Once you visit, it’s hard not to fall in love with Isla Holbox. Over the past few years, the island has even developed a vibrant food scene, and the best Holbox restaurants have been evolving.
We’ve been to just about all of the restaurants in Holbox, and these are our favorites! Based on our intensive tasty research, we’ve hand-picked this list of the best places to eat on Isla Holbox.
Whether you’re gorging on fresh fish tacos or relaxing with a big scoop of gelato, be prepared to be treated to a world of delectable dishes during your visit to Holbox.
Our Handpicked List of Best Restaurants on Isla Holbox
1. Casa de Asadores Martin & Santos
For a taste of Argentina in the middle of Mexico, look no further than Casa de Asadores Martin & Santos. Decorated in neon red and dark black, this trendy and modern restaurant serves various authentic Argentinian dishes, including chorizo sausage and Bondiola pork shoulder.
However, the star of the menu is the Arrachera steak. This succulent skirt steak is grilled to perfection and topped with a flavorful chimichurri sauce. It’s easily the best steak you’ll have in Mexico! If you need to get your meat fix, then make sure to stop by Casa de Asadores Martin & Santos.
This is the place if you are looking for a special restaurant for a date night, birthday, anniversary, etc.. A couple should plan on spending 800+ for two mains and two drinks. We spent over 1,000, but it was worth every penny.
- Price: Mains 200+
2. Big Fish / Mahi Holbox
The tropical atmosphere and laid-back island vibes make Big Fish one of the best seafood restaurants in Holbox for lunch. Although it’s a few blocks from the beach, the thatched roof and open-air seating area will make you feel like you’re on the water.
Their unique fusion menu is a blend of traditional Mexican and Caribbean-style dishes that are bursting with fresh flavors in every bite. Choose shrimp or mixed seafood ceviche, tuna tostada, or spicy aguachile. If you’re looking for something more filling, then order a couple of their tacos. They can be filled with shrimp, tuna, veggies, or fried crispy octopus.
- Prices: Tostadas 60+, Tacos 45+, Ceviche 150+
Related Article: Easiest Way From Cancun to Holbox
3. Santos Fuegos
On our most recent trip to Holbox in February 2023, we fell in love with the new Holbox restaurant Santos Fuegos. We first heard about the restaurant on Instagram and had been drooling over their food photos prior to our trip.
We made reservations via WhatsApp. The link is in their Instagram bio here. Reservations are a must, as this is the best restaurant in Holbox right now!
The menu changes nightly, but there seem to be a few staples. We highly suggest getting the flatbread pictured above. This could have easily been our main. It was sooo good.
We had two chicken dishes, one spicy one for me, and the kids devoured half of a chicken (no joke). Adam had one of their nightly specials, the Arrachera.
This is not a cheap restaurant, so keep that in mind. Mains start at 220 pesos. This was our favorite meal of our recent trip and was worth every penny!
4. Villas Flamingos
The on-site restaurant at the Villas Flamingos Hotel whips up fresh Mexican food with a slight fusion twist. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy a variety of delicious dishes with the sparkling ocean right at your feet. Pair that with the five-star service and hospitality of Villa Flamingos, and you’re guaranteed to have a memorable meal.
Do your tastebuds a favor and order the tuna. Don’t worry if you drink one too many of their fresh, tropical cocktails (we love their blended pina colada); you can always book a night at the hotel so you won’t have to walk too far!
We love walking down the beach and stopping at Villas Flamingos for a drink and lunch. It’s the perfect mid-day pitstop.
- Prices: Mains 200+
5. Rosa Mexicano
The food at Rosa Mexicana can be summed up in one word – delicious! They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The decor of this charming, open-aired restaurant is simple, yet their contemporary Mexican cuisine flavors are nothing short of spectacular. The ingredients are of the highest quality, and the food is freshly caught, cooked, and prepared to order.
For dinner, you must try the pibil – a traditional slow-cooked Mexican dish. This method of food preparation was used by the Mayans and can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula. Don’t forget to wash it down with one of their famous watermelon martinis, which is infused in-house with fresh local fruits. It’s so refreshing that we won’t judge you for ordering more than one!
- Prices: Breakfast 100-200, Lunch & Dinner mains 150+
6. Cafe del Mar
Start your day right with a delicious breakfast from Cafe del Mar. Surrounded by lush vines and swaying palm trees, this tranquil cafe is located right on the beach and whips up a variety of fresh and healthy breakfast and lunch dishes.
The juices are freshly squeezed each morning, and the bread and pastries are all made in-house. Sandwiches, salads, and scrambled eggs are a few traditional favorites. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, we recommend trying one of their blended fruit smoothies or yogurt bowls.
We suggest renting a bike in Holbox or a golf cart so you can easily get to Cafe del Mar, it’s not in the main part of town. Depending on what Holbox hotel you are staying at it could be a long walk.
