If you’re a foodie like me and also believe that money spent on good food and drinks is an investment, then you’ll love exploring the thousands of restaurant options in Cancun.
Both in the restaurants of Cancun Hotel Zone, as in the restaurants in the city center, you will find variety and prices to suit all budgets.
If you're wondering where to eat in Cancun, I'll show you all the options, for all tastes and occasions.
In Cancun you will find Mexican, Italian, Chinese, French, Argentinean, Brazilian cuisine and the best seafood.
So, if you want to explore the best restaurants in Cancun during your trip to Mexico, join me on this food tour. To make your search easier, I’ve separated them into several categories. Let’s go!
Restaurants in Cancun: Typical
the little
Another great restaurant option in downtown Cancun is El Pocito. With very affordable prices, the restaurant also offers authentic Yucatecan cuisine. The restaurant is hidden away in the streets of downtown Cancun, but don’t worry, it’s very safe.
My suggestion is that you try the relleno cheese, which is a ball of cheese stuffed with meat. It is a typical and unforgettable dish. Try it without fear and then tell me what you think!
Address – Calle 31 Norte Lte 23 Mz35 SM 63, Centro
the string bean
This restaurant is a true institution in Cancun. Although they have a branch in the Hotel Zone (La Habichuela Sunset), I still prefer the one in the center. But it's up to you, the flavor is the same.
La Habichuela Cancun has been around since the 70s and was one of the pioneering restaurants in the city.
They know how to cook, they know how to present it and they know how to make you feel special… what more could you ask for! A fantastic menu, based on Mexican cuisine, delicious cuts of meat and good fish and seafood from the region. The place is beautiful.
Address: La Habichuela Centro – Calle 10 Margaritas 25
La Habichuela Sunset – Km 12.6 Blvd Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera
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Porfirio's Cancun
Traditional Mexican food is the driving force behind Porfirio’s. On their menu you can find everything from classic tacos in a gourmet version to delicious churros for dessert. Definitely a must for fans of this type of food.
Address – Blvd. Kukulcan KM 14.2, Hotel Zone.
Restaurants in Cancun: Famous
Lorenzillo's Cancun
Lorenzillos is another classic restaurant in Cancun that specializes in seafood and is recognized as one of the best restaurants in Cancun for serving a delicious dish, lobster.
The decor is particularly nautical and the atmosphere is calm and reserved, with soft background music, and it is located on the edge of the Nichupté Lagoon. It also has excellent facilities: a separate bar, terrace, VIP areas, valet parking and air conditioning.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcán, KM 10.5, Hotel Zone
Cancun Dangers
This is one of the best places to eat typical Mexican dishes in Cancun. It has typical decor from the early 20th century and is surrounded by paintings and different works of art that refer to the history of Mexico, and even some characteristic elements that customers can interact with and take photos with.
Their prices are quite reasonable, so if you are looking for cheap restaurants in Cancun, this could be a great option.
Address – Avenida Yaxchilán #61, Centro.
Fred's House Cancun
Fred's House is perfect especially for dining with the sea as your main companion. The atmosphere is relaxed and extremely romantic. When you go, don't forget to order some of their top-quality fish or seafood.
Address – Boulevard Kukulcán KM 14.5, Zona Hotelera.
Puerto Madero
The price may be a bit steep, but a visit to Puerto Madero Cancun is well worth it. The restaurant is located next to the Nichupté lagoon and has a cozy decor, ideal for a special cut of meat accompanied by a good Malbec wine.
Puerto Madero also specializes in Latin American and Italian cuisine. We suggest you try the seafood dish and the Argentine chorizo. For the record, Puerto Madero serves most of the food for the yachts in the area. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in the Cancun hotel zone.
Address – Boulevard Kukulcán, km 14.1, Zona Hotelera.
Restaurants in Cancun: Romantic
Thai
If you want to impress with a romantic dinner, Thai Lounge is one of my first suggestions. Located inside La Isla Shopping Mall, Thai offers an exotic atmosphere, as well as delicious Thai dishes that you can't miss.
But the best part is not yet. The restaurant has tables in beautiful private cabins overlooking the Nichupté Lagoon. It really is an unforgettable place!
The tip here is: Book well in advance and know that you will only be able to stay a few hours in the cabin, as demand is so high that they had to limit the time.
Address – Shopping La Isla, Blvd. Kukulcán Km12.5, Hotel Zone
Elephant
Elefanta is the sister restaurant of Thai and is located next to the Thai restaurant also on the edge of Nichupté Lagoon. The difference is that Elefanta serves delicious Indian food.
It features perfectly tropical decor, with lush plants, beautiful woodwork, cabana-style roofs and colorful lighting – all combining to create an enchanting and mystical atmosphere.
Choose tables by the lagoon (all cozy, comfortable and romantic). Here you will have the opportunity to taste exotic dishes prepared in Tandoor ovens by authentic Indian chefs. The bar/lounge sessions are cool and come alive after 22pm with DJs on Friday and Saturday.
Address – Shopping La Isla, Blvd. Kukulcán Km12.5, Hotel Zone
Mare by Cenacolo
In addition to being a romantic place, Mare is a great example of Italian cuisine. Its gastronomic offerings include dishes such as lobster risotto or the wonderful tuna tartare, among other specialties. They prepare their own pasta and are perhaps one of the best Italian restaurants in the Caribbean. If you are in Cancun, you definitely cannot miss it.
