Isla Holbox

International

Mandarina restaurant boasts the best location for dining with an ocean view, filled with warm lighting and rustic wood furnishings right on the Holbox beach. For breakfast, try the home-baked pastries or the huitlacoche omelette with truffle dressing. Dinner has a blend of Mexican and international cuisine, such as duck in an orange mole sauce or the catch-of-the-day marinated pastor -style.

French

Very tasty French pastries and morning breakfast selections make this a welcome spot if you're craving something other than Mexican morning food. Coffee is delicious as well, and the airy palapa, surrounded by plumeria and butterflies, makes for a comfortable spot to sit and chat with fellow diners. Kids will love the large toy selection to play with as adults dine.

Spanish

This quaint cafe is so tiny you just might miss it if you’re strolling too fast by the main square. La Tortilleria specializes in Spanish-style omelettes ('tortillas') with ingredients such as chorizo, goat cheese, Oaxaca cheese and chaya (a local Yucatán vegetable). You can also try Mexican chilaquiles or pancakes for breakfast, or paninis and pita rolls at lunchtime.

Tacos

With just a few tables set under a palapa roof, this cool and contemporary joint features tacos piled high with a flavorful mix of ingredients and drizzled salsas. Specialties include the Maya-style fish taco and the smoked chilled octopus taco, along with a few vegan options. For seafood lovers, try the palm heart aguachile or ceviches.

Pizza

Like most pizzerias in town, the hot item here is the seasonal lobster pizza and Roots' version ranks among the best of them. All of the wood-fired, thin-crust pies come with a zesty Morita salsa on the side. The open-air restaurant also carries a fantastic selection of Mexican-only liquor, beers, and mezcal (150 different ones!).

Mexican

El Chapulím has no menu and the kitchen closes when the food runs out – usually before 9pm – so come here aware of the quirks involved. Food is excellent, and chef Erik comes to your table personally. This may be the only place in Holbox where you can depend on lobster to be worth the pretty price tag. Cash only.

Seafood

Despite sky-high prices, seafood here is actually hit or miss, but you can't argue with the location: any closer to the beach and waves would be washing your toes. The sign says it's a 'slow food' spot: don't plan on hurrying on to other things. If you're looking to chill, sip a beer and watch waves, it's perfect.

Breakfast

This colorful little palapa -covered restaurant on the square slings excellent Mexican breakfasts all day long. The motuleños (eggs in tomato sauce served with fried plantain, ham and peas) is a local favorite, as are the enchiladas.

Mexican

Set on a spacious deck, Rosa Mexicano specializes in Mexican-inspired author cuisine, with innovative dishes such as pollo molito (chicken stuffed with goat cheese and plantain, topped with mole sauce) and chocolate tamal dessert with ancho chile. For drinks, cozy up to a bar swing with the Rosa Mexicano Margarita, made with habanero, strawberries, and a spicy-sweet chamoy rim.