Locanda Paolo (Av. Bonampak 145, on corner of Calle Jurel, Sm 3, El Centro, Cancún) — Flowers and artwork lend warmth to this sophisticated restaurant, and the staff’s attentive without being fussy. The Italian cuisine includes linguine with lobster and angel hair pasta with seafood, and a list of meat and fish specials. Despite the […]
Labná (Av. Margaritas 29, Sm 22, El Centro, Cancún) — Yucatecan cuisine reaches new and exotic heights at this Mayan-themed restaurant, with fabulous dishes prepared by chef Elviro Pol. The papadzules (tortillas stuffed with eggs and covered with pumpkin sauce) are a delicious starter; for an entrée, try the poc chuc (tender pork loin in […]
La Troje (Av. Acanceh, Sm 15, Mz 3, Lote 3, El Centro, Cancún) — From the moment you enter the garden patio, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled onto a local hideaway. Potted ferns hang from wooden beams in this charming setting that’s fashioned around oak trees that pierce through the bamboo roof. A brick […]
La Parrilla (Av. Yaxchilán 51, Sm 22, El Centro, Cancún) –– With its flamboyant live mariachi music and energetic waiters, this place is a Cancún classic. The menu isn’t fancy, but it offers good, basic Mexican food. Two reliably tasty choices are the mixed grill (chicken, steak, shrimp) and the grilled Tampiqueña-style steak. Combining entertainment […]
Fantino (Ritz-Carlton Cancún, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 13.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Reflecting Mexico’s rich Spanish heritage, this Mediterranean restaurant lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest. Grandeur hits a peak in this ballroom setting, with long-stemmed roses and hand-painted ceiling frescoes that subtly match the fine English china. Each guest, referred […]
Cenacolo (Kukulcán Plaza, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 13, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Brick oven pizza and pasta, handmade in full view, have made this fine Italian restaurant a favorite. Appetizers include beef or octopus carpaccio that practically melt in your mouth and a light calamari. There are more than 15 pasta dishes to choose from, including […]
Cambalache (Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 9 at Plaza Forum, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — This Argentinean steak house definitely looks the part – its interior is rustic yet elegant, with dark wooden tables and arched brick ceilings. Traditional empanadas (turnovers stuffed with spinach and cheese) are always a good appetizer. Wine lovers may want to sample the […]
duMexique (Av. Bonampak 109, Sm 3, El Centro, Cancún) — Discreetly located on the bustling Avenida Bonampak, this hidden gem bears no resemblance to an ordinary restaurant. Chef Alain Grimond and his wife Sonya have converted their home into an intimate dinner-party setting to create a dining experience unlike any other. Doubling as a gallery, […]
Casa Rolandi (In front of Royal Sands, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 13.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) –– The secret to this restaurant’s success is its creative handling of Swiss and Italian cuisine. Be sure to try the carpaccio de pulpo (thin slices of fresh octopus), the cheese fondue, or the mesquite-grilled rib eye. Appetizers are also tempting: […]
Amaranta Restaurante (Francisco Murguia 402, Universidad, State of Mexico, Mexico City) — Amaranta’s menu offers an exploration of the best of central Mexican cuisine from start to finish. Chef Salas especially likes to get creative with pork in his dishes. One favorite is the pork jowl made with peanuts or pumpkin seeds, but he is […]