Holbox Restaurant Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Daniel Mode
Daniel ModeIsla Holbox is a spectacular island off the northern shores of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. About two hours north of Cancun, this laid back island offers a pleasant respite in the Mexican Caribbean. The island has a wide variety of centrally located restaurants sure to make your mouth water. Here is our guid to the best Holbox restaurants to check out this year.
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Where to Eat
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CENTRO / PLAYA HOLBOX
Isla Holbox is 26 miles long, but only one mile wide and Centro/Playa Holbox is the place to find all of the best restaurants. This is also the heart of the island where you’ll find hotels, eateries, shops, and much more. Most places are easily walkable within Centro, located on the western end of the island.
Budget Restaurants
Las Panchas
Las Panchas is a local classic with terrific seafood, tasty margaritas, and live music in Centro. The warm ambiance and welcoming staff and traditional dishes make Las Panchas feel like a home cooked meal. You can fill up on some delicious bites of fish or shrimp tacos while enjoying the seaside view without breaking your wallet!
Arte Sano
If you’re looking for healthy but tasty options at a Mexican eatery, Arte Sano is your place in Centro. You’ll find that this restaurants offers a 70% vegan/30% vegetarian menu. Local favorites include scrumptious dishes such as broccoli and cauliflower popcorn falafel and lentil burgers, as well as traditional Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles for breakfast or stuffed chillis. Try the Green Goddess, it’s Arte Sano’s specialty. You’ll feel satisfied after eating here.
Barba Negra
A tropical vibe lends to the atmosphere at Barba Negra in Centro. Situated in the “Foodie Market”, Barba Negra is a taco stall you cannot miss. A local favorite for amazing tacos whether you grab a cocktail or tacos the food here is sure to satisfy your hunger. Try the Baja or Mayan Fish Tacos and the guacamole.
Tierra Mia Juice and Coffee
Tierra Mia is an environmentally friendly café with delicious smoothies, coffee, juices, light breakfasts, and lunches right in Centro. Everything is made fresh, and they import their delicious coffee from Chiapas. Try the Coco Latte, any of the fruit smoothies, and the bagels for a great start to the day!
Ceviches La Chingada
Ceviches La Chingada is a favorite local spot on Holbox and for good reason, the seafood is fresh and offered at a great price in Centro. The place has mouthwatering ceviches, seafood tacos, and platters that come in ample portions. Perfect for a family meal or a quick bite with friends.
Pinshis Tacos
If you are looking for some of the best tacos in Holbox, look no further than Pinshis Tacos. Between the location in Playa Holbox, the stellar service, fantastic prices, and the noteworthy tacos, Pinshisis a must-visit during your time here. Although all the tacos are equally delicious thanks to the meat being smoked to perfection for 12+ hours, local favorites include the pork belly, birria, octopus, and their creation, the Pinshis taco. Make sure to leave room for a fried Oreo for dessert, and thank us later!
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Midrange Restaurants
Roots Pizza a Leña
Try an International classic with a local twist at Roots Pizza a Leña in Centro. Their most famous pie is the lobster pizza, but they also offer plenty of unique pizzas, including “The Yucateca” and “The Poblana.” Fans of Roots rave about the friendly service, chill atmosphere, and perfect pizza crust.
Milpa
Milpa is a family-owned restaurant in Centro that serves modernized Mexican cuisine created by head chef Adrian Barajas. The restaurant only serves fresh locally-sourced ingredients with the highest quality produce. This not-so-well-kept secret is incredibly popular and reservations are recommended. All plates come with complimentary salsas, bread, and juices. For something special try the seasonal 5-course tasting menu.
Painapol
For a delightful, fresh, and colorful breakfast, head to Painapol in Centro. The chill vibes will have you relaxed in no time and every plate here looks like a work of art. The restaurant serves everything from fresh juices to tasty avocado toasts in a beautiful setting. Try the frappuccino, fresh fruit bowl, or avocado toast.
Parador 33
If you’re looking for something different give Parador 33 in Centro a try. This Argentine/Uruguayan restaurant serves up delicious fusion dishes in a gorgeous setting. Their pasta and bread are homemade, and all of their meat is grass-fed and free-range from the Uruguayan countryside. Try the Filete de Sal, a dish for two, as recommended by the chef. There are also plenty of vegetarian friendly, vegan, and gluten free options to choose from at Parador 33.
Maiztro Holbox
Maiztro is a taqueria that focuses on bringing a touch of various cities in Mexico to the beautiful island of Holbox. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 9 am to 12 am. Enjoy your delectable tacos in their lovely garden outdoor space, where live music often plays. Don’t miss out on brunch, and make sure to try one of their delicious and bright tropical cocktails. The birria tacos are a crowd favorite, as are Maiztro’s soups and black beans.
High-End Restaurants
Piedrasanta Holbox
At Piedrasanta Holbox, both the food and experience are magical at this stunning eatery in Centro. Set in a whimsical garden filled with fairy lights, the artistically prepared food and cocktails are the stuff of dreams. Did we mention that everything is also delicious? Don’t miss the ceviche, shrimp, and dessert. This is a must visit!
Ser Esencia Restaurant
This modern fusion restaurant is the brainchild of one of Mexico’s most acclaimed chefs, Roberto Solis. You’ll find Ser Esencia Restaurant inside the CasaSandra Boutique Hotel in Centro. The food fuses the flavors of Mayan culture with modern cooking techniques for a unique dining experience. Don’t miss the five course tasting menu or try the tropical ceviche, sashimi, and delicious mojitos.
Luuma
Luuma is a lively space that serves delicious tapas and refreshing artisan cocktails in their beautifully decorated garden setting in Centro. Exceptional contemporary Mexican and cosmopolitan cuisine. Luuma is often regarded as one of the best restaurants in Holbox, and they even have live music to add to the charming ambiance. Try the fresh surf and turf croquettes, octopus empanadas, and delicious cocktails.
Magma Restaurante
Magma Restaurante offers Mexican Asian fusion in a fantastic location on the rooftop of Tribu. The perfect place to stop after a brilliant sunset in Holbox, Magma Restaurante offers sensationally fresh dishes with inspiring fusion combinations. Try the smoked top sirloin, salt baked fish, or the delectable melanzane parmigiana. Make sure to sip on one of their tropical cocktails as you listen to live music in the evenings. Don’t miss out on the baak lava for dessert! For something a little different, inquire about the blindfolded dinner, where you are served three plates and eat blindfolded to enhance your dining experience.
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