Mexico is a paradise for foodies! On the Caribbean island of Cozumel, there are many excellent restaurants that prepare delicious and above all authentic Mexican food. I’ve been coming back to Cozumel for more than a decade, and the foodie experience is just one of the reasons that make me come back so frequently.
Cozumel feels like home to me. Ever since I first visited the island in 2011 on a short day trip, I was hooked. I’ve returned on my own, with friends and with my now husband – and I still have a deep connection with this place.
What I enjoy the most about Cozumel is the incredible combination of first class scuba diving and excellent food. Here’s my recommendations of the best restaurants and breakfast places that I have gathered over more than ten years – so let me introduce you to the culinary side of the island.
Top Restaurants in Cozumel: My Favourites
La Clásica: My favourite restaurant on Cozumel
Calle 5 between Calle 4 Norte and Calle 6 Norte
I discovered this small and excellent restaurant a couple of years ago. The menu is not huge, but I’m sure you’ll find something you’d like. The dishes are incredibly tasty with lots of different ingredients that make La Clásica stand out from other restaurants on the island.
Even if you are not hungry, come for the cocktails. Their mojito is one of the best on the island. My all-time favourite is a drink called Oaxaqueño. It’s made with mezcal and hibiscus and tastes a bit like mulled wine and Christmas.
La Clásica feels like a small Mexican cantina that’s a bit more upscale. Their staff is exceptional and will always try their best to make you happy. Whenever we are on Cozumel, we visit La Clásica several times as it’s one of our favourite restaurants on the island.
Kinta: Delicious gourmet food
Update: Unfortunately, Kinta has been closed.
Calle 5 between Calle 2 Norte and Calle 4 Norte
Another highlight for foodies is the restaurant Kinta. Stylishly furnished and aimed at a more upscale target group. The restaurant is closed during the day and only opens in the evening. Cruise passengers simply have to come back to Cozumel and stay on the island to be able to dine at Kinta. Be sure to reserve a table in the courtyard a few days in advance! My favourites on the menu are the flatbread with octopus and the fresh tuna steak, which is available on request.
La Perlita: Lionfish with mango salsa
Calle 10 Norte between Calle 65 to Avenida Norte and Avenida 70 Norte
La Perlita is an incredible fish restaurant outside the main touristy area. For me, it’s one of the best restaurants on Cozumel. Whenever I’m on the island, I make sure I go there at least once for their lionfish. They bread it with coconut and serve it with mango salsa – you have to try this for yourself!
Even if the fishermen didn’t catch any lionfish, ask for their catch of the day and trust the waiter’s recommendations – we never had a bad experience eating at La Perlita.
The restaurant is located a 20-minute walk from the ferry dock or a short taxi ride, which should not cost you more than 70 pesos one way.
El Pezcozon: Fish tacos
Corner 40 Avenida Norte with Calle 10 Norte
At El Pezcozon, foodies get their money’s worth! The menu is packed with different fish tacos, ceviches, and other delicious fish dishes. Locals enjoy coming here and you hardly spot any international tourists here.
K’ooben Laab: Italian cuisine
Avenida Licenciado Pedro Joaquin Coldwell between Calle José María Morelos and Calle 5 Sur
Those who have had enough of Mexican food, for the time being, will find top-notch Italian cuisine on the roof terrace at K’ooben Laab. The chef always takes the time to chat with his guests and likes to tell about his restaurant and its history.
They serve homemade bread as a starter – I wish we had a bakery that good where we live! As a main, they have almost an unlimited amount of pasta and sauces ready for you to choose from. By the way, the desserts are also really delicious!
La Candela: Best Fajitas restaurant
New address: Avenida 5 and Calle 4 Norte
This restaurant is well known for its shrimp fajitas! La Candela is a classic on Cozumel and I love coming here again and again. For me, the guacamole and mojitos of La Candela are among the best on Cozumel. They also serve traditional Mexican breakfast.
El Chino Marinero: Fish tacos to dream of
Between Avenida 20 and 25 and Calle 1 Sur
When it comes to fish tacos, there is no way around El Chino Marinero on Cozumel. I discovered it a few years ago, and I simply love eating here. I’d even go as far to say they offer some of the best tacos in all of Mexico.