- Prices: 100+
7. Casa Nostra Rooftop Restaurant
Casa Nostra Rooftop Restaurant is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable dinners you’ll have in Holbox. This open-terraced restaurant offers wonderful city and ocean views, and the attentive Sicilian staff adds to the charming ambiance. The head chef and owner, Guiseppe, will make you feel like family from the second you walk through the doors.
The menu is a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Southern Italian dishes. Indulge in grilled fish in limoncello sauce, lamb chops with potatoes, and pasta with squid ink. However, we recommend the tuna steak, which is freshly caught and delicately seared. You can’t go wrong with any of their seafood pasta dishes either,
Although Casa Nostra Rooftop Restaurant makes for a romantic night out, it’s also a great option for dinner any night of the week!
- Prices: Mains 150+
8. Por qué no? Gelato Artigianale
Nothing beats the heat like a giant scoop of gelato on a hot summer’s day. Thankfully, Por qué no? Gelato Artigianale is located right in town, just one block from the beach, so you’re never too far from a creamy cup or cone.
Despite the small size of the shop, Por qué no? Gelato Artigianale is known in Holbox to be one of the best ice cream parlors in town. Lemon pie, oreo, mango, habanero, and pineapple ginger are just a couple of examples of the unique flavors that they make in-house.
The flavors change daily, and at only 75 pesos for two scoops, you’ll have no excuse not to try each one during your visit!
- Prices: 50+
9. Limoncito
There’s nothing like a strong coffee and a hearty breakfast to help you start your day. At El Limoncita Breakfast, you can indulge in a variety of sweet and savory breakfast items, such as egg motulenos, huevos rancheros, and fresh fruit granola.
You also can’t go wrong with their chilaquiles, which we consider the ultimate breakfast dish in Mexican cuisine. Thin strips of corn tortillas are cut, cooked in tomato salsa, and topped with cheese, eggs, and herbs. Don’t be fooled by the rustic decor – this place is one of the best breakfast spots in all of Holbox.
- Prices: Breakfast main 100+
Related Article: How to get to Holbox
10. Tierra Mia Juice & Coffee
If you need your caffeine fix while in Holbox, then make your way to Tierra Mia Juice & Coffee. This charming coffee stand is decorated in rich woods and lush green ferns. There is even an outdoor terrace and seating area where you can sit in the sun.
If you like coffee and coconut, you’ll love their Coco Latte. We also recommend the Iced Chocolate, which adds a slightly chocolatey sweetness to your morning coffee. In addition to brewing coffee and espresso beverages, Tierra Mia Juice & Coffee also makes fresh juices and smoothies. They also serve sandwiches and bagels if you’re looking for a quick breakfast.
- Prices: Coffee 50+, Smoothies 45+
11. Clandestino Cafe
Clandestino Cafe isn’t your average coffee shop. This specialty cafe is known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious snacks, and gourmet coffee beans. Not to mention, all the baristas are highly knowledgeable about what they’re brewing, and it shows.
The menu may not be too different than what you’ll see at home. You can still order an espresso, flat whites, latte, cappuccino, etc. But the difference lies in the flavor. The milk is perfectly steamed, and the coffee is perfectly roasted with the ideal amount of sweet and tangy notes.
Best of all, you don’t have to visit their downtown location in order to taste their coffee. You can also find their mobile Nitro Coffee Cart wandering up and down the beach, serving freshly brewed coffee to beachgoers.
- Prices: Coffee 50+, Smoothie Bowls 150+, Bagels 50+, etc.
12. Capitán Capitán Beach Club
Capitán Capitán Beach Club is arguably the coolest restaurant in all of Holbox. Situated right on the sandy shores of Playa Holbox, Capitán Capitán Beach Club is a place where you can sip on tropical cocktails, dine on fresh sushi, and catch the colorful sunset every night of the week. With the sand in your toes and the ocean a mere ten feet away, you’ll truly feel like you’re dining in the middle of paradise.
The food at Capitán Capitán Beach Club is almost as noteworthy as the atmosphere. Besides the sushi, you can also order tacos, tostadas, and fish fillets. We also love the agua chiles, which are perfectly seasoned and served with crispy, green vegetables.
- Prices: Mains 150+
12. Limulus
Although there is no shortage of delicious beachside restaurants in Holbox, Limulus continues to be one of our favorite places for coffee in Holbox. Located on the western edge of Playa Holbox, this quaint little breakfast spot allows you to dine right underneath the swaying palm trees.
For a savory dish, try the mushroom or avocado toast topped with a fried egg. If you’re more interested in sweets, then you won’t want to miss the fruit French toast or the bubble waffle. Even if you aren’t too hungry, you can always stop by Limulus for a coffee break. Their espressos and smoothies are guaranteed to give you that much-needed boost of energy for the rest of the day.
