The quaint island of Cozumel is located a few miles off the coast of mainland Mexico. However, it’s primarily famous for its beaches and top-notch diving sites. If you’re like us, you want to plan your trip to include eating at some of the best restaurants in Cozumel.
During your visit, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, with amazing taquerias and seafood restaurants on practically every corner. However, there are also plenty of places that have a strong Caribbean, Italian, and American influence, which has created a diverse mix of creative and inspiring dishes that you would be remiss not to try.
We’ve put together this article to help plan your trip and make sure your stomach leaves smiling after visiting some of the best restaurants Cozumel has to offer.
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1. Buccanos At Night
If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Cozumel for a special occasion or a great view Buccanos At Night is the place. This swanky establishment has panoramic ocean views, strong tropical cocktails, and a creative, internationally inspired menu guaranteed to be one of your favorite Cozumel restaurants. It’s located north of the pier next to the Cozumel Country Club, although the drive will be worth it once you see the spectacular ocean-front setting. Read our Cozumel rental car tips article before renting a car in Cozumel!
On the menu, you’ll find freshly prepared lobster nachos, crispy soft-shell crab, and grilled local Mayan octopus – that’s just for the appetizers! Choose between seafood skewers, Caribbean lobster tails, or filet mignon for main dishes. Buccanos At Night also has the best sushi in Cozumel, using unique flavors like coconut shrimp, salmon tartar, or whatever is caught fresh that day.
If you aren’t visiting Cozumel at night, it’s still worth visiting the restaurants Buccanos At Day.
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2. Rock N Java
The best breakfast in Cozumel can be found here at Rock n Java. Located just several steps away from the Cozumel ferry pier, this laid-back joint will probably be your favorite go-to breakfast place during your vacation. They serve all the classics, like Belgian waffles, mixed omelets, and even croissant sandwiches. Or you can choose something with a more local flavor like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, or enfrijoladas.
Although breakfast is their specialty, Rock N Java is also open for lunch and dinner. They also have plenty of vegetarian options, such as veggie wraps, veggie burgers, and black bean tacos. It’s an all-around great spot for food (and the water views aren’t too shabby either).
It’s a great place to fuel up before heading out and exploring the island. Here are our favorite things to do in Cozumel.
3. Mister Taco
If you’re looking for authentic tacos bursting with flavor and topped with fresh ingredients in Cozumel, look no further than Mister Taco. This place is constantly buzzing with locals (it’s outside the main touristy center of downtown, yet still within walking distance from the water).
Their menu, while small, has all the classic types of tacos you would expect. However, their al pastor tacos are simply out of this world. The succulent meat is shredded off a skewer Gyro-style and topped with fresh-cut onion, cilantro, and a slice of fresh pineapple. Best of all, they’re open late into the night so that you can satisfy those late-night cravings after a night on the town.
If you are on the hunt for the best tacos in Cozumel, come to Mister Taco. Don’t expect anything fancy. It’s just a simple taco shop with amazing tacos. They don’t even have a website.
Related Article: Best Tacos in Playa del Carmen
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4. K’ooben Laab
Cozumel may be known for its fresh seafood and mouthwatering tacos, but sometimes you just want a nice, hearty bowl of pasta instead. If that’s the case, stop by K’ooben Laab, the best Italian restaurant in Cozumel. You choose the style of pasta you like (you can’t go wrong with any since they are all made by hand) along with the type of sauce.
Tagliatelle with pesto, tortellini with sausage, or garganelli with carbonara, are just a few combinations we recommend trying. And don’t forget an order of freshly baked homemade focaccia bread as a side. The restaurant itself is also incredibly charming, and it’s just a few blocks from the pier. You can grab a table in their indoor dining room or on their open-aired rooftop patio. Pasta prices range from 85-150 pesos depending on the sauce and noodle type.
Related Article: Best Pizza in Playa del Carmen
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5. La Monina
Breakfast with a view doesn’t sound half bad, especially when the food and the location are as great as they are at La Monina. This beach-themed restaurant is just a short walk north along the coast and features an impressive breakfast menu that will leave you happy, full, and satisfied all day long. We’re talking about six types of chilaquiles, five types of omelets, and specialty dishes like breakfast empanadas, pancakes, and egg enchiladas.
We also recommend coming for evening cocktails to watch the sunset. And if you happen to visit on a Saturday, you’ll be treated to live music during happy hour time. It’s def one of our go-to places when wanting to eat at the best restaurants in Cozumel.
6. El Pique
Located right in the heart of Cozumel’s city center is El Pique, another great option if you’re craving authentic tacos in Cozumel. The building is nothing fancy (there are only a few seats in their open-aired dining area), but the tacos are fresh, juicy, and perfectly grilled. Al pastor, beef loin, chorizo, chicken, and tripe are just a few of the options they serve. You can get them topped with cheese or onions, cilantro, and lime if you’re looking for something on the lighter side.
