Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. Surrounded by stunning aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea, it is one of the most picturesque places I’ve been.
This was my first trip to Isla Mujeres and I wanted to explore the food scene and find the best places to eat with a big emphasis on fresh seafood. Living in a land locked state, I don’t often get to experience seafood straight from the sea to table. The island seafood did not disappoint, not to mention a plethora of other cuisines to choose from.
In this guide, I’ll take you to my favorite places to eat, and one was so good, I ate there three times. Some restaurants take credit cards but be prepared to have cash as many do not.
My Top 10 Best Places to Eat
I found by doing a bit of research, and getting off the main pedestrian areas along the bay side and the pedestrian walkway were the best choices with a few exceptions. The portions are very large, and meals can be easily shared.
#1 – Mogagua Cafe – Amazing Breakfast
My absolute favorite was Café Mogagua. This is a full-service restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere is casual with open walls giving it an airy-woodsy feel with lots of plants and plenty of sunshine.
This place was so good it became my go to place, from a quick pastry and coffee to a full breakfast or lunch. I did not make it there for dinner but I’m sure it would be as delightful as all the other meals I had there.
During my first amazing breakfast adventure to Mogagua, I had the tropical fruit with honey vanilla yogurt and granola. Fresh, meticulously sliced and diced mango, papaya, pineapple and apple paired with the honey vanilla yogurt was so creamy and full of flavor.
My second breakfast was a quick Nutella filled buttery croissant that melted in my mouth with freshly roasted coffee before embarking on an island excursion, simple and satisfying.
On my third visit, I had the classic French Toast with honey and toasted sliced almonds. It was divine with thick fresh bread with cinnamon and maple syrup and a side of bacon. It doesn’t get much better than French Toast and bacon and they did it superbly.
At last, I got over my breakfast love affair and had the shrimp tacos for lunch. The shrimp was grilled to perfection and served on corn tortillas with pico de gallo, avocado, refried beans, and green sauce.
Café Mogagua is located one block west of the pedestrian walkway in the center of town at Avenida Benito Juarez SM 1 MZ 14 LT 12, Centro – Supmza, 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R. Mexico.
Phone – +52-998-877-0127
Hours – 7:30 am – 10:30 pm Daily.
Cash and credit cards accepted.
#2 – Polo’s Mango Cafe – Coconut French Toast
My second favorite was Polo’s Mango Café. This gem is located about midway point to the southern end of the island on Payo Obispo Road. The restaurant is a two-story café with open air walls on the 2nd floor letting in the cool tropical breeze serving island inspired fare for breakfast and lunch.
I tried their famous Coconut French Toast made from wonderful Mexican sweet bread topped with nuts and dusted with powdered sugar. Beautifully sliced pineapple, cantaloupe and bananas accompanied the French Toast. The bread was round and thinner, sort of like a French Toast pancake with coconut flavor. It was amazing!
The restaurant is accessible by bike, taxi, golf cart or scooter.
The location is Av Payo Obispo S/N MZA 101 LTE 1, Meteorologico, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R. Mexico
Hours – 7:00 am – 3:00 pm daily.
Phone – +52-998-200-1904
Cash only
#3 North Garden Bakery – Crunchy Corn Muffins
My third favorite was North Garden Bakery which has a beautiful outdoor restaurant and a walk-up bar for a quick pastry or smoothie. The restaurant and walk-up are located just steps away from Playa Norte Beach and a great place for a quick breakfast on the way to the beach.
Fresh from the oven, delicious baked goods on the breakfast menu and sandwiches, salads and tacos for lunch. I tried the corn muffin that was so moist and slightly crunchy on the outside. Way better than any cornbread I’ve ever had. I couldn’t stop there and had to try their cinnamon rolls, fresh from the oven and dripping with frosting, yum!
The location is just steps away from Playa Norte Beach at – Carlos Lazo 14, Centro-Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R. Mexico
Hours – 7:00 am – 3:00 pm daily.
Phone – +52-998-151-6134
Website – www.Northgarden.com.mx
#4 La Lomita – Authentic Mexican
May fourth favorite was La Lomita, an authentic family run Mexican restaurant towards the south end of town. Many authentic Mexican dishes such as Chile Rellenos, Enchilada Suizas, Fajitas and so much more at an affordable price.
I had grilled shrimp and vegetables with black beans, simple and delicious. The black beans were deliciously flavored with onions, garlic and spices. I could easily go back just for the black beans, they were that good.
Location – Av Juarez, Aeropuerto, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Hours – 11:00 am – 10:30 pm Monday through Saturday.
Phone – +52-998-939-2331
Cash only
#5 – Raw Bar – Asian Flair
Number five on my list is Raw Bar, a sister restaurant to Fish & Gin serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an Asian flare. Fresh sushi, oysters, poke bowls and so much more. I savored the red Snapper, served whole of course, so fresh and flakey, grilled to perfection. Nothing like seafood straight from the sea to table. The fish was accompanied by a uniquely flavored fried rice topped with crunchy rice noodles and black sesame seeds. This was a truly unique twist on traditional fried rice while keeping the Asian flair. It’s worth a stop just for the fried rice!
