Isla Mujeres Restaurant Guide
The Best Places To Eat On The Island
Updated November 2023
Welcome to Isla Mujeres
Eight miles offshore from Cancun is the enchanting island of Isla Mujeres. You’ll find pristine beaches, a laid back vibe, and delicious island cuisine. The restaurant scene is centered around Hidalgo Street in the Centro area, however, you can also find great Isla Mujeres restaurants spread throughout the Mid-Island Bay Area and Sac Bajo beachfront road. Let’s explore the food scene of Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres Map
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
CENTRO / PLAYA NORTE
Centro is the heart of Isla Mujeres. This is where everything is happening on the island. You’ll find exciting hotels, restaurants, beaches and much more here. Centro is at the northern end of the island and most places in this area are easily walkable.
MID-ISLAND BAY AREA
In the center of the island, the Mid-Island Bay Area is where the various residential “colonias” are located. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture this is the area for you. You’ll get a more local feel in Mid-Island Bay on Isla Mujeres.
SAC BAJO
Sac Bajo is a lovely peninsula along the island’s western shore with condos, a few luxury hotels and charming seaside restaurants. This hidden paradise features unparalleled privacy on Isla Mujeres. You’ll get excellent views of the Caribbean with a mixed bag on beachs.
Budget Options
Lonchería La Lomita
$, Mexican, Latin, Soups
This small gem just south of downtown Centro is most famous for its clay pot bean soup and seafood chile rellenos. The friendly service and good prices make Loncheria La Lomita a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Hang out and have an ice-cold cervesa to wash it all down!
Los Tacos De Humo
$, Mexican, Latin, Seafood
Taco lovers can’t miss Los Tacos De Humo in Centro, voted the best tacos in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy inventive and unique takes on Mexican classics at this fan favorite. Don’t miss the award winning fish tacos and refreshing margaritas. They’re even known for bringing guests a complimentary round of fresh cinnamon donuts!
El Charco
$, Mexican, Latin, Spanish
If you’re looking for really well-done traditional Mexican food, El Charco in Mid-Island Bay is your spot. A varied menu that includes traditional dishes is what keeps locals coming back for more. You can fill up on tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, but make sure to try the steak tacos, they are grilled to perfection.
Mango Café
$$ - $$$, Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
Mango Café is a local favorite breakfast and lunch spot in Mid-Island Bay with a bright colorful atmosphere and a menu loaded with great tastes for everyone. They have excellent huevos rancheros, breakfast quesadillas, and french toast that you can wash down with a cup of their specialty espresso.
Food Carts on the Town Square
$ Public Market
For a truly authentic experience in Centro find some delicious street food in the evenings at a food cart in the town square. When the sun goes down, these carts open up and serve delicious salbutes, marquesitas, tacos, and empanadas. You can also find food carts along the beach that serve the same delicious Mexican favorites.
Q'Bravo
$, Mexican, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly
Q’Bravo is one of those local spots in Centro that you really shouldn’t miss when you visit Isla Mujeres. Incredible food that starts with fresh eggs and finishes with late afternoon scrumptious classic Mexican lunches. Everything on the menu is local, fresh, and affordable. Breakfast is the star of the show, make sure to try the huevos rancheros or a breakfast burrito.
Midrange Options
Olivia
$$ - $$$, Moroccan, Mediterranean, Greek
For a unique blend of Greek and Moroccan flavors visit Olivia in Centro. Everything served at Olivia is made from scratch daily. The restaurant serves up heaping portions of shareable dishes, including Greek salad, baba ganoush, and pita bread in a beautiful garden setting. Try the curry chicken or one of the many skewers offered, you won’t be disappointed.
Xantolo
$$-$$$, Mexican, Latin, Bar
Xantolo puts traditional dishes from all over Mexico under one roof with a hint of fine dining added for perfection. This new culinary experience brings the richness and warmth of Mexican food right to your table. You can’t leave without trying their homemade mole or green sauces. Make sure to have a guajillo chili and hibiscus flower salt-rimmed margarita with your meal. Xantolo does not serve your average cocktail. Their professional mixologist takes the handcrafted menu base to another level.
