11 Must-Try Cozumel Restaurants | Best Bars & Restaurants In Cozumel

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Some of the best places to eat in Cozumel are restaurants that may go under the radar when you’re first looking. Thankfully for you, we’ve gathered up some of the best Cozumel restaurants so you can easily select the best one for your holiday.

No matter what type of food you want, you can find it in Cozumel. Whether it’s homemade pasta, the best tacos, wood-fired pizzas, sushi, or nearly anything else, you can find it in Cozumel, all with a mix ranging from fine dining to mom and pop restaurants. 

Cozumel is a great mix of cultures and styles, and the food reflects all of the different backgrounds that have found their way to the island.

Also, if you’re visiting the island for diving, stick around until the end of this post to learn about a great dive shop and an oceanfront condo we stayed in, both of which I can highly recommend.

TL;DR? Do you just want the dive shop and accommodation recommendations now? ScubaTony and Casa Phoenix, but I’ll go more into what makes both of them so great after I share with you a list of the best places to eat in Cozumel. 

Visiting these other popular cities in Mexico during your stay? Check out our foodie guides to:

While in Cozumel, don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):

11 Best Cozumel Restaurants

Avenida 30 entre Morelos y calle 5 // +52 987 100 4726

If you want some of the best handmade pasta and the best pasta in Mexico, check out K’ooben Laab! The carbonara here is one of the best I’ve tried, and you can’t go wrong with ordering it.

All of their pasta is freshly made with high-quality ingredients. The goal of K’ooben Laab brings together healthy and creative food with a modern twist on dishes that have been passed down through generations.

When you order, you pick the pasta and sauce combination so you can customize your dish to your specific tastes.

The pasta is freshly made every day, and they also offer vegan whole grain bread, sourdough bread, French-style cheeses, cakes, and desserts.

You can eat in the restaurant, order take-out, or have it delivered to your door in no time! However you want to lay your hands on your food, K’ooben Laab is one of the best Italian restaurants on Cozumel. 

Pedro Joaquín Coldwell, 10 de Abril // +52 987 800 2337

Who makes the best tacos in Cozumel is a fierce debate. It’s a common discussion point that many people will dive into when you’re looking for the best tacos in Cozumel.

Lots of people will tell you Mr. Tacos has the best ones in Cozumel, but El Pique, for me, has some of the best tacos in the city, and they take the top spot for best taco restaurant on our list!

In addition to tacos, you can also get beef and chicken as well as some beer and horchata.

Choose between indoor and outdoor seating; either way, the staff will remain attentive to your every need. The personnel and laidback ambiance of this restaurant make it stand out among all the taquerias in Cozumel.

We recommend trying tacos from El Pique first, so you have an idea of what excellent tacos are like before you get more around the city. Or, if you do like us and make your own taco crawl you can hit El Pique as your favorite stop, saving the best for last.

Even though there is always someone boasting that they offer the best tacos, we think you will agree that El Pique is the clear winner!

Carretera San Juan Kilometro 4.5, Zona Hotelera Nte. // +52 987 872 0100

This is a little bit more reserved and high end, being part of a private beach club located on San Juan Beach, just a short jaunt from town. Not only can you get a great meal, but you’ll also have amazing views from the club itself!

Buccano’s is located a couple of miles north of downtown on the more quiet side of the island and offers a wide-ranging menu.

If you choose to spend the day at the beach club the relatively small entry fee ($10 USD or 200 pesos) can be applied toward food and drinks, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite meals and drinks while overlooking the ocean and enjoying the white sand beaches.

We went for Buccano’s at Night, the dinner restaurant. The food and drinks, ranging from burgers to prime seafood,  are excellent and representative of both typical Mexican food international cuisine as well including what’s widely regarded as the best sushi on Cozumel.

Our favorite dishes were the lobster mac and cheese and the surf & turf burger made with a lobster tail and Angus steak.

For quality food in an elegant setting, Bucannos Grill is a top place to go in Cozumel. 

Calle 2 Nte 160 // +52 987 872 0838

If you’re looking for something simple and delicious that will be great every time you stop by, check out Corazon Contento. They do breakfast, lunch, and brunch.

The food is very traditional Mexican fare, and they offer natural juices that are unmatched in the area.

The restaurant is in the middle of a busy area of the city so you have easy access to lots of shopping and other restaurants. 

Their breakfast options are what draw people in, and the prices are all very reasonable for the area. You can get a meal for the whole family without breaking the bank.

Stop by for a great, filling breakfast that you can customize to make your own!  One plus; it’s air-conditioned. 

For a Mexican-style breakfast, this is a great Cozumel restaurant find. 

10a Avenida Sur 229, Centro // +52 987 111 8642

We were drawn to this restaurant after hearing about their signature dish- the lionfish pizza! But be sure to get there early, as they sell out quickly, as we learned the hard way. It’s the only fish on their menu, is sustainably caught, and also available as a ceviche.

They also offer salads, appetizers, empanadas, and, of course, wood-fired pizzas.  

