Cancún has the widest choice of restaurants in Quintana Roo, from lagoon-view steakhouses in the Hotel Zone to Yucatecan lunch counters downtown. These are the places we send clients to when they are visiting Cancún to look at property, and the ones residents keep going back to.
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.
Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Hotel Zone · Steakhouse and raw bar · $$$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 14.2, No. 1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A lagoon-view steakhouse known for Kobe, USDA Prime and Australian beef, plus a large raw bar of oysters and seafood. Residents book it for anniversaries, client dinners and special occasions.
La Madalena
Hotel Zone, on the lagoon · Traditional and contemporary Mexican, seafood · $$$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 14.4, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Reservations | View on map
Why we recommend it: A vintage-chic room on Nichupté Lagoon with homestyle seafood and meat dishes such as mixed ceviche, rock shrimp, grilled avocado tacos and rib eye carpaccio, plus creative cocktails. Lagoon-side tables at sunset make it one of our favorite places to take clients in Cancún. Open daily from 1 pm.
Lorenzillo’s
Hotel Zone · Seafood and lobster · $$$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 10.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A Cancún classic built over Nichupté Lagoon, where lobster is the specialty, cooked many different ways. The open-air deck at sunset makes it a natural choice when family and friends come to visit.
Puerto Madero
Hotel Zone · Argentine steakhouse and seafood · $$$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 14.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: An Argentine-style grill on the lagoon, known for tenderloin, rib eye, Maine lobster, fresh fish and papas soufflé. A reliable choice for a polished dinner with a sunset terrace.
Rosa Negra
Hotel Zone · Latin American grill · $$$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 15, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Latin American dishes such as charcoal-grilled lamb rack, Caribbean lobster and truffle risotto in a high-energy room with a DJ. Best for celebrations and group nights out.
Navíos Mexican Fusion Seafood
Hotel Zone · Mexican fusion seafood · $$$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 19.5, Lote 66, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A dock over the lagoon serving Mexican seafood with Asian touches, like xcatic chile stuffed with shrimp and tuna tartare. Palapa tables and sunset views make it a good date-night spot.
El Fish Fritanga
Hotel Zone, on the lagoon · Mexican seafood · $$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 12.5, between La Isla and Plaza Kukulcán, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Seafood at prices aimed at locals: coconut shrimp, pescadillas, ceviche and aguachile in a sand-floor palapa on the lagoon. A second branch on Av. Huayacán is closer to the residential areas.
Gran Puerto Marina
Puerto Cancún · Seafood and regional Mexican · $$
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 1.5, Puerto Cancún, 77503 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Waterfront regional seafood such as curry ceviche, octopus al pastor and lobster tail, with live music some nights. An easy neighborhood choice for Puerto Cancún and downtown residents.
Lonchería El Pocito
Downtown · Yucatecan home cooking · $
Calle 31 Norte, Lote 23, Mz 35, SM 63, Centro, 77513 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A casual lunch counter with a daily changing menu of cochinita pibil, panuchos and tamales. A great introduction to everyday regional food at local prices. Closed Tuesdays.
La Parrilla
Downtown, Av. Yaxchilán · Traditional Mexican grill · $$
Av. Yaxchilán 51, Mz 23, Lt 51, Centro, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Open since 1975 and known for tacos al pastor, mixed grills and dishes finished at the table, with mariachis most evenings. A classic downtown night out for groups.
Taquería Coapenitos
Downtown, Av. Nader · Tacos · $
Av. Carlos Nader 25, Centro, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: A taquería known for its house taco, al pastor with pineapple and suadero, with menus in Spanish and English. Open late, which makes it a handy spot for downtown residents.
Living in Cancún
Thinking about buying in Cancún? 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.
