The 13 Essential Cancún Restaurants

Where to find hibiscus enfrijoladas, slow-cooked pork leg sandwiches, esquites with bone marrow, and duck tacos in Mexico’s famed beach town

Cancún, along with the rest of the Riviera Maya, has perhaps become more commonly known for its all-inclusive resorts, raucous parties, and tourist-trap restaurants. But that reputation hides the fact that the city — and the whole Quintana Roo state — are home to many culinary cultures, skilled chefs earning prestige on the global stage, and bountiful resources from the sea and surrounding land.

Situated right on the Caribbean, Cancún enjoys fresh-caught fish and crustaceans from the ocean’s depths, reflected in the seafood-heavy cuisine of cocktails, ceviches, and fillets. Neighboring culinary traditions from the states of Yucatán, Tabasco, and Chiapas have further influenced Cancún’s flavors, especially in pork dishes like cochinita pibil. The comings and goings of international visitors have also left their marks, developing loyal local customers for popular Japanese, Lebanese, and Indian restaurants.

These flavors can be found in taquerias, seafood restaurants, markets, street food stalls, tortillerias, cafes, and upscale restaurants. No matter where they’re found, they help define Cancún’s culinary personality beyond passing fads, and puncture the trope of subpar Cancún cuisine. Whether you come to party or relax on the beach, Cancún’s best dishes can be found at these 13 spots.

Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

Wendy Pérez is a journalist, editor, and teacher of Mexican gastronomic history based in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Translated by Emily Safrin.

Megan Frye is a writer and translator based in Mexico City where she specializes in stories about ethical travel, sustainability and culture.

Translated by Megan Frye

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.