- Prices: 75+
13. El Velero Beach Club
Enjoy a slice of paradise by spending an afternoon at El Velero Beach Club. Located beachside in the Hotel Puerto Holbox (we stayed at this hotel on one of our trips), you’ll be able to dine on fresh seafood and sip tropical cocktails with your toes playing in the sand. If you need more incentive to visit, come to El Velero Beach Club for their fresh juices, smoothies, and ice-cold handcrafted cocktails.
The extensive menu serves all your favorite lunch items, like sandwiches, salads, and burgers. If you’re craving fish, then we recommend the Sabana de Pescado. The day’s fresh catch is flash-fried tempura-style before being served with a tropical green salad with pineapple chili dressing.
- Prices: 80+
14. Restaurante Viva Zapata
Are you looking for a festive restaurant to spend the evening? Then, make sure to eat at Restaurante Viva Zapata in downtown Holbox. The colorful decorations, friendly staff, and fresh seafood make it one of the liveliest restaurants in the area.
At dinnertime, Restaurante Viva Zapata can become quite crowded. However, you can still sit at the bar and watch the mixologists prepare mouthwatering cocktails like pina Coladas, mint mojitos, and spicy mezcal on the rocks. The extensive cocktail menu might look expensive at first glance, but they’re relatively affordable compared to other restaurants nearby. Not to mention, you can’t beat the bustling atmosphere!
- Prices: Mains 150+
15. Taco Queto
No trip to Mexico would be complete without a couple of street tacos. They are considered by many to be the best tacos in Holbox. This casual, no-frill dining establishment is guaranteed to wow your taste buds with some of the best Mexican flavors in Holbox.
The Al Pastor tacos are incredibly juicy and flavorful, making them the most popular item on the menu. First, you’ll choose between corn or flour tortillas before adding your favorite toppings like cheese, onions, and housemade guacamole. If tacos aren’t your thing, then you can choose between other traditional dishes like quesadillas, burritos, or gringas. But trust us on this one, and order the Al Pastor tacos. You won’t be disappointed!
We suggest ordering the Al Pastor tacos the traditional way: corn with onions, cilantro, and a slice of pineapple. Hannah usually orders 3 or 4 Al Pastor tacos, and we’ll share an order of guacamole.
- Prices: CHEAP a few tacos and a drink for under 100 can easily be done
New Restaurants in Holbox
Over the years, more and more restaurants keep popping up in Holbox. The foodie scene is quite amazing for such a small island. Here are new Holbox restaurants to consider.
16. El Sushi De Holbox
As the name suggests, they serve sushi—not just any sushi. They have the best sushi in Holbox. We thought the prices were really reasonable, too.
17. Painapol Holbox
If you are looking for the best brunch in Holbox, head to Painapol. Their smoothie bowls are not only gorgeous but also fresh and tasty.
18. Barba Negra
If you want fish tacos in Holbox, head to Barba Negra. We are total taco lovers, and any chance we can try a new taco restaurant on the island, we do it. They have seafood and regular tacos with meat and vegan taco options. Barba Negra is often considered one of Holbox’s best vegan restaurants.
19. Luuma
When walking by Luuma, you will think you are in Tulum. It totally fits into the Tulum restaurant scene. The food was fine. We really feel you are paying for the environment and setting. We prefer to go and just have a drink and then have dinner elsewhere.
20. Piedra Santa Holbox
Expensive, yes, but worth it. Beware: They like to add a 20-25% tip to the bill without your consent. You can ask them to remove this and tip what you think is appropriate. Here is our tipping in Mexico guide.
21. Roots
They are most known for their lobster pizza. If you want to try lobster pizza in Holbox, we suggest it at Roots.
22. Arte Sano Vegan Restaurant
We aren’t vegans, but we ate Arte Sano, which was really good. We have been to a handful of vegan restaurants with friends and are always left satisfied and amazed at how good everything tastes with vegan substitutes.
It’s easy to see why Holbox attracts thousands of visitors each year. This car-free island is arguably one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most adored gems. Calm greenish-blue waters, swaying palm trees, white-sand beaches.
As part of Mexico’s largest ecological reserve, Holbox is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can snorkel in the waves of the Caribbean Sea, dive with whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, or simply stroll along the sun-soaked Playa Holbox.
Besides the pristine landscape and abundance of marine life, Holbox is also known for its mouthwatering cuisine. You can find everything from family-run hole-in-the-wall cafes to fine gastronomic establishments and practically everything in between. The hardest part of your trip will be deciding which places to visit!
Where to Stay in Holbox
There isn’t one best part of the island to stay on. The island is small, and you can walk just about anywhere in 15 minutes. We stayed at Hotel Puerto Holbox, which is outside of “downtown Holbox” but only a few minutes walk. We would definitely stay here again. Here are a few other hotels we visited that we’d recommend:
- Luxury $250+
- Holbox Dream Beach Front Hotel – Check Rates Now
- Mid-Range $100-$200
- Hotel Puerto Holbox – Check Rates Now
- Budget <$75
- Casa Blatha – Check Rates Now
