Traveling is about discovering new places, but also about trying new flavors. And nothing is more representative of a culture than its cuisine. The preparation of its dishes, their ingredients, colors, scents, etc. We travel, and so does our palate.
Cancun is an international destination where mexican cuisine can be found but also restaurants from all around the world to satisfy the needs of a cosmopolite city. Nowadays every all-inclusive resort counts with great restaurants within the complex, but if you are craving for something more specialized, this might be handy for you.
The following list of the Best Restaurants in Cancun was made by me, a local mom who’s been living in Cancun since I was 6 years old. The order of the restaurants does not necessarily reflect my preferences.
Restaurant Chambao Cancun
This is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. It offers a unique atmosphere thanks to its decor, music, lagoon views, staff, and food.
From the moment you step in, you will notice how courteous the staff is and how cool the decoration is. Full of instagram and beautiful spots. The restaurant is in the lagoon side and well nestled among the mangroves.
The restaurant offers mediterranean cuisine and great mixology choises. If you are a meat lover, the cuts of steak will no dissapoint you.
Be prepared to be amazed by the live music and performances during the night. And also, be prepared to shell out a good amount of money. This isn’t a budget restaurant.
Restaurant Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar
This restaurant has been around for a while and has reinvented itself after renovating its menu and facilities. The restaurant’s menu is varied, though it focuses on international cuts of meat and exotic seafood.
It is also located in the lagoon side so the sunsets are spectacular. The decoration is well curated and it has a more peacefull atmosphere. So if you fancy a nice dinner and a good chat, this is a great spot.
Prices are accordindly with the menú, the location, the decoration and the service.
Restaurant Ilios – Greek Restaurant in Cancun
This might be one of the most beautiful restaurants of the city. Everything revolves around a large tree with the lagoon in the background. The decor is beautiful and clever and each space is well-designed, creating a fluid feel.
At Ilios you’ll find the flavours of the Greek cuisine with a twist of elegance and sophistication. Live music and happenings are to be expected. Plate smashing included!
Food is good but maybe not something out of this world. I would say this is a most visit restaurant, mainly because of the facilities and location.
Restaurant Puerto Santo – Puerto Juarez
If you are craving real mexican sea food while overlooking the ocean. This is your place!
This is a very local restaurant not in the hotel zone but still accesible by taxi. There are 3 different Puerto Santo restaurants in the area, so make sure you visit the one in Puerto Juarez (north part of Cancun). See location below.
This Puerto Santo is the best for me beacause you are on the beach with toes in the sand while sipping delicious mezcal coctails. If you are into sweet but not super sweet cocktails, I recommend you to try the ‘Caracol Rosado’, it has grapefruit, watermelon and mezcal. Also the ceviches, aguachiles and fried fish are to die for!
Prices are also good, not super cheap but cheap compared to other restaurants in the hotel zone. The only downhill would be the service. It is not that they are rude but lately, I have seen not well trained staff. But hey! if you are not in a rush, this is still a great shot!
El Timon de Cancun – Hotel Zone
This restaurant is a little gem hidden in the hotel zone. It’s a beachfront seafood restaurant with local-friendly prices! Maybe locals do not go often because it is far from downtown and tourist do not go because it lacks of advertisement. So it is most likely to find a table with impressive views.
El Timon de Cancun has been for more than 30 years in the city. So it’s an institution. It started in Cancun downtown and a few years ago openend a branch in the hotel zone. Fortunately, this branch continues to offer good taste and good prices.
The seafood tacos are great, such as the ceviche, the seafood soup and the fried fish. Also don’t be shy and try a michelada. It is like a bloody mary but with beer.
Restaurant El Kiosko Verde, Cancun
Talking about ancient restaurants, this is one of the eldest ones in the city. It has been open since 1974 and it offers not only seafood but also regional food (yucatecan).
This very small restaurant is located in Puerto Juarez (north of Cancun) and recently became fashionable again as it appeared in the Michelin Guide recommendation.
The food is quite good and the prices are very affordable. If you are not a sea food lover, don’t worry, you’ll be able to find other local dishes such as cochinita, salbutes or panuchos. All of them highly recommened.
Restaurant Porfirio’s Cancun – Mexican Cuisine
This is another fancy restaurant in the hotel zone, lagoon side but with mexican cuisine. It is part of the same group that owns Ilios and Harrys so you can expect a high quality restaurant, hapennin
In my opinion, the best mexican food is found in not so pretty small restaurants with a granny in the kitchen. However, this restaurant is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a first-class atmosphere and service with stunning views of the lagoon and beautiful decor.
The menu offers autentic mexican food and it is quite good. The presentation of the dishes is unique and very instagrammable. Ask for the churros or the ice cream and tag us!
*Tamarind mezcalitas are to die for!
Restaurant La Vaca Argentina Cancun
This restaurant has been opened for a few years only but already has all locals going to enjoy a good cut of meat. The secret: nice airconditioned restaurant with great location, service and super tender meat.
Also, as soon as you go out a little bit from the hotel zone, prices tend to go down a little bit. So in my opinion if you are a meat lover looking for a juicy and tender cut without having to pay a lot and also very easy to get there by bus from the hotel zone. This is your place!
Restaurant Cenacolo Cancun
Last but not least, we have this Italian restaurant that has been for a long time in the city of Cancun. This restaurant has been improving every year and offers a culinary experience of the modern italian cuisine. Fresh pasta and pizza are available but also dare to try something new such as the adriatic white risotto or the scalope of prime beef fillet with mushrooms.
There is one Cenacolo at the hotel zone but our favorite is within Puerto Cancun Mall with ocean view. Easy to move around by bus or taxi and a great opportunity to go for lunch and do some shopping.
Hopping this is handy for you on your next visit to Cancun and let us know if you think one restaurant was keep out!
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