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NOTES: In a word: ick. Neat atmosphere under a huge palapa (thatched) roof, but disappointing food and high prices.
Black & White
Capicoa: NOTES: Capicoa offers unique European-contemporary cuisine with a tropical Caribbean touch. Dine inside or outodoors on the beautiful patio beneath a centennial tamarind tree. Extensive menu, plus a wide assortment of "tapas." When we were there, we made a meal of these "small plate" offerings. We indulged in the exotic and those more familiar: conch, shrimp, specialty breads, veggies and more. A great way to sample many different dishes at a reasonable price. Quality was superb so you ought to try it.
Caribbean Queen: Carlos'N Charlie's (& Senor Frogs): Notes: If you are a first timer, you'll want to go here at least once. It gets hopping and can become rather crazy when the sun goes down. They do serve food here, but it's the beer, Margaritas by the yard and other libations that pull in the people. Waiters keep things lively and a disc jockey plays favorite tunes. Casablanca Notes: Outdoor seating on the sidewalk or on the second level overlooking the plaza. This restaurant features a selection of popular Tex-Mex entrees as well as seafood, chicken and beef.
Casa Denis: NOTES: Casa Denis has been around for many years. Choose a sidewalk seating and great Mexican/Yucatecan dishes. I like the camarone empanizado (shrimp with light breading). Large portions, good prices. Same family owns Casa Denis, Especias and Las Tortugas. Casa Mission is one of the most elegant and delightful dining spots on the island. Enjoy incredible international and Mexican food in a lush garden setting at one of the oldest hacienda's on the island. Lobster is wonderful here. NOTES: Most for your money! This La Mision is one of our favorites for several reasons. First, it has great quality food but as it caters more to the locals, the prices are considerably lower! The tacos are especially inexpensive. When you order tacos or quesadillas, you are welcome to go to the "taco bar" where there are an assortment of condiments and salads. Hmmm, hmmm, good! Notes: Chi's is a Chinese restaurant located on the second floor (over Pizza Hut), overlooking the ocean. Great Chinese foods, salads, soups, drinks . . . not to mention the marvelous ocean views.
NOTES: A homey neighborhood eatery (tables are in the family's living room) offering daily specials at low, low prices. Enjoy a full meal of soup, fish, chicken or pork, beverage (local juice), rice and tortillas at this cocina economica (economical kitchen) NOTES: Enjoy sidewalk table along the plaza or inside seating. Service was excellent, food tasty and not too expensive. The flaming after dinner drinks are yummy. NOTES: Travel to the east coast of the island to find this nugget. Menu is limited to lunch and snack items, but the location and views found at this cliffside tropical oasis are worthy of a visit. Don't miss this spot when touring the east coast! Located next to the new–and only hotel– on the east coast). Choose a table with a view and settle back and enjoy the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves and good company. Collection of photo albums has pictures of island visitors in various stages of "undress." Put your coconuts on display if you dare! NOTES: A popular upscale cafe offering coffee–any style–along with incredible desserts. They also offer breakfast and sandwiches. Costa Brava: NOTES: On the scene for years, Costa Brava is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu choices include seafood, chicken and beef. NOTES: This place always seems to be busy. A large menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner items, though for the latter two, sandwiches dominate (club sandwiches, croissants, burgers, etc.). There are some vegetarian entrees as well. Coffee--however you like it--is a big draw here. Food is very good and prices moderate. We recommend this little eatery; it is very clean and pleasant . . . however, keep in mind that service tends to be terribly slow. Heck, you need to get used to a slower pace anyway! NOTES: This is an old favorite, featuring fresh seafood delicacies. Last time we were there we enjoyed the fresh fish (red snapper) and shrimp. Bananas flambe dessert was a dramatic display of cooking at our table. El Grill or Gavalanes: NOTES: Attractive new restaurant in a good location with seating available inside or in the garden area. Lots of choices on their menu from tacos to chicken and fish. Vegetarian dishes are tasty, too! Reasonable prices, large portions!