In addition to the tacos, El Pique also serves fajitas, frijoles, and gringas. Their drink menu is limited to just a few beers, but it’s the perfect companion to all the mouthwatering food you’re going to eat here.
7. La Conchita del Caribe
Escape the overpriced, touristy restaurants of Cozumel’s city center and head to La Conchita del Caribe. A quick 25 to 30-minute walk takes you to this casual Caribbean-inspired seafood restaurant. The food is fresh, the staff is friendly, and the portions are enormous and reasonably priced, which are all the ingredients for a great dining experience.
Start things off with a bowl of ceviche or a shrimp cocktail, both of which are notably mind-blowing. Then for your entrée, choose between different types of fish filets, fried fish, lobster, squid, conch, or octopus. Or, if you’re feeling especially hungry, you can order the seafood platter, which includes a little bit of all of the above.
Non-seafood eaters don’t need to worry because they will also have a few different options on the menu. There’s a wide selection of meat-based dishes, including fajitas, hamburgers, and BBQ steaks.
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8. Punta Sur Cerveceria
On an island known for tropical cocktails and tequila shots, it’s refreshing to see there’s a place focused solely on craft beer. Punta Sur Cerveceria is the only microbrewery in Cozumel, with all their beers being brewed right here on-site. Some of their best sellers include Mexi-Kolsch (Mexican-style Kolsch), sour lime gose, grapefruit and peach IPA, and their rich dry stout.
Besides the brewery, you can also grab a table in their brewpub to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. They specialize in lionfish (it’s actually the only type of seafood they serve), and each one is individually caught by hand by local fishermen. You can also try one of their salads, pizzas, or empanadas if you’re looking for something on the smaller side.
9. La Perlita
This colorfully festive hole-in-the-wall is famous for its seafood dishes. Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood a short drive from the water, La Perlita has a massive menu serving every type of fish, crustacean, and mussel imaginable. If you’re looking for a unique restaurant in Cozumel, this place is worth the drive!
Their prized specialty item is lionfish, which is regarded as one of the most invasive species in the Caribbean. This buttery fish is flash-fried with shreds of coconut and served with a side of vegetables and rice. Other delicacies on the menu include tequila-soaked lobster, shrimp kebabs, and fried fish.
- Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 8 am – 9 pm
- Address: Calle 10 Nte 499, Emiliano Zapata
10. Caribe Burger
You would never know it, but Cozumel makes one of the best burgers in Mexico! And it’s just a stone’s throw away from the pier, so it’s close to all the beaches and hot spots in town. The menu is pretty simple, but the burgers are thick, juicy, and probably better than many burger places in the US.
Everything is made fresh in-house (never frozen), including their fries, onion rings, and real ice cream milkshakes. They even have BBQ veggie or lentil burgers for non-meat eaters and tacos and burritos for those who prefer something with more Mexican flavors.
11. Restaurante El Palomar Cozumel
Consistently rated as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Cozumel, Restaurante El Palomar Cozumel deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s chic, romantic, and located inside a historic house with a prime location on Main Street and picturesque views of the ocean from the outdoor patio. Although it’s more upscale than other places by the beach, the quality of food and the stylish décor is worth every penny.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, although you should try either the pork belly tacos, sofrito de pulpo, lobster naan, or rosemary chicken. Cocktail enthusiasts will also love their unique drink menu (go for the spicy mezcal), all of which are handcrafted by the mixologist at the bar.
Cozumel has all the makings of a perfect vacation destination – sun, sand, and delicious, mouthwatering food. Even if you’re only coming for a few days, you’ll have plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, many of which are located close to the water and pier. So give them a shot. You’ll never know which delicious dish might just become your new favorite!
12. No Name Bar
If you are looking for a Cozumel beach club to spend the day and have some good food, head to the No Name Bar. Located steps away from the pier on the main floor of the Hotel Barracuda sits one of the most chill pool and beach bars in Cozumel.
It’s a great place to unwind with an afternoon drink or to grab a quick bite to eat after hitting the beach. It can be on the pricier end of the spectrum, but after all, you’re paying for the amazing views and fun beach club atmosphere.
13. Cuatro Taco – Currently closed since Covid we hope they reopen
This colorful café is a fan favorite amongst tourists. Not just because they’re located within walking distance to the pier but because their tacos are some of the best in the city. Although their prices are a little higher than other taquerias (4 tacos for $7), they’re made with high-quality ingredients and served piping hot.
They have eight different types of tacos – steak, beef ribs, campechano, chicken mole, stuffed chile, portobello, and choriqueso, plus an ever-changing taco of the day. If you can’t choose between those options, you can’t try their taco tasting, which includes one taco of each plus a side of homemade guacamole. If you’re still hungry after that, you can try one of their other specialty items, like fajitas, alambre, or quesadillas.
Where do you think are the best restaurants in Cozumel? We’re always looking for new restaurants in Cozumel to try, but it’s always tempting to return to our favorites!
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