Cancun, Mexico dazzles its visitors with its white sandy beaches and sapphire water. The glittering coastal city with its Mayan heritage and an amazing variety of seafood has justifiably earned the title of the “Mexican Caribbean”. Along with mouthwatering seafood, this city also offers a wide variety of traditional and modern Mexican cuisine.
The vibrancy of this colorful country is reflected in its cuisine and it is well known for its spicy twist. Common Mexican items like tacos, burritos and fajitas, are nowadays considered international foods. Even the word “salsa”, meaning sauce, is also well-known. In the region of Cancun, the traditional recipes of Mayan cuisine mix with the Mexican flavor. This city will offer you a unique experience of dining in places decorated with Mayan architecture while enjoying Mexican or Mayan cuisine. Similarly, a tour to the Mexican Caribbean will not be complete until you try the amazing seafood at any of the beachfront restaurants. The city of Cancun offers you the chance to not only taste the food but the culture, as well!
1. La Destileria - authentic Mexican food and tequila
If your taste buds are craving authentic Mexican food, head down to the traditional La Destileria. The interior of this restaurant will remind you of a typical Mexican hacienda and the traditional seafood dishes are worth a try, as is its famous tequila. After the pleasure of enjoying some food, if you have the energy, take a tequila tour here, so you can learn more about your favorite poison.
La Destileria
Address: Kukulkán Kilómetro 12.65, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: La Destileria
2. La Habichuela Sunset - for a romantic evening
The outdoor setting of La Habichuela Sunset creates a most romantic ambiance, during or after the sunset. If the Mayan architecture is not enough to get an authentic feel for the place, the live Mayan music is sure to take you back in time. The live shows take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 8 pm. Although with the various Yucatecan dishes, the restaurant offers a wide variety of Caribbean-Mexican cuisine.
La Habichuela Sunset
Address: KM. 12.5, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: La Habichuela Sunset
3. Try the Mexican Food of Casa Tequila on a visit to Punta Cancun
The area of Punta Cancun is always packed with locals and tourists. Whether you are staying in any of the local resorts, or just visiting this area, you must head to Casa Tequila, for the authentic Mexican food. Sitting on the outside patio and enjoying the food to the beat of the mariachi music, is a perfect ending to your trip to the Punta Cancun area.
Casa Tequila
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan Blvd Kukulcan Km 19.5 Lt 65 Suite #2106, Benito Juárez, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: Casa Tequila
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4. Gustino - for an Italian food craving
When you are craving some mouth watering Italian food, head to Gustino, in the heart of Cancun. This restaurant is a part of JW Marriott Cancun. The ambiance of Gustino’s is classy and chic and provides a glimpse into Cancun’s delicacies. It also serves some of the best dishes for vegetarians.
Gustino
Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 14.5, Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, QROO, Mexico
Website: Gustino
5. Peter’s Restaurant - international dishes with a Mexican twist
In juxtaposition to the luxurious Mexican eateries, is a place that caters to locals - Peter’s Restaurant. Located at the gateway of El Centro, this small, family-run restaurant has only six tables. The main attraction of this restaurant is their fusion food menu. It serves international dishes with a Mexican twist, at a very moderate price. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes of shrimp, beef, fish or vegetarian, with the moderate collection of wine, in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Peter’s Restaurant
Address: Avenida Bonampak Mz 11 Lt 71-72, SMZ 3, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: Peter’s Restaurant
6. A classic combination of French and Mexican cuisine at DuMexique
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Classic and cozy - these two adjectives can be used to describe the ambiance of DuMexique, which brings the flavors of French delicacies, mixed with Mexican Heritage. Its three-course French menu is the dream of every foodie and is changed every day. The restaurant only accommodates 20 guests per evening, so that they can savor the complete experience of a three-course meal, at a leisurely pace.
DuMexique
Address: Av. Bonampak 109, Esq. Calle Pargo, Mz 17, SM 3, Zona Centro, C.P., Plaza, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: DuMexique
7. The seafood at the beachfront restaurant Mocambo
What the use of coming to Cancun if you don’t enjoy any of the seafood at the beachfront restaurants? In case you haven’t managed to yet, Mocambo is a must-try. The restaurant serves some of the best seafood in town, near the public beach of Playa Caracol. Diners can enjoy mouthwatering seafood on the open air deck, overlooking a view of the Isla de Mujeres (Island of Women). The delicious food with the view come at a very affordable rate, at this restaurant.
Mocambo
Address: Playa Caracol, km. 9.5, Blvd. Kukulcan ., Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: Mocambo
8. A sweet taste of life with Italian food at La Dolce Vita
Like its name, this small Italian restaurant aims to serve you the most mouthwatering Italian food, to bring you a sweet taste of life. The cozy and intimate interior is perfect for a romantic dinner and its unique combination of Italian food and seafood is sure to satisfy. A candlelit table, along with a variety of pizza and pasta, are sure to give you a slice of Italy, in the middle of Cancun. Lastly, the amazing collection of wine will complete your romantic dining experience.
La Dolce Vita
Address: Av. Cobá 87 Mz 9 SM 3, Centro, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: La Dolce Vita
9. Hacienda Sisal - the authentic taste of Mexican food
In the midst of cuisine from all over the world, you may be craving something authentic and local. Head over to the Hacienda Sisal for a wholesome Mexican dining experience, with foods from Mayan and Mexican cuisine, paired with the native tequila. At Hacienda Sisal, traditional ingredients are combined with a contemporary style of cooking.
Hacienda Sisal
Address: Km 13.5, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: Hacienda Sisal
10. La Palapa Belga - an open air fine dining experience
Imagine sitting on an open air deck, beside the water, with the excellent foods from a European kitchen. La Palapa Belga brings you this dreamlike, fine-dining experience with their traditional French and Belgian cuisine. This open-air restaurant sits on a deck, overlooking the Nichupte Lagoon. The delicacies from Belgian and French cuisine complete the wholesome experience of dining under the stars.
La Palapa Belga
Address: Quetzal 13, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Website: La Palapa Belga
Cancun, where the flavors of Mayan cuisine mix with Mexican
Along with well-known dishes, like fajitas, burritos, and tacos, you must also try authentic native dishes like carnitas, guacamole and empanadas. Cancun provides its visitors with various aspects of Mexican and international cuisine. The most difficult part is to decide what you are craving - after that, Cancun has it all in store, for you!