Xochi is a restaurant, cafe, lounge, and event venue in the heart of Sayulita with whimsical decor and creative Mexican cuisine. Xochi Restaurant offers amazing and unique Mexican fusion with authentic recipes and local flavors with its special touch. Opening last Valentine's Day, Xochi now has nine months within the community of Sayulita and continues to provide an amazing ambiance and dining experience.

An interview with Olga and Robert, owners of Xochi, provides insight into their history, goals, and what makes Xochi so unique and special.

• Can you tell me a bit about yourself and the concept of your Restaurant?

We are a family of 6, Polish, from Breckenridge, Colorado. We have been coming to Sayulita for over 10 years now and have had a home here for over 6. We have become enchanted with Mexico, Sayulita, and its people. 

Xochi concept is inspired by the goddess Xochiquetzal, Aztec Goddess of beauty, sexuality, arts, and nature.  Our logo stands for Xochitl - a symbol for a flower in Aztec. To epitomize the concept, we made sure to stimulate the senses by providing magical, creative space while serving high-quality Mexican fusion cuisine.  

• What inspired you to start your business?

Beginning a business in Sayulita presented another reason to spend more of our time and energy in Sayulita.  We also felt there were not enough options for sophisticated dining.  Xochi was the perfect opportunity to become a part of this magical town and challenge ourselves with a complex and rewarding project.

• What is your process for creating customized services for your clients?

Our philosophy at Xochi is that we do not just sell food and drinks. Our main product is to create a magical experience of Mexico and Sayulita. We try to create that experience through our cuisine, drinks, ambiance, and service.  

• What services do you provide?

We are a full-service restaurant, bar, and event space. The list of services follows: Breakfast, lunch, cafe, and dinner menus, fresh-baked pastries and sweetbreads, live music and nightlife events, private dining room for up to 25 people, private events for all occasions and occupancy of up to 200 people, specialty menus, and an extensive wine selection.

• What can guests expect in the experience?

Our guests can expect fantastic customer service, a creative and sophisticated dining experience, and a magical ambiance. Our dishes are prepared by incorporating pre-Hispanic ingredients, such as a large variety of chili peppers, corn, nopales, beans, squash, and avocado in a harmonious combination with ingredients of European origin brought to Mexico during the times of the conquest, such as pork, beef, and cheese, among others. All sauces and moles are homemade from scratch.

•  Can you share a memorable happy client story?

Yes definitely! Recently we had the pleasure of being a part of a marriage proposal. It wasn’t the first one either. The ambiance is romantic and a great place for an engagement…  Of course, she said yes!  It was a pleasure for us and our team to see the tears of joy, kisses, and phone calls to family.  We of course brought them desserts and champagne and congratulations on the house!

• What is your background in the industry?  

Although we have 25 years of experience in delicatessens, catering, food processing, and the grocery industry, this is our first foray into the restaurant field.  We are excited to have this opportunity;  the restaurant industry is more intimate and personal...  In addition, it is a great place to be a little more creative. We are still in our infancy and are refining all aspects of our operation, listening to our clients and team to give all our customers a memorable experience.

•  What does your business offer that separates it from the rest?

Location is one.  Have the best view of the plaza, the ability to people watch and take in the interesting vibe and action of Sayulita. Chef Carlos Lanten.  Our talented chef, whose passion and creativity will not disappoint.  His love for exploring a full spectrum of flavor while perfecting heirloom recipes is an integral part of Xochi. We have a great selection of wonderful Mexican wines, high-end tequilas, and signature cocktails. The terraza is Beautiful and ideal for nightlife and events, and the service is of the highest quality.

We want to promote local art and beautification projects. Xochi is covered by a beautiful mural painted by the talented Adrian Takano, one of Mexico’s best muralists. The beautiful decor created a whimsical ambiance.

Xochi is also an ideal venue for intimate celebrations, large family gatherings, or important business reunions.

• What are your future plans for the business? Any new goals?  

 We have many plans and goals for the coming season and beyond.  We will be always updating and refining our food and drinks, decor, art, operations, and service. Our hope is to be creative, ever-improving, and to adjust to the needs of Sayulita and its people and visitors.

This season, we will be starting up a full café, with fresh pastries and specialty flavored coffees. We will be holding more nightlife events on our terrace, live music and DJ.  Latin nights and 70’s, 80’s, 90’s music. We will be bringing in celebrity chefs for special nights to do featured degustation menus of creative foods for the foodies. We want to create more art projects, interesting murals, and art by local Mexican artists.

• What are your favorite aspects of Sayulita?  

Sayulita has such an interesting mixture of people and cultures, and the energy is different than other places. We love the sometimes laid-back attitude and other times the craziness of it all, the Boho vibe, and color and art everywhere you look.  Sayulita also has a great mix of foods, entertainment options, music and noise, the beach life and vibe.  

• Any other information you would like to add?

 We are grateful for being part of Sayulita and appreciate the warm welcome and response in our first challenging months. The Xochi team thanks you all!

If you are looking for sophisticated dining, a comfortable lounge experience, or the perfect event space, Xochi is the place for you. 

Written and Edited by Amy Rose Pearson