Vacationing in Cancún, you’ll find no shortage of exquisite dining options at your disposal. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve prepared this list of five places you absolutely need to try. However, be warned: you will be hungry after you finish reading this.
La Fonda del Zancudo
This intimate downtown hotspot offers rustic, European-style cuisine off of a small and ever-changing menu of daily specials. Fresh seafood is a must here (though, to be honest, fresh seafood is a must anywhere you go in Cancún), as are the desserts.
Lorenzillo’s
Fished directly from the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, lobster is a delicacy in Cancún – and something you should absolutely try while visiting the area. There’s no better place to try said lobster than the famous Lorenzillo’s, where the savory crustaceans are lovingly prepared in a number of different ways for hungry guests. You can ask for it boiled, steamed, grilled, or better yet -served in a massive taco with rice, beans and guacamole.
Parque de las Palapas
Not a restaurant, per se, Parque de las Palapas is still one of the more affordable and delicious dining destinations in all of Cancún. This park, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, is home to a number of street vendors serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Here, you’ll find massive tortas (Mexican sandwiches served with the meat of your choice), mouthwatering tacos and more made to order and served fresh from the griddle. You can follow your stomach, or you can consult our Mexican street food guide here.
Navíos
For a romantic dining experience right on the water, Navíos offers a fusion of Mexican and Caribbean flavors with dreamy lagoon views. The restaurant is built on stilts over Nichupté Lagoon, making it the perfect place for sunset dining (or Instagram-worthy cocktails). Don’t miss their house specialty—fish filet cooked in banana leaves with achiote marinade—or the coconut shrimp, which somehow tastes even better with your toes inches from the sea.
El Oasis Mariscos
This colorful and casual seafood spot is a favorite among locals for good reason. El Oasis Mariscos serves up generous portions of fresh ceviche, grilled octopus, and perfectly spiced aguachile with a laid-back, beachy vibe. It’s a bit off the tourist trail, but worth the detour for bold flavors, strong micheladas, and friendly service. Bonus points: the vibrant decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a seaside fiesta.
Tags: Cancún
