Chi's:
Located on the oceanfront road and Calle 3.

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.

Chilango's (pictured at left):
10th Ave. between 13th and 15th. Mon.-Sat., noon to 5 p.m.

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.

Coffeelia: Located on Calle 5 Sur between 5th Ave. and oceanfront road. Mon.-Sat., 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.,
Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 872-7402

NOTES: Tasty breakfast and lunch entrees are served in this homey atmosphere, inside or on the garden patio. Choose from omelettes, Dutch crepes, salads, quiches and desserts.

CoCoNuts:
Cozumel's East Coast, km 22

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! A 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.

NOTES: On the scene for years; open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu choices include seafood, chicken and beef.

El Capi Navegante:

NOTES: An old favorite, featuring fresh seafood delicacies. Last time we enjoyed the fresh fish (red snapper) and shrimp. Bananas flambe dessert was a dramatic display of cooking at our table.

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: Little sidewalk eatery servingYucatecan 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.

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.

Especias:
Located on 3rd St. on second level, between 10 and 15th

NOTES: Especias (Spices in English) is high on our list of recommended restaurants. Owner of the restaurant is a member of the family who operates the Casa Denis, one of Cozumel's most established restaurants. 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 and is always "networking" with folks. Want to go fishing or snorkeling? He'll set it up . . .

Fat Tuesdays:

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 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: jambalaya, Cajun, 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!

Guido's:
Oceanfront between 6 & 8 • 872-0946

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!

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.

Jeanie's
Oceanfront road & 11th St. • 872-4145

The palapa (thatched) roof has been replaced but Jeanie's still has the same oceanfront location. Snorkeling is quite good here, by the way.

NOTES: Start the day with a hearty breakfast and a great view. Omelets, French toast and fresh squeezed orange juice are served. We understand lunches are very good, too. Everyone loves Jeanie's for the savory meals and stunning views! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kelley's Restaurant & Bar
10th Ave. between 3rd and Rosada Salas

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.

Kinta
5th Ave. between Calle 2 and 4.

NOTES: Owner, waiter, chef Kris Wallenta (Mexican born and American trained), creates a variety of dishes, including fresh fish, chili relleno, salads, appetizers and dessers. Casual dining inside or out (non-smoking); wine list available. We loved the outdoor patio for dining.

NOTES: Lunch and dinner dinner specials plus specialty food items: cheeses, imported meats from Argentina and the US (steaks, sausage, etc.), bread, coffee.

La Cocay
Calle 8 between Ave 10 and Ave 15. Phone 872-5533. E-Mail: lacocaycozumel@yahoo.com.mx

NOTES: Top notch food and atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining. Mediterranean cuisine plus traditional favorites like burgers and arrachera. This one will go in your memory book!

La Choza:
10th and Rosado Salas
872-0958

NOTES: After a fire in 2008 La Choza rebuilt next door to its former location. This is a favorite among travelers and locals alike. There is often a line as people wait to get in. Tasty dishes and a couple of specials each day.

NOTES: Coffee shop with light lunches and treats.

Le Bistra:
Corner of 5 Ave. and 7th St.

NOTES: Delightful, inside and out! This intimate eatery has charming thatched roof and casual decor. Menu includes seafood, steaks, pasta and pizza.

Las Tortugas:
30th Ave. • 872-1242

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: Small mom and pop type operations, each with their own name. Some have only a couple of tables. Food is tasty and cheap! We like Las Palmas, located on 25th Ave., between 1st and 3rd. Great breakfast and lunch specials. Imagine a full meal of fresh fish, shrimp or chicken for just a couple bucks. Open from early morning to 2 or 3 p.m. Don't be afraid to try these little gems!

This is a great find! This eatery offers some of best food for your money. You can't beat their daily specials (comidas corridas del dia), served daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A complete dinner includes soup, special of the day and beverage (agua fresca which could be tamarindo, jamaica or horchada). Hours are 1 to 10:30 p.m. Tues.-Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday (closed Monday).

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.

Manati
Corner of 10th Ave. & 8th St. N.

NOTE: This restaurant now has a new name. If you have more information, pass it along

This little restaurant is "cute as a button" with charming, intimate candlelight atmosphere in this cozy cabana.

Part of a chain owned by singer-songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville offers drinks (margaritas, of course) and simple food favorites such as cheeseburger (in paradise), BBQ ribs and chicken fajitas. Ocean views from the decked terrace and seaside tiki bar.

Yes, under the golden arches, business is booming in Cozumel. The McPechuga (chicken sandwich) is actually very good and burgers are pretty much the same as the US

Mezcalito's:
North end of Cozumel's East Coast (wide side) • 872-1616

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 rosy "cheeks" will be added to the photo collection.

Morena's:
10th Ave. between 3rd & 5th

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.

Nino's Pizza:
10th Ave., between 3 & Rosado Salas
872-4166

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!

Small pizzeria that serves pizza, pasta, salads, calzone, heroes and cold beer.

NOTES: This is a popular restaurant because of location and varied menu. Familiar entrees include club sandwiches, fishburgers, burgers, chicken fingers, 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:
Oceanfront Road & 8th (in Cinco Soles) • 872-2040

NOTES: Delightful atmosphere in a quiet patio setting, complete with trickling water, greenery and pleasant decor. Lively marimba music is featured during 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 came 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. Service is unsurpassed. 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: a great setting, afternoon entertainment plus the opportunity to shop, shop, shop!

Restaurants on the island come and go . . .
If you have an update and or favorite dining spot, let us know. Email: sherrie@mexico-villas.com

Paradise Beach:
Located at one of Cozumel's finest beaches (Km 15). Snacks, lunches, silly drinks and beer.

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. Last time we were there, there was no entry fee; however, I've heard that may not be the case now. But, I understand you have unlimited use of most of their water toys/facilities with the entry fee.

Pepe's:

Seating is on the second floor on this stylish restaurant with 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 and shrimp around. They also have a salad bar.

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. Their desserts are delicious as well!

Pizza Hut:
Oceanfront and 3rd St.

Pitiful.

Rotisserie Chicken
Various locations (most on 30th or 65th Ave.); various names

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).

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; 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 enjoy a cold beer.

Sam's Wok
Oceanfront Road, across from Puerto Maya cruise ship pier

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 has done a booming business. Crew of the cruise ships are frequent diners.

San Francisco Beach
Beach area on Cozumel's west coast (km 15)

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: 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:

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. A favorite hot dog stand is on Calle 11 and Avenida 30.

"Taco Truck"
Across from Puerto Maya cruise ship pier on the side street. Look for the battered blue truck (seriously)

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.