Laguna Bacalar
The slooow-food experience here pushes your patience to the limit, but grill-master Rodrigo Estrada makes it well worth the wait. Exquisite dishes such as…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
Chetumal
Yucatecan snacks such as panuchos (fried tortillas topped with beans, chicken and pickled onion) and salbutes (puffed deep-fried tortillas filled with…
Mahahual
Nohoch Kay, aka the Big Fish, definitely lives up to its name. Don't miss this beachfront Mexican-owned restaurant, where they prepare succulent whole…
Laguna Bacalar
A sign outside reads, 'Eat, drink and swim' – and that about sums it up. Fish and seafood dishes are tasty, albeit on the smallish side, but the mezcal…
Chetumal
Overlooking the azure waters of Laguna Milagros, about 15km west of Chetumal, this open-air seafood restaurant draws deserving praise for its fried whole…
Mahahual
About 30km north of Mahahual, this off-grid inn and restaurant makes notably fresh seafood dishes such as mixed ceviche and fish fillet in raspberry…
Chetumal
Choose from more than a dozen Yucatecan-style guisados (home-style dishes) prepared as tacos and tortas (sandwiches) at this fan-cooled breakfast joint…
Laguna Bacalar
An open-air palapa restaurant serving regional and fusion dishes, this waterfront restaurant prepares interesting creations such as pechuga sikil pak …
Laguna Bacalar
Bacalar's first and only all-vegan dining option, Mango y Chile has a beautiful, large deck overlooking the fort and the lagoon, and friendly service…
Mahahual
Lobster, lionfish, octopus, you name it – this fishermen's cooperative cooks up the fresh catch of the day and serves it to you right on the beach at the…
Chetumal
In a palapa (thatched-roof) restaurant right by the lagoon, Xel-Ha serves some of the best fresh fish around. Head about 8km north of Chetumal to the…
Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
Veracruz-style picaditas (tortillas with a layer of salsa, cheese and topping) are tasty and cheap at this simple eatery near the bus station. For…
Chetumal
Set in an atmospheric century-old historic house, this beloved breakfast spot slings excellent huevos motuleños (fried eggs and ham on crispy tortillas,…
Laguna Bacalar
A local fave for more than 20 years, this simple eatery does excellent carne asada (grilled beef) and chicken sopes (tortillas with a layer of beans,…
Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
About three blocks south of the plaza and a block in from the coast, Silvia’s serves mostly Yucatecan snacks, fish fillets and ceviche (seafood marinated…
Laguna Bacalar
If Christian's were in Mexico City – the al pastor (spit-roasted marinated pork) capital – it would compete with the best of them. The popular, yet artery…
Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
Come here for the best eats in town. The house specialty is grilled venado (deer) steaks prepared a la yucateca (Yucatán-style). If you're here in the…
Chetumal
A Chetumal favorite for more than three decades. Try the house specialty, camaron empanizado (breaded shrimp), or the fish taco a la mantequila (sautéed…
Chetumal
Fun and festive, with a goofy dolphin statue outside, La Viagra Jarocha is a hit with locals and tourists alike, most notably for its namesake 'sopa…
Laguna Bacalar
Go straight for the taco de cochinita surtida (slow-cooked pork), which comes prepared on a handmade tortilla and with a little extra fat for good measure…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Chetumal
A sweet little family-run place serving regional and Mexican standards, daily lunch specials and meal-sized tortas (sandwiches). They often offer an…
Laguna Bacalar
Highly recommended by locals and expats alike, this streetside palapa (thatched-roof) place prepares breakfast and a set menu of home-style Mexican…
Chetumal
Simple and laid-back spot that serves great espresso and food. A favorite with Chetumal’s student and intellectual set, it’s a good spot to chat with…
Mercado Ignacio Manuel Altamirano
Chetumal
Mercado Ignacio Manuel Altamirano has a row of small, simple eateries serving inexpensive Yucatecan food.
Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast
A decent spot to fuel up and do a bit of people-watching.
Chetumal
A row of small, simple eateries serving inexpensive meals, produce and fruit.
