Puerto Morelos punches above its size when it comes to food, with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand on the square, beachfront seafood near the lighthouse and family restaurants on the Colonia side. These are the places we recommend to clients who want small-town beach life between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Each listing includes the address, a link to the restaurant and a map. Restaurants change, so we check this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.
Punta Corcho
Beach town, by the main square · Seafood and contemporary Mexican · $$
Av. Rafael E. Melgar, SM01, MZ6, Lt. 01-01, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Chef Daniel Ovadia’s second-floor palapa over the boardwalk, with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. Known for wood-fired seafood, ceviches and octopus gorditas.
Muelle Once
Beach road, oceanfront · Seafood and regional Mexican · $$$
Av. Rafael E. Melgar SM 1 Mz 2 L5, Zona Hotelera, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A beachfront restaurant with sand-side tables, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Known for gratinéed oysters, aguachile and wood-fired dishes.
El Merkadito
Beach town, near the lighthouse · Coastal Mexican seafood · $$
Av. Rafael E. Melgar Lote 8, Centro, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: In a 1979 seafront house about 80 meters from the lighthouse, known for octopus tacos al pastor and snapper ceviche. An easy go-to for a seafood lunch.
Taninos
Beach town, Av. Javier Rojo Gómez · Mediterranean-Mexican and wine bar · $$$
Av. Javier Rojo Gómez S/N, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Open since 2011 with surf and turf, filet mignon and pastas in a candlelit garden, plus a good wine list. Dinner only, closed Sundays.
La Sirena
Beach town, behind the lighthouse · Greek and Mediterranean · $$
Calle José MarÃa Morelos Mz 4, Centro, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Greek-rooted dishes plus breakfast from 7 am, with a rooftop palapa bar over the lighthouse. Live music most nights makes it a social hub.
Al Chimichurri
Beach town, Av. Javier Rojo Gómez · Uruguayan grill · $$
Av. Javier Rojo Gómez SM1 M6 L8, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A family-run parrilla known for rib eye with house chimichurri, empanadas and wood-fired pizza. Casual and pet-friendly, open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 pm.
El Nicho
Beach town, a block from the square · Breakfast café and bakery · $
Av. Tulum at Av. Javier Rojo Gómez, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
View on map
Why we recommend it: A long-running breakfast and brunch café with its own bakery, eggs Benedict, chilaquiles and fresh juices. Open daily 7:30 am to 2 pm.
Lola y Moya
Beach town, Av. Rafael E. Melgar · Mexican home cooking · $
Av. Rafael E. Melgar SM1 MZ6 LT5E, Centro, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Homestyle Mexican food such as chilaquiles verdes and enchiladas suizas, with vegan and gluten-free options. Closed Tuesdays.
Marinero May
La Colonia · Family-style seafood · $$
Av. JoaquÃn Zetina Gasca, Supermanzana 18, Puerto Morelos, Q.R. 77580
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A family seafood restaurant with a pool, where you choose your fish to be cooked whole. Popular with local families on weekends, with lower prices than the beach side.
Living in Puerto Morelos
Thinking about buying in Puerto Morelos? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.
