italian, $15 to Over $25, Las Brisas
Live piano music lends romance to Casa Nova, which is carved out of a cliff that rises from Bahía de Acapulco. The views, both from the terrace and the air-conditioned dining room, are spectacular, the service is impeccable, and the Italian cuisine is superb. You can choose the fixed-price menu turístico for $35 or order à la carte. Favorites include lobster tail, linguine alle vongole (with clams, tomato, and garlic), and costoletta di vitello (veal chops with mushrooms). Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. No lunch.

Coyuca 22  
Continental, $15 to Over $25, Old Acapulco
This may well be Acapulco's most beautiful restaurant. You sit gazing down on Doric pillars, statuary, an enormous illuminated obelisk, a small pool, and the bay beyond; it's like eating in a partially restored Greek ruin. Choose from two fixed menus or order à la carte; all dishes are artful. Seafood and prime rib are specialties. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. No lunch. Closed Apr. 30-Nov. 1.
Address: Av. Coyuca 22 (10-min taxi ride from the zócalo), Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/482-3468 or 744/483-5030

El Amigo Miguel
Seafood, $5 to $15, Old Acapulco
Locals rave about this place and keep it abuzz at all hours. The seafood is fresh, the portions are ample and well-priced, and it's in a convenient downtown location right off the zócalo. A second-floor balcony provides a view of the bay. Feast on fish soup, whole grilled sea bass, fish fillet in a buttery garlic sauce, or lobster. All come with sides of rice and warm bread. MC, V.
Address: Calle Benito Juarez 31, at Calle Anzueta, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/483-6981

El Amigo Miguel
Seafood, $5 to $15, Old Acapulco Locals rave about this place and keep it abuzz at all hours. The seafood is fresh, the portions are ample and well-priced, and it's in a convenient downtown location right off the zócalo. A second-floor balcony provides a view of the bay. Feast on fish soup, whole grilled sea bass, fish fillet in a buttery garlic sauce, or lobster. All come with sides of rice and warm bread. MC, V.
Address: Calle Benito Juarez 31, at Calle Anzueta, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/483-6981

El Cabrito
Mexican, $5 to $15, Costera
As the name implies, goat -- served charcoal-grilled -- is a specialty of this restaurant, open since 1963. You can also choose from among such truly Mexican dishes as chicken in mole (spicy chocolate-chili sauce); shrimp in tequila; and jerky with egg, fish, and seafood. Wash it down with a cold beer or glass of wine. MC, V.
Address: Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 1480, between CiCi and Centro Internacional, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-7711

El Faro
Seafood, $10 to Over $25, Costera
Classy El Faro resembles a lighthouse, right down to its nautical interior, with portholes and gleaming sculptures that evoke anchors and waves. Spanish chef Jorge Pereira adds Basque and Mediterranean touches to his original creations. For starters, there's a lettuce salad with goat cheese, dried wild fruits, and herb-infused olive oil. Favorite main dishes are haddock with clams and seared tuna medallions with baby onions. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V.
Address: Elcano hotel, Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 75, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-3100

Hacienda
Mexican, $10 to Over $25, Revolcadero
Personable, efficient waiters dress as classy charros (Mexican cowboys with silver-studded outfits) and mariachis entertain at this restaurant in a colonial hacienda, once a millionaire's estate. The menu has such dishes as sautéed oysters from Loreto (Baja California) served with chile-poblano mousseline. Seafood and chateaubriand made with Black Angus tenderloin are specialities. On Sundays, there's a champagne brunch for $25. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch. Closed Mon.
Address: Fairmont Acapulco Princess hotel, Playa Revolcadero, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/469-1000

Hard Rock Cafe
American, $5 to $25, Costera
This link in the international Hard Rock chain is one of Acapulco's most popular spots, among locals as well as visitors. The New York-cut steaks, hamburgers, and brownies, as well as the Southern-style fried chicken and ribs are familiar and satisfying. Taped rock music begins at noon, and a live group starts playing at 11 PM (except Tuesday). AE, MC, V.
Address: Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 37, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-6680

ulio's
Seafood, $5 to $15, Costera
The locals rave about Julio's, where they know they'll get a great variety of fresh seafood at an affordable price. There is nothing fancy here except the fresh authentic Mexican dishes served by friendly folks. Try the shrimp tacos or the barbecued whole fish, preceded by a large seafood cocktail. A fish filet dinner costs less than $7. Most tourists haven't found this place yet, so for a great cultural and dining experience that won't empty your wallet, this is the place. MC, V.
Address: Cristóbal Colón 56, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/485-3289

