Captain's Cove - June, 2003 - Gary M

Captain's Cove - This restaurant, located on the lagoon side across from the Royal Mayan, always seems to generate widely divergent opinions. The setting is terrific - outdoor tables on the dock for casual dining, with interior tables fronting large open windows with a great sunset view for a more formal meal. We ate there last year and thought the meal was mediocre, but this year met some people who swore that they have never had a bad meal there. Well, we gave it a second try, and I don't think we'll be returning. We tried the special, which was a mixed seafood plate including lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, calamari, mahi mahi, and mussels, For a restaurant specializing in seafood, it's a problem when none of these was very good, even though the price of $25.00 was not cheap. The mussels were not fresh, and the mahi mahi was so dry it was nearly inedible. The rest, including the lobster tail, was merely tasteless. The Royal Resorts should rethink their association with this establishment - it's not up to their high standards.

Blue Bayou - June, 2003 - Gary M

Located in the Hyatt Cancun Caribe, the Blue Bayou features a variety of steaks and seafood in a formal atmosphere (or as formal as Cancun gets, which is not very). It offers live jazz, and accepts the Entertainment Plus 2x1 card. We had no trouble making reservations several hours ahead of time for a table for four, but the restaurant was nearly full when we arrived. Service was "leisurely" - not prompt, but we weren't in any hurry. The sailfish (marlin) was excellent - very fresh - and the rack of lamb was also delicious - they freely substituted a wine sauce for the featured cinnamon sauce on the lamb. The mixed grill plate was so-so. The jazz was only ok, but nice to have some music during the meal. The portions were good-sized. Prices were rather high, but with the 2x1 card, this was a good meal for a reasonable price.

Cafe Salsa - December, 2006 - Norm

Lobster buffet. At $48 per person this is a very expensive meal, but the quality is quite good. Ask the concierge at your hotel if they have any discounts available. We got a 15% discount card from one of the many "information booths" in Cancun. In addition to cold salads, there was prime rib and a handful of other hot entrees and side dishes on the buffet. I tried the grouper and prime rib, and the waiter delivered several lobster tails during the course of the meal. There was a desert table with about 8 different items including as pies, cakes, and custards. Soft drinks were not included with the buffet and they were expensive. Unlike many areas of the US, soft drink refills are rarely free. The food and service was excellent, but not worth the price in my opinion.

Cafe Salsa - June, 2003 - Gary M

This restaurant gets a lot of attention for its prime rib and lobster buffet, so we felt like we should give it a try. The decision was made easier by the fact that it accepts the Entertainment Plus 2x1 card, although when you order the buffet, the second meal is only 50% off, not free. The room itself is a multilevel affair, with the buffet spread on the lowest level, and soaring windows leading up to a massively beamed wood-paneled ceiling. The meal was excellent in all respects. The maitre d' was very solicitous, and quickly relocated us to a table with 4 chairs when the bench seating at the first table proved uncomfortable for one of the guests in our party. There were a wide variety of appetizers - a jicama and seafood salad in particular was outstanding. The gourmet breads tasted just baked. Service was timed so that once we went up for the main course of prime rib, they began cooking the lobster tails were which were ready just about the time we finished the prime rib. They also encouraged us to order more lobster if desired. Desserts were also very good, with a nice selection of fruit tarts, cakes, and other goodies. Although it's not cheap - $46 per person before the discount - this was probably our nicest meal of the trip. The buffet, which they call the seafood buffet, is now offered every night of the week.

El Conquistador - June, 2003 - Gary M

Located in the Royal Mayan, this restaurant is for Royals guests only. We've eaten there several times and it is one of our favorites in the hotel zone. It offers fine dining, live music, and a view of the lagoon at sunset which is gorgeous. On our most recent visit, we tried 2 different shrimp specials -a shrimp wrapped in bacon recipe and a shrimp in cream sauce prepared tableside. Both were excellent. The desserts were also terrific - the mangoes jubilee, also prepared at the table, was the highlight. El Conquistador also offers an early bird special menu - usually four different menu selections - for $12.95. Go right before 7:00pm so that you can catch Duran, the classical guitarist who goes on at 7:00pm.

Iguana Wana- March, 2002 - Tony G

Located in Plaza Caracol this contemporary Mexican restaurant puts on what some call the best breakfast buffet in Cancun. On Mondays they also offer an all you can eat dinner buffet. Iguana Wana has a Mexican menu at very affordable prices and a small bar area.

Hong Kong - March, 2002---TonyG

Surprisingly good and inexpensive Chinese food. The main restaurant downtown near Sam's Club is superior to the mall locations. The downtown location (late 2001) is in the new Chinatown Plaza. Cocktails can be bought by the pitcher (liter) and a full menu is available. We found the spring rolls to be particularly delicious. There is an all you can eat buffet from 1 to 7:30 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for around $ 9 (drinks not included). And for those who can't bear to leave the beach…they deliver!

La Dolce Vita -March, 2004 - Kim F

We have previously frequented and loved La Dolce Vita from the atmosphere to the food to the service. I don't know what has happened there, perhaps a change in ownership or management, but this year was not impressive at all. First of all, our usual waiter Rolando, I believe, was nowhere to be found (day off maybe), second was a new hostess who seemed to be quite upset over the fact that we did not have reservations, third was the fact that we waited for an hour between our salads and the time our meal was served and fourth was the manager who raced around from table to table all the time offering free after dinner drinks or desserts to other disgruntled diners. Last but certainly not least was that none of the four of us thought our entrees were up to the usual par. I did ask the manager what had happened and if there had been a change in management and she said no, that they had all new busboys and this was creating some tension among the waiters. Do the busboys also do entree preparation now or what? The poor waiters raced around like madmen, there was nothing relaxing about the whole experience. A real downer for us as this has always been a favorite and we usually go there at least twice during our one week stay. By the looks on the faces of other diners and conversations overheard, nobody was real impressed with this establishment on that particular night. We didn't go back for a second round as usual.

