Located on the eastern coast of Mexico, Cancun is a fantastic holiday destination for couples and families alike. Not only a place to enjoy superb weather no matter which month you visit, Cancun also offers a vast array of tourist amenities, including a huge choice when it comes to dining out. Throughout the resort you'll find plenty of eateries serving Mexican cuisine made from locally-sourced products, as well as a wide selection of healthy eating restaurants, seafood establishments and Asian diners, catering for people of all tastes and budgets.
Local cuisine
If you want to indulge in the local cuisine, make sure you stop by Blue Gecko Cantina. This affordable open-air restaurant serves an impressive range of margaritas, daiquiris and mojitos, all of which are made with fresh fruit. As well as the extensive list of drinks, Blue Gecko Cantina also serves a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, salads, and taquitos, made from a number of meat, fish and vegetarian options.
When it comes to traditional Mexican cuisine, The Surfin Burrito is a great place to go. Another open-air café-style restaurant, The Surfin Burrito serves a selection of low-cost local favourites that we all know and love. Many people travel to the restaurant to sample their DIY tacos and burritos. If you choose one of these items, you'll be presented with a small piece of paper listing all the possible ingredients which you can pick to make your own meal.
Pik Nik is a great place to try Mexican food if you're on a budget. Only a short walk away from the shopping district at Avenida Tulum, this affordable restaurant offers a vast array of meals, ensuring something for everyone. Here you'll find burritos, tacos, salads, taquitos, fajitas and grilled fish and meat, each of which is accompanied by a selection of traditional Mexican side dishes. If you're just in the mood for a snack, opt for the homemade tortilla chips which come with several fresh salsas and sauces.
For authentic Mexican tacos, visit Tacun in Boulevard Kukulcan. This small eatery features seating indoors and outside and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the most popular dishes is the pastor taco plate which comes with all the meat, vegetables and toppings separately so you can make your own personalised taco. If you've left room for dessert, be sure to try the ice cream it's made from fresh fruit and is served directly inside the fruit's skin or peel when possible.
Modern European
Boasting a menu full of seasonal fresh ingredients, Les Cepages is one of the most popular restaurants in Cancun, Mexico. Here you'll find a great selection of European dishes, many of which have been strongly influenced by French cuisine. Some of the most highly-regarded dishes include pork ribs with mint sauce, foie gras, roasted quail with fruit, orange crème brulee, and chocolate soufflé.
Another top choice when it comes to modern European dining, Peter's Restaurante is sure to please. This cosy eatery serves a wide range of international delights, each of which incorporates a modern twist and is presented in a very contemporary way. Known as the establishment where flavours and feelings meet, Peter's Restaurante also offers guests a comprehensive wine menu full of bottles from Mexico and around the world.
Families and couples looking for somewhere to enjoy modern European cuisine should take a look at Du Mexique. Highly-regarded by locals and tourists alike, this restaurant can only seat a small number of people at one time, making reservations recommended. Although the menu is just available in French and Spanish, the chef will happily come out of the kitchen and explain every dish to you in English. Some of the chef's recommendations include chicken in red wine, duck confit, steamed mushrooms and foie gras soufflé.
Savio's Bistro serves a selection of international dishes, many of which have been heavily influenced by Italian cuisine. The comprehensive menu features a great selection of antipasti, soups, salads, pizza, pasta, risotto, fish, seafood and meat. Not wanting to leave the little ones out, there is also a children's menu available, with several European and Mexican options. Foodies will be more than happy with the extensive wine list, which features red, white and rose wines, as well as champagne and cava, all of which come in full-bottle, half-bottle and glass sizes.
Established since 1995, La Palapa Belga is the ideal place for couples and families who want to enjoy a pleasant meal with incredible sea views. This open-air restaurant is located on the seafront and offers a varied menu, full of traditional European dishes which are enhanced by modern twists. A selection of the most popular items on the menu includes mushrooms au gratin, Greek salad, steamed mussels and stuffed rigatoni. You'll also find a small dessert menu available, including favourites such as sweet crepes, tiramisu, Key lime pie, blackberry sherbet and chocolate mousse.
Asian
Sushi lovers won't want to miss the chance to dine in Wazaaabi arguably the very best Japanese restaurant in Cancun, Mexico. Open every day from 1.30pm until 11pm (until 12am on Saturdays and 11.30pm on Sundays) this eatery serves a huge selection of dishes, including domburi, temaki, fresh rolls, California rolls, spring rolls, nigiri sushi, sashimi and maki. If you prefer your fish cooked, there is also a choice of tempura, teppanyaki and noodle dishes available.
Established for over nine years, Irori features a comprehensive Asian menu packed with fresh ingredients, guaranteeing a fantastic night out every time. Here diners can choose from a number of appetisers, sashimi, soups, salads, rice, tempura, teppanyaki, sushi and rolls, as well as a large children's menu, ensuring something for everyone.
