Best Restaurants in Cozumel
Cozumel's restaurant scene centers on San Miguel. Island eateries range from drop-in casual to suitable for a special occasion. There are a variety of cuisines (French, Italian, Japanese) in addition to Mexican, and also a number of local places dishing up terrific Yucatecan food that are off the beaten tourist path but definitely worth searching out.
La Cocay (“the firefly”), Calle 8 Norte between avenidas 10 and 15 Norte, is a sophisticated spot where you can order a range of appetizers to nibble on, or entrées like sauteed sea scallops, lobster tail or a rib-eye steak.
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Lobster aficionados will certainly want to try the Lobster House (La Cabaña del Pescador), in the hotel zone at the northern end of the island (on the east side of the road across from the Playa Azul Hotel). The nearby restaurant is among the best things for couples to do; it's romantic and candlelit, with starfish-studded fishing nets hanging from the ceiling (no air conditioning, though). The steak and lobster dinner, served with steamed vegetables and bread, is a delicious meal. It's cash only. After dinner, ask the waiter to take you for a walk through the gardens out front and shine a flashlight on the massive iguanas sleeping in the trees.
Casa Denis has traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil, poc chuc and sopa de lima as well as tortas, tacos and other Mexican standards. Family owned and operated, this longtime local favorite is on the pedestrian-only section of Calle 1 Sur, half a block east of the main plaza. Seating is available inside the historic casa or at the sidewalk tables out front.
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Some of Cozumel's best eating is at the unassuming places that locals frequent. Taco lovers should seek out El Foco (The Light Bulb), on Avenida 5 Sur a few blocks south of the main plaza. In addition to the usual grilled meats, there are exotic versions like cactus and alligator. This small place is casual and clean, with friendly service.
For a morning pick-me-up, head to one of the local bakeries (panaderías), which offer fresh-baked French rolls (bolillos), sweet breakfast breads (pan dulce) and pastries. Try orejas, crunchy morsels shaped like an ear and drenched with honey, or nut cookies topped with freshly grated coconut. Zermatt, at the corner of Calle 4 Norte and Avenida 5 Norte (a block east of the waterfront) has fresh bread, yummy baked goods and excellent coffee, all for low prices.
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Ice cream parlors (neverias) serve ice cream (helado) made with milk or bottled water in flavors both standard (chocolate) and exotic (corn). A paletería is where to buy both ice cream and iced juice drinks (agua frescas). The agua fresca de sandía—watermelon juice mixed with sugar and water—tastes great on a hot day. Another refreshing treat is mango; when the fruit is in season (spring and summer), street vendors sell them on a stick, peeled and carved into different shapes.
Dress is casual at all island food places, and reservations are advised only at the most expensive places. There's no need to worry about health concerns at restaurants that cater to tourists. At local restaurants, follow the standard rule—if it's cooked it should be safe to eat. English isn't spoken at the small family-run places, but it doesn't really matter; most have a wall menu, so just point to what you want to order and remember to add “por favor.” Some restaurants close on Sunday. See the Lodgings & Restaurants section for AAA Diamond designated dining establishments.