The Best Holbox Restaurants
Tips on where to eat in Holbox, depending on your preferences and budget
Discover the Best Holbox Restaurants
Tastes are different. Depending on your personal preferences, we have put together some tips and suggestions for the best Holbox restaurants. There are an unusually large number of them on the island, which can be overwhelming. Especially if you are only on the island for a few days. The good news is that everyone is sure to find their favorite restaurant. To help you choose, here are some suggestions for the best places to eat in Holbox.
The Unique Variety of Restaurants in Holbox
It may come as a surprise, but hardly any other vacation destination has such a wide variety of restaurants as Holbox Island. Maybe this is because many expats have settled here over the years or there are no big hotel castles with boring buffets. From Mexican, Argentinian and Italian to fast food, sushi and fine dining, Holbox has something for everyone.
Most of the restaurants in Holbox can be classified as Mexican, but they have supplemented their menus according to the origins and preferences of the owners. The Italian influence is particularly noticeable, resulting in fabulous pizza, pasta and fish dishes. Argentinian cuisine is also present with excellent grilled dishes and unique flavors. There are a few Japanese restaurants and, due to tourist demand, international cuisine is also available.
Fortunately, you won’t find large fast food chains like McDonald’s or Burger King here. They hardly stand a chance with the wonderful selection on offer. The fierce competition between restaurants vying for tourists leaves little room for average food. However, this also has its drawbacks, which is why some restaurants, despite their good cuisine, cannot survive for long or have to move. New restaurants are discovered every year, but unfortunately some of the ones you have come to love disappear. If you have found a new insider tip, we would love to hear from you. Just contact us here.
Prices in Holbox Restaurants
As varied as the culinary offerings are, so are the prices you can expect when dining in Holbox. The average price level can be considered high, but this corresponds to the consistently good quality. However, there are also many cheap restaurants in Holbox. These are appreciated not only by Mexicans, but also by tourists.
Please note: When dining out in Mexico, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-20%, which represents a significant portion of the staff’s salary. However, in many Holbox restaurants this tip is included in the bill. It can be found under “Propina Sugerida” and means “suggested tip“. You don’t have to pay it, it can be more or less. In any case, make sure you don’t tip twice!
Where Are the Best Places to Eat on Holbox Island?
Most of the restaurants in Holbox are located in the center. The area around the main square and one or two streets away is full of colorful eateries, sometimes very lively, for example when a live band is playing. Accommodations a little further out often have their own hotel restaurants offering good food. This is especially true in the northwest towards Punta Mosquito, where the Hotel Las Nubes is located. On the other side, near Punta Cocos, there are few.
During the day there are numerous beach clubs along the beach in the north of Holbox where you can enjoy yourself. But it would be a shame to miss out on the lively atmosphere of downtown Holbox at night. If walking takes too long, you can take a taxi, a bicycle or a golf cart.
Our Personal Top 10 Holbox Restaurants
1. Santos Fuegos Holbox
$$-$$$, Caribbean, Grill, Seafood, Location on Google Maps
The best grill restaurant in Holbox
As the name suggests, everything at Santos Fuegos (Spanish for Holy Fires) revolves around the masterful preparation of grilled dishes. The cuisine is best described as Caribbean or fusion. Only the best local ingredients are used in the preparation of the dishes. There is no set menu, but a new menu variation is created daily by chef Rodrigo from Uruguay, which is written on a blackboard at the entrance.
Highlights include meat dishes such as steaks, spare ribs, and beef or chicken tenderloins, as well as unusual vegetable dishes with cauliflower or carrots. Seafood is also excellently prepared, such as grilled octopus or oven-roasted fish. The flatbread is homemade, and to top it all off, there are delicious desserts like Mexican corn cake or mango cream with chocolate that we can’t get enough of. The cocktails are spectacular as well.
Santos Fuegos Restaurant is located just outside the center near Holbox Airport, about 10 minutes walk from the main square. It is pleasantly quiet and the open air atmosphere adds to the relaxing feeling, as do the wonderful aromas emanating from the stone oven in the middle of the restaurant.
