Restaurants in Isla Mujeres
If you want to experience authentic Mexican food at local prices, head to the Municipal Market, next to the post office on Avenida Guerrero. Here hardworking women operate a row of outdoor food stands where working folk and students pay around $4 for the comida corrida, the meal of the day with soup, entree, and drink. The menus posted behind the counter typically include tacos, enchiladas, and various meat and fish dishes. Place your order, wait to pick it up, and settle in a plastic chair at a table covered with bright, flowered oilcloth. Hint: Pick a stand with the most people chowing down for a great meal. I’m also fond of the rotiscerias scattered around town, where you can get half a roasted chicken, rice, beans, and tortillas for around $7.
8 Results
- Seafood
Cocktelaria Justicia Social
On my last visit to the island, I asked every cab driver, waiter, and bartender where I should go for the absolute freshest, yummiest ceviche. Every single person replied “Justicia Social.” I stopped by one night only to find they closed at 7pm and was the first customer at opening…$$Around the Island - Mexican
Mamacita
Italian food seems to prevail on Avenida Hidalgo; this colorful open-air restaurant at the street’s north end satisfies cravings for arrachera (marinated beef) with rice, beans, and tortillas, generous sizzling fajitas, and standard comfort foods including tacos, burritos, and…$$Around the Island - Italian
Mamma Rosa
The smell of garlic and tomatoes wafts from Mamma Rosa, one of the island's best choices for Italian food. And sometimes the fare gets downright creative: the Diamante pizza topped with lobster is so good we've toasted it with champagne (there's also a wide range of good Italian reds…$$Around the Island - Mediterranean
Olivia
Locals are always thrilled to find alternatives to Isla’s abundant Italian restaurants. Intimate Olivia hits the spot with its blend of Moroccan, Turkish, Greek and Bulgarian favorites. I like to start with the Greek appetizer sampler of feta, tzaziki, and olives, then segue into the…$$Around the Island - Italian
Rolandi's
Everybody’s happy at this island institution where you just might run into friends from previous visits. I can’t possibly visit Isla without stopping by at least once, shunning the sidewalk tables for one in the interior courtyard with its twinkling white lights and friendly waiters…$$$Around the Island - Cafe
Rooster
There’s no friendlier place to begin the day than at this casual eatery. Though most folks prefer mingling at the sidewalk tables, I’m fond of the delightfully air-conditioned, bright green indoor restaurant redolent with the fragrance of fresh cinnamon rolls and banana bread. No one…$$Around the Island - Mexican
Ruben's
Across the street from the market, this small, yellow-walled building holds Ruben Chavez’s dream business, a simple café serving tasty, inexpensive meals that drew instant fans the moment it opened. The generous comida corrida includes a trip to the salad bar, soup, entrée, and side…$Around the Island - Seafood
Zazil Ha
The fanciest restaurant on Playa Norte is a good place to stop for breakfast, lunch, or a romantic dinner. It’s quieter than the beach bars, and has a lovely setting beside white sand and turquoise waters. Breakfast is the best meal, in my opinion, because there’s a perfect yogurt,…$$Around the Island
