Favorite restaurants in Cozumel???

[diverokc]

A couple blocks behind the chedraui supermarket on the left is a lunch taqueria called chilangos. It is a familys living room and the menu is on the wall. No english at all. They took me in the kitchen and had me point at what i wanted. They also have the best tea. It is only open for lunch.
Also nandos bacon wrapped hot dogs are always on the list.
If you want good local food i say just look for the cheap red plastic coca cola chairs and tables.

 

[pjhansman]

Las Tortugas is my new favourite

Located at Ave 30 & Calle 19......and easy walk from SCC and Hotel Coumel

 

[mstevens]

why bother replying?

It was a way of suggesting that you spend just a tiny bit of time looking through the board for the numerous recent discussions on just this topic. My personal estimate is that about half of all threads on this board eventually turn into restaurant discussions.

I for one would enjoy reading others opinions on Coz restaurants!!!!

Then by all means go ahead and do so - there are plenty of such opinions all over the board.

---------- Post added June 19th, 2014 at 09:11 AM ----------

Breakfast

Restaurant	Details
Buccanos Beachclub	A: Playa San Juan Costera Norte Km 4.5
$$	P: 872 01 00
	Beach club north of town with very nice breakfasts at the edge of the water. Great views. There's a swimming beach, snorkeling area, pool, and outdoor shower that restaurant customers can use! Opens a bit too late for dive days but otherwise makes for an extremely pleasant morning.
Cafetería la Cozumeleña $	A: 10a Av. Sur at the corner of Calle 3 Sur P: 872 10 89
	One of our very favorites. La Cozumeleña is a bakery in the center of town open early. They have great cafe de olla (coffee with cinnamon and other spices), fruit smoothies and fruit plates, as well as tasty molletes and egg dishes of many kinds. I love their huevos jarochos. Their fried shrimp tacos and tortas are a great choice. Snappy service. Free parking in a private lot.
Corazón Contento $	A: Calle 2 Nte. at the corner of 10a Av P: 0449878761526 (mobile)
	Run by the former managers of the restaurant above the museum, this very attractive place does a great breakfast. They have a number of health-conscious choices and lighter items that are great before going diving. There's inexpensive paid parking right behind the restaurant off 2.
El Mercado Municipal	A: Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas between Av. 20 and 25
$	There are several food stalls and restaurants in the main city market where you can get breakfast. These are quick, inexpensive, and filling and open early enough for pre-dive breakfasts. You can also pick up fresh fruit already cut up and some yogurt for the quickest breakfast ever.
El Camarón Dorado $	A: Av. Benito Juárez near 105a Av. Sur at the eastern edge of town P: 872 72 87
	This place on the transversal road is not very close to Casa Suzana, but it's great for wonderful tacos in the morning. Their specialty is fried shrimp, but they have a large range of seafood and non-seafood toppings. They're quick, so this is a reasonable pre-dive choice despite the distance. They will also deliver to Casa Suzana. Closed Mondays.
El Museo $$	A: Av. Rafael Melgar between Calles 4 & 6 Nte P: 872 08 38
	Recently reopened. Meals are served on an upper-level terrace with great views. If you loved this place in the past, check out Corazón Contento.
El Paste Empanadas Horneados	A: Calle Miguel Hidalgo #1683 between 65 Av. and 55 Sur Bis P: 120 93 05
$	Wonderful baked puff pastry empanadas, only 10 pesos each. There are daily specials, but the regular fillings are great. The fruit ones make a particularly good breakfast.
El Super Hit	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) at the corner of Calle 15 Sur
$	Walking distance from Casa Suzana. They have a range of breakfast items. Their cochinita pibil tortas make a fine breakfast.
La Candela $$	A: 5a Av. Nte at the corner of Calle 6 Nte P: 878 44 71
	Does not open early enough for pre-dive breakfasts, but otherwise a great choice near downtown shopping under a palapa for people-watching
La Choza $$	A: 10a Av. Sur at the corner of Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas P: 872 09 58
	Many good choices for breakfast here. Huevos alla Choza, scrambled eggs with mole, are especially good. Free parking in a private lot on Calle 6 Nte.
Parrilla Mission $	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) between Calle 2 & 4 Nte P: 869 24 63
	Many choices here, and they'll make eggs nearly any way you want. Inexpensive, quick, and tasty.
Wet Wendy's Margarita House	A: 5a Av. Nte between Calle 5 & Benito Juárez (pedestrian) P: 872 49 70
$$	They offer a Full English Breakfast among other options. Yes, you can get beer and mixed drinks at breakfast here.
Zermatt	A: 5a Av. Nte at the corner of Calle 4 Nte
$	Very quick place to grab great pastries and coffee. The last time I was there, their espresso machine was not running.

