The Best Restaurants in Cancún

Best Local Mexican Cuisine

Not surprisingly, some of the best restaurants in Cancún serve Mexican food. The Mexican food in Cancún is a little different though that what you might expect because of the unique European and Mayan influences of the region.  La Panza es Primero is a wonderful authentic restaurant with great prices, quirky Mexican-wresting-themed décor and a vibrant atmosphere.  If you go, consider trying the top-notch margaritas, variety of dips, fresh fish dishes and the Kahlua flan.

Another one of the best restaurants in Cancún for Mexican food is Habeneros which also serves delicious Mexican food at a great price.  The owner and chef, Mario, specializes in local cuisine. The pork panuchos (a local Yucatan dish) and tacos are probably the most popular dishes, but you can’t really go wrong at this Cancún restaurant.

Best International Cuisine

For fresh, international cuisine, you can’t go wrong at Peter’s Restaurante.  The owner and head-chef, Peter runs the restaurant with his wife, Claudia.  Guests enjoy the intimate atmosphere and delicious foods with fresh, local ingredients.  The menu includes gourmet Mexican food, European pasta dishes and a plethora of meats. 

The Claudia salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes and blue cheese is perfect for a first course or a light meal.  Be sure to save room for desserts because this is one of the best restaurants in Cancún from start to finish.

Caribbean Food

When visiting Cancún, it’s only fitting you’d eat at a Caribbean restaurant.  The best restaurant in Cancún for Caribbean food is La Habichuela, which has two locations in the city. The menu includes a wide assortment of seafood dishes and French-Caribbean foods. The service is fantastic and the atmosphere is even better. If you’re visiting the downtown location, be sure to get a table in the garden. At the sunset location, arrive before sunset to enjoy the breath-taking views.

Vegetarian

Though Cancún doesn’t have many solely vegetarian restaurants, the ones it does have serve quality food and a wide assortment of vegetarian dishes.  Restaurante Natura is a perfect restaurant for breakfasts and lunches.  They offer many different types of juices, including fresh fruit juices and even cactus juice.  For more substantial meals, Restaurante Natura has quesadillas and nachos.  It’s a great spot for a quick, healthy meal in a laid-back setting.

Sushi

Though Cancún couldn’t be farther from Japan, it has some delicious sushi restaurants due to the city’s perennial supply of fresh fish. In most sushi restaurants, the servers speak primarily Spanish but offer English menus to English speakers. 

Hanaishi and Sushi Zen serve fresh fish in a comfortable setting outside of the touristy hotel quarter.  Sushi Zen specializes in roles whereas Hanaishi does shashimi best.

With so many restaurants in Cancún, it’s hard to decide where to go. Stay out of the touristy areas, follow local suggestions and you should be on the right path. 

For more information about the best restaurants in Cancún and Cancún cuisine, visit Cancún Dining: A Beginners’ Guide.