Cozumel Restaurant Guide
The 15 Best Restaurants In Cozumel, Mexico
Updated October 2023
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. From 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!
Cozumel Map
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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 easily walkable in town.
BEACHFRONT
There are a few restaurants scattered around the west side of the island outside of town, often as part of beach bars, resorts or beach clubs. A few specialty restaurants can also be found at various beaches as well.
THE WILD EAST SIDE
Visiting the wild east side of the island you’ll find only a few restaurants available. Most are in the north between the Transversal (the cross-island road) and Chen Rio. All only accept cash in USD or pesos.
Budget Options
Alley on 10th (Callejon de las Diez)
$-$$ Food Stalls, Mexican, Seafood, Vegan
Alley on 10th is a fabulous new edition to the Cozumel food scene. It is an open air food court with several locally owned and operated food kiosks. Here, one can affordably taste many different styles of Mexican cuisine. There is a kiosk specializing in fresh seafood flavored with spices and fruits from the region. Another offering vegan Mexican specialties. The Dona Clary kiosk offers food of the Yucatan, and there is so much more. Oh, and a bar is also on site for all your beverage needs.
La Clasica
$-$$ Mexican, Traditional, Bar
Located on a quiet street but still in town, La Clasica is a true gem. The service team here is splendid and love to help guests make food and beverage choices. La Clasica serves delectable classics like the mezcal pork shank and steak tacos with bone marrow. Their seafood shines with Roca Coco tostadas and tuna carnitas. The cocktail menu will have your mouth watering, and the bartender is always available to create a personalized beverage.
El Coffee Cozumel
$-$$ Coffeehouse, Baked Goods, Cafe
A tasty place to dig into some affordable breakfasts, pastries, coffee drinks and more, El Coffee Cozumel has you covered. This diner inspired coffeehouse prepares a huge variety of fresh-baked cakes, cookies, pies, breads, quiches and more daily. The atmosphere is laid back with local artists work on the walls and wifi if you need it. Incredibly friendly staff as well. Convenient location right in town.
Casa Denis
$-$$ Mexican, Mayan, Yucatecan
The oldest restaurant in Cozumel, Casa Denis was founded in 1945 as the hand painted murals in their courtyard can attest. Simple local food from traditional Mexican fare to Yucatan specialties, Casa Denis is quite affordable and conveniently located right off the main town square. The Cochinita Pibil tacos are especially delicious, but it’s hard not to get something tasty at this quaint little spot. Outdoor seating is surprisingly comfortable with a nice breeze.
Crazy King Burrito
$-$$ Mexican, California Cuisine
Crazy King Burrito is a local burrito shop that is a favorite for all who try it. The burritos come in two different sizes to choose from, all completely stuffed with fresh and flavorful ingredients. There are several protein and veg combinations to try, but the asada and shrimp burritos are the most popular. Their homemade hot sauces complement the burritos perfectly. Be advised this is a cash only restaurant.
Amparos Breakfast Bistro
$-$$ Mexican, American, Breakfast
Amparo’s Breakfast Bistro is a fantastic place to enjoy a relaxing breakfast, brunch or lunch. The menu is quite affordable and offers a delightful array of dishes. Huge plates of steaming hotcakes, delightful scrambles and an entire vegan/vegetarian section are available. Amparo’s has a unique vibe and is popular among locals for Sunday brunch. Many say the Eggs Benedict is possibly the best on the island.
The Best Tacos In Cozumel
You asked for it, so here it is. Our choices for the best tacos in Cozumel.
Best Al Pastor Taco: Los Sera’s Tacos (Taqueria Los Sera’s): This mouth watering pastor taco is widely considered the best taco in Cozumel overall. We recommend getting it without cheese and with onions and cilantro. They’ll ask when you order. Oh man.
Best Fish Taco: Pescadería San Carlos: Brace yourself for crispy yet tender fish loaded in corn tortillas. You will not be disappointed.
Best Chicken Taco: Los Tacotales (formerly Los Otates): This longtime Cozumel top taqueria has a variety of excellent tacos but their chicken taco is one of the best. Los Tacotales is one of the only places that grill their chicken for the tacos. It makes a difference.
Best Taco Variety: Mr. Taco: A favorite among locals and visitors alike. Though a little off the beaten path, Mr. Taco is absolutely worth the short taxi ride from downtown.
Honorable Mentions: El Pique & Diegos Tacos
Midrange Options
La Cocay
$$-$$$ Mediterranean, Italian, Steakhouse
Mediterranean cuisine, yes it does exist in Cozumel and La Cocay is here to delight and satisfy your tastebuds. With a charming garden setting, guests can enjoy locally sourced seafood, a wonderful variety of small plates, tapas and pastas for sharing, sizzling steaks, pizzas and melt in your mouth desserts. The menu is brimming with a taste for all palettes and includes a terrific wine and cocktail list as well. The delicious daily specials menu will keep you coming back for more. No matter what you choose, it is bound to be a wonderful meal. La Cocay is a perfect place to meet friends or that special someone for a night out in Cozumel.