The Cove - March, 2002 - TonyG

Tucked in behind the stores in Playa Longosto is the Cove Restaurant. In my opinion this is one of the best restaurants in Cancun. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating with a view of the beach and ocean. The design is very similar to that of Captain's Cove. Entrees are dominated by seafood dishes but there are several non-seafood items as well. My favorite is the Tampequena steak, but my wife prefers the seafood enchilada or the fish wrapped in banana leaves. The appetizers are all great and there is an ample desert menu if you have any room. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a breakfast buffet option. It will be crowded for short times with passengers for the Isla Mujeres ferry and other boat trips, but is generally lightly attended.

La Parrilla - March, 2002 - TonyG

La Parrilla-March 2002 - TonyG

Downtown on Yaxchilan Avenue is where this "taco joint" is located and we have been frequenting it for several years. It has a varied menu (and an additional Spanish menu), most of which makes for a superb meal. In recent years it seems to be attracting more tourists and is not quite as good or as inexpensive as it once was. Side table preparations, such as the filet mignon, ceasar salad and flaming coffees, are usually fine displays. There is a buffet on Sunday afternoon which is marvelous and crowded with locals. As with many Cancun restaurants, it's a good idea to check the bill carefully.

La Palapa - March, 2002 - TonyG

Hidden away in the hotel zone, just off boulevard Kukulcan across the street from the Hotel Presidente Intercontinental and just south of Pok ta Pok golf course and a way down Calle Quetzal (no.13) is La Palapa restaurant. The entrance is to the left after entering the lobby of the Imperial Laguna Hotel and out past their pool. The restaurant offers dining under an outdoor lagoon side Palapa with a gourmet menu of appetizers, entrée's and desert. Seafood dominates a menu that includes continental cuisine. Superb oven-hot mini french breads and a butter sauce are served after your order is placed. The margaritas were rather good. Highest price for an entrée was 170 pesos for our visit. The restaurant is frequented by local businessmen and reservations are required. Locals and some tourists rave about this restaurant, but other than the bread and margaritas, we found the food unimpressive.

Lorito Joe's - December, 2006 - Norm

Casa Maguey- December, 2006 - Norm

Moderately priced restaurant with a varied menu selection. I had a beef filet which was overcooked and somewhat dry. My wife had coconut shrimp which was excellent. The portions were reasonable and the presentation of the meals reminded me of a gourmet restaurant. If you order water, be sure to specify tap water otherwise you'll receive a $4 bottle of water imported from Fiji. I didn't send the bottle back because I assumed the cost would be reasonable. Of course by the time the bill comes it's too late. As we were leaving the restaurant I looked around and saw most tables had this overpriced water also. This is obviously one moneymaking trap that many tourists fall into. The deserts were very good although a little expensive for the portions.

Puerto Madero- March, 2007 - Lori

22 years going to Cancun and we were thrilled to find Puerto Madero! Excellent atmosphere, wonderful fresh steak and seafood, huge deserts, well made mojitos. We would rate it 5 palms for sure!

Puerto Madero- April, 2007 - Mark

Outstanding, very pricey, but everything was excellent from the service to the food. It may be considered a seafood restaurant but their steaks are great. I had the filet which was cooked perfectly for what I had requested and the seasoning they added really added to the flavor. Everyone thought it was a great place. We were seated outside with a beautiful view of the lagoon. You can wear about anything but this is a very classy looking place and I would leave the $5 dollar t-shirt at home. Definitely 5 palms.

La Destileria- April, 2007 - Mark

This restaurant has a large selection of tequilas. Of course being on vacation I had to sample the local concoctions. I tried the sample tasting of their top end tequilas which set me back $32, but was worth a one time experience for me. I had a filet which was good, a little tough, but still enjoyable. It was not in the league of Puerto Madero or Cambalache though not quite as expensive. It was a nice experience that I'm glad we did but there are too many other restaurants in Cancun not to try others. Three and a half palms.

Hacienda Sisal - April, 2007 - Mark

This restaurant is located next to the Royal Sands but anyone can attend though Royal guests receive a discount. We went to one of their Mexican dinner shows. The meal is a Mexican buffet that everyone enjoyed. Most of the foods were items that you would expect. The show was nice. It showed Mexican dance through the ages. I believe it cost $35 per person which included soft drinks and wine or beer. I thought the evening a little pricey for what we got but still enjoyable. Three palms.

Señor Frog - April, 2007 - Mark

It is a fun place for most. It does get a little raunchy as the night gets older. I think they have a live band most nights. I wouldn't bring young kids here after 10. As always, I considered the food pretty mediocre but we don't come for the food. This is one mandatory stop every time we come to Cancun. Two palms for the food but four palms for fun.

Camblanche - April, 2007 - Mark

A very upscale restaurant located in the Forum by the Sea mall. No steak is less than 14 ozs. So come hungry. Service was good however there was one thing I found humorous. Since there wine selection is not large and we were in Mexico, I selected a Mexican vintage. He returned and told me they were out so I picked another Mexican wine. This time a different waiter returned without the bottle I requested and suggested another wine he had with him - from Chile. :-) I guess Mexico is low on wine. The food was very good. I found the filet excellent but not the best I've ever had. My son on the other hand said his rib eye was the best he has ever had. Side dishes were good and plentiful. It is worthy of at least one visit.