Mérida
Even nonvegans usually give an enthusiastic thumbs up to this dinner-only restaurant, where three-course themed vegan meals are served in a serene…
Must-see restaurants in Yucatán Peninsula
Cancún
A casual cafeteria-style place that's packed with locals and sometimes even has live music to boot. Grab a tray, point at a few items that look tasty, and…
Valladolid
A delightful, casual little cafe just a few doors east of the ADO bus terminal, Squimz offers cakes, pastries and espresso drinks, as well as heartier…
Isla Holbox
We would be remiss if we didn't mention the self-proclaimed creators of Holbox's famous lobster pizza, but locals say you can find much better pies with…
Cancún
The house specialty here is the picaña (top sirloin cap), which can be ordered as a tender steak or sliced off a spit for tacos. They also do loaded baked…
Chetumal
Walk in here and you'll feel like you're in a Hollywood mafia movie: the service and decor are old-school, with stiff, formal waiters in starched shirts…
Playa del Carmen
If you're pinching pesos, hit this mornings-only, Cuban-owned corner spot and try the tasty torta de lechón, a crunchy roast pork sandwich sprinkled with…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Off Hwy 261 at the southern entrance to Santa Elena, Restaurant El Chac-Mool is a friendly, if basic, place but service can be slow. It serves tasty,…
Progreso
This older-style, locals’ joint is on the north side of the plaza in a 100-year-old building. Weak ‘American’ coffee is served quickly, with a warm smile,…
Campeche State
One of the famous bread shops here, La Huachita has been around more than a century. Flags fly and the shelves are filled with a variety of comestibles…
Tulum
Immensely popular with locals, this roadside eatery guarantees fresh fish and seafood. Regulars don't even need to look at the menu – it's all about the…
Tulum
If you skipped this outfit while in Playa del Carmen or Cancún, here's another chance. Fish tacos and tuna tostadas go down oh-so-nicely with a michelada …
Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
This fishing lodge's restaurant-bar is one of the better options in town for eating and drinking. It serves both American- and Mexican-style breakfasts…
Progreso
This is a bit of an institution around town with its beachfront setting and action to boot. Some say the botanas (complimentary sampler plates that come…
Tulum
Simple, elegantly prepared French food at excellent prices. Seafood features heavily on the menu but there are steaks, chicken and tasty baguettes to…
Playa del Carmen
Done up in Mexican cantina style yet with one big difference: the menu – consisting of tacos, tostadas and the like – was designed by a chef. The artfully…
Isla Cozumel
This welcoming little burrito joint prepares the typical vegetarian, chicken and beef varieties, or you can experiment with Yucatán-inspired cochinita …
Mérida
This is the original branch of the popular Yucatecan restaurant, offering a near-identical menu (tasty Yucatecan specialties) but slightly different hours…
Punta Allen
Serves breakfast meals fit for a hearty angler's appetite and a varied lunch and dinner menu featuring pizza and fresh lobster. Offers good lodging-and…
Campeche State
It's nothing special to look at, but this popular restaurant serves regional cuisine such as poc-chuc, the local pork steak (M$52) that comes with rice,…
Río Lagartos
A popular two-story palapa with waterside sunset views, this is a good place to meet other travelers and form groups for boat tours. Lobster, at market…
Isla Holbox
A small, intimate, palapa-roofed cafe with bright colored tablecloths and even cheerier service. A mix of veggie and meat options, with good green juice…
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos' most popular breakfast spot, El Nicho serves organic egg dishes, eggs Benedict, chilaquiles (fried tortilla strips in salsa) with chicken…
Cancún
A local favorite for more than 40 years, the paisano ('fellow countryman' – it's the owner's nickname) marinates pierna (pork leg) in red wine and then…
Campeche
Don't let the drab exterior fool you – this plaza-side stalwart serves up some good campechano dishes. Cool off with a chaya juice (M$29) before tucking…
Río Lagartos
Right on the waterfront, this simple seafood spot is a nice place to wind down after a day of flamingo-viewing. Fresh seafood and fish, some Yucatecan…
Celestún
It's as casual as it comes with plastic chairs and a 'picnic' feel (sandy floor), but it's an excellent breakfast spot at Hotel Gutiérrez. Full breakfasts…
Isla Cozumel
For something quick, cheap and tasty, head over to El Sitio for breaded shrimp and fish tacos or a huevo con chaya torta (egg and tree-spinach sandwich)…
Puerto Morelos
Known for its varied menu, locally grown organic produce and casual atmosphere, this place north of the plaza does everything from tacos and classic…
Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
On the main drag in town, the friendly chitchat and well-prepared fish and seafood dishes make this a popular expat spot. Try the coconut shrimp or…
Isla Cozumel
A tempting array of fresh-baked goods and organic coffee from the Mexican highlands make this place popular with locals and visitors alike. Pies are made…
Isla Cozumel
This place really packs ’em in at lunchtime. And though it gets hotter than Hades, you’ll love the Maya favorites such as poc-chuc (grilled pork) or the…
Isla Holbox
Tired of seafood? Head to this taco joint for good arrachera (flank steak) and al pastor (marinated pork) tacos and burritos. There's even a few…
Cancún
This little bistro offers up a good mix of natural and vegetarian Mexican cuisine – think giant natural juices, and quesadillas with Chihuahua cheese,…
Cancún
The namesake pescaditos (fried fish sticks served with a mayo-chipotle sauce) are the star attraction here, but the menu features plenty of other fresh…
Cobá
Located at Hotel Maya, Chile Picante does everything from vegetarian omelettes with chaya (Mexican tree spinach) and fresh fruit plates to panuchos …
Playa del Carmen
One of the few restaurants in Playa del Carmen that dates from the 1960s. It continues to offer good seafood at decent prices in a casual place on the…
Isla Cozumel
This is traditionally considered Cozumel's finest restaurant and the prices reflect its reputation. The menu focuses mainly on Angus steaks, pastas, fresh…
Laguna Bacalar
With its 'smoking bench' and 'flirting bench', this al fresco spot on the plaza charms, offering tapas-style food, plus pizzas, pastas, tacos and…
Mahahual
Hopping in the mornings, the tiny Tartaleta has decent expressos, pastries and freshly baked bread. Expect a line. It's in the pedestrian section of…
