10 Great Restaurants in Cancun

Porfirio’s is your one-stop shop for upscale Mexican cuisine with glittering waterfront views. Straddling Nichupte Lagoon, this fine-dining restaurant packs out each evening as vacationers relish in gourmet tacos in front of the setting sun. Traditional dancers, mobile tequila carts, and whimsical mariachi bands make for a memorable evening.

But above all else, Porfirio’s has earned a stellar reputation for the food. Its culinary team whips together a blend of traditional Mexican recipes with modern haute cuisine in an intriguing mix. If you’ve still gotten space for dessert, simply flag down the wandering churro cart.

El Fish Fritanga is all about tasty seafood cooked and served fresh on the beach. This buzzing casual eatery fries the catch of the day by Nichupte Lagoon, with delicacies like fish, squid, and octopus adorning the menu, each cooked and crumbed to perfection. Don’t miss their signature ceviche – it’s obtained legendary status in Cancun.

Locals and tourists frequent this cost-effective seafood haunt, making it an excellent choice to sample authentic Mexican cuisine. For something other than seafood, there’s also a solid selection of meat dishes, plus a late-night taco stand with all the usual trimmings.

Irori is a Japanese restaurant in Cancun that is small and intimate. Even so, it plates up the best Japanese fare in town, hands down. The unpretentious Centro eatery is a hit for its ramen and tempura, which it’s been serving with gusto since 2006. The highlight, however, is its succulent selection of tepanyaki meats. Watch in awe as a skilled chef fries each piece at your table on a sizzling iron skillet.

If you’re feeling bold, give one of the Mexican sushi fusion dishes a go – you’ll be surprised how well the combo works. Another interesting offering is their unique take on the Caribbean Roll. If you’re craving Japanese cuisine but would rather stick to Zona Hotelera, give Tora a shot instead.

Ilios Greek Estiatorio brings Mediterranean flavors to the Caribbean while putting on a wild show. The buzzing Nichupte Lagoon restaurant has a live DJ, costumed dancers, and passionate plate smashers accompany almost every meal. This isn’t the place for a quiet evening nibble.

The cuisine, of course, is Greek, with broiled meats, fresh fish, and zucchini balls aplenty (don’t forget to slather on tzatziki). There’s a solid selection of ouzo-infused cocktails and sensational baklava to devour for dessert. It's all a tad pricey, but well worth the splurge.

Head to Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar if you’re craving succulent red meat in Cancun. This widely popular Nichupte Lagoon steakhouse specializes in USDA prime beef, a prestigious classification covering only the finest cuts. Each juicy Kobe or Angus steak comes cooked to perfection (just how you ordered it) with a side of salad and the sauce of your choice.

The service here is outstanding, and there’s a great selection of non-steak dishes such as sandwiches and Mexican treats. Although the place is relatively pricey, enormous portions make it all worthwhile. If you arrive before sunset, sit outside on the waterfront deck to enjoy the lagoon view.

Lorenzillo’s is a seafood restaurant in Cancun that lobster lovers head to. This long-standing Cancun institution has been serving the sought-after crustacean for over 30 years, and it’s refined the art to a tee. Whether you get it broiled, steamed, or boiled, you’ll be hard-pressed to find tastier lobster anywhere in Cancun.

The key to Lorenzillo’s success lies in its private offshore lobster farm, where a team of dedicated biologists oversees developmental growth. Diners can handpick their crustacean fresh from the in-house tank, and the nautical-themed restaurant boasts brilliant Nichupte Lagoon views.

At Elefanta, Cancun’s top Asian restaurant, exotic aromas waft through the air. Like most Zona Hotelera digs, Elefanta lies on the shores of Nichupte Lagoon to enhance the ambience and guarantee epic sunset views.

But it’s the authentic Indian cuisine that reels in the crowds, from spicy vindaloos to crispy naans and juicy kofta. You’ll also find an eclectic array of tempting Thai dishes – think tom yum goong soup or som tam salad. Our pick of the bunch, though, has to be the tandoori chicken or paneer, served piping hot from the charcoal-fired oven.

Cambalache is your best bet for delectable Argentine meat in Cancun. This upscale South American steakhouse serves only the finest cuts of imported beef (try the bife de chorizo). All come in enormous portions big enough to share.

The venue doesn’t get busy until late, as is the Argentine style. In the meantime, stroll around the canals of Plaza La Isla to work up an appetite – you’ll need it to finish these big, meaty servings. If you’d rather dine by the lagoon, try its sister restaurant instead – Puerto Madero Cancun. Either way, remember to wash down your meal with a glass (or better yet, a bottle) of imported Argentine Malbec.

Cenacolo serves Cancun’s best Italian food along with stunning Nichupte Lagoon views. While the osso buco and risotto are superb, the place is especially famous for its handmade pasta – try the spaghetti alla chitarra or pesto gnocchi. Try not to overindulge on cheese-laden fresh bread entrees because you’ll need plenty of room for the main course.

For a light meal, Cenacolo makes a solid selection of yummy salads and authentic lentil and minestrone soups. Its amicable waiters can suggest the perfect glass of fine Italian wine to accompany every meal – living la vida dulce.

At Captain’s Cove, an outstanding fine-dining restaurant located on Nichupte Lagoon, steak and seafood are par for the course. To savor the best of both worlds, combine them with the mouthwatering surf and turf dinner.

As part of the Royal Resorts group, most patrons dine here on all inclusive package deals. Nonetheless, it’s still an excellent place to go for a succulent steak or seafood feast on your own dime. Book ahead and roll up early to watch the sunset from the charming thatched-roof balcony.