2. Arte Sano, Breakfast, Brunch & Dinner
$-$$, Mexican, Vegan, Vegetarian, Burgers, Tacos, Location on Google Maps
The best vegan restaurant on Holbox Island
The Arte Sano restaurant, known especially for its vegan options, is becoming increasingly popular. It is open all day and serves only vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Breakfast options include tropical lattes, fruit juices and smoothies, as well as matching bowls or delicious avocado toast. Small Mexican snacks like vegan tacos and enchiladas are also available. Main courses include tasty burgers and many classic Mexican dishes, all vegan or vegetarian with hibiscus flowers, lentils, beans, chickpeas, nopal or seitan. It’s amazing how good burritos, tortillas, and fajitas can taste without meat. We love it!
The restaurant Arte Sano is very central, not far from the main square and has a beautiful green garden. The atmosphere is pleasant and quiet. The service is attentive and the prices are fair.
3. Restaurante Bar and Grill Viva Zapata Isla Holbox
$$-$$$, Mexican, Location on Google Maps
The best restaurant in Holbox with traditional Mexican cuisine
Viva Zapata is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Holbox. Although the increase in tourism has left its mark, the restaurant has managed to maintain its Mexican authenticity.
Typical Mexican dishes such as tacos, fajitas and quesadillas, grilled meats such as steaks and chicken fillets are served. We especially recommend the seafood, which is prepared in different ways. Depending on the season, shrimp, lobster or fish are fresh from the sea. There are special menus for children. The desserts are also worth trying. The bar, which is nicely integrated into the restaurant, mixes unusual cocktails such as the “Holboxito” or those with mezcal, which we especially like here.
Viva Zapata is clearly visible near the main square. Pleasant live music is played in the evenings, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. The crowds are usually very large, so waiting times can be long. Prices are higher here.
4. PIEDRASANTA Holbox
$$$-$$$$, Mexican, Caribbean, Fine Dining, Location on Google Maps
The best restaurant in Holbox for fine Mexican cuisine
If you are looking for an exquisite meal, Piedra Santa Restaurant is the place for you. The menu is clear and varied, with dishes from Mexico and the surrounding Caribbean.
Delicious and artfully decorated appetizers such as aguachile de coco are sure to tantalize the palate. Main courses include tender steaks, grilled pork ribs, and typical Mexican stews of beef or pork from the oven. When it comes to seafood, you can choose from fresh fish, grilled octopus and fabulous risottos with mussels or crawfish. Vegetarians will find plenty to choose from, and good wines to match. Finally, there are fantastic desserts like the Kahuil brownie and imaginative cocktails made with mezcal, gin or rum.
The stylish Piedra Santa Restaurant is located just outside the city center, about a 10-minute walk from the main square. The tropical garden surrounding the restaurant is atmospherically lit at night, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The service is of a high standard and excellent.
5. El Ma. Carmita – Taquería
$$$-$$$$, Mexican, Seafood, Location on Google Maps
The best Holbox restaurant for innovative cuisine with fresh seafood
The raw bar restaurant El Ma. Carmita – Taquería specializes in the preparation of fresh seafood. In addition to freshly caught fish, shrimp and lobster, you can also enjoy delicious mussel, oyster and crab dishes of the highest quality. Of course, these dishes come at a price, but there are also cheaper options such as grilled chicken, risotto or burgers on the menu.
The modern restaurant El Ma. Camita is centrally located on a corner of the main square. It is surrounded by a gallery with small tables that invite you to observe the lively surroundings in the evening.
6. LUUMA
$$$-$$$$, Mexican, Fusion Cuisine, Tapas, Location on Google Maps
The best restaurant in Holbox for creative boho-style fusion cuisine
LUUMA is a chic restaurant and bar that is a culinary destination for discerning diners. The menu is very varied and ranges from unusual tapas for small appetites to main courses such as hearty steaks, fresh fish or vegetarian platters. There is also a large selection of fine wines and Mexican beers. Delicious desserts like salted dark chocolate ganache round out the menu. And you can end the evening with a delicious cocktail at the cozy bar.
LUUMA is located near the center of town, opposite the Casa Las Tortugas Hotel, which also houses the highly recommended Mandarina Seaside and AMA Japanese restaurants. It is surrounded by a green wall that turns the restaurant into a private oasis. There is live music from time to time and the stylish Le Bazaar boutique invites you to linger and browse. LUUMA is a busy restaurant, so arrive early in the evening to ensure a table. Due to demand and exclusivity, prices are higher and wait times may be longer.
