This small, romantic Italian restaurant has long been a favorite spot for locals, but it is becoming more popular with tourists as well. Located right on the bus route, in downtown Cancun, it is just a few blocks away from the entrance to the Hotel Zone and is very easy to find. It's a great place for a nice lunch (they open at 1pm), a family gathering, a romantic dinner or even a marriage proposal. The restaurant only has seating for 80 people so it is definitely an intimate setting. Soft music plays in the background while you enjoy a superb meal and live "la dolce vita" (the sweet life).
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: La Dolce Vita offers delicious gluten-free Italian dishes.
Susan's expert tip: Don't spend money on a cab. Take any bus on the ocean side in the Hotel Zone, get off at the first stop downtown and walk 1/2 block south.
Escape the buffet and the tourist area and head to The Bowl Bar, located in downtown Cancun on Bonampak Avenue near the entrance to the Hotel Zone. They serve delicious, fresh, healthy dishes. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu includes bowls, pancakes and waffles, smoothies and protein shakes, omelets and Mexican breakfast dishes, sandwiches and wraps and grilled lunch specialties. They also serve, coffee, tea, aguas frescas and juices. They offer many vegetarian and vegan dishes. They also offer gluten free options. Prices are economical. The Bowl Bar can be a little difficult to find… it is located directly across the street from the MG dealership.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The Bowl Bar offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Kristin's expert tip: Try the fresh coconut served in the coconut itself!
Arrecifes (Reefs) is a well-kept secret in the Westin Resort & Spa Cancun, which is located at Km 20 of the Hotel Zone. The prices are very reasonable for Cancun hotel dining. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining, both with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Service is efficient and attentive, and the food fantastic. Arrecifes serves fine modern Mexican cuisine and seafood and features live mariachi music. If you require vegetarian, vegan gluten free dining, let your waiter know and the chef will accommodate you. This is a great place for a romantic dinner but children are welcome.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Arrecifes is a well-kept Cancun dining secret, and the Chef is happy to prepare gluten-free entrees, desserts, etc.
Kristin's expert tip: Don't spend money on a cab. Hop on a bus that says Westin Regina on it (this is the last stop in the Hotel Zone) and you'll be dropped off right in front.
This incredibly romantic restaurant is located at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. There are tables around the pool, as well as in private cabanas right on the beach. An individual cabana can be reserved for 125 usd and this romantic, unique, tropical setting is well worth every penny. A saxophone player performs while you dine under the stars, however the music is soft enough for you to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. Casitas serves primarily steak and seafood and, as you would expect from the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain, the food is divine and the service is impeccable.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: It doesn't get much better than the Ritz Carlton and Casitas will prepare amazing gluten-free cuisine upon request.
Kristin's expert tip: For an unforgettable evening, reserve a private cabana on the beach.
This popular, moderately-priced U.S. chain restaurant has made its way south of the border, but it has the same great food and service that Americans have come to expect. Outback is located in Plaza Flamingo at km 11.5 in the Hotel Zone and has the best sports bars in Cancun. If you want to see European soccer, American football or Mexican baseball (among other sports), Outback Steakhouse is the place to be, but arrive early becauase the sports bar is always busy. It was recently remodeled and they've added more big screens and surround sound. You can reserve a table right on their Facebook page.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Outback Steakhouse has a full gluten-free menu and the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under dessert (yum) is gluten free.
Kristin's expert tip: Outback Steakhouse's sports bar is the place to watch major sporting events during your vacation.
Le Natura is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone across the street from the old Senor Frogs, but once you enter this lush, green environment you'll forget that you are in one of the busiest areas of Cancun. They have an extensive menu geared towards fresh, healthy eating and many vegetarian dishes available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The prices are very reasonable, try the breakfast combos or the lunch/dinner combos. The fresh juices and smoothies are a highlight but don't despair, Le Natura also serves beer, margaritas, daiquiris, etc. etc. This is a restaurant that you may want to visit more than once during your stay.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Le Natura is an economical healthy option located in the Hotel Zone. They have a vegetarian menu and plenty of gluten-free entrees.
Kristin's expert tip: Make your way towards the back of the restaurant to sit closer to the beach.
For more than 45 years, Ruth's Chris Steak House has been serving prime cuts of beef to its discerning customers. Cancun's Ruth's Chris Steak House is no different and serves nothing but the finest cuts of USDA beef. In addition to top-notch steaks, you'll also find perfectly prepared seafood dishes at this upscale eatery. If a large steak isn't your style, you'll still have a wonderful array of large salads and side dishes to choose from, as well as potatoes served seven different ways. Conveniently located in Plaza Kukulcan, you can easily reach the restaurant via bus or taxi.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Ruth's Chris not only serves amazing food, but they are also happy to prepare gluten-free cuisine.
Kristin's expert tip: Before dinner, enjoy a Luxurita, Ruth's Chris' top-shelf margarita. It's made with Patron Silver Tequila and Remy Martin VS Cognac.
This restaurant, located in downtown Cancun, is a local favorite. The menu is large and consists of page after page of healthy dishes made with natural ingredients. Soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, Mexican specialties and seafood dishes are the main items offered, but there is also a very large drink menu. Fresh fruit juices, teas, and fruit smoothies are as popular as they are delicious. Each one is made-to-order so beverage service can be a little slow if the restaurant is busy. It's worth the wait though. There is an indoor dining area with air conditioning and lots of large plants to give you a sense of being outside, and there is an outdoor garden area withlarge trees that provide shade and a nice breeze. Vegetarians will find quite a few delicious items to choose from. For breakfast, tasty omelettes, scrambled eggs and pancakes are offered, along with fresh fruit and some Mexican specialties.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: 100% Natural is a Cancun healthy food institution and their menus includes options for all special dietary needs.
Kristin's expert tip: Try the fresh juices, fruit smoothies, or other natural beverages, like Jamaica (pronounce ha-MIKE-a), which is a tasty hibiscus tea.
If you're a vegetarian or vegan this is your restaurant in Cancun, and even if you're not, you should still give Vegan Planet a try. Chef Miguel Bautista not only prepares amazing food completely free of animal components but also incorporates many superfoods and gives classes on how to prepare healthy, delicious vegan and raw dishes. The entire menu is vegan and many of the dishes are raw and include sushi, pastas, pizza, smoothies, sandwiches and Mexican favorites like chilaquiles, burritos, and molletes. For dessert, try a scrumptious brownie. The prices are very economical. They are open Mon-Sat 8 am-6 pm.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Vegan Planet is arguably Cancun's healthiest restaurant. They cater to vegetarians and vegans but also offer gluten-free options.
Kristin's expert tip: This restaurant is quite far from the Hotel Zone, so take a bus downtown and then grab a taxi.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is fortunate enough to have two AAA Five Diamond Restaurants on the premises and The Club Grill is one of them. Seafood, duck and fine cuts of meat are featured. Guests may try the tasting menu or order from the regular menu. Impeccable service and outstanding cuisine make this one of Cancun's finest restaurants. There is a dance floor and a jazz band plays softly during dinner. The soft lighting and dark wood throughout the room give this luxurious place a cozy feel. The dress code is "smart casual" and men are required to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The Ritz Carlton equals excellence, and they are happy to accommodate your gluten-free dining requests.
Kristin's expert tip: Try the roasted duck. It is excellent. Before dinner, have a drink in the martini bar.