12 Best Restaurants In Cancun

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Cancun?

Apart from its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Cancun is a popular spring break destination and a gateway to the Mayan Riviera.

The well-known tourist destination is also becoming increasingly popular among foodies who want to immerse themselves in the local cuisine while on vacation.

Foodie options in Cancun go beyond street tacos and frozen margaritas on the beach. Trying new restaurants is an adventure in and of itself because there is such a wide range of cuisines to choose from, both local and international.

READ MORE: Is Cancun Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)

Here are some of the best restaurants in Cancun to sample some of Mexico’s most famous dishes, as well as some unique cuisine from other countries.

12 Best Restaurants in Cancun

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Best Budget Restaurants in Cancun

1. Huelic Tortilleria

Address: Avenida Carlos Nader 110 MZ 7 LT 107 Local 1, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
The Huelic Tortilleria is a Cancun institution with a long history of serving the local community. Regular customers here rave about the quality of their corn tortillas because they use heirloom corn that has been ground by hand and then baked. Tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are all examples of dishes made with tortillas that you can enjoy at Huelic Tortilleria.
A wide variety of seafood dishes are also available, as well as tlacoyos, sopes, and tamales filled with pineapple, peppers, mole, and cheese. Their tortilla machine is also on display, a legendary tool used by the owners to serve their patrons for generations.

2. El Rinconcito de Puebla

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Address: Tulipanes 32, 22, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
For a filling meal that won’t break the bank, head to El Rinconcito Puebla in Centro. This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes and excellent customer service. You’ll find everything from chilaquiles to pasta and hamburgers on the menu.
“People’s corner” is a fitting nickname for this popular Cancun eatery that serves up authentic Mexican fare. This unpretentious hangout draws hungry locals and the occasional traveler with its delicious smoothies, mouthwatering tacos, and mouthwatering menu del dia (daily special). Prices are also very reasonable for the quality of food served here.

3. Parque de las Palapas

Address: 77500, Tulipanes LB, 22, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
A popular hangout for locals, Parque de las Palapas is a great place to relax and unwind. Hawkers from all over the country converge on this lively outdoor food market, each offering a different take on the country’s renowned cuisine. With everything from tacos to tamales and salsa-drenched sandwiches on the menu, you won’t have to break the bank to get your fill.
When the sun goes down, this place comes alive with the sounds of live music and Mariachi bands strolling through the crowds. Quesadillas and tequila are a winning combination.

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4. The Surfin Burrito

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Address: Kukulkan Km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Are you on a tight budget while vacationing in Cancun? The Surfin’ Burrito is your best bet, located on one of the city’s most popular beaches, Playa Chac Mool. Enjoy The Surfin’ Burrito’s delicious nachos and burritos as well as the Aça bowls and smoothies which are great options for breakfast or a healthy snack. The breakfast menu is available around the clock, so you won’t have to worry about missing out!

Best Mid-range Restaurants in Cancun

5. Kosco Verde Marisqueria

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Address: Av. Lopez Portillo S.M. 85 Lotes 14 y 15. M.Z. 2 Frente a la Naval, Cancún MX, 77520 Puerto Cancun, Mexico
Kiosco Verde Marisqueria is the place to go for fresh seafood. One of Cancun’s oldest restaurants, this blue-and-white-themed spot has been in operation since the 1970s in Puerto Juárez, a Cancun fishing community. Sophisticated versions of octopus, shrimp, and octopus are served by chef Octavio Santiago at his restaurant.
Try the Boquete (hogfish), a deep-water fish that can either be fried or cooked over an open fire and garlic butter and lemon grilled oysters. And don’t forget about the salsas, which are a true treat.