Overlooking the Nichupte lagoon and the dolphinarium, Thai Lounge is a fantastic place to go for authentic Asian cuisine in beautiful surroundings. This open-air restaurant is made up of a variety of palm shelters which rise above the water where you can enjoy Thai food prepared by the experienced Bangkok-born chef. You'll find a top selection of dishes to choose from here, including starters, salads, soups, curries, noodles, meat, seafood and chicken, all of which are available in a variety of heats to suit your palate.
Inspired by Indian culture, architecture and gastronomy, Elefanta features two tandoor ovens which are used to prepare the authentic Asian meals that are sure to put a smile on your face. Here you'll find all your favourite dishes, including samosas and soups to start, followed by a variety of vegetarian, meat- and fish-based curries, served alongside vegetable side dishes, naan bread and rice. If you're still feeling a bit peckish, take a look at the dessert menu which includes specialities such as kulfi, carrot halva, gulab jamun and ice cream.
Healthy eating
If you're watching your figure during your holiday, consider dining at Le Natura. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this eatery serves a large number of juices, smoothies, fruit salads, yoghurts, pancakes, waffles, croissants and omelettes in the morning, followed by soups, pastas, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, burgers and baguettes in the afternoon and evening. There is also a comprehensive vegetarian menu available throughout the day.
Known as being one of the best healthy eating restaurants in Cancun, 100% Natural is a must-visit for any health-conscious tourist staying in the resort. At this eatery you'll find a large menu full of breakfasts, starters, mains, desserts and drinks which taste so good you'll swear they're not healthy. If you haven't got time to sit down for dinner, 100% Natural also offers a fast food menu which is available to take away.
Seafood
When it comes to quality seafood, it doesn't get much better than Puerto Madero. This popular eatery offers a wide selection of appetisers, soups, pastas, salads and grilled dishes, with the house speciality being the fish and seafood. Diners can choose from items such as tuna steaks, wild Alaskan salmon, black cod, halibut steak, sea bass, shrimp Puerto, grilled octopus and whole white fish, as well as baby lobster tail, jumbo lobster tail and lobster mixed grill.
If you want to enjoy beautiful sea views with your meal, spend the evening at Beach House. Found inside the ME Cancun hotel, this popular eatery serves a number of freshly-caught fish and seafood dishes in picturesque surroundings. Not only is the food of very high quality, but the service is also unbeatable if you're unsure of any dish or want to tailor an item to suit your palate, simply ask your server, they will be happy to oblige.
Fred's House and Seafood Market is a must-visit for any avid seafood fan on holiday in Cancun, Mexico. Here you'll find a varied menu which regularly changes according to the season, ensuring you'll always receive a freshly-prepared meal, made with locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can choose between a wealth of tempting dishes, including seafood platter appetisers, soups, tacos, carpaccios, salads and grilled fish, as well as catch of the day. If you're not in the mood for fish, there is also a small selection of steaks available.
For Mexican seafood that can't be beaten, enjoy a meal at Pescaditos. This small eatery boasts some of the best fish tacos available in Cancun, as well as a world of other fish and seafood, such as shrimp salads, fried white fish, crab tacos, ceviche and shrimp. Whatever you decide to have alongside your main, make sure you order some of the homemade salsa. Behind the bar you'll find a fantastic selection of drinks available, including pitches of wine, beer, margaritas and sangria, as well as several varieties of agua fresca and bottled beers.
For a meat feast
Bovino's Churrascaria is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse which serves quality cuts of meat, as well as a variety of salads and side dishes. Unlike a traditional steakhouse, Bovino's Churrascaria invites you to relax at your table whilst your server brings skewers laden with loads of different types of meat throughout the evening, until you ask them to stop. If you're still hungry, there is also a range of desserts to choose from, including ice cream, cakes and tarts.
When it comes to quality grilled meats, Harry's Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar is tough to beat. Found in the centre of the hotel zone, this restaurant promises to meet and exceed even the very highest of expectations. The menu at this eatery includes dry aged steaks and fresh premium seafood, alongside a comprehensive selection of homemade desserts. There is a fantastic wine list available, with at least one bottle to complement every meal.
Carnivores won't want to miss the chance to spend an evening at Super Carnes Jr del Norte. A certified Angus beef establishment, this restaurant is a steak lover's dream and serves a wide variety of beef, including sirloin, cowboy, national rib eye, New York strip, kobe rib eye and T bone. If you're dining with a group of people, it might be worth ordering the family menu which includes a number of meat dishes, side dishes and salads which is more than enough to share.
If you're searching for the ultimate steak, look no further than Ruth's Chris Steak House. With the reputation of being the establishment that showed the world how great steak can be, this restaurant boasts an eclectic menu, with something for everyone. There is a fantastic variety of signature steaks to choose from, including cowboy rib eye, fillet, New York strip, petite fillet, porter house, regular rib eye, T bone and veal chop. If you've left room for dessert, you'll find a small selection of homemade puddings on offer, including key lime pie, cheesecake, chocolate sin cake and crème brulee.