Cancun is a food lover’s delight and a pleasure for anyone who likes to eat well. Downtown Cancun and the famed Hotel Zone offer a wide variety of restaurants that serve diverse cuisines. The Hotel Zone has a few oceanfront restaurants and is not in a resort, but you’ll find plenty overlooking Nichupte Lagoon with spectacular sunset views over Cancun.
You will also find restaurants that serve various cuisines, the most common being Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Yucatecan cuisine, among many others.
To help you find the best Cancun restaurants, we rounded up the options and ended up with these ten best restaurants in the city for you to try.
Overview of the Best Cancun Restaurants
| Best Cancun Restaurants in Downtown | Best for |
| Restaurante La Habichuela | Being one of the oldest restaurants in the city |
| Peter’s Restaurante | The personal and friendly-service |
| Ilios | Greek cuisine, entertainment, and breathtaking décor |
| El Oasis Mariscos | The freshest seafood at reasonable prices and excellent service |
| Best Cancun Restaurants in the Hotel Zone | Best for |
| Tora | Stunning decor, delicious Japanese cuisine, and endless surprises |
| Cenacolo Zona Hotelera | Ambiance, View, Handmade Pasta, and Wine Availability |
| Cambalache | Late Dinner Ambience and Steaks |
| Porfirio’s | Dining experience with upscale, authentic Mexican cuisine |
| Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar | The Best Steak Options in the City |
| Puerto Madero Cancún | Food, Service, and Ambience |
Best Restaurants in Downtown Cancun
The downtown is known for housing budget-friendly options in Cancun. As such, many people associate this area as suitable for budget travelers and locals. In general, you can find plenty of restaurants downtown, and here are four of the best in the area:
Restaurante La Habichuela
Since 1977, La Habichuela has operated in Cancun, making it one of the most popular restaurants and one of the best in the city. The restaurant opened over 40 years ago in the house once owned by Armando Pezzotti.
The garden is adorned with Mayan sculptures, trees, plants, and twinkling lights; you can enjoy them outdoors or indoors. The place is also known for its high-quality food and exceptional service.
The place boasts Cocobichuela, a coconut shell-stuffed dish made with lobster, shrimp, rice, curry sauce, and tropical fruits. Chichen Itza desserts and Mayan coffee are a must at La Habichuela.
This place is also included in our list of the best places that serve Mexican dishes. If you want other options like this one, read our article about the best Cancun Mexican Restaurants.
Contact Info
Address: C. 10 Margaritas 25-20, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Phone Number: +52 998 884 3158
Facebook Page: Restaurante La Hachibuela
Peter’s Restaurante
Peter’s Restaurante is a popular restaurant in downtown Cancun that attracts tourists and locals alike. It is a quaint, European-style eatery. An entire family runs the restaurant: Peter, his wife Claudia, and their son Eder.
There is a wide selection of dishes, including shrimp, fish, veal, beef, pasta, and desserts. There is also a small but good wine list.
Compared to a restaurant of this caliber in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the prices here are considerably lower.
If you take the bus downtown, you can get off at the first stop and walk just a few blocks to Peter’s Restaurante. Whenever you make a reservation, please mention any special occasions.
Among Cancun’s favorite restaurants is Peter’s. Every customer is important to owner Peter and his family, including his wife, son, and staff. Unfortunately, there are only eight tables in the charming dining room, so reservations are recommended.
Contact Info
Address: Avenida Bonampak Mz 11 Lt 71-72, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Phone Number: +52 998 251 9310
Facebook Page: Peter’s Restaurante
Ilios
Ilios is the place to go if you’re craving some Greek Cuisine in the city. Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Ilios is a stunning restaurant with a Greek goddess welcoming you.
With its contemporary concept, the restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine, stunning decor, the hottest DJ mixes, performers, fireworks, hookah bars, and even unforgettable events!
In addition to all your Greek favorites, the staff is friendly and attentive to all your needs.
The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood and cocktails crafted by imaginative mixologists. The baklava is a must-try dessert!
Ilios was chosen as one of the Best options since it offers beautiful décor, excellent Greek food, and entertaining shows.
If you’re planning on attending a show on the last three days of the week, we recommend making a reservation.
Contact Info
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 13.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Phone Number: +52 998 251 6596
Facebook Page: Ilios
El Oasis Mariscos
El Oasis is one of the best restaurants because it offers excellent service, ambiance, and affordable fresh seafood.
You will enjoy delicious seafood at this place, which is what “mariscos” means in Spanish. To know the best seafood dishes in the city, read What Seafood Is Local to Cancun?
An enticing Mexican Caribbean atmosphere, impressive paintings, and sparkling lights accompany the tasty seafood served at an affordable price.
The restaurant is conveniently located across the street from Costco and offers excellent service and a great atmosphere.
The menu includes a wide variety of tasty and refreshing drinks. The place’s tamarind margarita is a must-try, the kids’ menu at El Oasis is excellent, and the restaurant is kid-friendly. Baked banana with caramel, ice cream, and nuts is a good dessert option.