6. Restaurante La Habichuela

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Address: C. 10 Margaritas 25-20, 22, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
The legendary La Habichuela must be included on any list of the best restaurants in Cancun. The open-air Mayan-themed restaurant has been a Cancun dining institution for more than four decades, but it all began as a small eatery in Armando Pezzotti’s house in 1977. When it opened, the restaurant quickly gained a local following and became one of the best places to eat in Cancun.
The authentic Yucatan Peninsula and Caribbean seafood cuisine served at La Habichuela, a local and tourist favorite, is made with the finest and most carefully sourced ingredients. As their signature dish is the cocobichuela (shrimp and lobster curry sauce served in a coconut shell), it’s one of the most popular. Mayan coffee and sweet Chichen Itza desserts are popular ways for guests to cap off their meal.

7. La Casa De Las Mayoras

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Address: Calle Guadalupe Victoria M51 L16 C46 x Calle Miguel Hidalgo Donceles 28, 77524 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Cancun’s finest vegan restaurant, La Casa De Las Mayoras, is located in the heart of the city. The flavors are authentic, but so are the selections they make. Mexican cuisine is known to be meat-filled or spicy, but La Casa De Las Mayoras manages to make the flavors of each dish clean and bold.
A must-try is their jackfruit chilaquiles, and for something refreshing, try their spirulina or super fruit smoothies. They also have a variety of freshly squeezed juices. Try their acai bowl for breakfast, which is loaded with antioxidant-rich superfoods. Green eggs with chaya, beans, and homemade tortillas are a great option if you’re looking for something a little more filling.

8. Peter’s Restaurante

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Address: Avenida Bonampak Mz 11 Lt 71-72, 3, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Located in the heart of downtown Cancun, this European-style eatery is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. An extensive wine list and an impressive array of seafood dishes are among the offerings at this restaurant. For a restaurant of this caliber in the Hotel Zone, the prices are surprisingly affordable.
Peter’s Restaurante is just a few blocks away from the first downtown bus stop, and it’s easy to get there by walking. Reservations should be made in advance to make sure you get a seat.

9. Porfirio’s

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Address: Km 14.2, Blvd. Kukulcan No.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Porfirio’s is the best place in Cancun to fill up on authentic Mexican cuisine if you’re visiting for a vacation. Located in the famous Hotel Zone, the restaurant has a vibrant ambiance and even features a live mariachi.
With a modern twist on Mexican cuisine, this restaurant serves up some of the city’s best tacos and burrito bowls. Try one of the more than 100 different mezcal and tequilas served from a table-to-table cart if you want to have a good time. Try also their churro cart or ice cream truck for dessert.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Cancun

10. Cenacolo Zona Hotelera

Address: Torre La Europea, KM 12.6, Blvd. Kukulcan, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Located in the Hotel Zone’s La Europea building, Cenacolo Zona Hotelera serves upscale Italian cuisine with stunning views of the Nichupte Lagoon. All of the pasta at this restaurant is made fresh every day, and the seafood dishes are a must-try.
There are over 100 wines on their bar, and the food portions are generous. It’s a lovely ambiance created by the chic, light, and modern decor and the stunning sunsets over the lagoon in Cancun. Leave your flip-flops at the resort, dress up a bit and enjoy this fine dining experience.

11. Le Chique

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Address: Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun by Karisma, 77586 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Cancun’s Le Chique is one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants. Located in Puerto Morelos, and with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, Le Chique serves highly rated food and a superb fine-dining experience.

Named as one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list recently, Le Chique has an exquisite seasonal tasting menu, which includes as many as 30 dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.

Traditional Mexican flavors like esquites, quail eggs, and aguachile are used to create avant-garde dishes like esquites bone marrow and smoked quail egg ha’ sikil p’ak.

12. Puerto Madero

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Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 14.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
It’s no surprise that Puerto Madero is a popular seafood restaurant in Cancun. There is a beautiful lagoon view from the restaurant in the hotel area.
Shrimp, lobster, and fish are just some of the seafood options on the menu at Puerto Madero. Salads were particularly noteworthy, and the ingredients are of the highest quality.
A wide selection of wine and beer, as well as tequilas, are also available. A must-try is the black cod, which is marinated before being grilled over charcoal.