This restaurant is located on the pedestrian walkway at – Miguel Hidalgo Manzana 13 Lote 1, Centro – Supmza 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Hours – Open daily 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Phone – +52-998-274-0981
Website – www.rawbarislamujeres.com.mx
Cash or credit cards accepted.
#6 – Mahache – Grilled Octopus
Mahache is number six on my list of favorites. This place is a hidden gem off the beaten path with great ambiance, delicious food and live music. I popped in for some late-night music and listened to a great jazz guitarist.
I returned to have a full meal of grilled Octopus with mashed sweet potatoes and greens followed by a scrumptious berry topped cheesecake that was simply divine. The Octopus was marinated and grilled, seasoned to perfection and so tender. One of the best I’ve had!
Location – Av. Guerrero 72, Centro – Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Hours – 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday
Phone – +52-998-236-3879
Cash and Credit Cards accepted.
#7 – Fish & Gin – Cozy Chill Vibe
My number seven of my favorites was Fish & Gin. This restaurant is a small cozy place just off the pedestrian walkway with a great chill vibe and fresh seafood as well as traditional Mexican fare. The Mahi Mahi with quinoa salad was a delicious healthy option. The steak tacos were delicious and on the spicy side, just like I like it.
Location – Av. Francisco I. Madero Mz13 lt 1, Centro – Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Hours – Wednesday – Monday closed on Tuesdays 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Phone – +52-998-274-7099
Cash or credit
#8 – Los Tacos de Humo – Carnitas Tacos
#8 – Los Tacos de Humo is a tiny, off the main drag restaurant that had delicious Mexican fare and huge portions. The Carnitas tacos were so tender with mounds of meat. Served on a board with three regular sized tacos and mounds of meat with a coleslaw base, I could only eat 1 after eating the chips and guacamole.
Location – Av Juárez Supermanzana 001 Manzana 13, Centro – Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Hours – Open daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone – +52 998 274 1383
Cash or credit
#9 – Muelle 7 – Coconut Shrimp on the Beach
Muelle 7 was my number nine choice, located just minutes from the ferry along the waterfront with beach access and views of the bay. The coconut shrimp was 6 huge fresh shrimp with freshly grated coconut and fired to a crispy golden brown. Creamy homemade Mango Chutney was the perfect dipping sauce paired with these crispy delicious morsels. Eating one of my favorites, Coconut Shrimp with my feet in the sand was pure heaven.
This restaurant is located along the bay just north of the ferry at Av Rueda Medina Manzana 2 Lote 5, Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R.
Hours – 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Monday – Sunday
Phone – +52-998-877-0548
Online menu at: www.tusitioonline.com
Credit card accepted.
#10 – Miramar – Best Lobster
Last but certainly not least was Lobster at Miramar. What tropical island trip wouldn’t be complete without lobster, right?
Restaurante Miramar, a long-standing island favorite since 1972 and known for the best lobster and it did not disappoint.
The Lobster at Miramar was fresh from the tank, grilled to succulent perfection in garlic and butter. The sweet flakey meat dipped in more garlic butter, was heavenly. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
The restaurant has 2 floors so you can enjoy the Caribbean Ocean bay view or dine on the beach with your toes in the sand. Rumor has it, this is the best place for lobster, and I couldn’t agree more.
This restaurant is located on the bay side close to the ferry dock at Av. Rueda Medina S/N entre Morelos y Francisco y Madero, Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Hours – 7:00 am – 10:00 pm Monday – Sunday
Phone – +52-998-274-2595
Credit cards accepted
Other Food Options – Excursions
Although not a restaurant, the meal I had on the excursion to Contoy Island, a national park, was one of the best meals I had during my visit to Isla Mujeres. It’s an hour-long boat ride to this island and includes a meal prepared on the beach. Fresh snapper seasoned with chili and paprika, so delicious. Grilled chicken, a perfectly seasoned rice pilaf, salad and pineapple for dessert. It was some of the best food I during my visit to Isla Mujeres.
The tour operators and staff were super helpful and courteous.
Location – Calle Hidalgo #89, Isla Mujeres Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, QROO, Mexico
Phone – +52-998-214-4928
Website – www.islamujerestrips.com
Healthy Options – Aroma Isla
If you’re looking for a healthy option, Aroma Isla is a great choice. Located on the pedestrian walkway with open air seating or a walk-up bar. I stopped in for a quick Mango Smoothie one day and it was so creamy and delicious. There are many vegan and vegetarian options to choose from in this full service restaurant.
Location – Supmza 1 Avenida Hidalgo Local, 1 Lote 11 Mazana 20. Entre, Abasolo y Madero, Isla Mujeres Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, QROO Mexico
Hours – 7:30 am – 11:30 pm
Phone – +52-998-877-1878
Credit cards accepted.
Isla Mujeres – Is It Worth a Visit?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island with lots of relaxing beach time, fun excursion and exploring the best restaurants. Isla Mujeres was definitely worth the visit, I just wish I’d had more time to sample more of the islands cuisine.
