The Best Brunch Spots in Cancún

Served on Sundays, brunch at Hacienda Sisal in the Hotel Zone is a showcase of authentic Mexican dishes. The help-yourself spread features terracotta pots of pozole – a pork and bean stew – cigar-shaped filled tacos called flautas, and chilaquiles, delicious fried corn tortillas topped with salsa and cheese. The price of brunch includes a tangy mimosa, but if you’re still thirsty afterward, the mezcalita cocktail – made with mezcal, pineapple juice and chili powder – comes highly recommended.

The name of this eatery in downtown Cancun loosely translates as the Garden of Eden. Just like its namesake, it’s full of temptations – the brunch menu alone features seven pages worth of them. European options like croissants filled with strawberries and cream feature alongside Mexican choices, such as sweet concha buns and open sandwich-style molletes. On warm days, you’ll find the best tables in the courtyard, amongst the dream catchers and next to the trickling water feature.

You’ll eat amongst potted plants and overflowing hanging baskets when you brunch at this thatched-roof cafe near Forum Beach. Just like the decor, the food here is pretty natural and organic. Start yourself off with your pick of more than 20 freshly squeezed juices, then move on to fruit plates, yogurt-and-cereal combos – or one of the many egg options. For something more authentically Mexican, try the omelet with cactus and chili or scrambled eggs with hot red sauce.

With its matador-red exterior walls, bell tower and cacti garden, Hacienda el Mortero is a replica of a colonial estate home – set in the heart of the Hotel Zone. On Sundays, this place lays out a full Mexican brunch spread. Terracotta and earthenware pots are filled with soft tortillas, tacos, stuffed chilies and all sorts of authentic stews. Don’t miss the café del olla – a traditional Mexican coffee spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with cane sugar.

Built around the trunks of two living trees, this wood, wicker and thatch restaurant – near Jardin Miramar in downtown Cancun – serves a buffet brunch every Sunday. The spread is sweetshop-colorful, featuring fruit platters, cupcakes, salsas and bottles of bright juices – alongside pastries, eggs and Mexican specialties like quesadillas. A live acoustic guitarist provides the soundtrack to the session every week.

Follow the scent of fresh bread and sugar and you’ll find this French cafe with its red awnings, on Xpuhil Street in downtown Cancun. Every morning, this place bakes its own saber-size baguettes and fresh croissants. The latter is served in sweet and savory varieties alongside French toast, crepes, fresh fruit and eggs. If you’re keen for something a little stronger than coffee, order a mimosa – or two.

If all the tacos and tortillas are getting a bit heavy for you, head to Sirena Morena near Jardin Rubia for brunch. Find a spot at one of the wooden tables in the courtyard garden and order some fresh juice and a brunch bowl – like the ceilito made with warm oats, coconut milk, banana and cacao nibs. Everything on the menu is vegetarian and there’s a good range of vegan options available, too.

It’s all about the frappes at this 50s-style cafe in downtown Cancun. From traditional to Oreo and even Mexican street corn, available in more than 40 flavors, frappes are served in milk bottles with beehives of cream on top. Add a filled bagel, loaded waffle or stuffed croissant – baked fresh on site every day – to your order. And try to save a little space for a homemade cupcake.

Located inside an elegant room with chandelier ceilings at the Ritz Carlton, El Cafe Mexicano serves a Sunday brunch buffet from 7am to 1pm. There are plenty of continental dishes on offer, but the highlights are the Mexican options like the motuleños eggs, where tortillas are loaded with fried eggs, black beans, cheese and chilies. Wash it all down with a bloody mary or a mimosa from the help-yourself drinks section of the buffet.

North Garden is on Island Mujeres, a 30-minute ferry ride from Cancun, but the bloody mary’s alone make it worth the journey. They come with a rasher of crispy bacon and sliced jalapeño peppers on the side. Highlights of the rest of the brunch menu include the cappuccino-flavored French toast and a selection of eggs benedict – all served with pillowy poached eggs – where one is unusually topped with pecan nuts.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Kalpana Satish.

If you can’t get enough of Mexican fare, then don’t miss out on restaurants endorsed by locals or the top markets in Cancún. And if you’re looking for somewhere different to stay while you’re in town, why not try a unique boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort – all bookable on Culture Trip.

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