El Sazón del Camarón
This is one of the most underrated seafood spots in Cozumel, which primarily serves up fresh-from-the-sea treats in the form of traditional Mexican favorites. Tortas and tacos reign supreme in El Sazón del Camarón: the fish tacos rank as some of the best on the island. Alternatively, check out the ceviche or the empanadas.
Address & telephone number: Avenida Juarez, on the corner with 55, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 120 4664
Lionfish © Michael Aston/Flickr
La Perlita
La Perlita‘s specialty is lionfish. This beautifully cooked, firm and flaky fish dish can be ordered as you desire: grilled, with coconut, whichever way you choose. Since it’s not native to the Caribbean waters, in order to maintain the delicate ecosystem its necessary for it to be eaten. Located very much off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist haunts of Cozumel, La Perlita is an unexpected surprise; a casual, authentic and vibrantly decorated palapa.
Address & telephone number: Calle 10 at Avenida 65 Norte Bis, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 869 8343
Guidos
Guidos is an upscale restaurant serving Italian food including some great wood fired pizzas. It’s a popular venue due to its ever-changing seafood specials, which sometimes includes mahi mahi. Make sure to grab a table on the internal patio, away from the noise of the street.
Address & telephone number: Rafael E Melgar 23, between 6 and 8, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 872 0946
White beaches © Anjum Malkana/Flickr
La Bahía del Caribe
For a laid-back dining experience – think plastic chairs and waxed tablecloths – head down to La Bahía del Caribe. This charming restaurant serves some fantastic seafood dishes making it the perfect spot to grab some lunch. If you’re searching for the Cozumel favorite of lionfish, or fancy something a bit more upmarket with lobster, then La Bahia del Caribe is the place to come to.
Address & telephone number: 5th Avenue Sur between 9 and 9 Bis 688, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 800 5406
Tranquil Cozumel © Lara Danielle/Flickr
Buccanos
Not just one of the best seafood spots in Cozumel but one of the best restaurants, vibrant Buccanos serves Mexican dishes with a distinct Caribbean influence. Seafood is one of their specialties, alongside other delicious options such as beef burgers topped with caramelized onions. Breakfast is particularly good here; try coconut French toast with glazed bananas or shrimp scrambled eggs with cilantro pesto.
Address & telephone number: Playa San Juan Beach, Costera Norte Km. 4.5, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 872 0100
Lobster catching © kevint3141/Flickr
Lobster House
The brightly colored yellow exterior lets you know you’ve arrived at Lobster House. As well as lobster they offer some chowder and starter options. For a fun dining experience and some top quality seafood, Lobster House is one you won’t want to miss.
Address & telephone number: Carretera San Juan, opposite Playa Azul Hotel, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 107 3116
Relax in Cozumel © Anjum Malkana/Flickr
Camilo’s
Camilo’s is the perfect lunch or dinner option for the hungry tourist in search of fresh seafood in Cozumel. It is ideally located near the center of town and while it looks slightly nondescript from the outside, the food is well worth checking out.
Address & telephone number: 5th Avenue 99 between 2 and 4, Cozumel, Mexico, +52 987 872 6161