Address – Puerto Cancun, Marina Town Center, Km. 1.5 Zona Hotelera, Boulevard Kukulkan
From Mexico Cancun
This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Cancun, ideal for enjoying authentic French cuisine. It offers typical French dishes, including an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood.
A place of privacy and sophistication, both in its dishes and its ambiance. It has a space divided into three parts: the main reception room, a small and reserved dining room, and a romantic garden to end the evening with a glass of champagne. Perfect for impressing!
Address – Av. Bonampak 109, left. Calle Pargo, Mz 17, SM 3, Centro
Peter's Restaurant
The romantic Peter's is located in a small, cozy spot near the exit of Cancun's Hotel Zone. The personal attention from chef Peter himself and his wife Claudia Eder brings a warm tone to the restaurant.
The menu is based on international cuisine (Mediterranean and American) and Mexican, with interesting options that can be paired with a small but pleasant wine list. The prices are quite reasonable, but still not cheap. But since you're on vacation, it's worth it!
Address – Avenida Bonampak Mz 11 Lt 71-72
Limoncello Cancun
If you love Italian food and are looking for a romantic dinner in Cancun, Trattoria Limoncello is another great option. It has a beautiful terrace and a large dining room overlooking the Nichupté Lagoon. It serves delicious traditional Italian dishes and a wide variety of wines.
Its menus excellently combine the refined and the casual, in a spacious space, with traditional Italian music and large windows to enjoy the sunset.
Address – Blvd. Kukulcán Km 10.5, Hotel Zone
Restaurants in Cancun: Thematic
Bubba Gump Cancun
Run, Forest, run! The food isn't excellent (but that doesn't mean it's not good) compared to other restaurants in Cancun's Hotel Zone, but it's really cool to have lunch or dinner at Bubba Gump. The Forest Gump-themed decor and the house's location on the edge of Nichupté Lagoon make for a great afternoon/evening.
If you're a movie fanatic, you'll love the restaurant too. What to eat at Bubba Gump? Obviously what Bubba was an expert on: Shrimp! I really liked it.
Tip - The Run Forest and Stop Forest signs are used to call the waiter. If you leave them red (Stop) he will come and serve you.
Address – Flamingo Mall km 11.5, Boulevard Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera
Cheap restaurants in Cancun
The grandparent's house
If you don’t want to spend a lot and still want to try quality Mexican food, La Casa de los Abuelos is a great alternative. Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, you’ll find a good variety. The restaurant offers steaks, fajitas, tacos and much more. It’s worth it!
Address – Av. Bonampak Mz. 1 Lot 4 Location 50 Sm. 4A / Av. Kabah MZA 4 LTE 2 LOC 5-A / Av. Coba Mza. 2 Lte 1, Super Manzana.
those of fish
Los de Pescado serves breaded fish or shrimp tacos. It’s actually quite tasty and inexpensive, perfect for those who are visiting downtown Cancun and want to save money. Try it with the delicious sauces on offer.
Address – Avenida Tulum Mz. 7 Lt. 32, Supermanzana 20 / Av. Las Torres Smza. 523 Mza. 5 Lot 1, San Gerónimo.
Ty-Coz Express
Ty-Coz Express offers delicious baguettes at great prices. It’s a great option for a quick snack or even to take to eat at a beach or cenote. Best of all, you’ll find a branch in the hotel zone.
Address – Km 8.5 MZA 48 LTE 1 Local 3, Plaza El Parian – Zona Hotelera.
Taqueria Loteria
Taqueria Loteria is a local favorite. The place is simple, but offers a good variety of tacos and quesadillas. Don’t forget to try the tacos al pastor. This is your chance to try authentic Mexican tacos. They’re so good!
Address – Calle 53 Nte. 6, 62 – Near the exit of the hotel zone. It is at the intersection of Chichén Itzá and Palenque avenues.
Bait Lajam Arabic Tacos
Tacos Árabes are common in many cities in Mexico, but there is nothing Arab about them. They are burritos stuffed with meat or chicken, lettuce, and cheese, and they are delicious. Just one is enough to satisfy even the biggest eater. We suggest you try the tamarind sauce with your taco. It's big and cheap!
Address – Av. 135 251, Villas del Arte, Cancun
Chedraui Select
The Chedraui supermarket in the hotel area has Chedraui Selecto, a restaurant that offers a good variety of food at good prices. The food is not excellent, but the cost-benefit is worth it. So you can take advantage and do some shopping. Beer is much cheaper than in other places. Chedraui Selecto is very close to the nightclubs and Plaza Forum.
Address – Boulevard Kukulcán mz. 48, LT. ZC1 – F1 Y 6A, Hotel Zone
Brazilian restaurants in Cancun
Bovino´s
If you can't stay away from a good barbecue even when you're in another country, Bovino's will save your life. The Brazilian restaurant offers high-quality meat in the traditional rodizio style and has a cold cuts bar with delicious options.
Some say that eating at Brazilian steakhouses in Mexico is better than in Brazil because of the quality of the meat. The price per person is approximately 80 reais.
Address – Avenida Yaxchilán Manzana 2, Lote 4, Super manzana 17
Brazilian Steakhouse
Churrascaria Brasileirão offers a simpler service when compared to Bovino's. The cold cuts bar is smaller and the variety of meats leaves something to be desired. On the other hand, it has good quality and is much cheaper than the competition. Don't be afraid to go!
Address – Chinchén-Itzá mz 40 lt 13, Supermanzana 59
Restaurant tips in Cancun
Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive hotel in Cancun, it is worth going out for at least one day to explore the city's restaurants. This way, you will be able to try authentic food and greatly help the local economy.
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