CHECANDOLA
PLAZA FLAMINGOS
A local favorite, especially among business lunches known for its homemade food (think tacos, empanadas and meat dishes) and friendly bustling environment.
LA CASA DEL BAGEL
AVE. LABNA #43. PHONE: 884 0102
A huge variety of bagels including a tequila salmon bagel, along with salads and to-die-for milkshakes.
PIZZA ROLANDI
COBA 12. PHONE: 998 884 4047
A charming place for wood-oven pizza and a selection of other Italian classics like spaghetti, calzones and chicken.
ROOTS
TULLIPANES 26, SM22. PHONE: 998 884 243
A Caribbean-themed restaurant with salads, pasta as well as live music.
100% NATURAL
AV. SUNYAXCHEN 63. PHONE: 998 884 0101
Exactly as the name implies this healthy Mexican eatery offers a bountiful selection of sandwiches, baked goods and fresh fruit smoothies with a large list of vegetarian options. Another branch at Playa Chac-Mool and downtown.
EL RINCÓN YUCATECO
UXMAL 35, WEST OF AV. TULUM CIRCLE
A casual Yucatecan grill where the signature dish is a heaping bowl of shredded chicken in a tangy broth of chicken stock and lime juice.
COCINA LA CHAYA
MERCADO 28. PHONE: 998 888 6437
A mom-and-pop eatery in Mercado 28 offering over-sized platters of beef, fish, chicken, or mushrooms.
EL CEJAS
MERCADO 28, AVENIDA SUNYAXCHEN. PHONE: 998 887 1080
Top-notch seafood restaurant with a bustling atmosphere and friendly service.
LA PARRILLA
AV. YAXCHILAN 51. PHONE: 998 884 8193
A festive fun place with strolling mariachis and gaucho-like portions.
LA PLACITA
AV. YAXCHILN 12, SM 22, CENTRO. PHONE: 998 884 0407
A colorfully decorated, quiet Cancun fixture specializing in mixed grills, pastas and salads and featuring indoor and outdoor seating.
SUSHI AKKY
AVE. XCARET SM36. PHONE: 988 892 8022
A cute little sushi place.
TY-COZ
AVENIDA TULUM, SM 2. PHONE: 998-884-6060
Delicious baguettes in sandwich shop setting.
TACO FACTORY
BY THE HOTEL ZONE
Homemade tacos served all hours of the night.
BLUE BAYOU
PASEO KUKULKAN, HOTEL ZONE. PHONE: 998 883 0044
Cajun cuisine with crawfish flown in daily from Louisiana. Live jazz also.
LA DESTILERIA
BULEVAR KUKULKAN KM. 12.65. PHONE: 998 885 1086
An authentic Mexican restaurant centered on tequila- there are more than 150 brands here, as well as a lagoon crocodile named what else, Tequila!
LA FISHERIA
PLAZA CARACOL, BULEVAR KUKULKAN, KM. 8.5. PHONE: 998-883-1396
The menu changes daily at this seafood eatery overlooking Bulevar Kukulkan and the lagoon.
EL FISH FRITANGA
BLVD. KUKULCAN KM 12.5. PHONE: 998 840 6216
A hidden gem in the Hotel Zone known for its selection of seafood, from the 10 peso “pescadallas” (deep fried fish tacos) to the special Mayan style “tikin xic” fish to its decent prices. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find a quaint outdoor garden set on the lagoon.
EL MEXICANO
BLVD KUKULCAN 8.5. PHONE: 998 883 2220
Typical Mexican food at moderate prices with a fabulous view of the beach and a wide assortment of tequilas.
EL SHRIMP BUCKET
AV. KUKULCAN KM 15, NEAR AQUAWORLD. PHONE: 998 840 6466
Huge shrimp in all shapes, sizes, forms and dishes (though there are other things to eat) in a fun, family-friendly setting.
SANTOS MARISCOS
BLVD. KUKULCN, KM 12.7. PHONE: 998 840 6300
A casual Mexican cantina with a wide-ranging, well-priced menu. The decor is a bit kitschy (think rainbow lawn chairs and sculptures of the Virgin Mary holding plastic roses) but it’s fun and known for its flavorful shrimp tacos with seven types of sauces.
THAILA ISLA SHOPPING CENTER
PHONE: 998 144 0364
You’ll find classic Thai specialties at this fun restaurant that includes a giant aquarium as its backdrop.
AIOLI LE MERIDIEN CANCUN RESORT & SPA
LOTE 37-1 KM. 14. PHONE: 998 881 2200
Superb French and Mediterranean gourmet dishes in a Provencal setting. Very romantic at night with its low lighting.
CLUB GRILLTHE RITZ CARLTON
RETORNO DEL REY, 36 BULEVAR KUKULKAN. PHONE: 998 881 0808
Five-star ambiance with gourmet international cuisine.
LORENZILLO’S
BULEVAR KUKUKLKAN, KM 10.5. PHONE: 998 883 1254
A fun, casual atmosphere is one of the draws of this lagoon-side eatery with a giant palapa roof; the other is picking your own lobster out of giant tank.
CASA DE LAS MARGARITAS
PASEO KULKULKAN, KM. 12.5, LA ISLA SHOPPING MALL. PHONE: 998 883 3222
Vivid colors, a festive vibe and a variety of margaritas make this Mexican restaurant a popular choice where dancers, a mariachi band, and other local musicians keep you entertained while you are waiting for your food. You can also get your photo taken in a huge sombrero as a souvenir.
CASA ROLANDI
BULEVAR KUKULKAN, KM 8.5 IN PLAZA CARACOL. PHONE: 998 883 2557
Creative cuisine with a host of flavors; think a combination Swiss/Italian/Caribbean and Mexican; sister location in Isla Mujeres.
GUSTINO, JW MARRIOTT
BULEVAR KUKULKAN, KM 14.5. PHONE: 998 848 9600
Homemade pastas and other classic Italian cuisine amidst a romantic setting complete with candles galore.
LAGUNA GRILL
BULEVAR KUKULKAN, KM. 16.5. PHONE: 998 885 0267
A fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors entice the senses at this gorgeous restaurant overlooking the lagoon.
LA MADONNA
BOULEVARD KUKULCAN KM 12.5. PHONE: 998 883 2222
A sophisticated decor, a romantic setting, a fusion of Italian and Swiss dishes with one of the most extensive wine lists around. You won’t be disappointed.
PUERTO MADERO, MARINA BARRACUDA
BULEVAR KUKULKAN, KM 14. PHONE: 998 885 2829
Stylish Argentinean steak house known for its meticulously prepared food and gorgeous lagoon style setting.
LA HABICHUELA
MARGARITAS 25. PHONE: 998 884 3158
Gourmet seafood in a garden setting /Mayan temple surroundings makes this an adventure worth exploring.
PERICOS
YAXCHILAN, 61. PHONE: 998 884 3152
A spicy always-hopping restaurant where waiters wear a variety of festive costumes, the bar area features saddles for bar stools, and the music usually starts around 7:30 p.m. Go early; this place is super-popular and does not take reservations.
VIVA LA VACA
BLVD KUKULCAN KM 8.5. PHONE: 998 883 4738
Gets high marks for its large and delicious steaks amidst a nice setting and excellent service.
