She stared right through me with her dazzling blue eyes, as blue as the Caribbean Sea below. We shared a single plate of spaghetti and it soon became apparent that our mouths were playing tug-of-war with the very same noodle. Then the sun blazed red as it melted into the Sea behind me. Her face lit up like it never had before. At that moment I realized it was time to order the fish tacos…
Just dying to look back upon a journal entry like this? You can, but there's something that you should know in advance - the best eating experiences are had at the best restaurants, so it's important that you don't go into the Cancun scene unprepared.
That's why we've compiled a list of the hippest, most tasty places to eat that can be found in the beautiful resort city and island of Cancun - and you don't always have to blow your wad for these ones!
One thing that surprised me when I first got to Cancun was the high number of bar and grill type joints that actually cater to the good old North American appetite. While delicious fresh fish cuisine is always a specialty at nearly every place you go here - it's what makes Cancun dining so great - it seems that you will never be left hanging when it comes time to satisfy that irresistible craving for an amazing tri-tipped steak or a juicy hamburger slathered in ketchup, mayo, mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce... but I digress. Let's talk about the fish.
Or perhaps the Asian Cuisine. Italian? French, Mexican? - It's up to you; whatever it is that you feel like eating, chances are that you'll find it in the surprisingly cosmopolitan vacation resort destination of Cancun.
To begin with, I'd say that the Club Grill is - hands down - one of the most spectacular restaurants in Cancun. Located at the Ritz, it's certainly the most popular places to eat, and with its exceptional service, taste-bud tantalizing cuisine and cool, cool vibe, the Club Grill deserves its place on the very top of the list. You'll pay a fine price for this fine dining experience - anywhere from $25 to $40 for the main course - but the ambience, as well as the food, is well worth it. Try the scallops, truffles, rack of lamb - you'll be amazed. Call ahead for reservations by dialing (998) 885-0808 from your hotel telephone.
But once having been to and done the Club Grill, there remain a wide variety of superb places to dine, as well as a great selection of good grub locales.
Captain's Cove (998-885-0016) is a sure bet on excellence when it comes to having the best fish and round-the-world cuisine to be enjoyed in Cancun. It feels like a yachter's place, or at least that's the theme. Enjoy your delicious cuisine - steak, seafood, breakfast buffet and more - while looking out over the harbor. You can bring the whole family here as well - kids and adults alike will delight in the gourmet desserts offered here. For more info, call up the friendly folks here by dialing (998) 885-0016.
Two other places to eat that you just can't miss while dining in Cancun are the Aioli and The Plantation House. While the Aioli just about the most gourmet experience in French cuisine that you're going to get while on your happy vacation to Cancun - think "duck, snails and lamb" - it's also just about the most romantic. Great buffet for the breakfast lovers as well, although less people come through here for that.
You can call ahead to make reservations at Aioli by dialing (998) 881-2225. It's also a good idea for you to call in reservations at The Plantation House by dialing (998) 883-1433.
First on your list of the more casual places to go enjoy a delicious bite while out on the town in Cancun - or out on Isla Mujeres as well - should be the Pizza Rolandi joint. It's a very popular, delicious place to plunk down and enjoy good hearty Italian food. Call them for more info at (998) 884-4047.
You want to change that order to tequila? Hop on over to La Destileria (998-885-1086). With a dizzying variety of tequila it's essentially a boutique bar thinly disguised as a restaurant. In any case, the authentic Mexican food served here is delicious. But whatever you end up making of it, you'll stumble out having had a truly Cancun experience.