La Cabaña
Seafood, $5 to $25, Old Acapulco In the 1950s
 this local favorite was a bohemian hangout that attracted renowned bullfighters along with Mexican songwriter Agustín Lara and his lady love, María Félix. You can see their photo over the bar and sample the same dishes that made the place famous back then: baby-shark tamales, seafood casserole, or shrimp prepared with sea salt, curry, or garlic. The restaurant is smack in the middle of Playa Caleta, and there are free lockers for diners who want to take a swim, as well as banana and wave-runner rentals. AE, MC, V.
Address: Playa Caleta Lado Ote. s/n, Fracc. las Playas (a 5-min taxi ride east of town square), Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/482-5007

La Casa de Tere
Mexican, $5 to $25, Old Acapulco
Hidden in a shopping district downtown (signs point the way), this spotless open-air eatery with pink walls is in a league of its own -- expect beer-hall tables and chairs, colorful Mexican decorations, and photos of Acapulco of yore. The varied menu includes outstanding sopa de tortilla (tortilla soup), chicken mole, and flan. No credit cards. Closed Mon.
Address: Calle Alonso Martín 1721, 2 blocks from Av. Costera Miguel Alemán, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

La Vela
Seafood, $15 to Over $25, Acapulco Diamante
On a wharf that juts out into Bahía de Puerto Marqués, this casual open-air dining spot has wooden floors and a dramatic roof that simulates a huge white sail. It's particularly atmospheric after dark, when the lights of Puerto Marqués flicker in the distance. There are several fish and shellfish dishes on the menu, but the specialty is the red snapper à la talla (basted with chili and other spices and broiled over hot coals). AE, DC, MC, V.
Address: Camino Real Acapulco Diamante, Carretera Escénica, Km 14, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/466-1010

Le Jardín des Artistes
French, $15 to Over $25, Costera
Tables at this thoroughly French garden hideaway have fresh flowers and Tiffany lamps, and discreet waiters deliver dishes made rich by classic cream and butter sauces. The Mexican chef has gained a local following thanks to his delicious escargots in garlic butter, red-snapper fillet with savory mustard sauce, and smoked trout soufflé. After dinner, stroll through the snazzy art gallery. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. Closed May 1-Dec. 14. No lunch.
Address: Calle Vicente Yañez Pinzón 11, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-8344

Mezzanotte
Italian, $10 to $25, Costera
You may end up dancing with your waiter -- perhaps atop a table -- on a Friday or Saturday evening; you'll definitely end up mixing with the who's who of Acapulco just about any night of the week. The stylish interior has a large sunken dining area, original sculptures, and huge bay windows looking out to sea. Patrons rave about the fettuccine with smoked salmon in avocado sauce and the charcoal-grilled sea bass with shrimp and artichokes in a citrus sauce. For a light ending to your meal, try the gelato. Music videos are projected on large screens on weekends. AE, MC, V. No lunch.
Address: Carretera Escénica 28, L-2, in La Vista shopping center, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/446-5727

Pipo's
Seafood, $5 to Over $25, Costera
On a rather quiet stretch of the Costera, this old, family-run restaurant doesn't have an especially interesting view, but locals come here for the fresh fish, good service, and reasonable prices for most dishes. Try the huachinango veracruzano (red snapper baked with tomatoes, peppers, onion, and olives) or the fillet of fish in mojo de ajo (garlic butter). The original location downtown is also popular with locals. AE, MC, V. Other location: Calle Almirante Bretón 3, Old Acapulco, PHONE: 744/482-2237.
Address: Av. Costera Miguel Alemán and Nao Victoria, across from Acapulco International Center, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-0165

Suntory Suntory
Japanese, $15 to Over $25, Costera
You can dine in the delightful Asian-style garden or in an air-conditioned room. Suntory is one of Acapulco's few Japanese restaurants and one of the few deluxe places that's open for lunch. Many diners opt for the teppanyaki (thin slices of beef and vegetables seared on a hot grill), prepared at your table by skilled chefs. Rib eye and seafood are also on the menu, but not sushi. AE, MC, V.
Address: Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 36, across from La Palapa hotel, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/484-8088

Zapata, Villa y Cia
Mexican, $5 to Over $25, Costera
The music and the food are strictly local, and the memorabilia recall the Mexican Revolution -- guns, hats, and photographs of Pancho Villa. Often the evening's highlight is a visit from a sombrero-wearing baby burro, so be sure to bring your camera. The menu includes the ever-popular fajitas, tacos, and grilled meats. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch.
Address: Hyatt Regency Acapulco, Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 1, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/469-1234

Zorrito's
Mexican, $5 to $25, Costera
When Julio Iglesias is in town, he heads to this open-air street-side eatery after the discos close. It's open almost all the time, serving Acapulco's famous green-and-white pozole (pork and hominy soup) as well as such steak dishes as filete tampiqueña (a strip of tender grilled beef), which comes with tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, and beans. MC, V. Open 24 hrs. except Tues., Closed 7 AM-3 PM.
Address: Av. Costera Miguel Alemán and Calle Anton de Alaminos, next to Banamex, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 744/485-3735