Downtown Cancun Restaurants

I started this site several years ago, and was about to re-launch it in a new blog design in March 2020. What timing! So much suddenly irrelevant: like restaurant recommendations when we were to stay home. Most closed, some continued with carry-out; some will be back, some are reported permanently closed. I can't know what the restaurant scene will be like in late 2021 or in 2022. I can say that for now, the restaurants in the first group on this page are survivors. But call or check their web links before counting on a visit.

Restaurants Crêpes Pasta Pizza Indian food Seafood Beef Cocktails Closed since Covid
1 block west of Plaza las Americas
La Troje

A restaurant I've enjoyed countless times, and every friend I've brought here has become an instant fan. Billed as new Mexican-French-Italian cuisine - which ends up meaning, crépes, cheese fondues, pastas, pizzas, marvelous salads, delicious moist corn bread with poblano or huitlacoche cream, delicious eggplant parmesan, beef filet, salmon, etc. Reliably delicious food.

SM 15, Calle Acanceh (parallels Av Tulum)
Phone 998 887 9556
Tuesdays, there's a discount on your entire bill if you pay cash.

across from CostCo
El Huerto del Eden (was La Orgánica)

What I first knew as a juice and salad bar and breakfast palapa has grown into a spacious restaurant serving continuously from breakfast through dinner. Delicious Mexican sunny-side-up egg dishes; skip the tasteless Benedicts. Great salads, including compose-your-own options, and tasty house dressings. Wonderful juices. Generally good food, friendly welcome, neglectful service.

SM 17, Av. Yaxchilan mz 2 lote 6
Reservations 998 883 9920, Delivery 998 195 9535
Word of caution, March 2021 their register rang prices 40% higher than the prices on the menu tablet they presented.

SM 30
Assaggiare

Pizzas, pastas, salads; doesn't sound remarkable, but it's all really good, and the menu items are creative, far from run-of-the-mill. The smell of yeasty breads and crusts from their oven is irrestible. Have always been greeted with bread and a trio of delicious sauces that really whet one's appetite. The interior is cute with amusing signs, and there's a nice outdoor patio. I used to find Assaggiare closed when I'd pass by midday but March 2021 it's reported as opening at 1 pm. The menu images snitched from their website March 2021 are a small sampling; see their website for the rest.

Palenque #141, Mz 6 Lt 2
Phone 998 251-7016

Taste of India
south of Blvd Kukulcan
Taste of India

Very good food! Opens at 1 pm and has a lunch buffet all afternoon; you can still order from the dinner menu.

SM 4A, Plaza Nayandei, Av. Bonampak S/N Local 5 MZ 1 Lote 4 B 2
Phone 998 892 7107, Whatsapp 998 400 8975

SM 8 A
Bandoneón

"Argentinian food in Mexico" is how they bill themselves. Elegant premises and service, fantastic beef - of course, superb salmon, great cocktails and wine list. Delicious empanadas, lower-priced for carry-out (last I knew!).

Av. Bonampak on the south side of Nichupté, which is to say, just across from Plaza las Americas.
Phone 998 889-9500 and 998 889-9911

Puerto Juarez
Mar-Bella

In Puerto Juarez, going past the first ferry to Isla Mujeres, you'll come to Mar-Bella over a convenience store. Go on in and upstairs where you can pick what you'd like from the fish-market display, and have it prepared as you wish. Absolutely fresh of course and a marvelous view.

Carretera Porto Juarez Punta Sam Km2 Mz 2 Lote 2, San Miguel 86, Militar, 77520 Cancún
Phone 998 843-0202
Reportedly open noon to 8, but when I knew it - admitted a few years ago - things would sell out, so it was a place for lunch, even late lunch, but we'd go before 3 pm.

SM 28
La Chaya

La Chaya is one of the small daytime restaurants in the middle of Mercado 28; it has an end location, on the right as you stand in the center and look at the row of mostly taco and parrilla restaurants. Chaya is a healthy green, and this restaurant offers it many ways; my favorite being orange juice with chaya, prepared when you order it. Chaya omelets and many tasty plates are on the menu. Very economical, friendly and fast. Hope it is still open when the pandemic restrictions end!

Mercado 28, in the center courtyard, morning to early afternoon

SM 26
Byblos

For a change of pace, four of us went to Biblos Lebanese restaurant and enjoyed authentic food cooked with great care and passion. I've only been once, but it was a very good experience. Having a bit of a group is a good idea so you can taste and share more dishes!

Palenque 108, SM 26
Phone 998 887-4041

Old favorites closed in or before 2021

closed
Cocono

I loved this restaurant - my top choice in Cancun, where I brought every visiting friend. A proud presentation of Mexican cuisine, with fantastic variety, such as unusual moles. Excellent service, great bar. So sad it folded.

SM 17, Av. Yaxchilan. Mz. 2 Lote 7-1

closed
I Famosi

I loved this place - delicious pastas, salads, pizzas, at very reasonable prices and daily specials that would include a glass of wine. Friendly owner and staff and just a winner all-round. But now in March 2021 Google is reporting it permanently closed. Oh, sad.

Av. Acanceh, SM15 A, Mz 3, Lote 3

closed
Nomads Cucina y Barra

I loved this place for its delicious and unique cocktails and food. Now, March 2021, I see it reported permanently closed. I hope the team behind this operation will have a new project before long.

SM 5, Av Carlos Nader, lote 19, mz 2

closed
Pik Nik

Opinions varied, and many recommended this place mostly for low prices, but for me it was a favorite stop: my favorite sopa de lima, hands down, and the 2-for-1 margaritas hit the spot every time. Very sad it closed! (before 2019)

was off Tulum near Parque las Palapas

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