Restaurante Pejelagarto Grill, on Calle Sáenz in Villahermosa's Zona Luz, is built around a single regional specialty: pejelagarto, the prehistoric-looking gar fish that is one of Tabasco's most emblematic ingredients. The menu offers it prepared several ways, including pejelagarto asado and pejelagarto en chirmol, alongside handmade tortillas and a fiery salsa de chile amashito made from the small, intensely spicy chile native to the region. The dining room is casual and grill-focused, often with an open kitchen or visible grill station that adds a smoky, informal energy; dress is relaxed and the atmosphere leans toward a lively grill-house feel rather than quiet fine dining. Beverage choices are simple, centered on beer and soft drinks rather than any wine program. Prices sit at $$, reasonable given the specialty ingredient. Reservations are recommended on weekends, when demand for pejelagarto dishes peaks among both locals and visitors seeking the dish specifically, while weekday visits are generally easier to walk into. For travelers wanting to try Tabasco's signature fish in its most concentrated, specialist form, this restaurant is one of the most direct options in Villahermosa.
Signature dishes
- Pejelagarto asado
- Pejelagarto en chirmol
- Tortillas hechas a mano
- Salsa de chile amashito
Good to know
- Known for
- Grilled pejelagarto specialist
- Hours
- Daily 12PM-11PM
- Reservations
- Recommended on weekends
Location
Calle Sáenz 314, Zona Luz, 86000 Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
17.9884, -92.9268 View on map
Highlights
- Specialist menu built around pejelagarto, Tabasco's signature fish
- Pejelagarto asado and pejelagarto en chirmol
- Handmade tortillas served with meals
- Fiery salsa de chile amashito, a regional specialty
- Casual, grill-focused dining room
Tips for visiting
- Reserve ahead on weekends when demand for pejelagarto dishes is highest
- Try the salsa de chile amashito cautiously, as it is notably spicy
- Weekday visits are usually easier to walk into without a wait
- Order pejelagarto prepared two ways to compare asado and en chirmol styles
When to visit
Weekend evenings draw the biggest crowds for pejelagarto specialties; weekdays are quieter.
Accessibility
The restaurant is on ground level with casual grill-side seating, generally accessible to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What is pejelagarto?
Pejelagarto is a prehistoric-looking gar fish and one of Tabasco's most emblematic regional ingredients, served here in several grilled and sauced preparations.
Is a reservation needed?
Reservations are recommended on weekends; weekday visits can usually be accommodated as walk-ins.
Is the food spicy?
The salsa de chile amashito served here is made from a small, very spicy regional chile, so those sensitive to heat should ask for it on the side.