Best Cozumel Restaurants: Where to Eat and Drink

Wondering where to eat in Cozumel, Mexico, without having to settle for chain restaurants near the port or cruise terminals? While spots like Hard Rock Cafe and Hooters dominate parts of downtown, Cozumel is actually packed with local, authentic, and genuinely memorable places to eat once you step even a lil bit off the tourist path.

This guide to the best Cozumel restaurants is based on my own trip walking, driving, and eating my way around the island. Whether you're visiting before a cruise or staying at a hotel, these are the places I recommend squeezing into your Cozumel vacation itinerary!

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Maple Bakehouse

Go for breakfast. I enjoyed the cinnamon apple chai and three-cheese grilled cheese with chipotle jam--which was SUCH a tasty combo.

They have private wifi and indoor or outdoor seating. And the menu is completely in Spanish, so keep that in mind if you aren't fluent.

Sucre y Sale

Go for a taste of France in Cozumel. This is an authentic French cafe and bakery known for its fresh-baked bread and pastries.

I had the chai latte, creme brûlée, and gruyere crepe, which comes with a side salad. They accept credit cards for transactions over 100 pesos, and have very friendly service and wifi.

Los Sera's Taqueria

If you're wondering where do the locals eat in Cozumel, it's here. Go for authentic tacos.

Listen, I live for an authentic Mexican Restaurant, and Los Sera's is exactly that! It is in the residential part of Cozumel, away from the cruise ship crowds, so certainly off the beaten tourist track. This is a no-frills spot where you can see your food being prepared. The menu is painted on the wall, and prices are low.

This is where local folks go to enjoy good food, and the tacos al pastor were the best I've had--and the green salsa is not to be skipped. Get an agua fresca, too. I enjoyed three tacos and a drink for $3.25 USD! Bring cash.

Diego's

Go for tacos on your way in or out of town. Diego's is a covered outdoor taco stand located really close to the airport. I enjoyed three tacos res with all the sauces, including the spiciest garlic habañero.

The portions are generous portions--I mean, look at the stuffed tacos pictured above--and the service is great. Diego's is an easy, low-stress stop for good food in Cozumel.

Lobster Shack

Go for a quick bite. Lobster Shack had great reviews, so it was on my list for a Mexican-style lobster roll, and it didn't disappoint. It had the plump, juicy lobster and buttery roll you'd expect, plus spinach, avocado, and a selection of hot sauces.

This is where to eat lobster in Cozumel if you're short on time and don't want to commit to a full-course meal!

El Palomar

Go for dinner and drinks. I enjoyed a really refreshing frozen gin cocktail, shrimp tacos, and a colorful leafy green salad + grilled pineapple for dessert. The vibe is laid back with good music, and they have indoor and outdoor seating, so I dined outside.

I highly recommend using or requesting bug spray if you do this because the mosquitoes were vicious.

Kondesa

Go for modern Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. This was hands-down the best meal I had in Cozumel!

Kondesa is off the beaten path, and you could walk right past this place on the street and not know that a gorgeous, rustic backyard setup awaits you. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner with mood lighting, music, and sounds of wildlife in the trees.

First off, the cocktails were perfectly on point. As a woman traveling solo, I have a two-drink limit, but I was so tempted to exceed it. For food, I started with lion fish cakes, followed by the catch of the day, which was snapper, and ended with churros and ice cream for dessert.

The prices here are extremely reasonable for the quality. My bill came in at under $50 for all of that! If you like seafood or are looking for a unique experience, this is where to get the best Mexican food in Cozumel, in my opinion.

Buccano's at Night

Go for a fancy dinner. Buccano's came up often when I searched for top Cozumel restaurants for fine dining, and after my meal there, I understand why.

Reservations are recommended, and they don't really answer the phone, so I walked over to do it in person. And if you want a piece of their beautiful panoramic ocean view, make sure to note that!

Aside from that, the service was excellent. Their menu is expansive and available in English or Spanish, and although it's an upscale, high-end establishment, I found Buccano's to be very warm--not stuffy.

I enjoyed the Caribbean lobster tail and a mezcal mule, which is made with mezcal, Prosecco, ginger-infused agave, and passion fruit. The dress code is casual, though smart casual attire is recommended for dinner.

La Flor de Michoacana

Go for frozen treats. This is a Cozumel chain spot, so you will likely always be close to a location, no matter where you are on the West side of the island. They have an extensive selection of different flavored paletas, ice cream, and other cold desserts.

I went several times for paletas and chamoyadas! The prices are quite cheap, and cash is preferred.

Key Lime Pie Factory

Go to grab dessert to-go. If you love the classic sweet-and-sour creaminess of key lime pie, you need to stop in here.

They have indoor seating and a walk-up counter if you want to take your pie to go, which is what I did, and it was the perfect cap to a long beach day. I got the small size to myself, but honestly, two people could split it.

I hope this list of places to eat in Cozumel Mexico helps you have the most memorable (and delicious) trip! And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this collection of the best authentic restaurants in Cozumel for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!