Cozumel Restaurant Guide
The Best Places to Eat on the Island
January 2021
Island Life Mexico is your #1 resource for all things Mexican Caribbean! Our guides are loaded with informative articles by locals and our unique tours and experiences are top-rated in the area.
What to Eat in Cozumel!
Cozumel may be a small island but the depth and breadth of dining opportunities would make you think otherwise. While most restaurants and cafes are located in or near the town center, there are quite a few on the outskirts that deserve equal attention. Quick eats to fine dining, Latin favorites to European delights whatever you are craving, you will find it here. Here is our guide to the best restaurants in Cozumel. Buen Provecho!
Budget Options
La Cuisine by Nutribalance
Looking for something healthy? Check out La Cuisine for fresh juices, smoothies, salads, wraps and more.
Open from 7:30 am they have delightful lighter fare breakfast options too. Vegan and vegetarian options in abundance. Located a bit farther from town center, depending on where you are staying you may want to rent a bike or taxi.
Midrange Options
La Candela
Mexican breakfast and lunch you can count on every time. With the unusually short hours of 9am – 5pm, this cute spot has become a haven for breakfast lovers. Don’t worry though, delectable, classic Mexican lunch items are here too! Come on down and check it out. Located in the heart of town.
High End Options
Buccanos at Night
Stunning vistas of the sea, posh atmosphere, excellent service and creative food should put this contemporary seafood restaurant on the top of your list. Often reviewed as one of the best restaurants in Cozumel. Located at the North end of the island far from the city center. Take a taxi.
Ix Kool Mayan Mexican
Highly regarded as one of the best places in Mexico to get authentic Mayan dishes. Not only will your tastebuds sing with delight but you will also walk away with a fascinating food history interactive experience difficult to find elsewhere.
Don’t think about it, just go. Located in the Royal Village Mall.
El Palomar Cozumel
Good vibes and great live music give this Mexican Caribbean style restaurant top marks. Lovely ocean views and great people-watching when seated outside on the balcony. The secret to this place is that they also serve brunch! Located walking distance from town center on Av. Rafael.
Casa Mission
This delightful Mexican hacienda turned seafood restaurant is full of charm and fun. Big groups are easily accommodated and the service is wonderful.
Craving more for breakfast, call and have it delivered to your hotel! Located well outside of the town center on 55 Avenida Sur, it is a sweet place to find some serenity.
New Especias Restaurante
Handmade Italian pastas, European inspired seafood dishes and pizzas, it’s all very tasty. A cool, hip atmosphere brings it all together for an unforgettable evening.
Tucked away on a charming side street, just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the town center.
Staff Picks
La Cabaña del Pescador Grill Lobster House
Staff Pick – When I want lobster, it’s all I can think of and this delightfully eclectic place fulfills all my lobster needs. Simply perfect. Nothing fussy or complicated. Pick your lobster, order your drink and sit back in joyous anticipation.
Located on the north end of the island.
TIMON Cocteleria Bar
Staff Pick – This is one of my favorite local spots. Scrumptious, Cozumel seafood classics, tortas, salads and a perfectly simple breakfast menu. Two for one cocktails all day doesn’t hurt either. Tucked away from the tourist area, in the middle of the island but still easy to get to.
Yucatan Highlights Map
This map shows many of our Mexican Caribbean highlights. To open the table of contents, click on the icon in the top left corner of the map. This will allow you to sort through the different types of highlights! Click on the points of interest or the icons on the map itself to access additional info. You can open the map in its own window to make it larger if you’d like.
I found the Churro Guy! Best of the best for sure. Awesome food guide for the island. Thank you Thank you.
Thanks for the great tips! I had been to Lobster Shack many times before but most of these places were new to me. The people at Timon were so great.
Thank you for making this guide, it has been so helpful during my visit! I was truly overwhelmed by all the options here but your guide made it easy to find the best of the island, and without all the tourist traps.