The first bit of information a passenger needs in order to find the best restaurants in Cozumel near cruise ports is where your ship will be docking. Of the five piers at this destination, three of them – Punta Langosta, the International Pier (SSA) and Puerta Maya – are used by the main cruise lines.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port?
The good news is that there are delicious eateries nearby, regardless of your specific port. In fact, many of our choices for the best Cozumel restaurants near the cruise ports are easily reachable regardless of where your ship is docked. To help with planning, we have included the approximate travel times and methods based on the port location.
For anyone needing mobility assistance, ask your cruise line for wheelchair availability. Also, at each of these ports, you can hire safe licensed taxis or rent bicycles and electric scooters if walking is not an option.
In this Article…
Punta Langosta
The northernmost pier for welcoming cruise ships is Punta Langosta (Spanish for “lobster tip”). It is located right at the southern edge of downtown San Miguel, the main town on the island.
In this area, there are a number of restaurants within a five-minute walk of the ship. This pier is where the ships from Disney, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC, Oceania, Silversea, and Marella Cruises dock.
Bajau Seafood & Steakhouse
Leave the beachwear behind for a fine dining experience and reserve a table at this restaurant. International cuisine features filet mignon and other steaks along with seafood such as prawns, salmon, shrimp and more. They also serve soups, salads and a range of vegetarian and plant-based dishes (a five-minute walk).
Crazy King Burrito
This eatery makes the list of the best Cozumel restaurants near cruise ports for those who love a great burrito – it’s right there in the name! This is the original location of the (now) franchised chain that uses family recipes to make authentic burritos. The atmosphere is casual and the experience is considered “quick food” (not fast food). For a wide variety of flavors, from savory to spicy, this is the place (five-minute walk).
La Mission
Come for the delicious international cuisine and the atmosphere at a reasonable price at La Mission. Your meal will be surrounded by a décor of lush tropical gardens, mariachi music, and a Caribbean ambience.
On the menu, the seafood is always fresh and entrees of pork and beef are cooked with New Orleans flavors. Order traditional Mexican dishes (like fajitas, stuffed chile peppers or chicken mole) or enjoy multiple tastes with a combination plate (five-minute walk).
Guido’s
Craving some flavors from across the sea? The Italian menu at this eatery will satisfy your taste buds. The dining area is a lush courtyard of greenery much like you would find in Italy.
Pizzas and lasagnas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and the pasta noodles are made by hand. For over four decades, visitors and locals have flocked to this restaurant. They do not take reservations, so arrive early or plan to wait – it will be worth it (a five-minute walk).
Sol de Maple
For an outstanding plant-based experience, add this eatery to your list of best Cozumel restaurants near the cruise ports. If you are unfamiliar with vegan and/or vegetarian cuisine and want to try it, this is the perfect spot for your first meal.
The menu includes soups, pizzas, waffles, baguettes, platillos and a tasty choice of hot sauces for a spicy kick. The prices are reasonable; the service friendly and helpful; and the atmosphere is casual (a five-minute walk).
Las Flamitas
This small, no-frills eatery is another opportunity to eat where the locals eat. And, they choose to dine here for a good reason – some of the best Yucatecan food around for a budget-conscious price.
While you will not find English spoken here, pointing at the items works just fine with the friendly staff. For a super low price, you can get a soup, entrée (four to five choices per day) and beverage. (seven-minute walk)
International Pier (SSA)
Located just three miles south of town, this is our next location to find the best Cozumel restaurants near the cruise ports. There are two piers here for Celebrity, Disney and Royal Caribbean cruise ship docking. Insider tip: If you need to catch a taxi, avoid the lines at the dock and walk a short distance to the street just beyond the exit of this pier.
Bar Mandy
For a relaxed and casual experience, stop by this local family-friendly eatery. Seating options include an outdoor area with wheelchair accessibility and table service.
The fare is largely Mexican and all homemade. The tacos, quesadillas, nachos and ceviche are created in the traditional way – and are scrumptious! The service is friendly and the prices are lower than in the more well-known restaurants (a 10-minute walk or five-minute ride).
Senor Frog’s
For over thirty years, this branded restaurant chain has perfected the food, fun and flavors of parties with friends. The most popular way to experience this “Mexican food & Fiesta” spot is via a Frog’s Pass.
This is a single-priced “ticket” that includes an appetizer, one entrée, a “yard of your choice” (a really tall drink!) and a cap. Try the jalapeno poppers followed by cochinita pibil (achiote marinated pork). You can also find two more locations at the Punta Langosta and Puerta Maya pier areas (a five-minute walk or ride).
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Cozumel
One of the best restaurants in Cozumel, Mexico, near the cruise port, is one of the famous Margaritaville locations. Enjoy the large dining area, sports on the televisions, music and unique tropical experiences – free snorkeling and swimming in the water park.
Select from one of the “burgers in paradise,” chicken, pork or catch of the day entrees and a boat drink like the “woman to blame,” “5 o’clock hurricane” or “who’s to blame” margarita. Loads of merch to buy, too (five-minute walk or ride).
Ix Kool
For the ultimate in “Mayan gastronomic traditions,” have a meal at this local, independent restaurant. Celebrate the heritage with the “flavors and authentic recipes” of this ancient culture.