NOTES: Moro's is way off the beaten path, but taxi drivers know where it is. Mexican dishes are the specialty. Portions are hearty, food good and prices reasonable. You'll have a good time. If you eat there once, you'll return! NOTES: This little sidewalk eatery serves Yucatecan food. Sample dishes are on display inside and they offer a daily special. We enjoyed the special paella which is a rice dish with a variety of fresh vegetables and combination of meats, including shrimp, sausage and pork. Prices are inexpensive and they are very accommodating; they prepared some special meatless items for me. NOTES: Said to have great breakfasts and tacos. This restaurant has been on the scene since 1985 and offers a variety of Tex-Mex dishes. NOTES: Another excellent new restaurant is high on our list. Especias (Spices in English) is located in a quiet neighborhood. Owner of the restaurant is a member of the family who operates the Casa Denis, one of Cozumel's most established restaurants. Especias menu includes stuffed peppers, an excellent zucchini/cheese dish, fresh fish, chicken and beef. Quality and service is superb. Adrian, the owner/manager is delightfully charming; he's always "networking" with folks. Want to go fishing or snorkeling? He'll set it up . . . Drinks are the highlight here, especially the frozen ones. Get 'em by the gallon! Snacks are also served here along with their specialty frozen drinks. Take a seat or a stool and enjoy a refreshing drink and watch the people as they stroll by on the plaza. DJ keeps things hopping! NOTES: Service is wonderful, owners are very hands-on as they meet and greet diners. Dining is on a pleasant 2nd floor patio under a palapa roof or inside. Louisiana style dishes are the focus, including jambalaya, Cajun food, stuffed shrimp, crayfish and even alligator. Wonderful French onion soup. Stuffed potatoes are terrific. Finger-lickin-good barbecued ribs are served one night a week and many regulars turn up for this special night. Unique hush puppy appetizers are served with a dipping sauce. We highly recommend The French Quarter! NOTES: Very pleasant dining atmosphere. Dishes are attractively presented and the quality is excellent (at our table we had pizza, chateaubriand, fish and a pasta dish). Everyone enjoys Guido's and pizza is delicious. Do try the puffy garlic bread, too, it is wonderful!
Jeanie's The palapa (thatched) roof has been replaced but Jeanie's still has the same oceanfront location. Snorkeling is quite good herer, by the way. NOTES: If you like to start out the day with a good breakfast and a great view, this is the spot for you! Omelets, French toast and fresh squeezed orange juice are served. We understand lunches are very good, too. Everyone loves Jeanie's and now you'll love it even more in the new oceanfront location. Enjoy savory meals and stunning views! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kelley's Restaurant & Bar NOTES: Outdoor dining in a pleasant garden courtyard in Plaza San Miguel. Food is pretty good and it's a good location to watch sporting events.
NOTES: Lunch and dinner dinner items. Plus you can buy specialty food items here, including cheeses, imported meats from Argentina and the US (great steaks, sausage, etc.), fresh bread, coffee. NOTES: This is a favorite among travelers and locals alike. There is often a line as people wait to get in (personally, we think the food is good, but certainly not worth waiting in line). They have some tasty dishes and usually offer a couple of specials each day
NOTES: A new coffee shop with light lunches and treats. NOTES: Absolutely delightful, inside and out! This new intimate little treasure has charming thatched roof and casual decor. Lobsteria offers delicious food, reasonable prices, fine service and romantic candlelight atmosphere. Menu is varied, but seafood is the highlight. We always treat ourselves at least once or twice a trip for the shrimp and lobster! NOTES: This was one of our favorites when we first started visiting the island, then it slid off of our list for a few years. It's not fancy so casual's the way to go here. A number of travelers have recently suggested that we add this establishment to our list again. We checked it out again lately and found great food and reasonable prices. Despite its rather off-the-beaten track location, it has a good crowd. NOTES: Food is quite good and the outdoor garden dining is Bee-U-T-ful! If nothing else, stop in for a quick drink; you'll love the setting!