Contact Info
Address: Av Yaxchilán 17-2, Las Casas de Acueducto, 77505 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone Number: +52 998 478 4810
Facebook Page: El Oasis Mariscos
Best Restaurants in Cancun Hotel Zone
As mentioned, most of Cancun’s Hotel Zone areas are occupied by all-inclusive hotels, and most restaurants are inside these establishments. However, here are six of the best options in the Cancun Hotel Zone:
Tora
Tora lists Top Restaurants for its dazzling decor, delicious Japanese food, and fun surprises. The place serves excellent Japanese cuisine using both traditional and modern ingredients.
The extensive menu includes vegan selections, cocktail specialties, Japanese whiskeys, and sake.
Moreover, the terrace has multiple levels, comfortable sofas, and Nichupte Lagoon’s stunning views during sunsets, while the inside is decorated with twinkling lights, bamboo, and plants.
A fun surprise and excellent service round off the experience. A tasting menu is available to groups of 15 or more for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, and even wedding receptions.
Contact Info
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 15, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Phone Number: +52 998 313 4128
Facebook Page: Tora
Cenacolo Zona Hotelera
Cenacolo offers a delightful fine dining experience due to its ambiance, lagoon location, and handcrafted pasta. In addition, the place offers upscale Italian cuisine and the stunning Nichupte Lagoon scenery.
The pasta is made by hand daily, and the seafood is the main focus. It has excellent service, an extensive wine list, and large portions.
Combined with Cancun’s incredible views of the lagoon at sunset, the hotel’s design is chic and light. You can find a second Cenacolo restaurant in the nearby Marina Town Center. Of course, a fine dining dinner like this requires you to wear a dress, so leave your footwear behind.
The best time to have dinner is just before sunset on the patio. Reserve a table through the concierge at your hotel to ensure you secure a slot.
Contact Info
Address: Torre La Europea, KM 12.6, Blvd. Kukulcan, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Phone Number: +52 998 885 3603
Facebook Page: Cenacolo Zona Hotelera
Cambalache
The area has many excellent restaurants, but Cambalache is the best for late-night dining and drinks. Moreover, it’s impossible to beat their steaks.
It has been a popular restaurant in Cancun for years. This place is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its excellent service, large portions, and delicious meat cuts.
Puerto Madero and Cambalache are the same groups, serving delicious, high-quality cuisine. When ordering a salad, pair it with someone to enjoy your steak.
The Cambalache restaurant at Plaza La Isla is excellent for eating late at night. If you can remove one meal from an all-inclusive plan, it’s worth it. In addition, the Plaza La Isla is a great place to stroll after dinner.
Contact Info
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Phone Number: +52 998 883 0902
Facebook Page: Cambalache
Porfirio’s
Porfirio’s serves upscale, authentic Mexican cuisine with delightful surprises, making it one of the Best Restaurants.
With Porfirio’s, you’ll find the best Mexican cuisine cooked with traditional methods and ingredients. Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone near Nichupte Lagoon, this restaurant offers both inside and outside dining.
When it comes to watching Cancun’s stunning sunsets, being outdoors is best. Performers, mariachis, and modern house music create an energetic atmosphere.
At Porfirio’s, specialty cocktails are delivered to tables on a trolley that offers over a hundred mezcals, tequilas, and other drinks. The service is exceptional. Dessert options include churros and ice cream trucks, which are perfect for kids.
Contact Info
Address: Km 14.2, Blvd. Kukulcan No.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Phone Number: +52 998 840 6040
Facebook Page: Porfirio’s
Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar is recommended as one of the Best Restaurants in Cancun because it serves the best steak in the city.
Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar’s specialty is black onyx, Kobe, and USDA prime beef.
Additionally, they serve a variety of appetizers and other meats, such as ribs and lamb, as well as hamburgers, sandwiches, and seafood. The place also serves creative cocktails and delicious desserts.
This hotel has excellent service, and a recent remodel and expansion have transformed the restaurant into something straight out of The Great Gatsby.
Shared entrees and sides might be a good idea since the portions are generous. Harry’s is a restaurant that you’ll come back to again and again. During the meal, remember to enjoy cotton candy served at each table when the sun sets.
Contact Info
Address: Km. 14.2, Kukulkan 1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Phone Number: +52 998 840 6554
Facebook Page: Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Puerto Madero Cancún
Puerto Madero is among Cancun’s top restaurants and is named after a port district in Buenos Aires that gained popularity recently. Just like the neighborhood itself, the decor is stylishly industrial.
Their specialty is Argentinean cuisine, and you’ll find a wide selection of seafood dishes and steaks to choose from, as well as excellent pasta dishes and salads. In addition, you can share some appetizers to stay within your budget.
There is no better place to celebrate an occasion than at Puerto Madero, and it’s best to put on your best clothes if you’re dining there.
The ambiance, food, and service of Puerto Madero make it one of the best restaurants in the city. It is common for people to return repeatedly. Make reservations for an intimate dinner on the balcony.
Contact Info
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 14.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Operating Hours: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Phone Number: +52 998 885 2829
Facebook Page: Puerto Madero Cancún
Conclusion
As a prominent city in the Yucatan and a popular tourist destination, Cancun is well-spent regarding restaurants and places to eat. The city offers many restaurants in Downtown and the Hotel Zone.
As such, it can be overwhelming for someone who wants to try the best options. With this list, you now have a starting point on which restaurants to check out and try. If you want to try something local, you can read What Food is Cancun Known For?