 

[mstevens]

Lunch

Restaurant	Details
Asadero el Pollo	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) between Calle 5 Sur & Morelos
$	Two locations offering grilled chickens and sides. Great for taking to the beach or back to Casa Suzana. They close when they run out of chicken.
Buccanos Beachclub $$	A: Playa San Juan Costera Norte Km 4.5 P: 872 01 00
	Beach club north of town with nice lunches at the edge of the water. Great views. There's a swimming beach, snorkeling area, pool, and outdoor shower that restaurant customers can use!
Cafetería la Cozumeleña $	A: 10 Av. Sur at the corner of Calle 3 Sur P: 872 10 89
	One of our very favorites. La Cozumeleña is a bakery in the center of town. They have great fruit smoothies and fruit plates. Their fried shrimp tacos and tortas are a great lunch choice. Free parking just past their door on the right.
Camilo's $$	A: 5a Av. Nte #99 between Calle 2 & 4 Nte P: 872 61 61
	This downtown restaurant has tacos such as shrimp or smoked marlin, good seafood soup, and nice fish filets (such as one in poblano cream cheese sauce)
Cha Cha's Kitchen $	A: Calle Francisco Mujica #1061 Entre Xel-Ha y 17 Sur P: 564 2525
	Set in a lovely garden behind an unassuming house. Wonderful menu that changes weekly, unlimited by any specific cuisine but always fresh and creative with lots of healthy choices. Their cakes are becoming famous and starting to sell out daily.
El Camarón Dorado $	A: Av. Benito Juárez near 105a Av. Sur at the eastern edge of town P: 872 72 87
	This place on the transversal road is not very close to Casa Suzana, but it's great for wonderful tacos and tortas. Their specialty is fried shrimp, but they have a large range of seafood and non-seafood toppings. They will deliver to Casa Suzana. Closed Mondays.
El Coctelito $$	A: 20a Av. Sur between Calle 17 & 19 Sur P: 120 15 03
	Fairly new seafood place that's walking distance from Casa Suzana, with a playground for the kids. Great ceviche and fish, not to mention fizzy limeade (limonada con gas). The "Mummy Shrimp" with cheese and wrapped in bacon are a favorite. Closed Mondays.
El Mercado Municipal	A:Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas between Av. 20 and 25
$	There are several food stalls and restaurants in the main city market that offer lunch. These are quick, inexpensive, and filling.
El Moro $$	A: 75 Bis Av. Nte #124 between Calle 2 & 4 Nte P: 872 30 29
	Well-loved but hard-to-find place popular with Americans and specializing in seafood and Mayan food. Closed Thursdays.
El Museo $$	A: Av. Rafael E. Melgar between Calles 4 & 6 Nte P: 872 08 38
	Recently reopened. Great views from the upper-levelterrace.
El Paste Empanadas Horneados	A: Calle Miguel Hidalgo #1683 between 65 Av. &55 Sur Bis P: 120 93 05
$	Wonderful baked puff pastry empanadas in a range of fillings. Great daily specials. They'll deliver to Casa Suzana if you order 10 or more empanadas.
El Super Hit	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) at the corner of Calle 15 Sur
$	Good place for cochinita pibil tortas - pick some up to go ("para llevar") to eat on the plane on the way home! Walking distance from Casa Suzana.
Empanadas Los 3 Patitos	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) at the corner of Calle 15 Sur
$	Not far from Casa Suzana, this places sells 4 kinds of traditional empanadas and drinks including cebada - that's it. You can eat your emapanadas standing at the long counter at the sidewalk or take them home. Get there early, since they close when they sell out every day. I've noticed them open in the evening recently.
Frenchies $	A: 10a Avenida between Avenida Benito Juárez & Calle 2 Norte P: 116 1759
	Frenchies is unique. It looks like a franchise location, but it's the only (or at least the first) in the world. They serve fresh-made french fries that great in themselves but are transformed with a range of toppings. There's the familiar French-Canadian poutine, but also wonder Thai orange chicken with ginger, "Bluefalo", superb garlic parmesan and vegetarian varieties. You have to try it to believe it.
Hanal-Ki	A: Av. Benito Juárez between Calle 60 & 65 Sur across from the fire station
$	This place on the transversal road specializes in Mayan dishes, including cochinita pibil, relleno negro, panuchos, salbutes, and papadzules
La Candela $$	A: 5a Av. Nte at the corner of Calle 6 Nte P: 878 44 71
	A favorite with us and many local residents. In addition to a great menu, they offer daily family-style specials. Eat under a palapa and watch the people go by, then shop downtown or along the waterfront. Finish with mamey or mango pie or the best-of-both-worlds layered combination mamey and mango pie.
