Located right on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun’s abundance of freshly caught fish and crustaceans from the ocean depths is reflected in the variety of seafood dishes: seafood cocktails, ceviche, fillets and more. The culinary traditions of the neighboring states of Yucatán, Tabasco and Chiapas, have also influenced the flavors of Cancún — pork, chili peppers, bananas, citrus and avocados are all popular in the local cuisine. The resort’s popularity with foreigners has also left its mark on local cuisine, so many Japanese, Lebanese and Indian restaurants can be found here.
We are pleased to offer you 10 great restaurants in Cancun where you can find food for every taste.
1.Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Steakhouse, seafood, modern
TripAdvisor rating: 5.0 (8171 reviews)
This extraordinarily beautiful haute cuisine restaurant is sure to meet and exceed all the expectations of the public looking for a truly exceptional dining experience. What really characterizes Harry’s, apart from its atmosphere and location, is the extraordinary quality of its gastronomic offerings. The restaurant specializes in steaks and uses a very limited amount of seasonings and spices to draw attention to the natural flavor of the meat and other ingredients used. Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar is also known for its bar and wine list, causing many to choose it for birthdays and anniversaries. And the great service keeps its guests coming back to this place again and again.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $35.00.
Popular dishes:
- filet mignon;
- tomahawk steak;
- kobe beef.
Benefits:
- comfortable atmosphere;
- tasty steaks;
- beautiful view on the patio;
- polite service.
Disadvantages:
- not everyone likes the price/quality ratio;
- smoking is allowed on the terrace, and there may also be mosquitoes;
- some guests complained about being swapped meals and drinks in their order for more expensive ones.
Amenities: bar, large selection of wine and beer, tables on the terrace, beautiful view, access for people with disabilities.
A restaurant trick: they offer cotton candy as a compliment.
2.Ilios Greek Estiatorio
International, mediterranean, greek
TripAdvisor rating: 5.0 – 1568 reviews
Ilios Greek Estiatorio is an oasis of Mediterranean cuisine on the Caribbean coast. The restaurant respects the traditions and characteristics of classical Greek cuisine, taking dishes to a new level by using modern cooking techniques. The restaurant also features an exceptional and harmonious eco-design with a predominance of wood and stone decor, unusual for this region. So, this place will be appreciated by everyone who misses Europe and can find it here in the food and interior. A rich show-program will not let any guest get bored. Branches of Ilios are also available in Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Mexico City.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $35.00.
Popular dishes:
- longfin gobans (sea fish);
- grilled vegetables;
- greek salad.
Benefits:
- delicious food;
- atmosphere and location;
- beautiful decorations in the interior of the restaurant;
- good show program.
Disadvantages:
- sometimes the waiters are not very polite;
- according to some guests the food is not always like Greek food.
Amenities: private parking, DJ and show program, free wi-fi, large selection of cocktails, smoking area outside.
The restaurant’s specialty: a variety of shows and entertainment every night: from belly dancing to plate smashing.
3.Peter’s Restaurante
International, European, healthy
TripAdvisor rating: 5.0 – 1329 reviews
Dutch chef Peter Houben’s small, cozy restaurant. Peter spent most of his life cooking in various restaurants in Europe and the Caribbean before settling in Mexico, where he opened his own restaurants in Mexico City and Cancun. Now he and his wife Claudia and son Eder personally delight their guests with unforgettable dinners every day and regularly go out to socialize with guests. This family atmosphere sets Peter’s Restaurante apart from other establishments in the resort because it makes guests feel at home even when their home is very far away.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $17.
Popular dishes:
- mushroom ravioli;
- key lime pie;
- beef brisket.
Benefits:
- great food;
- excellent service;
- good selection of wine;
- the chef personally welcomes guests;
- it is possible to buy some products used in dishes.
Disadvantages:
- not all waiters speak English;
- small bar.
Amenities: large selection of beer and wine, gluten-free meals, outside smoking area, access for people with disabilities.
The restaurant’s specialty: personal communication between the chef and his family and the guests.
4.Restaurante Käajal
Mexican, international, healthy
TripAdvisor rating: 5.0 – 329 reviews
Restaurante Kaajal is a delightful restaurant with a breathtaking view of the marina and yachts, located in the Renaissancé Hotel. Although the restaurant is owned by the hotel, it is open to everyone at any time of the day. At breakfast you can choose dishes from the huge buffet, and in the evening you can dine in peace on the terrace, enjoying the good weather and the stunning view.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $10.
Popular dishes:
- coconut shrimp;
- taco;
- opuntia dishes (cactus plant).
Benefits:
- great breakfast;
- friendly and attentive staff;
- beautiful view;
- impeccable cleanliness in the dining room.
Disadvantages:
- no memorable «highlight».
Amenities: suitable for vegetarians, own bar, open from morning, accepts credit cards.
The restaurant’s specialty: a great breakfast.
5.Lorenzillo’s
Caribbean, seafood
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4.5 – 5777 reviews
One of the most famous places in Cancun, which for more than 30 years has been serving lobster in every possible form: grilled, boiled, steamed or in butter. The restaurant has its own lobster farm, tended by biologists. So the seafood at Lorenzillo’s is as fresh as can be. However, when guests come for the succulent lobsters, they also stay for the unforgettable atmosphere, because the lagoon-side location offers a great view of the water, and the beautiful details that adding the coziness.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $35.00.
Popular dishes:
- soft shell crab;
- squids;
- lobster croquettes.
Benefits:
- beautiful view of the lagoon, especially during sunset;
- time-tested place;
- excellent service;
- quiet, peaceful place.
Disadvantages:
- tips are included in the lunch bill;
- the presentation of the lobster does not match the ideas of some guests;
- relatively high prices.