In addition to the pizza, you can also do a beer flight and sample more than one of their draft beers. They are the first and only microbrewery on the island.

Their unique offerings still have the same feel of traditional pizza and beer places in the US, but with lots of different toppings and draft beers. 

They also offer desserts and other types of foods so you can be sure to find something for everyone!  If beer and pizza are your things, this is one of your must-go restaurants in Cozumel. 

Calle 65, directly across from the airport // +52 987 564 9802

This restaurant is easy to access, especially when coming right from the airport. They offer Mexican, Caribbean, and seafood dishes at great prices!

The menu for this restaurant is limited, but the homemade tortillas and excellent shrimp tacos keep people coming back for more.

There’s a great ambiance to this restaurant, and they also offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast and lunch. 

The seafood stands out at this restaurant and is the reason many people keep coming back for more. Many families make this a yearly trip when they come or go through the airport arriving or leaving Cozumel. Since it’s so close to the airport, it makes it an easy visit and a great meal for anyone traveling through the city. 

Diego’s is surely one of the best places to eat in Cozumel. 

80 Av. #451 Int. A entre 5 // +52 987 876 1626

If you’re looking for a tour that will shake up your view of Cozumel, check out the Ten Experiences Tour! This is a tour that offers a boutique culinary experience that gives you a taste of ten different Mexican dishes and drinks.

Based out of the home of a local host couple, you get the full Mexican culinary experience and a taste of the local atmosphere. All of the ten-course meals come with pairings and feature a different region of Mexico.

Along with the meal and the drinks, you can also experience a presentation that accompanies the experience and highlights some of the more interesting things you can see and do in that area. This is a great way to hear and learn more about different places in Mexico while also getting a great meal and some excellent drinks.

There are lots of good ways to enjoy Cozumel and the different areas of Mexico, but eating your way around the area is one of the best!

Av. Rafael E. Melgar // +52 987 872 5762

This is another great breakfast place, offering a unique dish called Huevos Xcatic, a Mayan version of eggs Benedict. You can also add sides like bacon or hashbrowns to make it a more filling meal.  This is the only restaurant we visited twice during our stay and both times we ordered the same dish- it’s that good!

The lunch menu features several ceviches, taco, and standard American fare like burgers, pizza, and fried chicken.  Dinner is slightly more formal, with a variety of steaks and seafood dishes, but also contains many of the lunchtime favorites.  

They offer Mexican and Caribbean food, and there’s a bar in the restaurant as well, so you can hit this place up no matter what time of day you decide to drop in. The ocean views are what draw so many in and keep people coming back for more.

In addition to the regular meals, they also offer vegetarian options to accommodate any dietary needs.

La Monina has areas to swim, kayak, or snorkel, or just watch a beautiful over-the-water sunset while enjoying your meal. When we came for breakfast we asked for seating on the bottom level for ocean views

One of the great benefits of this restaurant is that they don’t charge for beach access, so you can swim and enjoy a meal without having to drop even more money.  One of Cozumel’s best restaurants for sure.

Av. Rafael E. Melgar, Calle 10 Nte. // +52 987 120 2792

Enjoy the beautiful ocean views and unique meals at El Palomar! They specialize in Mexican and Latin foods with seafood being the most prevalent and highly reviewed meals on the menu.

The meals are very reasonably priced, and you can easily get food for everyone without breaking the bank. This is a blended restaurant with a great contemporary feel built into an old-style Mexican building and construction. 

In addition to the meals, they focus on offering great service to everyone who comes through the door. The food, service, and value are highly rated by tourists and locals alike. 

Drinks are reasonably priced (try the Mojito!), and you can still enjoy the beautiful views along the coast! Each of the meals is a smaller portion so you can get several different options and not be overly full.

Ave Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro // +52 987 146 5083

Instead of hitting all of the big clubs and restaurants in Cozumel, hit up Guisados for a smaller family-style restaurant! Because it’s a smaller restaurant, the service is excellent and the dishes all come up to be amazing every time you stop by.

Enjoy tacos, tostadas, and traditional Mexican dishes when you stop by the restaurant.

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You’ll get personalized service from each of the people who come your way. Instead of going to the big chains, support a small local business by heading to Guisados.

For authentic eating in Cozumel, Guisados is a place to try.

Mercado Municipal

Calle Dr Adolfo Rosado Salas // +52 987 118 4823

This is a shopping center that offers lots of different food, clothing, spices, and more! There are lots of smaller vendors around who will give you great deals and an authentic experience for anyone passing through.

You can go through the area and purchase clothing, food, and more without having to trek across the city. Engage with local vendors and other shoppers to get the full experience during your time in Mexico!

Found this guide useful? Check out our delicious guide on the 7 Must-Try Barracks Row Restaurants!

Where to get a drink- The Best Bars in Cozumel

Calle 3 sur entre Rafael E. Melgar y Av. 5, 317 // +52 987 869 0214

Head over to the Thirsty Cougar for drinks and live music during your time in Cozumel! Enjoy local cuisine, seafood, Mexican and Caribbean food along with a wide range of vegetarian-friendly options.