La Choza $$	A: 10a Av. Sur at the corner of Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas P: 872 09 58
	Offers a range of seafood and traditional Mexican items. Chicken mole is particularly good. Famous for their yellow salsa, which you can buy to take home. Their avocado pie is better than it sounds. Free parking in private lot on Calle 6 Nte.
La Cocay $$$	A: Calle 8 Nte #208 between Av. 10 & 15 Nte P: 872 55 33
	Lovely indoor setting and mediterranean fusion dishes. Closed Sundays.
La Conchita del Caribe $$	A: 65a Av. Sur #960 between Calle 13 & 15 Sur P: 869 12 18
	Lots of great seafood options here. The best is to choose your fish from the cooler and have it fried whole.
La Perlita $$	A: Calle 10 Nte between Av. 65 Bis & 70 Nte P: 869 83 43
	A bit difficult to find, but worth the trouble especially for great lionfish dishes, particularly ceviche and pez leon xcalacoco (breaded in coconut). Two-for-one lionfish dishes on Thursdays!
La Sirenita	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) at the corner of Calle 1 Sur
$	Fresh-squeezed juices, cocos frios, seafood tacos and tortas. Cheap, fast, fresh, tasty.
Las Palmas Cocina Economica	A: 25a Av. Sur at the corner of Calle 3 Sur P: 872 12 95
$	Crowded, popular Cocina Economica "back in the 'hood". Very popular with locals. Great value and good quality. The "Tampiqueña" is a large combo that includes soup and an enchilada in addition to your selected main course.
Le Chef $$	A: 5a Av. Sur #398 at the corner of Calle 5 Sur P: 878 43 91
	Creative offerings of fresh local ingredients inspired by French and Mediterranean techniques. Their lobster and bacon sandwich is great!
Los Chilangos Cocina Economica	A: 10a Av. Sur between Calle 13 & 15 Sur P: 872 30 72
$	Neighborhood Cocina Economica not far from Casa Suzana. They offer a changing list of low-priced, delicious meals for lunch daily. Not to be confused with Taqueria los Chilangos, which specializes in huaraches and is open only for supper.
Los Otates $	A: 15a Av. Sur between Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas & Calle 3 Sur P: 869 10 59
	Very popular with locals and tourists alike. Famous for pozole, they also offer a range of tacos, tortas, burritos (unusual in Mexico), and even burgers (but no fries). Free WiFi. Free parking.
Mezcalito's	A: Transversal Road at the Beach - 876 09 14
$$-$$$	Deservedly well-known place on the eastern shore of the island. Tables in the sand steps from the ocean. Our favorite is "Mezcalito's Super Shrimp" marinated in tequila and grilled. Possibly the most addictive french fries on the island. They close around dusk, since there is no electricity on this side of the island. Despite not having floors, this is not a budget option.
No Name Bar $$	A: Av. Rafael E. Melgar #628 between Calle 7 & 11 Sur P: 878 40 20
	Great view, swim-up bar
Pancho's Backyard $$	A: Av. Rafael E. Melgar #27 at the corner of Calle 8 Nte P: 842 21 41
	Attractive setting in the Los Cinco Soles store on the waterfront at the north end of downtown, they offer some tasty and unusual dishes. People particularly like their chiles rellenos stuffed with plaintains and walnuts. Different lunch and supper menus, somewhat unusual for Cozumel.
Parrilla Mission $$	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) between Calle 2 & 4 Nte P: 869 24 63
	Longstanding favorite, specializing in arrachera and seafood. In addition to a full menu, they also offer great family-style lunchtime specials that are delicious and inexpensive.
Parripollo $	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) at corner of Calle Rosado Salas P: 123 29 75
	Another good choice for grilled chicken and sides to take out to Casa Suzana or to the beach
Pescaderia San Carlos $	A: 50a Av. Sur Bis between Calle 3 Sur & Calle A. R. Salas P: 872 74 40
	Some of the very best, freshest seafood around. This is a fish market with a small, pleasant covered dining area out back. They do a large amount of takeout business with local families. The menu isn't extensive, but it is memorably good. You won't regret going.
Super Carnes HC de Monterrey	A: 5a Av. Sur between Calle 9 Sur and 9 Bis P: 872 22 77
$$	Well-known for arrachera, which is their specialty
Wet Wendy's Margarita House	A: 5a Av. Nte between Calle 5 & Benito Juárez (pedestrian) P: 872 49 70
$$	Famous for innovative margaritas, they also offer "Mexican and Texican Food"

