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Cancun is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world offering tons to see and do. There are gorgeous beaches and stunning sparkling ocean waters, and the weather is superb for most of the year. The lively atmosphere and the highly hospitable locals add to the upbeat vibe of this incredible city.
On top of all of that, the food in Cancun is an epicure’s dream! In both the downtown core and Cancun Hotel Zone, you’ll find a selection of world-class restaurants to choose from.
There are a variety of restaurants in Cancun offering exquisite Mexican cuisine, as well as several other restaurants bringing their cultures and culinary skills together, creating some of the best meals you will ever eat!
Being spoilt for choice, I am sure you are wondering where to eat in Cancun. Look no further; here are some of the best restaurants in Cancun that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds!
The BEST Restaurants in Cancun
1. Divina Carne
- Location: A short drive from Kukulkan Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: The best variety of meat and exceptional fine dining
- Takes reservations: Yes
A 5-star meat-eating experience like no other! Divina Carne is a Brazilian restaurant in Cancun specializing in high-quality cuts of meat and preparing them to perfection. The ambiance and décor are everything you expect from a high-end establishment.
Dan and I were blown away by the Divina Bar. An extensive selection of salads, fresh fruit and vegetables, hot and cold dishes, cheeses, and superb cold cuts.
The expertly prepared food kept coming with a flip of our card from red to green. Every mouthful bursts with the flavor of Brazilian meat excellence. Save space for dessert! There is an exquisite variety to choose from.
Wash your meal down with a glass of fine wine to complete your 5-star culinary experience. The service is top-notch, and the staff professional and friendly. Undoubtedly, Divina Carne is one of the best restaurants in Cancun!
2. KAI
- Location: Kukulcan/Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: Exceptional Japanese fusion dining, sushi, and seafood
- Takes reservations: Yes
KAI has taken Japanese fusion cuisine to the next level! The stylish and authentic décor is met with a friendly atmosphere and exceptional service. Their menu is incredible. You will definitely need to visit this restaurant in Cancun more than once.
The sushi bar team is expertly trained in preparing the salmon cuts just right. Your favorites are sure to be on the menu. However, there are some epic fusion pieces to try. Each sushi piece is fresh and melts in your mouth.
The Entrees options are vast, so you have an opportunity to try one or two. The Tempura Red Snapper and Amazu Lobster were delicious! I savored every mouthful of my Josper Grilled Salmon main dish. The wasabi-infused vinaigrette was the perfect finishing touch for this dish.
Dan opted for their signature Wagyu New York stake. Grilled to perfection and truly scrumptious.
The dessert menu is decadent. I ordered the Double Chocolate Almond Cake. Dan could not refuse the Chocolate Fondant. Just the right amount of sweetness to complete our dining experience.
If you are looking for exceptional Japanese fusion food in Cancun. This is your spot!
Related Read: Before you go, check out our blog that answers is Cancun safe and make sure you have a ride planned for the trip from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone!
3. Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar
- Location: The Cancun Hotel Zone, not far from Playa San Miguelito
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: The steak!
- Takes reservations: Yes
If you’re in the mood for a delicious steak, look no further than Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar. This upscale restaurant is located in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone and offers a variety of steak cuts, as well as seafood, pasta, and vegetarian dishes.
The steaks at Harry’s are some of the best in Mexico, and they’re cooked to perfection. Whether you like your steak rare, medium, or well-done, you’re sure to enjoy every bite.
In addition to the great food, Harry’s also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends and is easily one of the best restaurants in Cancun.
Related Read: Harry’s has a second location in Playa del Carmen – it is also one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
4. Tora Cancún
- Location: Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, Sushi, and Seafood
- Takes reservations: Yes
This incredible restaurant in Cancun brings traditional elements of Japanese culture and fine dining together beautifully. Tora Cancun’s location is breathtaking, with an option to sit on a tastefully decorated multi-level deck! Extreme passion and talent are present in every plated meal! My favorite part of this restaurant was their meal presentation.
Their menu offers exclusive products, including Kaluga Queen Caviar and Blue Eye Tuna. The star of the menu must be the Ora King Salmon. This salmon is considered the finest in the world! I was keen to try that! The list also includes U2 tiger shrimp, Alaskan King Crab, and lobster. This selection has placed Tora as one of the best restaurants in Cancun serving fish and seafood.
