
The state of Sinaloa is famous throughout Mexico for its delicious cuisine and fresh flavorsome ingredients, thanks to the beautiful vegetables grown here. Because of the abundant flora and fauna of the region it is easy to find dishes made from exotic plants, poultry, fish and seafood in the many restaurants of the city.
Some of the most representative local dishes are ''chilorio'' (consisting of fried pulled pork cooked with several spices and served with flour tortillas), ''machaca'' (sun-dried shredded spiced meat) and also grilled beef. For dessert, try the "jamoncillos", milk candies, fruit preserves, ''piloncillos'' (a candy made of sugar cane) and also ''tacuarines'' (ring-shaped cookies made out of flour and corn).
Because of the city's large expatriate population, it is possible to find international restaurants offering delicious cuisine from around the world. Japanese cuisine, particularly the fantastic variety of sushi, is outstanding in Culiacan and you can also find many Mexican influenced dishes as well.
There are also a lot of fast food establishments and international restaurant franchises located throughout the city.
El Farallon
El Farallon, which means ''the outcrop'', is Mexican seafood at its best. Since 1961, it has been a firm favorite in northern Sinaloa and now they also have another restaurant in the city of Los Mochis. El Farallon is renowned for its tender scallops, octopus cocktails, shrimp topped with a Thai almond sauce, the ''Zarandeado'' fish dishes, and the supreme Tokio stuffed squid, among many other dishes.
Italianni's
Decorated to recreate an old Italian family restaurant, Italianni's is a restaurant where the colors of the dark wood, the checked table cloths and the soft lighting create a sense of culture, traditions and heritage typical of the Italian people. Be ready to share generous portions and enjoy the authentic ''homemade'' flavor of the best traditional recipes of Italy, in Culiacan. At Italianni's, every meal is a celebration of life!
La Mariposa Amarilla
The name means ''yellow butterfly'' and this charming restaurant is well known in Culiacan as the restaurant with Sinaloan grandmothers' kitchen flair, because it still serves the best traditional cuisine in the state. La Mariposa Amarilla is located in a wonderful rural area, and there is even a stream running by where entire families of ducks swim and bathe in the sun without worry because they know the main dishes of the restaurant are made of beef and fish, accompanied by tasty fresh salads. Whether for a family lunch or a gathering of friends this restaurant is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic regional cuisine and a natural, relaxing environment.
Los Arcos
Los Arcos' history began in 1977, with the establishment of its first restaurant in Culiacan. Nowadays, Los Arcos has branches throughout the whole country, the majority being in northern Mexico. The main goal of the restaurant is to provide high quality, great tasting regional cuisine. Los Arcos' menu is based around seafood and it is distinguished by its high quality, freshness and variety. Friends and clients of Los Arcos say that it is the best Mexican food in the country. Without a doubt, it is a fantastic dining option in Culiacan.
Mezzosole
Located in the Lucerna Culiacan Hotel, Mezzosole is well known as one of the best restaurants in the city. Mezzosole offers delicious international cuisine in an exclusive atmosphere with professional attentive service. Although the restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, it also serves regional dishes, which can be accompanied by the superb variety of beverages available at the Mezzosole Bar. Elegant and sophisticated, this restaurant is the ideal place to have a romantic dinner and their wine list really is second to none.
Palomar de los Pobres
With an emphasis on meat dishes, Palomar de los Pobres is one of the most traditional restaurants in Culiacan. The name means "dovecote of the poor" because when the restaurant opened over 40 years ago in a humble house, anyone in need could ask for a free, hot bean soup. Currently, this family-run restaurant chain still features that distinctive specialty. In fact, all meals are served with a bean soup that is carried to the tables in a ceramic pot to keep it hot. Along with the beans, you will get some crispy, golden tortillas that 'crackle' with every bite. Simply irresistible!
Panama Restaurant and Bakery
With more than 30 years of experience in Culiacan, this family run business offers a great assortment of dishes, authentic homemade-flavor and friendly efficient service, which has distinguished them since the very beginning. The restaurant also features an extensive assortment of sweet bread from the bakery, the tastiest sandwiches and a huge variety of exquisite French pies with exotic flavors. Thanks to the excellent flavors, the casual atmosphere and its long established tradition, the Panama Restaurant and Bakery is always packed with loyal clients. Fortunately, there are several of these restaurants around the city, so for sure you can stop by one during your visit to Culiacan, no matter where you are staying in the city.
QuinMart
QuinMart is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Culiacan. The owners have several branches and a great reputation for serving delicious, reasonably priced food that has made it one of the favorites among the locals. They serve exquisite home-style breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as an incredible selection of delectable desserts. You have to try their curd tamales and chocolate donuts, delicious!
Tai Pak
This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Culiacan, serving traditional specialties seasoned to perfection. Enjoy from classic dishes like spring rolls and stir-fry to sweet and sour chicken wings and Cantonese specialties. Whatever your choice may be, Tai Pak always prepares each dish to order using the freshest ingredients. Excellent service and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere await you at any of this restaurant's branches. Discover why Tai Pak is synonymous with distinctive authentic Chinese flavor!
Sushi Factory
With several branches in Culiacan and other cities in Mexico, this successful chain of Japanese restaurants offers a variety of creatively presented tasty dishes prepared with high quality ingredients. Besides offering the classic sushi rolls and the all time favorite Japanese specialties, Sushi Factory has also created special dishes to meet the whims of the locals, including the "Guamuchilito" roll, which includes octopus, shrimp, crab, a sauce made of eel and a special seasoning called Guamuchilito; it's a real taste sensation!