 

[mstevens]

Supper

Restaurant	Details
Buccanos at Night $$$	A: Playa San Juan Costera Norte Km 4.5 P: 872 01 00
	Beautiful torch-lit beachside setting with delicious, creative food and drinks. Open only Friday and Saturday nights. Closes in low season.
Chi $$	A: Calle 3 Sur at the corner of Av. Rafael E. Melgar P: 869 81 56
	Chinese food with a great view of the ocean overlooking Avenida Melgar
Del Sur Parilla Argentina $$	A: 5a Av. Sur at the corner of Calle 3 Sur P: 101 71 08
	Wonderful Argentinean-style empanadas (using wheat flour crusts instead of corn masa) with tasty and unusual fillings - try the "Del Sur" (cheese, plum and bacon)! They also have Argentinean steaks and yerba mate and sometimes feature tango dancers in their spacious vaulted dining room.
El Coctelito $$	A: 20a Av. Sur between Calle 17 & 19 SurP: 120 15 03
	Fairly new seafood place that's walking distance from Casa Suzana, with a playground for the kids. Great ceviche and fish, not to mention fizzy limeade (limonada con gas). The "Mummy Shrimp" with cheese and wrapped in bacon are a favorite. Closed Mondays.
El Moro $$	A: 75 Bis Av. Nte #124 between Calle 2 & 4 Nte P: 872 30 29
	Well-loved but hard-to-find place popular with Americans and specializing in seafood and Mayan food. Closed Thursdays.
El Pique $	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) between Av. Benito Juarez & Calle 2 P: 872 46 28
	My favorite taqueria on the island, it has a quiet back courtyard reached through the busy front of the restaurant. Their tacos al pastor are outstanding, but don't automatically come with pineapple unless you specify ("con piña"), which you should. Queso fundido (and choriqueso and quesongo) are excellent here. My teen son loves the tacos de lengua. Their specialty is cabeza.
Especias Restaubar $$	A: Calle 3 Sur between Av. 5 & 10 Sur P: 876 15 58
	Well-known and popular downtown restaurant. Recently rebooted as an Italian place, and we haven't tried it since then.
Frenchies $	A: 10a Avenida between Avenida Benito Juárez & Calle 2 Norte P: 116 1759
	Frenchies is unique. It looks like a franchise location, but it's the only (or at least the first) in the world. They serve fresh-made french fries that great in themselves but are transformed with a range of toppings. There's the familiar French-Canadian poutine, but also wonder Thai orange chicken with ginger, "Bluefalo", superb garlic parmesan and vegetarian varieties. You have to try it to believe it.
Hanal-Ki	A: Av. Benito Juárez between Calle 60 & 65 Sur across from the fire station
$	This place on the transversal road specializes in Mayan dishes, including cochinita pibil, relleno negro, panuchos, salbutes, and papadzules
Kinta Mexican Bistro $$$	A: 5a Av. Nte between Calle 2 & Calle 4 Nte P: 869 05 44
	Elegant outdoor courtyard providing a romantic setting. Their creative Mexican fusion cuisine has never disappointed. My favorite of all restaurants on the island. Reservations recommended. Closed Mondays.
Kondesa Cocina Mexicana $$$	A: 5a Av. Sur #456 between Calle 5 and 7 Sur P: 869 10 86
	Pleasant outdoor courtyard perfect for celebrations. Traditional Mexican basis with modern updates. My wife and son prefer Kondesa to Kinta. Reservations recommended.
La Choza $$	A: 10a Av. Sur at the corner of Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas P: 872 09 58