Amenities: can be reserved for a banquet, delivery, take-out, beautiful view, handicapped access.
The restaurant’s specialty: sitting in the restaurant you can watch turtles and alligators swimming in the lagoon.
6.Porfirio’s Cancún
Mexican, Latin American, modern
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 – 5,097 reviews
Porfirio’s menu consists of traditional Mexican dishes that are transformed with innovative technology and new, bold flavors. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in the kitchen. Local barmen help to choose the perfect drink for any dish since the restaurant offers a selected collection of about 100 tequila and mescal brands. Porfirio’s restaurant has a refined and elegant atmosphere. The interior has been carefully designed: large mirrors and a perfect combination of natural and artificial light create a striking visual effect in the room, which emphasizes the elegance and sophistication of the institution.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $24.
Popular dishes:
- churros;
- grilled octopus;
- beef ribs.
Benefits:
- attentive and professional service;
- great food;
- interesting show program;
- great atmosphere;
- good selection of drinks;
- beautiful view.
Disadvantages:
- in some parts of the restaurant it is very noisy;
- according to some guests the price does not correspond to the quality;
- overpriced wine.
Amenities: large selection of beer, wine and cocktails, smoking area outside, there are tables on the terrace, you can take food to go, access for people with disabilities.
A specialty of the restaurant: almost every night the mariachi (traditional Mexican music) play in the restaurant.
7.Puerto Madero
Seafood, grill, modern
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 – 4774 reviews
The most exclusive restaurant in Cancun, opened in 2004. The informal but elegant atmosphere is accompanied by soft music and invites its guests to enjoy delicious food and great service. For the menu, the creators have chosen the best meat, fish, seafood and lobster caught in Maine. All the ingredients are brought from different parts of the world and are cooked on an exclusive charcoal grill to the highest quality standards. The restaurant also offers a large selection of excellent Argentine wines and drinks from every part of the world. Every evening guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the setting sun from the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. Puerto Madero promises to make any lunch or dinner an unforgettable experience, whether it’s a family gathering, a business lunch or a romantic evening.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $35.
Popular dishes:
- filet mignon;
- empanadas;
- chocolate desserts.
Benefits:
- extensive wine list;
- excellent location;
- delicious food;
- good service;
- outstanding desserts.
Disadvantages:
- high prices;
- long wait for the bill.
Amenities: parking in front of the restaurant by hotel staff, cigar room, there is a VIP room, great view, access for people with disabilities.
The main feature of the restaurant: an exquisite restaurant with a special attitude to each guest.
8.Captain’s Cove
Caribbean, seafood, suitable for vegetarians
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 – 3189 reviews
Another restaurant with a 30-year history, Captain’s Cove, is popular with Cancun locals as well as its many guests. It also specializes in seafood, but the menu also includes many high-quality meat dishes. The restaurant is located on the shore of the lagoon in the city’s hotel area and is known for its thatched roof that covers the dining area from the sun. And the seafood used to prepare the dishes is fished in the outskirts of town every morning.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $15.
Popular dishes:
- filet mignon;
- empanadas;
- chocolate desserts.
Benefits:
- spectacular view;
- tasty steaks;
- desserts as a compliment to the holidays;
- romantic setting;
- time-tested place.
Disadvantages:
- slow service;
- there are problems with reservations.
Amenities: weekend brunch, extensive cocktail and wine list, no smoking, terrace tables, gluten-free menu items, disabled access.
The restaurant’s specialty: private events for up to 200 people can be held in the restaurant.
9.El Fish Fritanga
Mexican, Caribbean, seafood
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 – 2176 reviews
El Fish Fritanga restaurant can also be found in the center of Cancun’s hotel area. The menu here is also based on seafood: fried fish, octopus and lobsters. And for those guests who do not like or are tired of seafood, the restaurant offers steaks and different kinds of Italian pasta. El Fish Fritanga features a relaxed atmosphere and location right on the beach with tables standing on the sand. You can also hear live music and send the kids to the playground to keep them busy while the adults enjoy dinner.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $15.
Popular dishes:
- tostadas with ceviche;
- buttered lobster tails;
- specialty whole fried fish;
- penne alla vodka.
Benefits:
- large selection of seafood;
- good value for money;
- health food.
Disadvantages:
- waiters are not always aware of the composition of dishes;
- special offers do not always correspond to reality.
Amenities: dance parties, open late, suitable for vegans, beautiful view, weekend brunch.
A restaurant’s specialty: it’s right on the beach.
10.La Habichuela Downtown
Mexican, Caribbean, seafood
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 – 1164 reviews
Located in the historic downtown area, La Habichuela is one of Cancun’s oldest establishments with more than 32 years of history. Some say, «If you don’t know La Habichuela, you don’t know Cancun». The restaurant has an authentic Mayan cultural atmosphere, attentive service and a unique menu. It serves Caribbean seafood, Mexican cuisine, steaks and international dishes. All this has created a solid reputation for the restaurant. La Habichuela has been awarded the Five Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and is a proud recipient of the national Best Restaurant Award.
- Average price for dinner per person: from $15.
Popular dishes:
- campechi lucian (sea fish);
- soft shell crab;
- seafood and chicken appetizers in mole (spicy Mexican sauce).
Benefits:
- excellent service;
- cozy atmosphere;
- large selection of dishes;
- the place is quiet enough.
Disadvantages:
- occasional booking problems;
- guests often confuse it with another closed place because of the same name.
Amenities: private parking, private bar, outside smoking area, take-away food, terrace tables.
The restaurant’s specialty: One of the few restaurants in Cancun offering authentic Mexican cuisine for more than 30 years.