Cancún
There’s a taco joint on nearly every block in Cancún, but this one has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. One bite of the al pastor (spit…
Must-see restaurants in Yucatán Peninsula
Celestún
Of all the sandy-floored, plastic-table-and-chairs beachfront joints here, this one gets the thumbs-up from the locals. Fresh seafood and ceviche are its…
El Cuyo
Fish paradise under a palapa at this simple, no-fuss place. Grab a beer, some ceviche and prawns and remember what life was like before technology took…
Cancún
Lorenzillo’s gives you 20 separate choices for your lobster presentation, including a taste bud–popping chipotle, plum and tamarind sauce. Facing the…
Campeche State
A very basic spot that churns out antojitos (little bites, or snacks) plus sandwiches, hamburgers and tacos. A good spot to buy takeout meals for Calakmul…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
A popular pizza joint off the main plaza, it also serves inexpensive pasta dishes, sandwiches and burgers, with lovely al fresco tables overlooking the…
Tulum
A very popular seafood eatery at the south end of the center, known for its parillada de mariscos, a large platter (for three people) with grilled fish,…
Isla Mujeres
Menu standouts at this Italian-owned sidewalk steakhouse include the black grouper fillet, baked mussels and the Angus beef cuts. When he's around, owner…
Tulum
This open-air Italian joint is perpetually packed. There are delicious pasta dishes, such as shrimp or lobster ravioli, brick-oven pizzas, and an…
Mahahual
Fernando's offers up fish and seafood dishes prepared with sauces ranging from sweet coconut-mango to spicy red. After dinner – or before – try a smooth…
Puerto Morelos
Right on the plaza, this is a spotlessly clean place with pleasing ambience. It serves bagels, sandwiches, pies, good strong coffee, and fruit and veggie…
Isla Cozumel
The late-night, go-to spot for al pastor (spit-cooked pork) and chuleta (pork chop) tacos. Locals rave about the al pastor pizza; we say it's a cheesy…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Same name, different restaurant: Dolce Vacanza (under new ownership, with a new menu to boot), now offers vegetarian food, pasta, pesto, and soups in a…
Isla Cozumel
Looking for a late-night taco fix? These folks have got your back, in a very tasty way. El Foco offers a variety of simple, tasty treats, served with a…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Open late, this clean place has sandwiches and pizzas with the usual toppings. ‘Order by number’ options make it easy for non-Spanish speakers to get…
Playa del Carmen
Al pastor (marinated pork) and sirloin beef are sliced right off the spit at this popular late-night taco joint, which now has four locations in Playa.
Rolandi’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Cancún
A longtime Cancún favorite, Italian eatery Rolandi's serves wood-fired pizzas, calzones, homemade pasta plates, and a range of meat and seafood dishes.
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
The friendly stalls here serve inexpensive regional food such as poc-chuc (grilled pork) and queso relleno (stuffed cheese).
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
With the brightest laminated menus this side of the Yucatán, Ricardo's is known for its affordable hearty daily lunch specials.
Progreso
One of the best options in the market for cochito (slow-cooked pork) tacos and tortas – and it's squeaky clean.
Isla Cozumel
Visit this downtown market for your daily supply of fruit and veggies; it's also a good place to munch on cheap eats.
Campeche State
Tasty bite-sized morsels in apple or cheese, loaves with a variety of fillings, and cheerful (if busy) staff.
Isla Mujeres
Aluxes serves bagels, baguettes and mighty fine banana bread, and it's one of the friendliest joints in town.
Isla Cozumel
Unlike many Mexican bakeries, Zermatt bakes its pastries, cakes and wholewheat bread in the early morning.
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Possibly the village's best for seafood; efficient service and it's right on the malecón.
Isla Mujeres
Inside the remodeled market are several stalls selling cheap hot food, while other vendors offer a variety of produce and fresh juices. Outside the market…
Playa del Carmen
The trademark offerings of this quickly establishing chain – vegetable- and fruit-juice blends, salads, various vegetable and chicken dishes and other…
Cancún
This casual open-air restaurant boasts the best authentic Mexican tacos in the Cancún Hotel Zone, and its convenient location in the central alley right…
Cancún
This busy air-conditioned deli serves sandwiches on croissants and baguettes with a variety of meats and cheeses, and there's a vegetarian option as well…
Campeche State
Even though this casual place has a bright orange exterior and even more vibrant plastic tablecloths, it's as smart as you'll get in Xpujil. It offers a…
Mérida
A very old-school restaurant with several traditional-style dining rooms surrounding a small courtyard. It bills itself as an upscale eatery and serves…
Cancún
The seafood is pretty good here but the real draw is the festive atmosphere, plus you get to enjoy a meal in a working-class neighborhood far removed from…
Playa del Carmen
You'll probably have to wait for a table at this popular eatery, and service is slow, but it's worth the wait when you try Mary's Yucatecan comfort food…
Valladolid
A meeting spot for revolutionaries in the early 20th century, this historic building now houses an OK bar-restaurant with Frida Kahlo–themed eclectic…
Cancún
With a lively atmosphere and an attentive staff, Perico’s, probably one of the city’s longest-running restaurants, sticks to the family recipes, putting…
Isla Cozumel
Atmospheric Pancho's is set in an early-20th-century building with a beautifully decorated courtyard. The food’s not bad, either, focusing on Mexican…
Cancún
Locals like the trendy style and inexpensive prices at Mercado Torres, an outdoor market of locally owned food stands in the far southwestern corner of…
Cancún
A staple in Cancún’s Indian cuisine scene, A Taste of India restaurant has simple no-fuss décor, but its authenticity makes it a favorite in the downtown…
Cancún
Vegetarians and health-food nuts delight at this health-food chain near Avenida Yaxchilán, which serves juice blends, a wide selection of yogurt-fruit…
Mérida
This easygoing spot, at the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, is framed by pretty plants and features an eclectic mix of tables and chairs, more reminiscent…