	Offers a range of seafood and traditional Mexican items. Chicken mole is particularly good. Famous for their yellow salsa, which you can buy to take home. Their avocado pie is better than it sounds. Free parking in private lot on Calle 6 Nte.
La Cocay $$$	A: Calle 8 Nte #208 between Av. 10 & 15 Nte P: 872 55 33
	Lovely indoor setting and mediterranean fusion dishes. Closed Sundays.
La Conchita del Caribe $$	A: 65a Av. Sur #960 between Calle 13 & 15 Sur P: 869 12 18
	Lots of great seafood options here. The best is to choose your fish from the cooler and have it fried whole.
La Perlita $$	A: Calle 10 Nte between Av. 65 Bis & 70 Nte P: 869 83 43
	A bit difficult to find, but worth the trouble especially for great lionfish dishes, particularly ceviche and pez leon xcalacoco (breaded in coconut). Two-for-one lionfish dishes on Thursdays!
Le Chef $$	A: 5a Av. Sur #398 at the corner of Calle 5 Sur P: 878 43 91
	Creative offerings of fresh local ingredients inspired by French and Mediterranean techniques. Their lobster and bacon sandwich is great.
Los Sera's $	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) at the corner of José Maria Morelos betw. Calle 3 & 5 Sur
	Taqueria that some prefer to El Pique. I'll admit it's close. Of particular note here is their pizza al pastor, which is very inexpensive and delicious.
Los Otates $	A: 15a Av. Sur between Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas & Calle 3 Sur P: 869 10 59
	Very popular with locals and tourists alike. Famous for pozole, they also offer a range of tacos, tortas, burritos (unusual in Mexico), and even burgers (but no fries). Free WiFi. Free parking.
Mister Taco	A: Av. Benito Juárez between Calle 60 & 65 Sur across from the fire station
$	Don't let appearances fool you - this visually unimpressive taco stand is very busy for good reason. Some of the best tacos al pastor around, but not much else on the menu.
No Name Bar $	A: Av. Rafael E. Melgar #628 between Calle 7 & 11 Sur P: 878 40 20
	Great view, swim-up bar
Pancho's Backyard $$	A: Av. Rafael E. Melgar #27 at the corner of Calle 8 Nte P: 842 21 41
	Attractive setting in the Los Cinco Soles store on the waterfront at the north end of downtown, they offer some tasty and unusual dishes. People particularly like their chiles rellenos stuffed with plaintains and walnuts. Different lunch and supper menus, somewhat unusual for Cozumel.
Parrilla Mission $$	A: Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell (30) between Calle 2 & 4 Nte P: 869 24 63
	Longstanding favorite, specializing in arrachera and seafood.
Rolandi's Restaurant Bar & Pizzeria	A: Av. Rafael E. Melgar at the corner of Calle 11 Sur P: 872 10 97
$$	Gorgeous setting overlooking the water. Wood-fired pizza, pasta, Italian meats and seafood
Taqueria losChilangos	A: Av. Pedro Joaquín Coldwell (30) #579 between Calle 3 Sur & Morelos
$	Specializes in huaraches and quesadillas. They also have nice tamales, and refreshing avena to drink. Despite the name, they don't appear to offer tacos, though huaraches are very similar. Don't confuse it with Cocina Economica los Chilangos, open only during the day.
Wet Wendy's Margarita House	A: 5a Av. Nte between Calle 5 & Benito Juárez (pedestrian) P: 872 49 70
$$	Famous for innovative margaritas, they also offer "Mexican and Texican Food"

 

[cvchief]

In fairness the OP, many of those are not 'off the beaten' path. A bunch are though.