If you’re looking for some of the best ceviches in Cozumel, head to the Thirsty Cougar! The plates are large and cheap so you can get plenty of food and drinks without going over budget in the city.

They do offer less traditional dishes for much of their menu and they tend to cater to tourists rather than locals, so expect to see burgers, and Tex-Mex rather than traditional Mexican cuisine.  However, you will find some specialties such as chilaquiles in red or green sauce, lobsters, and several pasta dishes.

For an eclectic restaurant and bar in Cozumel, give the Thirsty Cougar a try.

Calle 2 Nte. // +52 987 872 0195

This is a great place to go out and karaoke with friends while you’re on the island! All of the food is cheap and plentiful and drinks flow all night long.  Featuring beer, brats, and barbecue, you might forget you are in Mexico while visiting this pet-friendly Cozumel restaurant.

They offer lots of different types and styles of dishes that are a mix of traditional Mexican food and international dishes. If you’re looking for a great bar to spend time with friends in Cozumel, check out Tony B’s.

When you’re in a new place anywhere in the world, you want to make sure you sample the local cuisine and check out all of the local cultural attractions. Cozumel has a wealth of restaurants that are a mix of traditional and modern/fusion eateries that will give you great options no matter what type of food you want to try.

Look to great restaurants along the beach for great views and great dishes! There are lots of different beach bars and restaurants that also have access to swimming areas so you can swim and enjoy the ocean before or after your meal.

Hang out with friends in local bars like Tony B’s for cheap drinks and lots of good food! There are plenty of activities like live music and karaoke at bars around the city so you can stay entertained during your time in the city.

Lots of these bars are also located close to the beach so you can head out to check out the beach and enjoy spending time on those white sand beaches.

Instead of wandering around the city without a plan, hungry and confused, head to any of the eateries on our list for great food and drinks.  Sample the best Cozumel has to offer. Take your family or friends to the island for a stay and enjoy all the different types of food that Mexico has to offer!

The Best Dive Shop in Cozumel & Where to Stay

Ok, now that I’ve got all your meals sorted out for you, you need to know where to stay and what to do. 

Cozumel is a scuba diving and snorkeling mecca, and for good reason. The visibility and conditions are some of the best I’ve ever experienced.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some great dive shops all over the world, but ScubaTony really stood out and impressed me. 

The entire process was easy and professional and most of all, fun. They’re a really great small company that does everything they can to make sure divers have the best experience possible.

The equipment is newer and well-maintained, the divemasters are professional, and the management team has a lot of great information about the island and is able to make great suggestions and recommendations. 

They even have cars for rent! The process for renting the cars was so much easier than renting from one of the big guys. 

So, if you’re coming to Cozumel for diving (or if you want to learn to dive, ScubaTony does certifications also) definitely get ahold of the team at ScubaTony, they’ll get you all sorted out. You can contact ScubaTony via their website by clicking here.

You’ll also need somewhere to stay, and we stayed at a great place that I’m happy to share with you. Casa Phoenix is an oceanfront condo that is the perfect setup for a group of travelers to share. 

It has four bedrooms, two with ocean views and all with private bathrooms. There’s also a large kitchen and dining room, laundry facilities, a big living room, and a fifty-foot balcony that is perfect for taking in the sunset. 

Casa Phoenix is located inside a complex that has a freshwater heated pool and direct access to the ocean. In fact, you can even have your diving or fishing boats pick you up on the private dock! 

We loved that each of us had our own private space, but that the large shared spaces were perfect for making meals or relaxing after a long day of diving. 

Something else that we found very convenient was the location. The unit is a quick walk to Centro and is located directly across the street from a grocery store, making stocking up the refrigerator and cabinets quick and easy. 

Visit the Casa Phoenix website by clicking here to learn more about the property and to book your own stay. 

How to get to Cozumel, Mexico from the airport?

Take a private transfer if you’re a group – Every driver is bilingual so he will be more than happy to answer any questions you have along the way regarding the surroundings.

Feeling like you want to experience the full Cozumel Vibe? Go with a luxury service, reserved just for you and your company of up to 6 people in a brand new luxury SUV.

Or just get a quote from the search box below instantly: 

Travel writer and owner of the blog. My work has been featured on Fodors, Eater.com, International Living, and Great Escape Publishing, among many others. My story? Nearly six years ago, I left my job at an Oklahoma City law firm and embarked on a journey around the world. At the time, I thought I would only be gone for 6 months, but the more I traveled, the longer my bucket list became.  Flashpacker describes how I travel. Rather than traveling as the normal world wise backpacker and staying in hostel dorms, I prefer a more comfortable experience, and typically stay in private rooms, take Ubers instead of taxis, and now use a suitcase instead of a backpack. Foodie, on the other hand, describes one of the key reasons why I travel. I love to pick a central “base camp” and then explore the surrounding area, really immersing myself in the culture and interacting with the people, and enjoying and exploring the food of an area is an essential part of this experience.