NOTES: These are small mom and pop type operations. Some have only a couple of tables. But the food is tasty and cheap! One that we like is Las Palmas, located on 25th Ave., between 1st and 3rd. Great breakfast and lunch specials. Imagine a full meal of fresh fish, shrimp, chicken dishes, etc. for just a couple bucks. Usually open from early morning until about 2 or 3 p.m. Don't be afraid to try these little places! Off-the-beaten track, taxi is probably your best bet to get there. Moro del Morritos has a large menu specializing in Yucatecan dishes. Frequented by locals and those who know Cozumel quite well. And, yes, they can speak English there. NOTES: Mainly local clientele, the pizza is good and price is right. If they don't have someone who can speak English, they'll find someone. No frills, but good. This little restaurant is "cute as a button" with a charming, intimate atmosphere. Lighting is by candlelight in this cozy cabana. Fresh warm bread, soups, pasta, cheese and chicken dishes are served Monday through Saturday. You'll love the romantic atmosphere; it's definitely worth a try! Yes, under the golden arches the business is booming in Cozumel. The McPechuga (chicken sandwich) is actually very good and burgers are pretty much the same as the US NOTES: Pretty good food, but most noted for cold beer and drinks. Slip into a comfy hammock for a seaside siesta! Though there's a sign denoting a "nude beach," you're apt to see more bare skin in their collection of photo albums that feature photos of nudes taken on the beach. Every once in a while someone will strip down to pose by the "nude beach" sign . . . and their smiling face and rosy "cheeks" will be added to the Mezcalito photo collection. Morena's: Notes: Pleasant atmosphere with seating inside or on the garden terrace. One of the few restaurants where the kitchen is in view (and it looks clean!). Reasonable prices, ample portions and varied menu make it a good choice. I really don't like that they have baby shark on the menu
NOTES: Excellent pizza; eat in or call for delivery. The pizza is inexpensive, tasty and delivered in a snap. We like this one and order pizza every time we visit. Sorry, Pizza Hut: Nino's wins, hands down! NOTES: This is a popular restaurant because of location and varied menu selection. You'll find plenty of items that are familiar to Americans (club sandwiches, fishburgers, burgers, chicken fingers, etc.) plus an assortment of Mexican favorites. NOTES: This is a bakery and cafe. We often stop at the bakery, but we haven't tried their restaurant. It seems busy all the time with many local diners, so it must be good and reasonably priced. Pancho's Backyard: NOTES: You will be impressed with the delightful atmosphere in a quiet patio setting, complete with trickling water, greenery and pleasant decor. Lively marimba music is featured during the lunch hour Mon.-Sat., from 11 to 3. A lot can be said for cleanliness and this is the only restaurant on the island that invited us to inspect their kitchen; we were unannounced, by the way. Excellent mini-quesadilla appetizers are served before the meal. Unique individual tabletop BBQ grills are provided for some dishes, such as the shrimp kebab and grilled fish filet. Interesting mole and chipotle sauces add a pleasing zest to dishes. New addition to the menu includes shrimp in orange sauce which sounds enticing! Service is unsurpassed, atmosphere delightful. Menu is varied with emphasis on Mexican cuisine including beef, chicken and seafood. Don't miss the Cinco Soles department store and tequila bar. You can't go wrong with Pancho's with a great setting, afternoon entertainment plus the opportunity to shop, shop, shop!
NOTES: This new restaurant jumped to one of our top spots in record time. Great omelettes, chiliquiles, homemade bread. Consistently good for breakfast and lunch. You can't go wrong here. NOTES: This is one of Cozumel's best groomed beaches. The landscaping as you enter is lush and green, resembling a carefully maintained golf course. Biggest draw here is the sun and the sand, but the food is great, too. Lots of diversions: parasailing, hair braiding, massages, sea kayaks, bungy trampoline on the beach, water trampoline, climbing "iceberg" in the ocean. Seating is on the second floor on this stylish restaurant. Pepe's offers fine food, service and ambiance, to boot. This one's been around for years and has earned a reputation for high quality. Unlike some of the trendy restaurants, there's a reason Pepe's is busy. They have some of the best lobster around. Shrimp is great. They also have a salad bar and a pleasant atmosphere. A beautiful beach setting with good food (nacho's a superb!). NOTES: A favorite with guests in the past, this one slipped from our Top 10 list, though it's still great. We think the quality and portions have dropped slightly. This restaurant is owned by an American who's a real schmoozer. He's worked hard to provide consistent high quality and interesting dishes. Dining is up a narrow stairway that spirals to the second floor with seating on the open rooftop. Their seafood and pasta dishes are quite good. Pizza is pretty tasty, too. Breads are sooooo good. We've heard their desserts are delicious as well! Pitiful. Rock 'N Java: NOTES: This place has great sandwiches, vegetarian lasagna, quiche plus other tasty treats. Consistent quality, good prices. If you have a hankering for all-American fried chicken, it's available if you order 24 hours in advance, and perfect for a beach picnic!!! Take some tasty chicken and salads; fill your cooler with some iced cold beer. Then head to Cozumel's east coast for a picnic along a remote stretch of the beach and fly a kite, build a sandcastle, munch on chicken and reach into your cooler for an icy cold beer. NOTES: Succulent roast chicken is hot off the grill and absolutely delicious! Get there early (before 5 p.m.) or they will be sold out. Whole chicken, rice, spaghetti, pasta soup, beans, salsa, cabbage salad and tortillas (for about $5). Sam's Wok NOTES: Chinese food with a varied menu; daily specials. Spring rolls, hot and sour, sweet and sour, spicy (or not). Owner previously had a location near the central plaza (Asian Garden); when the rent got too high, he relocated to the currently location and done a booming business. Crew of the cruise ships are frequently diners.
