El Guacamayo has changed its name but it
is basically still part of "La Cabania del Pescadors" and is located to the left of the Lobster house. The food is described on their menu which is
part of their web site (you already know how to get there).
OK, so the ambiance isn't the greatest.
But I dare you to find a better "Bistec Tampiqueño"
or "Pescado Especial" anywhere on the island.
My first time eating there was in 1987 and it is still owned by the same
family. The menu is extensive and I can't say that I've tried everything on
the menu but if you want the best Mexican Food on the island this is a must.
It is a little bit hard to find but it is in back of the gas
station located on the transversal road. The link to their web site on the
picture to the left will give you more details about the restaurant and
directions. Prices have gone up but so did the cost of living on Cozumel!
Ledgend has it that there is no legend
about Mezcalitos! Its just been there forever! :-) Manuel Marin has been a
friend of mine for over 20 years and Mezcalitos's is one of the islands
oldest establishments. In fact, I think it was the first to inhabit the
other side of the island; aside from what used to be called the "Naked
Turtle" with its zoo, which is now called Playa Bonita. But some things
never change; like the natural beauty of the other side of the island.
Make sure to play the "ring toss" game while you are there. It
is located at the end of the transversal road and you can't miss it to the
left. GREAT atmosphere, cheeseburgers, and fahitas. They boast killer
Margaritas but be careful driving afterwards! Just click on there logo for
more information.
Remember, this isn't Frommers! This is
cozumelmexico.net. We don't get paid by anyone so my opinions are based on
living here more then most of the local population! Margaritaville came to
town with much fanfare. I expected (like everyone else) that it was going to
be just like the one in Key West. Great live music and a down home
atmosphere full of locals and tourist alike. The fact of the matter is that
this Margaritaville is most likely a franchise that sells t-shirts and
expensive drinks to the tourists and is strictly commercial. If you are
coming off of a cruise ship and want to say that you've been to
Margaritaville in Cozumel then this is a must! :-) Click here
to go there!
Now, you might ask, why did I put this restaurant on my list?
It's simple, I made the Margaritaville web site before I actually went there
and I hate wasting my time!
No page about Cozumel
restaurants would be complete without mentioning La Choza. It started as
a hamburger stand in 1987 with Doug Wilshire (Jimmy Kitchen of the old Carlos'n Charlies Dad). Doug
sat in front of the small restaurant (it was half the size as it is now)
and would drink his martinis. Then Lagrimas bought it from Jimmy when
his dad passed and Lagrimas brought his family from the Yucatan to be
cooks for his new restaurant. The next thing you know, it turns into what
it is today (I know; too much information:-) La Choza is an authentic Yucatecan restaurant and the food
you will get there is authentic local cuisine made from local Yucatechin
recipes. The portions aren't very large but the flavors are definitely
as local as you will find here on Cozumel. Click on the image to go to
their new site.
Now here is where it gets interesting.
The following restaurants listed do not all have web pages. They are listed
here because the local buzz is that they are great and many of them are bars
and restaurants that simply have the best food to offer, but not everyone
knows about them. Not all are expensive but all have something unique to
offer. In fact every restaurant on this web site is the best that our island
has to offer in it's own unique way. Make sure to come back often because
this page will change constantly. The restaurant scene on Cozumel is
changing a lot faster then the guides that you buy in your favorite book
store would like to admit.
Kinta is the brainchild of the former executive chef of Guidos
(formerly known as Pizza Rolondi). He decided to make classic Mexican
cuisine with a twist. The interior ambiance is modern. Almost with a Miami
Beach feel. The buzz around town is that the food is excellent which is no
surprise. Kinta is named because it is on 5th Ave (and Kinta means 5th in spanish). It is about a block north of
the town square. There isn't a link to a web site because they don't
have one yet. However, I'll keep you posted.
Address: Ave. 5 Between Calle 2 and 4
La Cusina Italiana (Armadillo) is in a new location but
the family has been on the island cooking fantastic hand made Italian food
ever since I can remember (and this goes back quite a ways). The hand made
raviolis are the best I've ever had. This is truly authentic Italian, with
recipes from the old country. I just added a web site for La Cusina so you can click the image.
Address: Calle 6 Between Ave. 10 and 15
Albinos has the best seafood platter in town; period.
The ambiance is rustic "palapa". I highly recommend the "camarones
Vericuzano" (shrimp Veracruz style). The service is great and they will
bring out "botanas" which are small appetizers to keep you going until your
food comes. This is an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and a must if you want
to have excellent seafood. There is also no link to a web site (yet) as they do not have one.
Address: Calle 20 Between Av. 10 and 12
These shots were taken inside of Guidos which is an
institution here on Cozumel. It really needs no introduction if you have
been to the island. The courtyard is lovely and the service and food is
impeccable. If you go there, ask for "Pecas" and tell him that Bob Rodriguez
sent you. You will be sure to get a funny response from him.
By the way, the vegetarian pizza with shrimps is simply delicious (Pecas
turned me on to it a very long time ago). There is a link to their web site
on the photo of the courtyard. There you will find the address and
everything else you need.
Here is a picture of La Candela. Iram is the husband of one
of the owners of La Choza; another great restaurant here on Cozumel.
Anyway, La Candela serves up excellent Cuban food at a VERY
reasonable price. I don't know how he does it but he does a great
job! Each day you will find that the items served will be different.
It is always a pleasant surprise to eat their for lunch. He also
does a very brisk take out business. I eat there quite often.
Address: SW corner of Calle 6 and Ave. 5
Across the street from La Candela you will find
Al Pie Del Carbone (AKA: Zapata Grill). Mouth
watering steaks are made with a wood burning grill and the outdoor
cafe and ambiance will transport you to a time and a place that is
truly European in style. The buzz around town is that the food is
excellent and although I have not eaten there yet; I plan to very
soon. When I do I will give you the first hand report on it here.
Address: NW corner of Calle 6 and Ave. 5
Popeye the Salor (El Marino) is the best Ceviche in town and rivals
the Ceviche served at the Rasta Bar on the other side of the island.
It is made to order and prepared right in front of you. You can have
fish, shrimps, octopus, or mixed Ceviche; depending on how you feel.
The interiors are simple and fun. You will love it if you want to
get a real feel for the local culture as well as the local food
(island seafood style).
Address: Calle 2 Between Ave. 25 and 30
I hope that you will find these recommendations to be useful as
well as tasteful. There are many restaurants that are not listed here
but as time allows I will add them. One thing is certain. This is not a
web site that was made with any preferences in mind. It is simply made
so that you could have the best culinary experience possible during your
vacation on Cozumel.
Warm Regards from Cozumel,
Bob Rodriguez
PS: In case the addresses don't make any sense to you here is a
map of Cozumel that should help:
