Holbox Restaurant Guide
The Best Places To Eat On The Island
Updated April 2023
Welcome to Holbox
Isla Holbox is a spectacular island off the northern shores of Mexico’s Yucatán 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. You won’t regret a visit to any of these restaurants on Isla Holbox.
Holbox Map
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
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 Options
Las Panchas
$, Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
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
$, Mexican, Latin, Healthy
If you’re looking for healthy but tasty options at a Mexican eatery, Arte Sano is your place in Centro. You’ll find traditional favorites like chilaquiles with fresh local eggs, but the menu also has numerous appetizing vegetarian and vegan options. Try the Green Goddess, it’s Arte Sano’s specialty. You’ll feel satisfied after eating here.
Barba Negra
$ Mexican, Latin, Seafood
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
$, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
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
$, Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
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.
Los Peleones Holbox
$$ - $$$, Italian, Mexican, Seafood
Whenever guests visit Holbox, they love visiting this crazy luchador themed rooftop restaurant in Centro. This funky spot serves high-quality housemade pasta and refreshing drinks. The portions are generous, and the leftovers could last you several meals. You may even leave with your own luchador mask.
Check out our Packing List For Beach Vacation!
Midrange Options
Roots Pizza a Leña
$$ - $$$, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
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
$$ - $$$, Mexican, Mediterranean, Deli
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
$$ - $$$, Cafe, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly
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
$$ - $$$, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
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.
High-End Options
Piedrasanta Holbox
$$$$ Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
At Piedrasanta Holbox, both the food and experience are magical at this stunning eatery in Centro. Set in a whimsical garden filled with fairy lights, the artistically prepared food and cocktails are the stuff of dreams. Did we mention that everything is also delicious? Don’t miss the ceviche, shrimp, and dessert. This is a must visit!
Ser Esencia Restaurant
$$$$, Mexican, Seafood, International
This modern fusion restaurant is the brainchild of one of Mexico’s most acclaimed chefs, Roberto Solis. You’ll find Ser Esencia Restaurant inside the CasaSandra Boutique Hotel in Centro. The food fuses the flavors of Mayan culture with modern cooking techniques for a unique dining experience. Don’t miss the sashimi sea bass, margaritas, and the chocolate tamale for dessert.
Luuma
$$$$, Mexican, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly
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 tuna ceviche, octopus empanadas, and delicious cocktails.
More
MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Cancun, Islands, Tulum and More
Holbox Hotel Guide
Holbox Visitors Guide
Cancun Visitors Guide
Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide
Tulum Visitors Guide
Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide
Cozumel Visitors Guide
Isla Contoy Visitors Guide
The Best Cenotes in Yucatan
Getting Around The Yucatan
Tulum Mayan Ruins Guide
Packing List For Beach Vacation
Travel Quick Search
Roots Pizza a Lena was such a great restaurant for my whole family! We were ready for something that wasn’t traditional food, so we were looking for food online and came across this website. Thank you for the suggestion. It was great!
My wife and I are complete foodies and came across this food guide while researching places to eat on our next vacation. This list makes it really hard to just decide on a few. All of these places look great.
My boyfriend and I went to Luuma after finding this page. Their food was spot on and having the live music made for a perfect night. If anything, go for the atmosphere. It was so modern and fun.
Great list of restaurants….we went to a few on this list, but Parador 33 was our favorite. Their homemade pasta was fantastic and the atmosphere was nice. Thanks for all the suggestions.
You’re welcome. Happy to help.
Honestly this is the only food guide I have found that is actually on point. All the recommendations are fantastic. If you are a food person, eat at every place this guide recommended. Thank you Island Life Mexico! Yummy
We wish we had enough time on the island to visit all these wonderful sounding restaurants. Thank you for doing all the work for us and posting this article. Excellent picks!