NOTES: Burgers, fish, tacos and snacks dominate the menu but the beach is the big draw. Many diversions: parasailing, swimming pool, hair braiding, massage, jet skis, changing rooms, showers. Next to Paradise Beach. NOTES: Located on the second level of Punta Langosta Mall above Carlos'N Charlie's (CNC), it's more or less the same as CNCs. A casual hot spot with food, but mostly cervesa and tequila. Not as much personality as the Senior Frog's located in Playa del Carmen but it's in a shopping mall, so what do you expect? NOTES: On the east coast, near Mezcalito's. Cold beer, fancy drinks and views are features of his casual seaside restaurant/bar. You'll also find snacks, burgers, fish and Mexican specialties. Sonora Grill: 15th Ave. and Juarez • 872-3620 This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Features include mexican cuisine, fajitas, beef steaks and seafood. Restaurant is "pretty as a picture," especially when the flowers are blooming in the stone planter!
Maybe everyone shouldn't eat off the street stands, but we have with no problem. You can find inexpensive and tasty empanadas, tamales, quesadillas along with hot dogs and hamburgers. Near the plaza you'll find one of my favorite health foods: Churros (Mexico's version of deep fried mini donuts). In front of San Francisco supermarket on 30th Ave., they sell a variety of tamales (3 for 20 pesos; about $2). I understand there also some tasty tamales sold near the taxi stand on 2nd St. My husband's favorite hot dog stand is on Calle 11 and Avenida 30. NOTES: No signs. No tables. No waiters. No menu. This back-to-the-basics dining experience is not a restaurant at all and it's not for the faint of heart. Tacos and tortas (sandwiches) are prepared and served from the back of a battered old blue truck. They do a VERY brisk business, especially among locals. Choose from shrimp, beef, chicken or fish tacos or tortas (sandwiches). Add your own condiments to taste: onions, salsa, etc. and you're good to go. Tacos and soft drinks are 10 pesos each; the tortas fetch 20 pesos. Find a spot in the shade and enjoy an inexpensive and tasty no frills lunch. NOTES: Tony Rome is a rather lengendary name on Cozumel. Enjoy Tony Rome's savory barbecue ribs, parmesan chicken or other treats like tasty pasta dishes. Don't miss the key lime pie, it's the best ever! We often ask Tony make up fresh pies so we could bring them home with us, but BYOP (bring your own pie pans). Enjoy nightly entertainment as Tony takes the mike and welcomes requests; bring your list of favorite tunes and join the fun. Tony performs a number of show tunes, some oldies but goodies, Billy Joel, Elvis, The Ink Spots, Spanish music . . . Bring a big appetite and sit back and relax. You'll have a wonderful evening in a casual setting; enjoy the music and the moment.
OTHER FOOD NOTES: 2 & 3) San Francisco de Asisi has two locations: Ave. 30 and Juarez and south on Ave. 65. San Francisco is similar to Chedraui, but not as large. We can arrange cook service in most vacation villas and condos. Rates start at $160 per person per week for two meals per day for 6 days. For more info see: Cook Service
Albino's:
15th Avenue, between 8th and 10th
30th Ave. and 3rd St., second floor
A nightclub for men. Opens at 9 p.m.
Burger King:
2 Locations: Punta Langosta Mall & 2nd level of Chedraui Mall. Don't get this one confused with the next listing!
Located on the corner of 10th St. N. and 15th Ave., near downtown. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. until midnight. 869-8265
Transveral Road (Km 3). NOTES: This Mexican strip club is not noted for its food!
NOTE: Click to enlarge photos
Punta Langosta Mall, 872-0191 (10 a.m.-1 am.)
Corner of 1st St. and 5th Ave.
1st between 5th & 10th Ave. (7 a.m.-11 p.m.)
872-0067
Casa La Mision ( 3 locations, see below):
1) Casa La Mission: Downtown, 3rd & 5th Ave.
2) Cass Mission: Located off Juarez on 55th Ave.
Open 3 pm. to 12 midnight. Reservations: 872-1641.
3) Parrilla Mission: 30th Ave. and 2nd.
Chi's:
Located on the oceanfront road and Calle 3.
Chilango's (pictured at left):
Located on 10th Ave. between 13th and 15th. Open Mon.-Sat., noon to 5 p.m.
Cocina Mexicana: Located on the south end of the plaza
CoCoNuts:
Cozumel's East Coast, km 22
Coffee Bean:
Calle 3 between ocean and 5th • 872-4918
Calle 7 between 5th and 10th
Diamond Cafe (now called Rick's Cafe)
15th Ave. and 1st St. • 872-5782
D'Lino's (2nd level in Chedraui mall). mm, mm, mmm good! Homemade ice cream in a variety of tasty flavors. My personal favorite is white chocolate with almonds.
