The open-air setup allows for nice lagoon views. But its structures are small, and the clay idols of Ixchel were long ago destroyed by the Spaniards. Down the same intimidating road that leads to Punta Molas are the large Maya ruins known as El Castillo Real (The Royal Castle). And, of course, there are epic experiences to be had, such as diving at some of the best reefs in the world. Good-value seafood, tasty mojitos and a great place for sunset drinks overlooking the lagoon. The 'tree house' even has a bed and pillows, and other tables have aquarium views. You'll need your own vehicle or a taxi (M$300 one way) to get here. It's thought to have been the location of the sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and thus an important pilgrimage site at which Maya women especially prospective mothers worshipped. The foods not bad, either, focusing on Mexican dishes, international favorites and seafood. Mariachis play from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. Visit this downtown market for your daily supply of fruit and veggies; it's also a good place to munch on cheap eats. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and friendly neighborhood expat bar, 'Ohana (meaning family in Hawaiian) definitely feels like home. 2022 Lonely Planet. Colorful decoration, a large outdoor bull, and the sounds of a mariachi band invite you in to La Parrilla. The foods not bad, either, focusing on Mexican dishes, international favorites and seafood. Still, half the fun is in getting there, right? It's 2.5km southeast of the passenger-ferry terminal. All rights reserved. Atmospheric Pancho's is set in an early-20th-century building with a beautifully decorated courtyard. About 17km south of San Miguel, Palancar is a great beach to visit during the week when the crowds thin out. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. A main go-to cafe for locals in search of a place to write, work or hang out, this trendy coffee shop has a central location in downtown Cancn, close to Market 28. Babes serves some excellent Asian food, including a yummy home-style tom kha gai (chicken and coconut-milk soup) brimming with veggies. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Don't miss the coffee brewed with cinnamon. To reach the far northeast of the island you're best off heading out on an off-road tour to avoid getting stranded on the remote dirt road. This overpriced Maya complex is Cozumels only preserved ruin. Note that the Spanish-language menu (priced in pesos) is actually cheaper than the dollar-priced menu in English due to the restaurant's currency conversion rates. This unassuming Sinaloa-style seafood joint gets praise for its torres (seafood tostada 'towers' piled high with tuna, shrimp or fish) and house specialties such as seafood soup and seared tuna with yam pure. Pies are made daily, and they do a mean iced latte perfect if you need to beat the heat. All rights reserved. Come here for the best eats in town. Conch shells feature large in the decor here. There's a comida corrida (set menu) for the lunch crowd. An excellent and popular restaurant with a garden at the back, La Choza offers regional Mexican cuisine, with classics like chicken in mole poblano (a sauce of chilies, fruits, nuts, spices and chocolate). This place really packs em in at lunchtime. To accompany the meal, order a pitcher of sangria, the house specialty. Read our Privacy Policy. Theres even a kids' menu and playroom for those with little sushi-scoffers in tow. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Living up to its heavenly name, El Cielo's shallow turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling and swimming among starfish, stingrays and small fish. The manatee mural is a fine touch. Read our Privacy Policy. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Isla Cozumel. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Among the best of the touristy lakefront restaurants, Cozumel sits just up from the boardwalk and bills itself as a 'Caribbean Escape on the Chapala Riviera.' Read our Privacy Policy. Most dishes can be done vegetarian, and to mix things up a bit the Swedish owner has some tasty Korean and Indian items on the menu. The new bar means you can wash down your food with your favorite alcoholic libations as well. 2022 Lonely Planet. Don't miss the coffee brewed with cinnamon. All rights reserved. Read our Privacy Policy. All mains come with soup. 2022 Lonely Planet. An assortment of salsas (the mango-and-mint one rocks) add a nice kick to the dishes. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. This is traditionally considered Cozumel's finest restaurant and the prices reflect its reputation. Located on the island's southwest side, it's only accessible by boat but all the dive shops make trips there. El Cedral is thought to have been an important ceremonial site; the small church standing next to the tiny ruin today is evidence that the site still has religious significance for locals. About three blocks south of the plaza and a block in from the coast, Silvias serves mostly Yucatecan snacks, fish fillets and ceviche (seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice, garlic and seasonings). The archaeological site, as well as the Aguada Grande ruins a few kilometers' hike away, are both quite far gone, their significance having blown off into the breeze some time ago. There's nothing fancy about this little diner, but homemade Mexican food and great service are guaranteed. Tucked away in the rear of La Isla Shopping Village, this place serves Thai food under your own private, stilted palapa, either with a garden or lagoon view. The folding chairs and concrete floor are nothing fancy, but the food is good. Just off the plaza's northwest end. Be warned: the camarn empanizado (breaded shrimp) tortas and tacos are highly addictive. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Local and international artists backed by the PangeaSeed foundation created 36 large-scale public murals in 2015 to raise awareness about ocean conservation and responsible coastal development. There's a comida corrida (set menu) for the lunch crowd. 2022 Lonely Planet. A DIY walking tour reveals cool downtown works like a towering sea monster mural on Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 20 Sur. All rights reserved. And though it gets hotter than Hades, youll love the Maya favorites such as poc-chuc (grilled pork) or the pechuga rellena (stuffed chicken breast). Known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and friendly neighborhood expat bar, 'Ohana (meaning family in Hawaiian) definitely feels like home. This Maya ruin, a fertility temple, is the oldest on the island. The late-night, go-to spot for al pastor (spit-cooked pork) and chuleta (pork chop) tacos. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Note that the Spanish-language menu (priced in pesos) is actually cheaper than the dollar-priced menu in English due to the restaurant's currency conversion rates. Looking for a late-night taco fix? Be warned: the camarn empanizado (breaded shrimp) tortas and tacos are highly addictive. It currently has a six-course tasting menu for M$700. It is very popular with visitors who enjoy the complimentary margaritas as a prelude to the seafood-biased meals everything from catfish to oysters. The Midnight Pork Ribs are a tried-and-true favorite, while the wood-fired oven turns out spectacular oven-baked fish. A Chetumal favorite for more than three decades. If you're here in the afternoon, get their handmade tortillas between 1pm and 3pm. There's a comida corrida (set menu) for the lunch crowd. There are also a few gringo-friendly items on the menu, for example the 'super burrito.' If you're headed to the windward side of the island or just want to see a different aspect of Cozumel, drop by the Camarn Dorado for a bite, assuming you're early enough. Start with steamed or spicy edamames accompanied by an order of sake, then fill up on a rock shrimp bao with spicy mayo sauce, followed by a half portion of one of Kataros ramen bowls. An excellent and popular restaurant with a garden at the back, La Choza offers regional Mexican cuisine, with classics like chicken in mole poblano (a sauce of chilies, fruits, nuts, spices and chocolate). Atmospheric Pancho's is set in an early-20th-century building with a beautifully decorated courtyard. Plan on coming hungry, because the large burritos are truly grande. An excellent and popular restaurant with a garden at the back, La Choza offers regional Mexican cuisine, with classics like chicken in mole poblano (a sauce of chilies, fruits, nuts, spices and chocolate). The tour makes stops at some fairly good beaches, where you can go snorkeling, and you'll also visit small Maya ruins and a deserted lighthouse at the northernmost point. Mighty tasty! Regulars usually go for the daily set menu, which includes soup, salad and a main dish. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Head to this mega-market to sort out your picnic lunch and to get supplies. It's 2.5km southeast of the passenger-ferry terminal. The house specialty is grilled venado (deer) steaks prepared a la yucateca (Yucatn-style). The menu also includes a fair share of vegetarian and vegan dishes including Gouda-filled fried plantain patties and a superfood bowl packed with a dozen nutritious ingredients. Fascinating for its dual personality, Cozumel offers an odd mix quietly authentic neighborhoods existing alongside tourist-friendly playgrounds. For dessert treat yourself to a budn de la abuelita, aka 'granny's pudding.' It may close early on slow nights. Unlike many Mexican bakeries, Zermatt bakes its pastries, cakes and wholewheat bread in the early morning. A tempting array of fresh-baked goods and organic coffee from the Mexican highlands make this place popular with locals and visitors alike. All mains come with soup. Open since 1975, it fills with locals and tourists alike thanks to its tasty tacos al pastor (spit-roasted pork) and extensive menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Read our Privacy Policy. The popular, yet artery-choking, pastor nachos are topped with slices of pork, beans and cheese. At the end of the town's main drag, by the lake, this restaurant is pretty touristy but does decent Yucatecan fare like cochinita or pollo pibil ( achiote -flavored pork or chicken), or you can opt for the lunch buffet between noon and 3pm. There are many vegetarian and gluten-free options here and the refreshing freshly made juices go nicely with just about everything on the menu. The menu also includes a fair share of vegetarian and vegan dishes including Gouda-filled fried plantain patties and a superfood bowl packed with a dozen nutritious ingredients. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. If Christian's were in Mexico City the al pastor (spit-roasted marinated pork) capital it would compete with the best of them. The coastal road leads to small Maya ruins, a marine park and cliffside bars, passing captivating scenery along the unforgettable windswept shore. The park road leads past an observation tower from where it's possible to spot migratory birds and occasional crocodiles, and continuing further west you'll reach a beach area with a shallow reef, a restaurant and boat tours (noon, 1pm and 2pm) to Laguna Colombia. And while the nightlife has nothing on Playa del Carmen's or Cancn's, there's plenty to do after the sun goes down. The Midnight Pork Ribs are a tried-and-true favorite, while the wood-fired oven turns out spectacular oven-baked fish. Read our Privacy Policy. Mexican and gringo-friendly breakfasts such as eggs Benedict are served in a peaceful rear garden at this affordable restaurant. Ask the tourist office for a printed map of the murals. This place gets the thumbs-up from locals and visitors alike. If you need to go even further back to basics, try the cut-price taco stand out front. You really shouldn't leave the island without trying the mixed seafood platter here (order for two or ask for a single portion if traveling solo, M$540). A local fave for more than 20 years, this simple eatery does excellent carne asada (grilled beef) and chicken sopes (tortillas with a layer of beans, cheese and salsa), as well as affordable Yucatecan snacks that usually sell out by midday, such as panuchos (fried tortillas with a layer of beans, chicken and other toppings). For something quick, cheap and tasty, head over to El Sitio for breaded shrimp and fish tacos or a huevo con chaya torta (egg and tree-spinach sandwich). Aguas (fruit juices) are always refreshing. Read our Privacy Policy. Its all good, but the chicken dishes with goat cheese sauce and mole poblano (a sauce of chilies, spices and chocolate) are standouts. All rights reserved. This welcoming little burrito joint prepares the typical vegetarian, chicken and beef varieties, or you can experiment with Yucatn-inspired cochinita (slow-cooked pork). It currently has a six-course tasting menu for M$700. Leaving the tourist area behind, you'll find garages that still have shrines to the Virgin and a spirited Caribbean energy in the air. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Nearby, Arrecife Palancar (Palancar Reef) has some excellent diving (its known as Palancar Gardens) and fine snorkeling (Palancar Shallows, US$35). Try the house specialty, camaron empanizado (breaded shrimp), or the fish taco a la mantequila (sauted in butter), both of which are served on handmade tortillas and come with creamy garlic sauce and spicy habanero salsa on the side. The long menu doesnt mean that everything is availableyoull likely end up having the fish. Yum! All rights reserved. It's a wonderful feast usually consisting of grilled lobster tail, fish, crab and mussels, or you can opt for the surf-and-turf option. Don't miss the coffee brewed with cinnamon. You'll find the entrance on Calle Viento. The owner Matt (a Windy City transplant) knows a thing or two about making a proper pizza pie and he mixes his own mezcal and tequila cream liqueurs, which are fine if you like booze that tastes like dessert. 2022 Lonely Planet. The dining room has a huge tequila still, but if youre looking for a breeze, head out the back to the deck overlooking the lagoon. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. From the Hotelera use R-1 or R-2 buses and get off at Avenida Tulum. Try items like Monte Cristo waffles and homemade breads from the breakfast menu, or stop by in the afternoon for desserts, salads, burgers and paninis. El Foco offers a variety of simple, tasty treats, served with a smile until the wee hours. It has a beach club renting snorkel gear (US$10) and there's a restaurant. For dessert treat yourself to a budn de la abuelita, aka 'granny's pudding.' The owner Matt (a Windy City transplant) knows a thing or two about making a proper pizza pie and he mixes his own mezcal and tequila cream liqueurs, which are fine if you like booze that tastes like dessert. The Pla de Phuket, a crunchy fish fillet in tamarind chili sauce, is especially good. The cocktail menu is equally impressive; there is even house-made tonic syrup for your G&Ts. 2022 Lonely Planet. Vietnamese shrimp and rice noodles is another good one. Tucked away on an alley off the trendy Avenida Nder, this tiny Japanese restaurant is beloved for its delicious noodles and baos (dumplings). No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. While diving and snorkeling are the main draws, the town square is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon, and it's highly gratifying to explore the less-visited parts of the island on a rented scooter or in a convertible car. The menu also includes a fair share of vegetarian and vegan dishes including Gouda-filled fried plantain patties and a superfood bowl packed with a dozen nutritious ingredients. All rights reserved. Putting a gourmet twist on Mexican classics, this chic bistro is one of the best restaurants on the island. All rights reserved. Mexican and gringo-friendly breakfasts such as eggs Benedict are served in a peaceful rear garden at this affordable restaurant. 2022 Lonely Planet. Read our Privacy Policy. Yum! Drawing on recipes handed down from her father, Guido, chef Yvonne Villiger has created a menu ranging from wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas to prosciutto-wrapped scallops.
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