Cozumel Restaurant Guide
The Best Places To Eat On The Island
Updated April 2021
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Welcome to 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
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
SAN MIGUEL DE COZUMEL
This is the main town on the island where the vast majority of the restaurants are. Most things are walkable in town.
BEACHFRONT
There are a few restaurants scattered around the island outside of town, primarily as part of resorts or beach clubs. A few specialty restaurants can also be found at various beaches as well.
Budget Options
Cerveceria Punta Sur
The only brewery on the island. Offering several beers on tap, wood fired pizza and more. Cozy little place in town, walkable from the town center.
Cuatro Tacos
Fresh and tasty, made to order tacos for a bargain price. A wide selection of fresh salsas is also available. Central location on Calle 3 Sur.
Lobster Shack
A tasty place to dig into some affordable lobster rolls or bowls. Not feeling lobster, not to worry, steak or shrimp wraps and veggie burritos are also on offer. Located just to the North of the town square.
Los Otates
Famous for their tacos and pozole. If you are looking for authentic, homecooked food, don’t miss this place. Farther outside the town center than the rest, but well worth the walk.
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.
Javier the Churro Guy
Slinging homemade classic churros from a basket on his bicycle! Javier is a legend around here and his churros are exactly what you want to eat, any time of day. You just have to find him!
Maple Bakehouse
A delicious bakery, baking fresh breads and pastries and serving breakfast all day, great lunch options in the afternoon. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. Located very close to the Museo de Cozumel.
Midrange Options
Kondesa
Modern Mexican at its finest. Boasting a beautiful jungle setting, expertly made cocktails and Mexican food like you’ve never tasted. A must-visit restaurant and a fantastic deal for the quality and craft. Located about 15 minutes south of the town center.
Guidos
Upscale Italian with lovely outdoor patio seating. Guests come for the fish dishes and stay for the pasta. Well trained wait staff and bartenders. Located closer to the airport than downtown but easy to find on the main waterfront road Av. Rafael.
Azul Madera
Classified as international seafood fusion but we just call it yummy. Delightfully chill and unique-chic at once, come here for a relaxed evening of tastebud pleasure. You will find this gem south of the town center but still technically in the restaurant district.
Colores y Sabores Cozumel
Often described as “simply fabulous” this Mexican restaurant will have you coming back for more. Classic Yucatan flavors, familiar dishes, great ambiance…what else could you possibly want? Easy to get to near the cruise ship pier.
La Cocay
French Mediterranean, yes it does exist in Cozumel. A menu brimming with a taste for all palettes and a terrific wine list. A lovely place to meet a friend or date for a night out. Perfect downtown location.
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.
Located in the Mid-Island Bay Area.
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.
Soy Gardel
Comfortable outdoor atmosphere, fabulous drinks and Uruguayan Latin cuisine. Beautifully crafted seafood dishes with a taste of Uruguay. Offering different specialties of the house daily. Easily found in the downtown area.
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.
More
MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Cancun, Islands, Tulum and More
Cancun Visitors Guide
Tulum Visitors Guide
Cozumel Visitors Guide
Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide
Holbox Visitors Guide
Isla Contoy Visitors Guide
7 Yucatan Foods That Will Blow Your Mind
The Best Cenotes in Yucatan
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.
We love food and this guide made it possible for us to just eat, sightsee and then eat again. We especially loved the traditional Mayan recommendations. Thanks.