El Capi Navegante:
10th Ave. S. between Calle 3 & 5
872-1730
10th Ave. between 1st and Juarez
El Moro's:
Residential area on 75th Bis between 2 & 4 • 872-3029
El Turix:
25th Ave. and 13 St. So.; next to La Cocay • 872-5234
Ernesto's
Oceanfront near La Ceiba Hotel • 872-1154
Especias: 
Formerly at Calle 5 Sur (corner of 10th Ave.), now located on 3rd St. on second level.
Fat Tuesdays:
On the plaza near ferry pier
French Quarter:
5th Ave., south of the plaza.
Guido's:
Oceanfront between 6 & 8 • 872-0946
Haagen Daz: Punta Langosta Mall. Ice cream, of course!
Havana Club (2 locations):
Oceanfront, near ferry pier; also second level (up the escalator) in the building north of the museum. Does anyone really eat here? Get your authentic Cuban cigar here.
Oceanfront road & 11th St..
872-4145
10th Ave. between 3rd and Rosada Salas
La Chef
Corner of 10th Ave. and Calle 5
La Choza:
10th and Rosado Salas
872-0958
Lazio Expresso Bar
10th, between 3rd and 1st
La Flor de Michoacan (corner of 20th Ave. and Juarez; other locations throughout town)
The local favorite for ice cream
La Lobsteria:
Corner of 5 Ave. and 7th St.
La Mision (see Casa Mision listed above)
Las Tortugas:
30th Ave. • 872-1242
La Veranda:
Calle 4 between 5th and 10th Ave. • 872-4132
Loncherias
Not the name of a restaurant, but a type of restaurant (small, neighborhood eatery), located throughout town in residential areas.
Los Moro del Morritos: CURRENTLY CLOSED
35th Ave. (between 3 & Morelos) • 872-2867
Luigi's Pizza:
Calle 2, between 15 and 20
Manati
Corner of 10th Ave. & 8th St. N.
McDonald's:
Oceanfront and 5th St. S.
Mezcalito's:
North end of Cozumel's East Coast (wide side)
872-1616
10th Ave. between 3rd and 5th
Nino's Pizza:
10th Ave., between 3 & Rosado Salas
872-4166
Palmeras
Downtown on the waterfront, directly across from the ferry pier.
Panaderia La Cozumelena:
Corner of 10th Ave. and 3rd St.
Oceanfront Road & 8th (in Cinco Soles) • 872-2040
Pan y Cafe:
We loved this when it was located on the oceanfront road; but it now has a new location off of the ocean. It wasn't open when we stopped by so if anyone can confirm their hours and that they are in fact open, that would be great. In the past we enjoyd their food and portions are hearty. The shrimp chimichanga was H-U-G-E and mmm, mmm GOOD.
Paradise Beach:
The restaurant is located at one of Cozumel's finest beaches on the west coast (Km 15). Snacks, lunches, silly drinks and beer.
Pepe's:
Oceanfront and A.R. Salas • 872-0213
Playa Bonita:
About midway on Cozumel's East Coast (wild side)
Prima's:
5th and Rosada Salas (rooftop) • 872-4242
Pizza Hut:
Oceanfront and 3rd St.
Oceanfront, north of the Plaza Las Glorias
872-4405
Rotisserie Chicken
Various locations (most on 30th or 65th Ave.); various names
Oceanfront Road, across from Puerto Maya cruise ship pier
San Francisco Beach
Beach area on Cozumel's west coast (km 15)
Senor Frog's (and Carlos and Charlie's, same building)
Punta Langosta Mall
Senor Iguanas
Located on the ocean on Cozumel's "wild side" (the east coast), near Mezcalito's
Street Stands:
All over town!
"Taco Truck"
Across from Puerto Maya cruise ship pier on the side street. Look for the battered blue truck (seriously)
Tony Rome's Bar and Restaurant:
5th Ave., south of the plaza (across from French Quarter)
Zermatt Bakery: Calle 4 & Ave. 5. Great apple strudel & Neopolitan. Get there early before they sell out!
1) Chedraui is located on the oceanfront road and Calle 13. Chedraui has a full selection of meats, seafood, dairy, vegetables, fruits, canned and packaged foods as well as liquor and beer. Chedraui also features an in-store bakery and deli.
Pacsadeli is a restaurant supply company but is open to the public. You'll find many imported items (Smucker's jelly, Dr. Pepper, frozen turkey breasts, olives, cocktail sauce, etc.) plus the great Caribe Coffee. Located on 2nd St. N. between 40th and 45th.
Cook Service
Authentic Mexican dishes served in your private villa or condo
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