7. Parador 33
$$$-$$$$, Argentinian, Italian, Steak, Fine Dining, Location on Google Maps
The best Holbox restaurant for Argentinian steaks and Italian cuisine
Parador 33 is one of our favorite restaurants in Holbox and has made a name for itself with its excellent Argentinean steaks and authentic Italian dishes. The combination of the two cuisines is perfect and leaves nothing to be desired. Not only can you get real Italian pizza, gnocchi, pasta and quality seafood, but also the finest carpaccio and tender steaks.
The Parador 33 restaurant was for a long time located in the courtyard of the Hotel Pueblito, but has recently moved to a new location directly on the beach, about a 10 minute walk away. The new restaurant is stylishly decorated among large palm trees and offers a fantastic seaside ambiance in addition to the high quality cuisine. Although the prices here are considerably higher, it is definitely worth a visit. It gets crowded, so reservations are recommended.
Restaurante Barquito by Mawimbi, also known for its excellent beach club, and Casa Nostra Roof Restaurant, located on the top floor of the Hotel Macondo, offer similar cuisine and are also highly recommended.
8. Roots Pizzas a la leña Isla Holbox
$$-$$$, Mexican, Pizza, Location on Google Maps
The best Mexican pizza restaurant in Holbox
If you like pizza, you should try Roots Pizzas a la leña. The extraordinary pizza with lobster has a long tradition in Holbox, which is why it is now offered in many restaurants, but we like it best at Roots. There are also many other delicious, sometimes unusual pizzas to choose from, baked in a stone oven. There are also many types of craft beer, as well as a tremendous selection of mezcal and tequila.
Located near the main square, Roots Pizzas a la leña has a large rustic garden with natural wood tables and pegs. After dark, it is atmospherically lit and complimentary mosquito repellent is provided to ward off the pesky little buggers. The consistently young crowd adds to the chill atmosphere, as does the live music in the evenings. Prices are a little higher than usual for a pizzeria.
9. Taquería El Poblano Holbox
$-$$, Mexican, Tacos, Location on Google Maps
The best Holbox restaurant for good and cheap tacos
Taquería El Poblano offers authentic Mexican food of good quality at reasonable prices. Especially popular are the tacos, which can be ordered individually or as “orden” of 5 of each type. The menu is very wide, starting with typical Mexican appetizers like guacamole, nachos and soups. Main courses include stuffed chili peppers, burritos and fajitas, as well as grilled dishes such as steaks, chicken and pork tenderloins. There are many vegetarian options such as salads and pastas. You can also order delicious fish and seafood. Portions are generous and the drink menu is kept simple.
El Poblano restaurant is located near to the center between the main square and the port and has a large, simple outdoor dining area that is atmospherically lit at night. The service is good and the staff is friendly in the usual Mexican way. For this reason, and because of the wide selection, we always like to come here.
10. Las Panchas
$-$$, Mexican, Seafood, Location on Google Maps
The best restaurant in Holbox for fresh local seafood
Las Panchas, a restaurant popular with Mexicans, is an insider tip for tourists because of its selection of fresh local seafood of the highest quality. Here you can enjoy traditional ceviche and aguachile, grilled fish, octopus, lobster with garlic and shrimp with coconut in large portions at reasonable prices. Tacos, burgers and chicken fillets are also on the menu. Desserts are nowhere to be found and the selection of drinks is limited.
This simple but usually busy restaurant is located close to the center, almost on the beach, and is easily recognizable by its characteristic painted wall in the style of an underwater landscape. It is open from noon to 7 pm, making it ideal for a late breakfast, lunch or early dinner. The staff is usually very friendly and the Mexican charm, with occasional live music, makes the visit an authentic experience that we enjoy every time, despite the sometimes irregular hours.
Other Restaurants in Holbox That You May Also Like
11. Barba Negra
$$-$$$, Mexican, Seafood, Tacos, Location on Google Maps
Tacos are an iconic dish in Mexico, and the Barba Negra restaurant has made them even more popular with its unusual taco variations. The tacos with fish or shrimp are especially recommended, but there are also other delicious dishes such as ceviche, fish fillets and even burgers or pizza with seafood. A Mexican craft beer or a delicious cocktail is a popular accompaniment. The restaurant is located near downtown and has a beautiful garden with a pleasant atmosphere.
12. Basico Holbox
$$$-$$$$, Mexican, Fusion Cuisine, Location on Google Maps
The stylishly decorated Basico Holbox restaurant promises a modern interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Exciting sounding dishes such as vegetarian ceviche, salads with tuna, serano ham and cheese from Oaxaca, and creative seafood pasta will pique your curiosity. Unusual dessert creations and imaginative cocktails invite you to linger in the pleasant atmosphere. However, the restaurant, centrally located between the main square and the beach, does not always live up to its high prices. For those looking for something different, it’s still worth a try.
