Christi's Restaurant list - updated...but not exhaustive

[DennisS]

I'd add Abeulo Gerardo's, just off the square. And to be contrary, I had one of the worst meals I've ever eaten in Cozumel at Casa Denis.

What did you have at Casa Denis that was bad, everything I've had there was good.

 

[Christi]

I 2nd your opinion in Camillos. The food wasn't really good at all and they charged us tourist prices 2 margaritas were $18 us they were large but hardly any alcohol and not worth $18. It must have gone downhill a lot.

I am confused - whose opinion on Camilo's are you concurring with - I haven't seen one in this thread at least? Are you sure you were at Camilo's and aren't referring to somewhere else?? It's more of seafood taco stand without a "bar" and they close after lunch.

They are known for seafood tacos and tortas (sandwiches) and this is primarily what they serve - consistency for thee things has not been an issue for us in the 6 or so years they have been open.

As far as "tourist prices" - are you implying that they charged you more because you ARE a tourist?

FYI - the prices at Camilo's are the same whether you are local or a tourist - they are everywhere in fact. The only exception to this are those establishments that participate in the "plan locale" program" which provides discounts (10 - 15% usually) on certain attractions, services, and menu items (no alcohol). This is not automatic either - in order to receive the plan locale discount you must have a plan locale card - which you pay for - similar to the Entertainment coupon books (but not as good) - so you were not ripped off in that regard.

Also, for clarification as to not insult the real locals - unless you live on the island full time 9 - 12 months a year, you are not considered a local you are a tourist - and even then, some don't consider you a local unless you were born and raised here. I've been here 10 years and am still not considered a local by the people born and raised here.

 

[reidlowe]

Wet Wendy's anyone? Have heard good things from resident expats about Wendy's and the fact that she makes her own tequila is not lost on me. High praise for the almond tequila...will be picking some up to take home for sure.

 

[Butch Fries]

Dennis, sorry - I didn't see your post until now. We ate breakfast there and it was awful. It sounds as if we just hit the place at an off moment.

 

[georoc01]

I am confused - whose opinion on Camilo's are you concurring with - I haven't seen one in this thread at least? Are you sure you were at Camilo's and aren't referring to somewhere else?? It's more of seafood taco stand without a "bar" and they close after lunch.

They are known for seafood tacos and tortas (sandwiches) and this is primarily what they serve - consistency for thee things has not been an issue for us in the 6 or so years they have been open.

As far as "tourist prices" - are you implying that they charged you more because you ARE a tourist?

FYI - the prices at Camilo's are the same whether you are local or a tourist - they are everywhere in fact. The only exception to this are those establishments that participate in the "plan locale" program" which provides discounts (10 - 15% usually) on certain attractions, services, and menu items (no alcohol). This is not automatic either - in order to receive the plan locale discount you must have a plan locale card - which you pay for - similar to the Entertainment coupon books (but not as good) - so you were not ripped off in that regard.

Also, for clarification as to not insult the real locals - unless you live on the island full time 9 - 12 months a year, you are not considered a local you are a tourist - and even then, some don't consider you a local unless you were born and raised here. I've been here 10 years and am still not considered a local by the people born and raised here.

That's very common in the US too. I've been to some towns where unless your great grandfather was born there, you are a tourist.

 

[annlaur]

I guess it's common practice in touristy areas, anywhere. I get a deal in the restaurants of my neighborhood (either discount or a free drink or dessert) because they know I'm a neighbor and they know if I can I'll return the favor (I'll copyedit their menu for example), but tourists (including Parisians who don't live in that area) pay the regular price.
Nothing wrong with that practice IMO. Touristy areas tend to be expensive (because of higher rents for businesses) for locals who live there.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

I guess it's common practice in touristy areas, anywhere. I get a deal in the restaurants of my neighborhood (either discount or a free drink or dessert) because they know I'm a neighbor and they know if I can I'll return the favor (I'll copyedit their menu for example), but tourists (including Parisians who don't live in that area) pay the regular price.
Nothing wrong with that practice IMO. Touristy areas tend to be expensive (because of higher rents for businesses) for locals who live there.

I agree with everything you said.

I own a restaurant and coffee house and regulars often get special treatment. It's good for business. Not that we treat others with lesser service. But guests that come to your place every week amount to a huge percentage of your business. We also develop a relationship that we don't have with infrequent or out of town customers.

I'm sure it's the same in Cozumel.

