If you are an explorer, we highly recommend downloading the MappChick's Isla Mujeres app. This app has much more accurate locations than Apple Maps, and also has more accurate information on what time the restaurant opens / if the restaurant has permanently closed. Through this app, you can discover many local gems. If you are using the map on your phone, we recommend using Google Maps,
Www.tasteofisla.com also has a lot of good recommendations for where to go on the island!
Casual
-La Lomita: La Lomita is a small, local owned restaurant that is always our first stop for lunch when we arrive on the island. They don’t speak English. Their ceviche and coconut shrimp (camorones al coco, not always on the menu but you can request them), and margaritas are our favorites.
-Soggy Peso: This restaurant is managed by the owner of Limon, so while the food is more casual, it is high quality. They have the strongest margaritas on the island, that are only made with tequila, lime, and cointreau.
-Tonicho's Taqueria: Authentic and affordable taco restaurant in La Gloria (the middle of the island where the locals live). We love their queso, street-style tacos, and margaritas. They don’t speak English. A must visit!
-Chile y Maiz: Fresh, home made tortillas, elevated tacos, great cocktails.
-The Joint: The joint is an American owned reggae restaurant on the south side of the island. They often have live reggae music. Convenient location and good food/drinks.
-Mayakita: Great breakfast menu on the south side of the island. Fresh food, big portions, healthy options.
-M7: Restaurant right next to ferry. We usually end up getting lunch here when we fly back on a Sunday. The menu is overpriced but you can sit right on the beach, the margaritas are fresh, and the food isn't all fried.
-Aurora: We’ve heard this restaurant has the best burger on the island.
-Isla Burger: As the name suggests, great burgers!
-Javi’s Cantina: Lively joint on the north side of the island with live music. Supposedly they have a great mixologist!
-Green Verde: Classic Mexican dishes with great reviews
-Pizza Mikes: For those nights where you just want to order in
-Rancho Capricho: They say they have the best tacos on the island!
-North Grill: Beautiful restaurant on the north side with great brunch
-Mango Cafe: Local owned breakfast restaurant mid island, well known for their french toast pancakes and their stuffed poblano pepper! Note: There is an elderly local man out front that will put a piece of wood under the wheel of your golf cart to stop it from rolling down the hill while you are inside eating, then request money when you leave. You don't have to pay him.
Upscale (all restaurants are casual, but these offer an upscale menu and more romantic atmosphere. Call to make reservations!):
-Limon: Romantic spot with very fresh food, cooked in an open-air restaurant. We loved their meat platter for two (assorted freshly grilled meats, fish, shrimp, and veggies), and their fresh margaritas. Call to make a reservation, and if you want to order lobster let them know, as lobster is purchased day of. This restaurant will call you a taxi home.
Note: Limon will be closed the evening of Thursday, March 27th for our rehearsal dinner (exclusive to wedding party).
-Rosa Sirena: Exquisite romantic restaurant with a rooftop and live music. Pricer but great options and fresh cocktails. One of the only restaurants on the island with a dark espresso martini. Reservations are must, and be sure to request the roof top. The owner's wife bakes all the desserts fresh every day - you must try their key lime pie! We advise you take a taxi here as parking is limited. The restaurant will be able to call you a taxi home.
-Lola Valentina: A very popular upscale restaurant on the north side
-Samura (Japanese Food & hibachi. Surprisingly good sushi, great cocktails, and fun ambiance)
-DeNuccio's (Italian food)
-Olivia's (Mediterranean)
Snappers: Sports bar on the north side of the island with plenty of TV's.
Jax: Sports bar with elevated dishes on the north side of the island. Big patio and views of the water.
StingRay: This is the most popular late-night bar to go out to. Karaoke, live music, dancing, food and drinks. Two story bar and restaurant is hard to miss, located directly on the corner of this busy street, you will be drawn in by the live music or DJ upstairs at night under their rooftop palapa. Note: We have been told to pay attention to your bill here if you are out partying. If you order shots, be sure to specify which liquor you want, so you are not served/charged for a $200 tequila shot.
El Patio: Lively after-dinner spot with live music. Rooftop patio as well as indoor space.
Diving & Snorkeling:
-Private Dive and/or snorkel with Ceviche Tours
Sunset Cruises
-The Joint Sunset Cruise (Reggae Music, hosted by the restaurant The Joint)
-Private Sunset Cruise (Up to 12 people) by Taste of Isla
Deep Sea Fishing
- Private sport fishing with Ceviche Tours (max 4 people)
-Private deep sea fishing with Chili's Sportfish (up to 8 people, larger boat)
Beach clubs are day use establishments with private beaches with food/drinks.
North Side:
- Oceanus Beach Club
- Ixchtel Beach Club
- Green Demon Beach Club
- Mayan Beach Club
South Side
- ZaZa Beach Club
- Amazona Beach Club
- Taboo Beach Club
- Kin Ha (waterfront Club)
- Garrafon Park (more activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and zip lining)
Cultura Cruisers: Interested in experiencing the island like a true local? Sign up for a food tour with Cultura Cruisers! These are small group tours through local restaurants (ones you probably have no idea exist), as well as authentic meals cooked in local's homes. We did this and loved it! We even were able to go into a private, locals-only bar in a woman's home and test her home made Mezcal.
If you are nervous about exploring Isla Mujeres (you shouldn't be), this is the PERFECT way to experience the island and get comfortable!