If you think you know everything there is to know about dining in Cancun, think again. If you’re in Cancun, you’re likely staying at an all-inclusive resort which means a selection of dining options are steps away from you at any given time. But if there’s anything in Cancun you shouldn’t do is not venture off your resort.
From casual beachfront Cancun restaurants to white glove service fine dining, Cancun’s foodie scene will take you around the world and hand it back to you with local flair and hospitality. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in Cancun.
El Tigre y El Toro
Address: Av. Carlos Nader Mz 2 Lt 8, SM 3, 77500 Downtown Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
View this post on Instagram
Italian dishes crafted with a twist, El Tigre y El Toro serves up savoury Mediterranean flavours as impressive as its gorgeous outdoor setting. Sit between swaying palms beneath string lights and lanterns in this casual downtown restaurant and dine on Italian-inspired seaside fare, like the ravioli stuffed with lobster or gourmet thin-crust pizza topped with grilled shrimp, and enjoy with a selection of wine and cocktails from the outdoor bar. For a night out on the town, make this longtime local favourite your first stop.
Puerto Madero Fish & Steak House
Address: Boulevard Kukulcán, Km. 14.1, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
View this post on Instagram
Modelled after Buenos Aires’ trendy red-brick portside district of the same name, Puerto Maderos brings a taste of Argentina to Cancun. This upscale steak-and-seafood house is known for its selection of fine cuts and catches which are all grilled to perfection. Choose from prime tenderloin and lobster, or forego the tough decision-making and order the Surf and Turf Puerto Madero. It’s one of the best dishes on the menu, alongside the grilled octopus, American Wagyu, and rib-eye Madero. Puerto Maderos’ two-floor dining room and sweeping views of the ocean from the terrace is the perfect setting for celebrating a special night out.
Tempo by Martin Berastegui
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, km 16.5, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
View this post on Instagram
Tempo is a Basque-inspired restaurant run by chef Martin Berastegui, Spain’s reigning king of Spanish cuisine with a heavy crown of Michelin stars to match. Located in the Gran Melia Paradisus Cancun, Tempo is white-glove service, dress-code-in-effect fine dining. The 10-course tasting menu changes regularly but features Basque-influenced specialties, like red tuna tartar with citric ponzu pearls, roasted foie gras with a duck and soy broth, and grilled butterfish with soy sprout risotto and smoked salmon spheres. Slow down and savour every bite at Tempo. (Oh, and non-guests are welcome with advance reservations.)
Marakame Cafe
Address: Av. Xpujil Sur Mz. 2 Lot 25, Superanzana 19. CP 77505 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico
View this post on Instagram
One of the best Sunday brunch spots in Cancun, Marakame Cafe’s casual atmosphere and chilled out vibe is the perfect way to start your day (or afternoon, we’re not judging.) Marakame Cafe feels like a giant tree house with a large outdoor patio and plenty of seating underneath the lush green canopy. Order a variety of dishes, from omelettes and scrambled eggs to chilaquiles and sauteed Cambray potatoes, to freshly-baked pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread). Marakame Cafe is authentic, affordable and located just outside of the Zona Hotelera.
Thai Lounge
Address: La Isla Shopping Village, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
View this post on Instagram
It may be located in an unusual setting, but once you get to La Isla Shopping Village in Cancun’s Zona Hotelera, you’re going to feel like you’ve just transported to Southeast Asia. Look for the Thai Lounge signs and follow the tropical foliage and winding pathways that lead you to this hidden oasis. Once you get there, you’ll see a row of private palapa-roofed huts illuminated with neon lights built over the lagoon. Each hut has comfortable, cushioned seating and cozy candlelit tables to enjoy a full menu of classic dishes cooked up by authentic Thai chefs.
Travel tip: Be sure to make reservations for the private huts in advance to make sure you get the table you want!
Whether you’re staying in the Zona Hotelera, or just outside of it, the best restaurants in Cancun are easy and convenient to get to. Indulge in authentic cuisines from Mexico and around the world and enjoy it served with local hospitality.