Cozumel Restaurant Guide
The Best Places To Eat On The Island
Updated October 2021
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!
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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
El Rincon de Addy
$ Brunch, Garden Cafe
A charming secret garden setting tucked away on a quiet street, El Rincon de Addy makes breakfast dreams out of hotcake batter. A brief five minutes from town center, this restaurant starts your day off with the perfect combination of natural beauty and deliciousness. Lucious fresh juices, house baked cakes, seasonal fruits, egg plates and their signature silver dollar hotcakes are divine. If you are looking for something special, try the huevos motuleños! As an added bonus, the owner is an incredible artist and she has hand-painted almost every surface in this oasis of a garden. She likes to joke with the customers that everything you see is for sale, except for her! If you are seeking a tranquil outdoor spot to start your day, El Rincon de Addy is the place to be.
Torinos Pizza & Trattoria
$$ Pizza, Pasta, Salads
Homemade sauce, homemade dough, homemade pasta, homemade everything! Torinos is a clear step above when it comes to affordable and delicious pizza and more. Thin crust pizzas brought to a bubble in the brick oven are made with premium ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh everything. NO canned mushrooms here. A variety of salads and pastas will keep you coming back to try everything. For fantastic Italian to go (or in their lovely open air restaurant), Torinos is hard to beat.
Casa Denis
$-$$ 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.
Casa Cuzamil
$ Seafood, Mexican, Bar
For inexpensive local seafood when on the island, Casa Cuzamil is hard to beat. Ceviches, coconut shrimp, grilled fish, shrimp tacos and so much more make this restaurant a favorite stop after diving or any time of day. The sports bar area has all the top games if you’re looking to catch your teams playing, and the upstairs terrace restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy the fresh local catch prepared just the way you like it.
El Coffee Cozumel
$-$$ Coffeehouse, Baked Goods, Cafe
A tasty place to dig into some affordable breakfasts, pastries, coffee drinks and more, El Coffee Cozumel has you covered. This diner inspired coffeehouse prepares a huge variety of fresh-baked cakes, cookies, pies, breads, quiches and more daily. The atmosphere is laid back with local artists work on the walls and wifi if you need it. Incredibly friendly staff as well. Convenient location right in town.
Los Tacotales
$ Taqueria, Grill, Mexican
Famous for their delicious (and cheap!) street tacos and their pozole (a scrumptious soup of hominy, tomato, pork and more), if you are looking for authentic, homecooked Mexican food, don’t miss this open air place. Los Tacotales, formerly Los Otates, is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. We love the al pastor tacos with pineapple, but everything is delicious and very affordable.
Javier The Churro Guy
$ Churros
Slinging homemade classic churros from a basket on his bicycle! Javier is a legend around here and his churros are exactly what you want to eat, any time of day. You just have to find him!
Midrange Options
Panchos Backyard
$$-$$$ Mexican, International, Vegetarian Friendly
Pancho’s Backyard Downtown is a charming garden oasis in the heart of the city. The kitchen honors the history of Mexican gastronomy by artfully preparing delicious, traditional Mexican dishes, with a fine dining twist from breakfast to dinner. Unique and flavorful vegetarian and vegan options are also highlighted. With a goal of presenting the highest level of quality in the cuisine and the overall dining experience, Pancho’s Backyard chefs and waitstaff always go above and beyond to make your visit a memorable one. If you are looking for a beautiful and relaxed dining experience with elevated Mexican dishes, look no further than Pancho’s Backyard Downtown.
Paprika Restaurant
$$-$$$ Caribbean, Mexican, Seafood, Breakfast
Boasting an enticing collection of authentic Mexican and creative Caribbean dishes, Paprika will soon become your go-to place for a tropical breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh pressed juices, endless mouthwatering fish options, including their famous fish tacos and poke bowl are just the beginning. End your day here with one of their exciting traditional style mariscos towers and a handcrafted cocktail; but don’t worry there are plenty of non-fish options also. Paprika has a lovely outdoor setting that is softly caressed by breezes from the sea that is just across the road. Come visit Paprika and experience the Caribbean.
El Palomar Cozumel
$$-$$$ Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
Located within one of the most charming buildings in Cozumel, El Palomar features gorgeous eating spaces, a wraparound terrace overlooking the ocean and even a calming garden seating area. The atmosphere is only part of what makes this a “must visit” while in Cozumel. The thoughtful blend of traditional Mexican and modern seafood dishes will satisfy every craving any time of day. El Palomar’s chef has created delightful menu offerings from breakfast to dinner and don’t forget to ask about the monthly specials. A fabulous team of mixologists delight with their creative concoctions that can be sipped slowly as the sun melts into the sea in front of you. Designed as a place to gather, relax and enjoy, El Palomar will soon become that restaurant you find yourself craving.
La Candela
$$-$$$ Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
Mexican breakfasts and lunch you can count on every time, La Candela is home cooking at a reasonable price. Locals flock to this open air restaurant for their traditional lunches, and visitors love stopping in to try slow-cooked and hearty dishes that delight. This is NOT a tacos and quesadillas spot, these are full-on, family style Mexican dishes prepared and served hot to your table. If you’ve got an appetite, come on down and check it out. Located in the heart of town.
Jolly Cafe & Late Breakfast
$$-$$$ Cafe, Breakfast, International
This trendy western style breakfast cafe perfectly walks the line between American/European cuisine and Mexican specialties with a twist. Eggs Benedicts, Chilaquiles, Waffles, Mole Enchiladas and a whole lot more make for a breakfast destination with something for everybody. Slept in? As the restaurant’s name implies, no problem! Great coffee drinks and comfortable modern decor make for a pleasant way to start the day, be it in the morning or the afternoon.
High-End Options
Buccanos At Night
$$$-$$$$ Seafood, Contemporary, Fusion
Stunning vistas of the sea, a calming coastal atmosphere, excellent service and delicious creative cuisine should put this traditional yet contemporary fusion restaurant on the top of your list. Fresh catch of the day choices, elegant ravioli with lobster in brown butter, beautifully prepared steaks and a daily specials menu that is designed to entice, Buccanos at Night will be your new weekly reservation restaurant. Often reviewed as one of the best restaurants in Cozumel, Buccanos at Night is unparalleled in its chic elegance and culinary prowess.
Novena Ola
$$-$$$$ Caribbean, Seafood, Fusion
Novena Ola is located atop the Cozumel Art Museum, on a gorgeous veranda overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The atmosphere here is only exceeded by the exquisite and artful collection of unique dishes chef Sergio masterfully creates. Drawing inspiration from his Yucatecan roots and 20 years of experience in fine dining, chef Sergio will delight the tastebuds at every turn. Delectable offerings from breakfast to cocktails, Novena Ola will have you returning again and again.
Guido's
$$$ 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.
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.
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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.