And in speaking the usefulness of the thread, MS, you just reminded me of a number of places I want to try and have not made it to, so I have been helped by your posting!! I never knew WW did breakfast.

However the list is sorely lacking as:

I see only one that mentions the quality of the margarita.......

Avacado pie both SOUNDS and is terrific. Only common gutter snipes go for chocolate. However, split a piece because it is so rich that it may stop your heart of you have the slightest narrowing of the arteries.

and a minor note:

The wifi at Otates NEVER seems to work anymore. I used to get the 'you didn't pay cablemas' but now nothing.

 

[mstevens]

I see only one that mentions the quality of the margarita.......

I haven't got around to starting a bar list, but that's primarily because my wife and I both tended bar in college and the house is completely stocked. Making our own margaritas (and Floridita daiquiris, etc.) at home means nobody has to go retrieve their scooter the next day.

Avacado pie both SOUNDS and is terrific. Only common gutter snipes go for chocolate. However, split a piece because it is so rich that it may stop your heart of you have the slightest narrowing of the arteries.

We now split it 3 ways, including the 19 year-old who gets over half. That stuff is rich like Carlos Slim. Up at your end of town, I actually prefer the Pay de Mamey or the half-mamey, half-mango at La Candela. Mamey is good stuff and heaven when it's pie-ified.

The wifi at Otates NEVER seems to work anymore. I used to get the 'you didn't pay cablemas' but now nothing.

Right? The same seems to be true at La Perlita, at least for me.

 

[cvchief]

I haven't got around to starting a bar list, but that's primarily because my wife and I both tended bar in college and the house is completely stocked. Making our own margaritas (and Floridita daiquiris, etc.) at home means nobody has to go retrieve their scooter the next day.

Rub it in...

We now split it 3 ways, including the 19 year-old who gets over half. That stuff is rich like Carlos Slim. Up at your end of town, I actually prefer the Pay de Mamey or the half-mamey, half-mango at La Candela. Mamey is good stuff and heaven when it's pie-ified.

REALLY? We have hit that for the lunch of the day, but never saw that. I am in!

Right? The same seems to be true at La Perlita, at least for me.

I believe that is my experience too. However, since I put the Iphone on telcel, it doesn't bother me as much.

 

[DjDiverDan]

For "off the beaten path" my favorites are, not necessarily in any order:

Casa Mission, back at 65 (I think) - I love the ambiance, the gardens, the old Mexican Hacienda feel, and the food and service are pretty good, too.

El Moro - I have no really good idea where this is, except "WAY back in town, north of the Plaza (I think)". El Moro can be loud and boisterous, but it is FUN. And the food is very good, and reasonably priced. And, on Sunday afternoons, go for the Cochinita Pibil. The really, really best Cochinita Pibil, a traditional Yucatecan dish, marinated slow cooked pork, is usually available at local joints on Sunday only, but many run out before 11:00 a.m., before I'm back from diving. El Moro has it on Sunday afternoons, and it is damn good.

Pescaderia San Carlos - very good fresh seafood, very friendly. Go Saturday, when they have the Sopa Mariscos (?), and ask for that real hot sauce (can't think of the name right now) to put a spoonful (maybe less) in the soup to spice it up. And the fresh fish with Garlic Sauce is excellent.

La Perlita - Thursday, 2-for-1 Lionfish, go early (I have seen them run out), and get the coconut crusted fried lionfish - delicious!

Burrito Gordito (not quite as off-the-beaten-path as it used to be, since it relocated), great big huge Burritos, enough for lunch AND dinner.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

La Conchita del Caribe is a great one that is off the beaten path. You will need to take a cab to get there. Great fresh fish and ceviche.

PH