Dan and I started our evening with some mouth-watering sushi. The Ora King Salmon main dish was fresh and sublime. Dan ordered the Bento Box for his main. This Tora signature dish is an assortment of fish and other delicious menu items. A great way to try a variety of their scrumptious delicacies.
The “Over The Top Sundae” was an ideal dessert to share. Treat yourself to a traditional Sake to wake up your senses.
The atmosphere is upbeat with dinner and a spectacular show! The service was top-notch too!
5. Porfirio’s Cancún
- Location: Kukulcan/Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: the flavors of Mexico in a fine dining experience
- Takes reservations: Yes
Porfirio’s Cancun has taken deep-rooted Mexican culinary tradition and flavors into an exceptional contemporary fine dining experience. The location and décor style is magical! There is an upbeat and party-feel atmosphere – ideal for a fun night out. On top of that, the service is professional and 5star!
Their menu offers all the spicey deliciousness you expect from Mexican food in Cancun. The Appetizer Guacamole Bar has a selection of infused choices. We tried out the “Crispy Pork Rings” option. Very yummy! The Cheese Stuffed Poblano Chilli was my main dish choice. I would not like to say, “I stuffed my face .”However, I may have, as it was really delicious.
Dan relished every bit of his Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwich. Packed with chili and exceptional flavor. The Ice Cream sampling was presented in a miniature traditional ice cream cart. I loved this presentation idea, and the ice cream assortment was spectacular.
On the whole, choosing to eat at this restaurant in Cancun takes your palate to every corner of Mexico!
Related Read: While in Cancun consider going swimming with whale sharks!
6. Taqueria Los Coapenitos
- Location: Downtwon Cancun
- Price range: $
- Come here for: Authentic Mexican tacos!
- Takes reservations: No
An awesome streetside restaurant you simply have to check out in downtown Cancun is Taqueria Los Coapenitos! The seating is limited. However, this is not a reflection of their incredible food. If you are a taco enthusiast, this is the spot for you. There are various taco options to choose from, with some fantastic combinations. These might just be the best tacos in Cancun!
Dan and I were immediately drawn to the Coapenito tacos. A flavor burst of steak and chorizo topped with pico de gallo, avocado, and ground pork rind. Mouthwatering, right? They have a superb selection of beer, which cooled us down while well loaded our tacos with homemade hot sauce.
Their menu includes suadero, pastor, coateno, lengua, tripa, and arrachera. Basically every type of taco you could want! Each taco is expertly prepared and bursting at the seams with exceptional Mexican flavors.
This restaurant is a must-visit for taco fans for some of the best street-style Cancun Mexican food! In addition, the ambiance is warm, with some chilled background music. Only matched with the friendly Cancun service.
7. CAO De Tierra Y De Mar
- Location: Puerto Cancun (near the Marina)
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: Upscale Mexican food
- Takes reservations: Yes
CAO De Tierra Y De Mar is all about exquisite fine dining in Marina Puerto Cancun! Walk into a classy and stylish restaurant with a beautiful view of the marina. This restaurant draws inspiration from North Mexican cuisine, including all your favorites with an added twist!
I ordered the Tuna Guacamole for my starter, and Dan opted for the Mamucas “Ramos” Guacamole with a handmade pork rind. Really tasty!
For our mains, we wanted to try something unique, so I opted for the Salmón a la Parrilla, which is something you don’t often see on a Mexican menu. It was served with a cheese sauce which was fantastic and full of Mexican flavors. Dan ordered the Pulpo a las Brasas which is grilled octopus. It was seasoned perfectly and so tender!
This place certainly adds a fine touch to the food, and you can tell there are some skilled chefs behind this restaurant.
We didn’t opt for dessert because CAO De Tierra Y De Mar isn’t the cheapest restaurant to visit. However, the excellent food is matched with brilliant service. Plus, the ambiance is warm and friendly.
8. Bacoli Trattoria
- Location: Hotel Zone (Emporio Hotel)
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: Italian, Mediterranean, Sicilian and Southern Italian
- Takes reservations: Yes
Bacoli Trattoria is an authentic Italian Restaurant in Cancun is located in the Emporio Hotel. It’s a little bit of Italy in the Hotel Zone of Cancun! The décor oozes classic Italian appeal and the distinctly recognizable red and white checked table cloths.
