What and where to eat in Cancún

La Habichuela is known for its cocobichuela, a curry-based shrimp and lobster dish, but go instead for the noteworthy Yucatecan dishes such as the cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork), and don’t skip the flaming Mayan coffee.

Address: Calle Margaritas 25, Centro

The menu at this under-the-radar eatery reads like a greatest-hits list of iconic Yucatecan dishes. After digging into classics such as papadzules (egg-filled enchiladas) and sopa de lima (lime soup), you may become a regular.

Address: Calle 31 Norte, Lote 23, S.M 63, Centro

Casual, softly lit Peter’s has become a Cancún institution thanks to its bouillabaisse, prime Angus ribeye, signature key lime pie, and personalized service making it one of downtown’s most memorable dining experiences.

Address: Avenida Bonampak 71-72, Centro

Harry’s specializes in prime meat cuts, east coast oysters, and stone crab claws prepared at its raw bar. Grab a waterfront table on the rear deck and take in a sunset view over margaritas made with habanero syrup.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 14.2, Hotel Zone

Dine under the stars in a romantic patio decked out with fairy lights and intentionally rustic furnishings. Like El Tigre y El Toro, its sister restaurant around the corner, La Fonda excels in brick oven pizzas.

Address: Avenida Uxmal 23, Centro

If you grow tired of the seafood and taco routine, Thai and its adjacent Indian restaurant Elefanta offer tastes of South Asia amid picturesque waterfront settings. Inexpensive they’re not, but the dishes and thatched-hut dining areas do not disappoint.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 12.5, La Isla Shopping Village, Hotel Zone

Implementing molecular gastronomy, Benazuza’s 15-course tasting menu is an innovative, Mexican-inspired flavor explosion. The artful presentations almost look too pretty to eat, almost that is.

Address: Grand Oasis Cancún, Blvd Kukulcán Km 16.5, Hotel Zone

In nearby Puerto Morelos, chef Jonatan Gómez Luna designs tasting menus so extraordinary that Le Chique was named one of Latin America’s 50 best restaurants. The changing menu features up to 20 courses and often focuses on reimagined Mexican fare. Adults only.

Address: Azul Beach Resort, Km 27.5, Puerto Morelos

If you’ve never tried high-quality Peruvian ceviche prepared with citrus-based tiger’s milk, you’re in for a treat. The privileged ocean view isn’t too shabby either at this posh resort on the southern tip of the hotel zone.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 21, Nizuc Resort, Hotel Zone

This waterfront restaurant with lovely wooden decor offers more than 20 different ways to prepare your lobster, including a version with a Yucatán-style achiote rub. Sure, it’s touristy but after 40 years in the biz, it still ranks among Cancún’s top seafood establishments.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 10.5, Hotel Zone

Locals love this unassuming seafood palapa and for good reason: tasty fried fish tacos are done dirt-cheap and the homestyle main dishes get the wood-burning stove treatment.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 19.4, Hotel Zone

Across from the Puerto Juárez ferry terminal, this corner store kiosk-turned-seafood eatery whips up succulent whole hogfish and fine citrus-cooked shrimp; make it your fueling stop on the way back from Isla Mujeres or Isla Blanca.

Address: Avenida López Portillo S.M. 85, Puerto Juárez

For local flavor, you simply can’t beat the atmosphere at this open-air seafood restaurant in a seldom-visited working-class neighborhood. The live music alone makes it well worth the visit.

Address: Calle 107 M.Z. 38, Centro

With an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu featuring meatless tacos, sweet potato soup, and veggie burgers, this open-air downtown cafe gets rave reviews as a breakfast and lunch spot.

Address: Avenida Carlos Náder 66, Centro

Come for the falafel wrap, vegan pizza, and hearty sopes (vegan-style corn snacks), and stay for the non-dairy smoothies while soaking up the scenery of the Nichupté Lagoon.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 16.5, Aquafun Marina, Hotel Zone

One of the most affordable vegan options in town and with its hearty Mexican breakfasts, meatless burritos, and baked goods, this humble downtown cafe is budget traveler bliss.

Address: Avenida Sunyaxchen 30, Centro

For taco crawls and market visits, let the experts show you Cancún’s best culinary secrets. Aside from the mouth-watering street eats, a food tour provides fascinating background on the city’s historical sights.

The Paisano does one thing and does it exceptionally well. His famous torta (sandwich) is a simple creation of roasted pork leg, mayo, salsa verde, and greens on a roll, making for a tasty snack after a stroll through the market.

Address: Jabín 9, Mercado 23, Centro

Come with a big appetite if you plan on woofing down the fat California-style burritos stuffed with your choice of steak, shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian fixings. The supersized cocktails are no joke either at this hotel zone favorite.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán Km 9.5, Hotel Zone

Downtown’s go-to spot to get your taco fix. Wrap your fingers around the spit-cooked tacos al pastor (marinated pork) and get a side of chicharrón de queso (a fried cheese roll) for good measure. It’s pure artery-clogging joy.

Address: Avenida Náder 25, Centro

Start with a tuna tostada, a mouth-watering treat topped with cubed avocado and crispy leek. Everything on the menu goes down oh-so-nice with a refreshing beer-and-Clamato cocktail.

Address: Avenida Nichupté, M.Z. 4, Centro

Yucatecan comfort food at its best, this soupy bowl of goodness is prepared with shredded turkey or chicken, aromatic lime juice, and fried tortilla strips, among other ingredients.

Fried tortillas topped with refried beans, pulled pork or shredded chicken, pickled red onion, and optional cabbage or lettuce. Add some fiery habanero salsa for extra zip.

Oven-roasted or pit-cooked pork that’s usually marinated in citrus juices and rubbed with achiote and other spices. This iconic dish is prepared in tacos, sandwiches, or as a main meal.

Crepe-like dessert rolls filled with caramel, chocolate, cheese, and other goodies. Look for the street vendors selling them in downtown’s Parque de las Palapas.