PH

 

[LoonDiver]

OK - I've updated what was there already with corrected addresses and I've deleted a few places that have either closed or are no longer on "my" list of recommendations I have several to add with descriptions and addresses - but I'll have to do it another time - it's late In the meantime, some of these places off the top of my head that will be added are:
Kinta
Prima
Los Otates
Rock-n-Java Thai noodle bar
El Bistro
Albertos
La Candela


Christi’s Restaurant List (in no particular order)

* right around $5 or less ** $5 to $15 * ** $10 to $15 **** $10 to $30+

**La Choza – NEW LOCATION - Av. 10 between Calle 3 and Rosada Salas Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yucatecan style Mexican food – Shrimp Chile Rellenos, and fajitas are among my favorites.

**Sonora Grill – Corner of Av. 15 and Benito Juarez. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Mexican Seafood and traditional fare. Sonora shrimp and garlic shrimp are my favorites. (I actually haven't been here in quite awhile - but I'm sure it's still good)

**El Moro – back in the hood…just tell the taxi driver the name of the restaurant Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Thursdays. Traditional and local Mexican food with a great seafood selection. Consommé de Moro, shrimp on a wire, and Mole Enchiladas are my favorites. Try the fried bananas as a desert or appetizer.

*El Pique – Av. 30 between Benito Juarez and Calle 2 (across from San Francisco) Open 7 days a week for dinner only. My favorite taco stand. Tacos el Pastor or beef tacos with cheese, serape style

*Las Palmas (cocina economica) – corner of Av. 25 and Calle 3 Cheap eats for lunch only Monday through Saturday. My favorite is the Chicken Relleno.

*Chilangos – Av. 10 between Calle 11 and Calle 15 Open for lunch only Monday through Friday. Another cheap local eats place. Daily specials vary.

*Camilo’s – Av 5 between Calle 2 and Calle 4 Open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 7:00pm
One of my very favorites! Seafood tacos and tortas. My favorites are the shrimp tacos or shrimp torta.

**** Guido’s – Main waterfront between Calle 6 and Calle 8 Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Another favorite. Not to be missed. Excellent calzones, pizza, and I typically order the daily seafood special. The ne remodel is really beautiful and creates an even nicer environment than before.

**** French Quarter – Av. 5 between Adolpho Rosada Salas and Calle 3 Open Wednesday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays) for dinner only + a nice bar area ith a great bartender named Jan who hails from Chicago! Steaks, seafood, Cajun style dishes. Orleans chicken and the pork tenderloin are my favorites here. .


*****La Cocay – A true culinary delight in a warm elegant setting. Calle 8 between Av. 10 & Av. 15
Here is my official review  http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread...16#post1192416 Napa Salad, Pork Tenderloin, Pepper Crusted Sashimi Tuna, and Filet Mignon, Calamari rings sautéed in basil and garlic, Duck spring rolls with tropical corn, tomato, and mango salsa, Garlic Shrimp Tapas, Tequila Sautéed Shrimp with Roasted Nopal and chile de arbol, Plantain Crusted Fish with Honey Glaze and Cilantro Rice and lightly steamed veggies. Hungry yet???

***Especias – Calle 3 between Av. 5 & Av. 10 upstairs. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner only. Adrian is one of the best hosts on the island. This is a fusion of Mexican/Argentenian and exotic flavors. My favorites are the cilantro fish or chicken, or Shrimp Zambal.

**Casa Denis – in the main square. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the oldest restaurants in Cozumel. Shrimp fajitas or Enchiladas suizas.

**Rock-n-Java – Located on the waterfront just south of Punta Langosta mall (Carlos & Charlies). Open Monday through Sunday 7:00am until 10:00pm, close at 2:00 on Saturdays. GREAT spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Everything from eggs and bacon to gourmet pastas and vegetarian specialties. In my opinion, Lisa makes the very best Veggie burgers on the planet, even for the non-vegetarian!! Try the homemade breads and deserts too!

**La Mission ON 30th!! – NOT to be mistaken with La Mission downtown or Casa Mission – located on Av. 30 between Calle 2 and Calle 4, just north of the Super San Francisco grocery store. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. True local and traditional Mexican food at a budget everyone can afford! My favorite is the Mexican combo plate!

Can we make this thread into a sticky?

 

[Christi]

Can we make this thread into a sticky?

I'm adding and updating it and the mods will "stick" it when I am done - which should be tomorrow It's one of those projects I've been working on in my spare time - and I finally had some this week Just didn't want to have to keep bothering the mods with updates until I at least have the big updates made Thanks!!!

 

[budaman]

Hi Christi!

Do you know anything about Il Giardino on Ave.15 between 17 & 19? Is it still in business and if so, how is the food.

Mike