Now, let us discuss food! In true Italian style, you can expect an excellent variety of appetizers, pasta, pizza, salads, and dessert. My eye was on the seafood pasta, which was very scrummy. Dan loves tasty cannelloni. The recommended spinach and ricotta cheese option was hearty and delicious.
Bacoli Trattoria offers a vast selection of fine wine, too. Our choice of a Merlot was a good one!
For dessert, the infamous Tiramisu is a must! Layers of sweet Italian excellence in each mouthful.
The staff and service are both exceptional. The Manager and staff are all on the ball and made our Italian food in Cancun experience extra special – deciding where to eat in Cancun just became a little easier!
9. Puerto Madero Cancún
- Location: Kukulcan, Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: Contemporary seafood and steak grill
- Takes reservations: Yes
Puerto Madero restaurant in Cancun has a superb selection of seafood, and the Carpaccio choices are fabulous. High-end steaks and grilled seafood have never tasted this good! Dan and I started our meal with an Octopus salad. The ingredients were fresh and tasty, and the portion was more than enough for two.
The recommendation of the Tuna Steak was a great one. I love a well-prepared piece of fresh Tuna, and it did not disappoint. Dan could not decide between meat or fish. So, he opted for the Surf and Turf. A perfect blend of prime tenderloin and lobster. The back bite of chili finished off this delicious dish perfectly.
The desserts are the ideal size to share. After much debate, we decide on the Chocolatisimo Puerto Madero. A hot chocolate souffle with an aromatic coffee culi sauce “a la mode .”Sound good? It really is decadent and divine!
Our meal was truly remarkable, and the service was professional and friendly. My favorite part of the evening was the sunset with a refreshing Margherita in hand. Book a table next to the window to take advantage of this spectacular view!
10. Mextreme
- Location: Cancun Hotel Zone not far from Coco Bongo
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: Traditional Mexican dishes and a fun atmosphere.
- Takes reservations: No.
Mextreme creates a real and genuine all-around Mexican experience. You truly get a feel for the culture and vibe. I could not help to sit at the bar on one of the “bum seats” to enjoy a beer before tucking into some fantastic food in Cancun.
The Mole sauce is excellent! I felt as though I was back in Oaxaca, which is something only the best Mexican chefs can recreate! I always go for the traditional black Mole, which, if you haven’t tried, you need to! For those who don’t know, Mole is a traditional sauce made with Cacao that is savory. It’s commonly had on chicken but can be poured over any dish.
The Al pastor tacos were also amazingly delicious, but the typical Aztec soup is actually what I always come here for. They are so rich and full of flavor! Plus, it’s a side of Mexican food that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Soup lovers, don’t miss it!
If you want to try another authentic dish, order a Molcajete. I’ve eaten these all over Mexico, and you can get them in seafood or meat. I personally prefer seafood, but it’s all personal preference.
Another reason Mextreme is such a fantastic place to visit is the live music. Sip your margarita with live Mariachi – a typical Mexican band! These guys typically play at dinner after the sun sets.
Mextreme offers more than delicious food. They invite you to immerse in their culture while putting on a fun show. I witnessed a waitress successfully carry four margaritas on her head – that’s no easy feat! It is genuinely a fantastic Mexican restaurant in Cancun!
Related Read: Another top culinary destination in Mexico is Puerto Vallarta. Check out the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta before you go!
11. Ilios Greek Estiatorio Cancun
- Location: Kukulcan/Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: traditional Greek cuisine and entertainment
- Takes reservations: Yes
You know when you visit a traditional Greek Restaurant in Cancun, you are in for a fantastic time! Ilios Greek Estiatoria has an authentic ambiance, and the décor is stunning. The Mediterranean culture adores their food. Combine this with their rich heritage, and you are guaranteed an evening of exceptional culinary delights and entertainment.
We started our course with a meze selection. I love the combination of Hummus, Baba ganoush, and Dolmathes. It was just enough to get our tastebuds going. The Appetizers selection was incredible, too. We decided on some Saganaki Graviera Cheese and Baked Artichoke. Pure yumminess!
When it comes to mains, and you are in a Greek Restaurant, Lamb has to be the go-to! I loved my Lamb burger, and Dan tucked it into the New Zealand Lamb Rack. Expertly prepared the traditional Mediterranean way, and the flavors were divine.