Palmeras: Tip for Ceviche
Parque Benito Juarez – Main square
Even though Palmeras is VERY touristic, you will find excellent ceviches here. I also tried their some cooked fish here – but didn’t quite like it.
Machete: Cosy, good and great cocktails
Avenida 5, Calle Dr Alfonso Rosado Salas
Although it’s very touristy, at Machete you can get good tacos and also plates with a mix of tacos to share. The cocktails here are huge and taste great too! Even though the tables are on the sidewalk, Machete is always a great choice, especially with friends.
Los tacotales: Tacos, Tacos, Tacos (former known as Los Otates)
Avenida 15 between Calle 3 sur and Calle Dr Alfonso Rosado Salas
At Los tacotales you can get a lot of different varieties of delicious tacos and quesadillas. It’s a place where locals like to go to as well. This restaurant is somewhat hyped and no longer a well-kept secret. The tacos there are good, but not the best ones on Cozumel.
La Choza: Great for local food
Avenida 10 between Calle 3 sur and Calle Dr Adolfo Rosado Salas
La Choza can get quite crowded around lunchtime. Make sure to try their soups – they are fantastic. Their tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas are a great option too. The menu is quite extensive, and I’m sure everybody will find something they like on there. It’s also a great place to go with a group.
Burritos Gorditos: Yum!
Avenida 5, between Calle 2 and Calle 4
At Burritos Gorditos you’ll find countless delicious burritos – also vegetarian ones. And if you feel like having a burrito in the morning, you’ll love the breakfast burritos! For years, Burritos Gorditos has been one of the top restaurants on Cozumel on TripAdvisor.
Where to enjoy breakfast on Cozumel: Top restaurants on the island
On Cozumel, there is no big variety of restaurants or cafés offering breakfast. However, I managed to collect the best ones of the past years. I’ve tried many more than those mentioned here. If you are up for great breakfast on the island, stick to this list:
Maple Bakehouse: For your sweet tooth
Calle 6 Norte between Avenida Rafael E. Melgar and Avenida 5
If you are looking for French toast, omelette, and a selection of smoothies, Maple Bakehouse is the place to be. Those with a sweet tooth get their money’s worth here! The Maple Bakehouse offers fresh pastries every day – and most of them are sweet. By far my favourite is the Nutella bun!
Their quality of service has significantly decreased over the past years – just know that everything take s a bit longer here. The food is still delicious as always.
Jolly: Breakfast all day
Calle 6 Norte between Avenida Rafael E. Melgar and Avenida 5
You can easily overlook Jolly and pass it by. But you should not miss it. I’ve been here a few times on my last trip to Cozumel because the menu offers a great selection and the atmosphere is cosy. There are also typical Mexican dishes on the menu – my recommendation: chilaquiles!
Might also be a great spot if you need stable Wi-Fi to get some work done.
Novena Ola: Breakfast with the best view
Avenida Rafael E. Melgar between Calle 4 and 6 Norte
Hidden above the island museum, you’ll find a true gem: Novena Ola not only offers the largest breakfast menu on the island, but also a brilliant view. The staff are courteous, and the food is simply outstanding. My heartfelt recommendation if you are seeking something special.
El Amigo Abelardo: Authentic Mexican
Update: Unfortunately, El Amigo Abelardo has been closed.
Calle 6 Norte between Avenida Rafael E. Melgar and Avenida 5
At El Amigo Abelardo they serve typical Mexican breakfasts. The restaurant may seem very unimpressive, but this is precisely where you can get the best traditional breakfast on the whole island. Sometimes they even have fresh juice.
Sweet street food on Cozumel
Churros
Parque Benito Juarez directly in front of the BBVA Bank
Churros are fried, sweet dough sticks. They are usually still rolled in sugar or filled with Nutella or Dulce de Leche.
Marquesitas
At the northern end in Parque Quintana Roo and close to the ferry dock
Marquesitas are the Mexican answer to crepes. These crepes are especially good with Nutella and the parmesan-like Queso de Bola.
Can’t get enough of Mexico? Here’s some more:
Don’t dive in Cozumel
Diving with Bull Sharks in Playa del Carmen
MUSA Underwater Museum Isla Mujeres
Xcaret Park – a Day at the Riviera Maya
La Paz Day Trip: Whale Sharks & Street Art
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Last updated: February 2022