The award-winning chef and highly-rated restaurant creates dishes, like sikilp´ aak´, that are not found in other areas of the country (fire-roasted tomatoes ground with garlic and pumpkin seeds). Make a reservation here for a genuine taste of local cuisine (a three-minute walk or ride).
Café Punta del Cielo
Perhaps an entire meal is not in the plans for the day. So, for an excellent cup of coffee and homemade desserts, stop at this local café. Hop on the WiFi and relax at this small eatery with a specialty coffee drink and a sweet treat.
They offer tempting sandwiches, salads, frozen fruit, and coffee drinks. This location is the perfect spot to take a break during your time ashore or stop by after an entrée meal on the way back to the ship (a five-minute walk).
Las Tortugas
For a fun family restaurant and beach club, visit this destination. The menu is the real deal – authentic Mexican food! Customers report that a particularly well-made dish is the conch ceviche, cooked with a family recipe from fresh ingredients.
The little children will enjoy a bit of play in the small recreation area; and the grownups can visit with each other in the cozy dining area. The restaurant is wheelchair and stroller accessible (a 10-minute walk or five-minute ride).
Puerta Maya
The pier furthest from downtown San Miguel is Puerta Maya (Spanish for “Mayan Port”). It is located about five miles south and is a 10-minute ride to the downtown area. However, it is not necessary to travel to find some of the best Cozumel restaurants near this cruise port. Some delicious choices are within walking distance or a brief ride from the ship.
Pancho’s Backyard
This is a popular choice for a quiet meal in a comfortable atmosphere. Chef-inspired dishes include fish and seafood, vegan, light fare and house specialties. For the latter, try the carne asada, enchiladas, tamales or indulge in the sampler platter. Save room for dessert – fried ice cream, coffee flan or margarita pie! Tablecloths, China dinnerware and an attentive wait staff make a nice impression. (six-minute walk)
Restaurant Lucy
This is the restaurant for a place to grab some local food and hop online. With a distinct diner feel, the food is tasty and the owners and staff are friendly. Prices are inexpensive and the menu choices include all the favorites – burritos, tacos, fajitas and more – to either dine-in or take-out. Seafood dishes are a specialty here; and, they are open for business from breakfast to late lunch times. (two-minute walk)
Three Amigos
For a taste of classic Tex-Mex, stop at this restaurant on the water’s edge. This is a popular “touristy” place to eat and hang out in view of the ships. In addition to highly rated chips, queso and guacamole, you can eat a complete lunch or dinner and have some late-night tropical drinks. They also offer gluten free, vegetarian friendly, and vegan cuisine (a five-minute walk).
Fat Tuesday
Join the party at this restaurant with a Mardi Gras theme. This establishment is famous for its refreshing frozen daiquiris of the super-sized variety, along with music and dancing.
Sit outside under colorful umbrellas; enjoy a meal from the “bar food” menu (burgers, nachos, wrap, fajitas and more); and take a selfie with your cruise ship in the background (five-minute walk).
Paprika Mexican & Caribbean Cuisine
This is the place if you like to eat where the locals eat. While many of the restaurants in Cozumel cater to tourists, there are a few that offer a more traditional dining atmosphere (not a place for a party).
They have some of the best breakfast foods around, and they are also open for lunch and dinner. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, including the smoothies (seven-minute walk).
Alberto’s Puerta Maya
This restaurant is one of three on the island for this signature dining destination. Noted for their fresh catch-of-the-day dishes, the menu is a delightfully changing choice of deliciousness.
Order perfectly cooked, Caribbean king crab, red snapper, mahi mahi, or lobster (to see why their ‘catch’ phrase is “best tail I ever had”!). They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a third-floor terrace for romantic meals (a five-minute walk).
More Eateries
Our final suggestions for Cozumel restaurants near cruise ports are not restaurants at all! Rather than cooking and serving food in a building, these eateries are mobile – street vendors in stalls, food trucks, food carts and even three-wheeled bikes.
They depend on foot traffic for their businesses, so they are often located within a short walking distance from port. After all, there are thousands of disembarking passengers to feed!
While tacos and Cubanas (everything sandwiches) are a staple for these traveling restaurants, there is much more to taste on this adventure – fish on a stick, fried corn snacks, Marquesitas (crepes), churros, locally grown fruits, freshly squeezed fruit juices and, of course, elotes.
The latter is corn on the cob, charred on a grill and then slathered in creamy sauce with a garnish of garlic, lime juice cilantro, cheese and (with some luck!) tajin – a spicy, tangy seasoning. Insider tip: To quench your thirst, look for “tuba” – coconut milk, palm tree sap, apples and nuts poured over ice!
Most of these types of eateries do not necessarily have a formal name. They are all locally owned and the proprietors take pride in serving delicious and safe food to their patrons. After all, eating at street vendor establishments is a regular choice for many residents of Cozumel.
Read Also: IDEAL Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico
Here is a brief list of food trucks you can likely find within a short walk of the ship: La Mission and Blue Taco trucks. For specific locations of our suggestions, check their social media pages to discover exactly where they are on the day of your shore visit. And, keep your eyes open for traveling vendors and food stalls as you walk about the cruise ship port and downtown areas.
Bon Voyage…and Bon Appétit!