Of course, when in “Rome,” the apparent dessert is Baklava alongside a cup of aromatic coffee. It’s a win every time! We were enthralled by the entertainment, and the plate breaking was so much fun. This best restaurant in Cancun goes the extra mile to make your evening special!
12. Lorenzillo’s
- Location: Kukulcan/Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: Caribbean, Seafood, and Soups
- Takes reservations: Yes
Lorenzillo’s is an exclusive restaurant in Cancun with a fascinating heritage. While this may be based on legend, it certainly is a reputation to behold. Not many restaurants can say they have been around since 1683!
The décor is quirky, with a Caribbean touch. It’s almost like a pirate may appear from around the corner! The deck is a great place to sit and enjoy your meal on the water’s edge. When you enter a “Pirate” inspired restaurant, it only makes sense that soup and seafood are the dishes to try.
I decided on the Trafalgar Onion Soup Au Gratin as a starter. Rich in flavor and very enjoyable. Dan ordered “El Sextante”, cajun-infused calamari rings. They were soft and tender with a subtle bite. For our mains, it was crayfish all the way! The variety is excellent. After much deliberation, I opted for the Lobster in Coconut Milk Sauce. A superb combination of ingredients!
Dan had lobster with a spicy Chipotle, Plum, and Tamarind Sauce. Again, a wonderful blend of ingredients, and the lobster was cooked perfectly.
We washed our meal down with a smooth Rum beverage, keeping with the Pirate theme. If you are looking for unique food in Cancun, Lorenzillo’s is the restaurant to visit for a “Hearrrrty” meal and a memorable culinary experience!
13. Restaurante Käajal
- Location: Hotel Zone/Hotel Renaissance Cancun
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: Breakfast! Traditional Mexican meets International
- Takes reservations: Yes
Restaurante Käajal is located in the Hotel Renaissance in Cancun. After a morning walk along the Hotel Zone promenade, this restaurant in Cancan must be your stop for breakfast. The setting is gorgeous. We sat on the deck right next to the swimming pool, with the shimmering ocean waters as our view.
The menu is a fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and international favorites. The staff is warm and tentative. As always, a great sense of humor too! I fancied something hearty and filling after our walk. After scanning the menu, Dan and I felt the Signature dishes looked terrific!
I decided on the Xibalba Pancakes. A savory dish consists of spiced sourdough pancakes and an exquisite plantain mousse with mascarpone cheese and pitahaya syrup. It tastes as incredible as it sounds! Dan took a more traditional route and tried the South East Eggs. A delightful “Mexican twist” on the Eggs Benedict dish we are all familiar with. Very delicious!
Accompanied by a freshly brewed cup of coffee, it was the perfect way to start our day.
This must be your first stop for the best breakfast food in Cancan!
14. Hiromi
- Location: Kukulcan/Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$
- Come here for: Best Sushi and fine Japanese Cuisine
- Takes reservations: Yes
If you are looking for a delicious and rich cultural experience, then Hiromi must be on your list! The décor of this restaurant in Cancun is authentic, with some beautiful abstract appeal. The atmosphere is great, and the service is excellent.
Special care and attention have gone into their sushi and meal plating. Each piece of sushi is immaculate and decorated beautifully. There is every piece you could possibly imagine on the menu. Also, highly recommend the Chef specialties. There are few words to describe just how amazing this Japanese food is. Yes, it is delicious!
Dan and I started with some Sushi and Sashimi pieces to share. In a word, sublime! We loved the Omakase evening. The Chef made the most exquisite Japanese cuisine right before us. Fresh fish with all the trimmings straight from the grill onto our plates. The aromas are invigorating!
If Omakase is not what you fancy. The flavors these Chefs can produce are truly spectacular! There is an extensive menu with several Japanese delicacies for you to choose from.
They have an incredible selection of Sake. My favorite was the Raspberry flavor. It hit the spot just right! Definitely, one of the Best Restaurants in Cancan!
Related Read: Planning a trip to Cancun? Check out the best resorts in Cancun!
15. Chambao Cancun
- Location: Kukulcan/Hotel Zone
- Price range: $$$
- Come here for: Sumptuous Meat and Seafood selections
- Takes reservations: Yes
Chambao is a meat and seafood lovers’ paradise! The atmosphere has a romantic feel, and the lighting is exquisite.