La Casita de Indio 333
$$-$$$ Mexican, Traditional, Seafood
A local family’s house is the centerpiece of this delectable seafood restaurant. Vibrant colors and handwritten chalk menus paint the walls of this partially open-air establishment. Las Casita de Indio 333 sources fresh fish and seafood daily from local fishermen, ensuring your meal will be divine. The specialties here are the coconut shrimp and seafood platters. A cold cerveza or agua del dia in hand will round out the experience.

Jolly Cafe & Late Breakfast
$$-$$$ Cafe, Breakfast, International
This trendy western style breakfast cafe perfectly walks the line between American/European cuisine and Mexican specialties with a twist. Eggs Benedicts, Chilaquiles, Waffles, Mole Enchiladas and a whole lot more make for a breakfast destination with something for everybody. Slept in? As the restaurant’s name implies, no problem! Great coffee drinks and comfortable modern decor make for a pleasant way to start the day, be it in the morning or the afternoon.

La Candela
$$-$$$ Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
Mexican breakfasts and lunch you can count on every time, La Candela is home cooking at a reasonable price. Locals flock to this open air restaurant for their traditional lunches, and visitors love stopping in to try slow-cooked and hearty dishes that delight. This is NOT a tacos and quesadillas spot, these are full-on, family style Mexican dishes prepared and served hot to your table. If you’ve got an appetite, come on down and check it out. Located in the heart of town.
High-End Options
Guido's
$$$ Italian, Seafood, Pasta
Upscale Italian with lovely outdoor patio seating in a beautiful garden setting. Guests come for the fabulous fish dishes and stay for the steaks and pastas. Known for its excellent wait staff and bartenders, Guido’s service is part of what makes this restaurant famous in Cozumel. Located in the heart of town on the main waterfront road Av. Rafael.
Bajau
$$-$$$$ Grill, Seafood, Caribbean Fusion
Smoke, fire, salt and the sea. Bajau Steakhouse and Seafood Grill takes on these elements in an inspired and unique way. The menu highlights Caribbean fusion with beautifully curated dishes including, fresh raw ceviche with chili and tiger milk, spicy habanero salmon, fried fish, Asian style noodles, pork belly and more. As this is a grill and steakhouse, one should not miss sampling from their grilled meats and seafoods sections where every item is perfectly seasoned and cooked over their coconut charcoal grill. Guests take in the aroma as a hint of that sweet smoke perfumes the restaurant air making the tastebuds water. The dining room itself is chic, well appointed and shines with a view of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Refreshing artisan cocktails and sweet desserts round out the experience perfectly.
Ix Kool Mayan
$$$$ Mexican, Latin, Fusion Cuisine
Highly regarded as one of the best places in Mexico to get authentic Mayan dishes, Ix Kool is one of the finest dining establishments in Cozumel. Not only will your tastebuds sing with delight but you will also walk away with a fascinating cultural experience difficult to find elsewhere. Be sure to try the cochinita pibil, the pork panucho and other Yucatecan specialties. Don’t think about it, just go. Located just 10 minutes south of town center by the Royal Village mall.
Buccanos At Night
$$$-$$$$ Seafood, Contemporary, Fusion
Stunning vistas of the sea, a calming coastal atmosphere, excellent service and delicious creative cuisine should put this traditional yet contemporary fusion restaurant on the top of your list. Fresh catch of the day choices, elegant ravioli with lobster in brown butter, beautifully prepared steaks and a daily specials menu that is designed to entice, Buccanos at Night will be your new weekly reservation restaurant. Often reviewed as one of the best restaurants in Cozumel, Buccanos at Night is unparalleled in its chic elegance and culinary prowess.
My husband loves steak while I love seafood, so La Cocay was perfect for us. We both really enjoyed our meal!
My family checked out Jolly Cafe the other day. Brunch is one of our favorite meals of the day, and this place did not disappoint. Thank you for this recommendation.
You’re welcome!
We went to Cozumel and visited Paprika Restaurant. It was even better than the pictures! So good! Thank you for the restaurant tip.
I like that this list is broken up into budget, midrange, and splurge restaurants. My friends and I plan to choose one restaurant from each category.
My husband and I are huge foodies, and one of our favorite meals of the day is brunch. We are looking forward to trying El Coffee Cozumel and El Rincon de Addy thanks to this restaurant list.
Thank you for creating this guide so I don’t need to spend hours wasting my precious vacation time on Tripadvisor! Excellent recommendations. I especially liked Bajau.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the great recommendations!
We loved the recommendations you provide here. Sadly we didn’t have time to try everything but Cozumel is definitely a foodie paradise and water paradise!
La Cuisine was a lifesaver. I love Mexican food but after a week of endless heavy (to me) food I needed something light and fresh. Thanks for posting.
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.