Capricci Pizza & Sfizi
$$ - $$$, Italian, Pizzaria
In the mood for some wood-fired pizza or fresh Italian food in general, stop in at Capricci Pizza & Sfizi in Centro. It’s considered the best pizza on the island due to the perfectly baked crusts and beautifully balanced sauces. The warm, relaxed atmosphere of this quaint indoor/outdoor restaurant will have you coming back for more. You can’t go wrong with a classic Pizza Margherita Reale.
Lola Valentina
$$ - $$$, Mexican, Caribbean, Latin
The food at Lola Valentina in Centro is a creative Caribbean fusion that will make your taste buds sing! Exceptional service, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and excellent prices have patrons singing the praises of this island favorite. Everything from their blue corn empanadas with tamarind dipping sauce to their coconut French toast is made from scratch daily. Don’t miss the lobster macaroni!
Ocean’s Isla
$$-$$$, Mexican, Caribbean, Seafood
At Ocean’s, you will find the freshest seafood with a Mexican twist. Grilled meat, vegetarian options, and delicious, refreshing cocktails will leave you wanting more. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer the perfect combination of a welcoming, cozy, and open restaurant that meets exceptional cuisine. You can even watch your meal being prepared in front of your eyes in Ocean’s open kitchen. Check out the seared tuna; it’s a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
High-End Options
IXI Beach Seafood Restaurant
$$$$, Mexican, Seafood, Bar
The main focus at IXI Beach Seafood Restaurant is authenticity, purity, and a reinterpretation of the Isla Mujeres cuisine. Between the fantastic service and vibrant atmosphere, guests are sure to love dining here after a day exploring Playa Norte. Make sure to try the local Shrimp Kibis (Yucatan Kibis are made with wheat dough mixed with Edam cheese and stuffed with shrimp). The catch of the day is a favorite at IXI Beach Seafood Restaurant, as is the Surf ‘n’ Turf Brochette.
Limón
$$$$, Seafood, International, Fusion
Guests at Limón can enjoy world class fine dining in a charming courtyard setting in Mid-Island Bay. The restaurant is a fusion of international and Mexican cuisine that features ocean-to-table seafood. Don’t miss some of the finest steak and freshly caught lobster on the island, and it’s cooked right in front of you.
Lolo Lorena
$$$$, French, Mediterranean, European
This reservation-only spot, Lolo Lorena is a memorable culinary experience that is a creative fusion of local and European influences in Mid-Island Bay. Try imaginative dishes such as the filet in a banana leaf or the seafood cassoulet. The ambiance and fantastic service only add to the experience at Lolo’s.
Casa Rolandi
$$$$, Italian, Seafood, International
Located in the Zoetry Villa Rolandi resort, enjoy an extravagant dinner with a stunning ocean view at Casa Rolandi in Sac Bajo. Take a break from the busy streets and enjoy fine dining, excellent service, beautiful view, and amazing food. Inspired by Switzerland and Italy this restaurant serves up tasty seafood plates and pasta dishes. Try the Black Cod cooked Shiro Miso style and the macaroon surprise for dessert. The restaurant is open to the public, but we suggest making a reservation ahead of time.
Le Metissage
$$$$, European, French, Mexican
Le Metissage is also located in the Hyatt Zoetry Villa Rolandi. This casually elegant restaurant features inspired dishes that combine French-Mexican cuisine flawlessly. For amazing service and a flavorful meal, it’s hard to beat Le Metissage. Try the seven-course tasting menu to truly get a taste of French-Mexican fusion. Menu favorites include exquisite dishes such as ravioli stuffed with wild mushroom on top of a creamy truffle sauce, Thai salad with sauteed shrimp or the black ink risotto with octopus. The wine list here is also sure to impress.
Lola Valentina was one of my favorite restaurants that I went to while at Isla Mujeres. I’m glad it made the list. I’m looking forwards to trying some of these other restaurants on this list the next time I’m there.
Thank you so very much for this guide. I am a solo traveller. 3rd time to Isla, but this is my longest stay at 3 months. I’ve been exploring by trial and error and your site has given me some great insider tips! I now have a list of things to do and places to eat!
Glad you like it! Have a wonderful visit!
I would never have known about the food carts if I didn’t find your website, YUM, a must visit. So unbelievably great. I just love your recommendations.