This restaurant in Cancun offers very rare and exclusive fish and seafood. Including the Ora King Salmon from New Zealand, Cuttlefish from Spain, and King Red Crab from Alaska. In the expected refined dining style, these fish dishes are expertly prepared with flavorsome complementary ingredients.
To start, I tried the recommended crab cake. It was super fresh, and the flavors were divine! Dan decided to give the Hamachi Tiradito a try. The fruity passionfruit, lime, and apple sauce, and a distinct chili bite were outstanding.
The selection of mains is incredible. As my eyes went down the menu, I stumbled upon their salad selection. I had to try the Champagne Artichoke Salad.
Wow, the combination of ingredients hit my palate just right. The champagne dressing was scrumptious! Dan had to tuck in a bit too!
For our mains, we tried the House Specials. I ordered the Tarantine Style Fish and Dan, The FCK burger. Every mouthful was a flavor-burst sensation! The delectable dessert menu could not be ignored. We shared the Pear Crisp. Pure pastry perfection!
My favorite was the incredible selection of intriguing cocktails. You will definitely find something new to try! Our servers were prompt and on the ball. We loved the provided entertainment too. Certainly, a wonderful evening at one of the best restaurants in Cancun!
Related Read: If you’re a real foodie, but sure to check out Oaxaca – the gastronomic captial of Mexico. There are many amaxing restaurants in Oaxaca!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Cancun
Between bites of the amazing food in Cancun, there’s plenty to do and see! I’ve been coming to Cancun since I was a kid and I never get tired of visiting. There are so many fun things to do in Cancun, that will make for an amazing vacay. So if you’re looking for even more activities, check out some of my favorites below!
- Hit the beach – I know it goes without saying that you’ll be spending a few days at some of Cancun’s best beaches! Make sure to vary it up and try a few different beaches while you’re here. Playa Chacmool is a hidden gem in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone I love and the sunsets at Playa Gaviota Azul are unreal.
- Tour an underwater museum – Whether you’re snorkeling or scuba diving in Cancun, a visit to MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) is a must. There are hundreds of sculptures down here and it feels like visiting the Lost City of Atlantis! This snorkeling tour takes you to MUSA along with visits to a shipwreck and a cenote!
- See Mayan ruins – Right in Cancun you can step back in time with visits to El Meco Ruins or the San Miguelito Ruins. Of course, to see some of the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico, you’ll want to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun. We took this tour of the ruins that included a guide, a stop at a cenote, and lunch!
- Cancun Scenic Tower – As if Cancun wasn’t scenic enough, there’s another way to enjoy the views here! The Cancun Scenic Tower gives you amazing views of the Caribbean! The entire viewing deck lifts up, so you won’t even need to climb any stairs to get this view.
- Swim with whale sharks – For a totally unique and memorable experience, jump in the water to swim with whale sharks near Cancun! These gentle giants feast on plankton and fish, so you can relax on this whale shark tour and just admire these giant fish (they aren’t actually sharks!). Whale shark season is from May to September, so if you’re here at a different time of year, this half-day sailing trip is another way to get out on the water and cruise the beautiful ocean!
Where to Stay in Cancun
If you’re going to be vacationing in Cancun, then you’ll need a place to stay! Below are some of the best hotels (for every budget) in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
For budget travelers, the Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone is a great choice. It doesn’t have the greatest reviews, but I really enjoyed my stay and for the price and fun atmosphere, you can’t go wrong! You can book this hostel on Hostelword or Booking.com.
If you prefer something a little nicer, I love the JW Marriott Cancun Resort. It’s not all-inclusive, which I enjoy because there are so many delicious restaurants in Cancun! The hotel is located right on the beach and has a huge pool. Rooms are typically $300-$500 USD depending on the time of year.
Of course, we all love a luxury all-inclusive stay and for that, I always book either the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun or the Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun Adults Only. Both are not cheap (typically $700-$1,000 USD nightly) but are equally as luxurious with fantastic oceanfront locations, delicious food, quality alcohol, and more.
More of a luxury traveler? Learn about the absolute best resorts in Cancun to choose from!
Travel Insurance is more important than ever right now!
If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!) and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!)
It’s safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years!
Thanks for reading!
In conclusion, wonder no more about where to eat in Cancun. All these local and international fine dining experiences are a magical journey from the source to your plate. These culinary memories are sure to last you a lifetime!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to browse around our other blogs about Mexico including:
The BEST things to do in Cancun