13. El Crustáceo Kascarudo
$$-$$$, Mexican, Seafood, Location on Google Maps
El Crustáceo Kascarudo Restaurant serves typical Mexican dishes with a wide variety of seafood. The menu ranges from tacos and ceviche to grilled dishes of all kinds and house specialties. Pasta and Mexican pizza are also on the menu. The prices are reasonable and reflect the good quality. The restaurant is located on the east side of town, less than a 10 minute walk from downtown.
14. Pinshis Tacos
$-$$, Mexican, Tacos, Location on Google Maps
Pinshis Tacos is a simple and popular restaurant that serves a variety of tacos. The menu ranges from typical Mexican tacos with beef, chicken or seafood to variations with pork belly or sausage. The restaurant is centrally located on Calle Tiburón Ballena and is air-conditioned.
15. La Cabane
$$-$$$, Mexican, Italian, European, Pizza, Location on Google Maps
In addition to excellent wood-fired pizza in many variations, La Cabane Restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes from Mexico, Italy and other European countries. The menu also includes tacos and tostadas, gyros pita or Greek salad. The value for money and the quality of the food are well worth the trip. It is located near the beach on the west side of Holbox Island, about a 15-minute walk from the main square. The restaurant, which also serves a good breakfast, has a sports bar and a small supermarket.
16. África Restaurante
$$-$$$, Mexican, Pizza, Location on Google Maps
If you are looking for good food at low prices on Holbox Island, you will find it at the relatively unknown África Restaurante. It is almost an insider tip, as it has made a name for itself not only with its excellent wood-fired Mexican pizza, but also with its Moroccan tajin dishes. Typical dishes like tacos, pasta and burgers are also inexpensive and delicious. The restaurant is very simple, but it is known for its hospitality and casual atmosphere, with occasional live music in the cozy garden. It is a bit off the beaten track, but still close to downtown.
17. Pizzeria La Pinsa Holbox
$$-$$$, Mexican, Pizza, Location on Google Maps
Pizzeria La Pinsa Holbox is known for its delicious pinsa (sourdough pizza), which tastes just as good as the original, but is more digestible and lower in calories. We certainly couldn’t tell the difference. You can also choose from other dishes such as Italian pasta and burgers. Good wines, desserts and cocktails are also available.
18. Ceviches La Chingada
$-$$, Mexican, Ceviche, Tacos, Location on Google Maps
Small but nice is the best way to describe the authentic Mexican restaurant Ceviches La Chingada. The inconspicuous restaurant has a colorfully decorated covered patio with just a few tables and is popular with Mexicans and tourists alike. There is a large selection of delicious ceviches, aguachiles and many other typical Mexican dishes such as nachos, quesadillas, tostadas, tacos with meat, seafood or vegetarian options. Fresh watermelon, pineapple and mango juices are also available. The ingredients are local and of high quality, as you would expect from a family-owned business. You will need to be patient when the crowds are heavy, but the food here is comparatively inexpensive.
19. Casa de Asadores Martín & Santos
$$-$$$, Argentinian, Steak, Location on Google Maps
The Argentinian restaurant Casa de Asadores Martín & Santos offers a wide variety of grilled meats, burgers and homemade pastas. There are also traditional empanadas and some vegetarian options such as grilled vegetables. South American spices and aromatic sauces give the dishes a distinctive flavor, and the extensive wine list makes it easy to find the right accompaniment. The delicious desserts are also Argentine and well worth trying. The small restaurant is decorated in a modern style and offers a relaxed atmosphere.
20. Restaurant y Pizzería Edelyn
$$-$$$, Mexican, Pizza, Location on Google Maps
Perhaps not the first recommendation for tourists is the Restaurant y Pizzería Edelyn. Nevertheless, we would like to mention it because it is one of the oldest restaurants in Holbox and has hardly changed in the last 20 years. It is said that the lobster pizza was invented here in 1985. The restaurant is especially popular with Mexicans, and its prominent location on the main square makes it a busy place most of the time.
Don’t expect too much from the simple, typical Mexican cuisine and the selection of pizzas, but the quality and value for money are fine. What keeps us coming back is the view of the evening hustle and bustle on the main square and our long-standing acquaintance with the friendly staff.
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