Mexican restaurants in Yucatán Peninsula
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Restaurant el Cordobes
This locals’ joint, near Hotel Miralmar, is on the north side of the plaza in a 100-year-old building. Weak ‘American’ coffee is served quickly, with a warm smile, and it’s a perfect place to relax for a bit, sluice down a cerveza (beer) and look out on the main plaza.
reviewed
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Alux
About three blocks west of Hwy 307, the Alux is an amazing must-visit. It’s a restaurant-lounge situated in a cavern: stalactites, stalagmites, pools and all.
reviewed
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Restaurant Mary Doly
Near Hotel Miralmar, this is a homey place with good, cheap seafood and meat dishes and breakfasts. The freshly squeezed orange juice is very refreshing.
reviewed
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A
Checándole
If you can only eat at one restaurant in Cancún, then you should eat here. It’s a bit away from the city center but well worth the extra effort. Dressed up with a palapa roof, Checándole specializes in Chilango (Mexico City) cuisine. The menú del día (fixed three-course meal) is just M$45 – great value. If it’s offering pollo en mole poblano (chicken smothered in a handmade chocolate and chili sauce), you should definitely go for it.
reviewed
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B
Mañana
A good-vibe place with colorful hand-painted tables, superfriendly service and some excellent veggie options - the hummus and veggie baguette is the restaurant's signature dish - Mañana is perhaps the best lunch spot on the island. It also has coffee, licuados (blends of fruit or juice with water or milk, and sugar) and some Middle Eastern dishes. There's a book exchange, too.
reviewed
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C
Marganzo
This touristy spot is worth its mustard. Very sweet waitresses start you off with complimentary shredded manta ray, octopus salad, salsa, garlic cream and chips. From there, dig through the extensive menu, which offers everything from international fare to a regional tasting menu. There’s live music and dances at night, and a pretty decent wine list (this being the provinces and all).
reviewed
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D
Lonchería Las Mañanitas
At the Portales de San Martín, a block north of Avenida Circuito Baluartes Norte, this place serving regional snacks under the arcades of the plaza is a popular gathering place for families and friends. The festive mood is buoyed by a steady stream of panuchos (tortillas filled with mashed black beans), tamales and bowls of turkey soup.
reviewed
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El Toro
This small family-run establishment at the southeast corner of the roundabout in front of the monastery specializes in Yucatecan fare (with a few international favorites thrown in to keep the tourists happy). Try a twist on the traditional with the pozole con coco (Maya corn stew with coconut overtones).
reviewed
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E
Chef Color
This Central American–style eatery serves up large platters of toothsome fare from a steam table. The list of guisados (main courses) might include potato croquettes and Cuban-inspired ropa vieja (‘old clothes, ’ shredded beef in salsa) accompanied by fried plantains, beans and rice.
reviewed
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F
El Rincón Yucateco
A reasonably priced Yucatecan place that's across from Hotel Cotty, serving a nice variety of favorites along with very weak 'American'-style coffee. Sopa de lima ('lime soup'; chicken soup with lime) is light: a good option for anyone nursing a stomach problem (or a hangover).
reviewed
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G
Carrillo’s Lobster House
Try Carrillo’s Plato Cozumel if you’re looking for something a bit special. This somewhat formal restaurant has air-con indoors and is fan-cooled outdoors, and entertainment is provided by mariachis. Follow the good smells leading to the blue building and you’ll be in the right place.
reviewed
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H
Fe y Esperanza
This popular hole in the wall offers simple snacks like tacos and tortas (sandwich in a roll). High spenders can go upscale with a set lunch (around $28) with your choice of meat, rice, beans, salad and agua fresca fruit juice. The service is super friendly.
reviewed
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Las Mañanitas
With great ocean views some 2km southwest of downtown, this place is perfect for sunset cocktails or a casual lunch or dinner. It serves basically the same menu as their city center location (Lonchería Las Mañanitas), but the atmosphere burns two degrees hotter.
reviewed
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Cenaduría Portales
A relaxed place outside the walls, alongside the delightful Plazuela de San Francisco in the barrio of the same name. It specializes in regional dishes. On warm evenings, an ice-cold goblet of coconut horchata (a rice-based drink) really hits the spot.
reviewed
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I
La Parrilla
Any Cancún eatery founded before the 1980s gets to call itself venerable. And La Parrilla (founded in 1975) should get a capital ‘V.’ The restaurant serves up healthy portions of Mexican fare, with a few Yucatecan favorites thrown in for good measure.
reviewed
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La Isla del Colibrí
A small restaurant in a gaily painted, Caribbean-style wooden house on the southwest corner of the parque. It serves huge fruit plates, breakfasts (and coffee), licuados (milkshakes), juices and a variety of meat and seafood dishes.
reviewed
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J
Charlie’s
An old standby with attractive conch-shell decor and a wall made of old glass bottles, it’s near the bus station and offers your choice of indoor or courtyard dining. The food is largely Mexican, with a selection of salads thrown in.
reviewed
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Leaky Palapa
Chef and owner, Marla and Linda, have turned an old standby into a new sensation, serving wonderful meals such as lobster in caramel ginger sauce. Opinion is unanimous that this is the best place to go to treat your taste buds.
reviewed
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La Guacamaya
Locals love this large open-air restaurant. Veggies beware: if it doesn’t have hoofs, it’s unlikely to make it on the menu. Try the tablazo, a monstro mixed grill with every cut of meat imaginable for less than M$100.
reviewed
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Matachi Seaside Grill
The Matachi is a stylish, intimate place inside the Hilton, right on the beach. It offers a variety of Mexican and Asian-inspired cuisine, seafood, sushi and other creative dishes. It also has one of the best views in town.
reviewed
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Restaurant Los Pelícanos
By Hotel Real del Mar, Los Pelícanos has a shady terrace, sea views, a good menu and moderate prices, considering its location. It's usually very windy. Peaches and cream is a satisfying way to finish a meal.
reviewed
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Tío’s
A modest, friendly place directly across from the lighthouse, just off the northeast corner of Plaza Isla Mujeres. Serves great fish tacos in the morning (three for M$18!) and good Yucatecan and Mexican dishes.
reviewed
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K
El Mariachi
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this open-air spot delivers yummy slow-cooked pork enchiladas, fresh grilled fish and about every cut of meat you could imagine. Find it between Orión and Centauro.
reviewed
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L
Los de Pescado
It’s easy to order at this restaurant, as there are only two choices: ceviche or tacos. Knock either back with a beer or two, and you’ll see why this is one of the best budget spots in Ciudad Cancún.
reviewed
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Parrilla Galerías
This has the look of a more upscale spot, but serves beer for M$15 and tacos at M$40 for three. The house specialty is a parrilla with lots of accompaniments (M$185 for three people).
reviewed
