Best Romantic Dining in Cancún

This open-air restaurant is small, but wonderful, and a welcomed change from all the flashy new restaurants in the Hotel Zone. It's one of Cancun's hidden treasures. Located in Cancun's hotel zone, but slightly off-the-beaten-path, inside a small hotel, this little gem easily be overlooked. It's well-known to locals, but is still relatively unknown to tourists. French and Belgian dishes are served up, while you dine under the stars overlooking the lagoon. The service is personalized and very attentive. This place is not very large so be sure to make a reservation. When you do, ask which night they offer live music.

One of Cancun's oldest restaurants, Lorenzillo's has been a favorite among locals and tourists since it opened in 1979 due to it's ambiance, outdoor deck, impeccable service and delicious cuisine. Since there is a lobster farm on the premises it's no surprise that the menu consists primarily of seafood dishes. A few meat, poultry, pasta and combination dishes are also offered. For starters, try Las Cornamusas, which are lobster croquettes, served with chipotle mayonnaise. There are many lobster entrees to choose from, plus fish and shrimp. Finish off the evening by indulging in one of Lorenzillo's sinful desserts.

Hidden in an upscale neighborhood in downtown Cancun, Marakame is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even deliver. This indoor/outdoor restaurant is great for an event, like a baby shower or birthday, a family breakfast or a romantic dinner. They feature live music many evenings outside under the twinkling lights. Marakame features an extensive menu of pasta, seafood, salads, pizza and a fully stocked bar. The ambiance is welcoming and relaxing. Leave your board shorts and flip flops at the hotel, this crowd is casual but fashionable. To arrive, take the bus, get off at the first stop downtown and then take a taxi to the restaurant.

Cenacolo Zona Hotelera, located at km. 12.6 of Blvd. Kukulcan in the la Europea building, offers upscale Italian dishes and beautiful views of Nichupte Lagoon. The main focus here is seafood, and all of the pasta is handmade and homemade every day. Service is excellent, their wine list includes 100 wines and portions are large. The decor is chic, light and modern, which in combination with Cancun's unparalleled sunsets over the lagoon, creates a lovely ambiance. There is another Cenacolo restaurant located in Marina Town Center. Dress up and leave your flip-flops at the resort for this fine dining experience.

This cozy restaurant in downtown Cancun is a quaint, European style eatery that locals and tourists visit over and over. The restaurant is run by a family, the owner Peter, his wife Claudia, their son Eder. Dishes include shrimp, fish, veal, beef and pasta, desserts, and a small, but good wine list. Prices are considerably lower than they would be for a restaurant of this caliber in the Hotel Zone. You can easily take the bus to Peter's Restaurante by getting off at the first stop downtown and walking just a few blocks to their location on Bonampak. If you are celebrating a special occasion be sure to mention it when making a reservation.

This small French restaurant is tucked away on a quiet side street in downtown Cancun and is operated by a Parisian who arrived in Cancun some 40 years ago. Don't be surprised if she's sitting at the door waiting for you when you arrive. The menu is small but the fare is fresh and perfectly prepared. At night the garden area is filled with twinkling lights. The intimate setting is lush with tropical vegetation and is perfect for a romantic date or a quiet dinner with a friend. With an impeccably trained wait staff and french music, L'escargot makes for a delightful evening in Cancun.

Fantino is located in the Ritz-Carlton Cancun and is a AAA Diamond Award-winning restaurant. Traditional Mediterranean dishes are perfectly executed with a contemporary touch. The ambiance is elegant and the service is exceptional yet warm and inviting. Men are required to wear jackets, long pants and shoes. Fantino is family-friendly and features a children's menu, but keep in mind the atmosphere is quiet and elegant so children should be well-behaved. There is a private dining room for parties or celebrations. Save room for the dessert cart. This is truly fine dining.

La Habichuela has been a fixture in Cancun for over 40 years and is located in what was once owner Armando Pezzotti's home. The delightful ambiance which includes Mayan sculptures, trees, plants and twinkling lights can be enjoyed in the open air garden or from the indoor section. Offering high quality food made with the finest ingredients and superb service, the restaurant's signature dish is Cocobichuela, a mixture of lobster, shrimp, rice, curry sauce and tropical fruits, all served in a coconut shell. No meal at La Habichuela is complete without the Chichen Itza dessert and Mayan coffee.

This is, arguably, Cancun's best Thai restaurant and it happens to be the prettiest too. Actually, it's one of the most beautiful, romantic settings in all of Cancun. People rave about the food, the decor, the service, and the waterfront location. As the name implies, Thai cuisine is the specialty of the house. The food and setting will make you feel as though you've been transported to Thailand. The atmosphere is unbeatable; picture soft lighting, ambient music, incense burning, plants, trees, palapas, palm shelters, gardens and little wooden huts. Make sure you arrive on time if you have a reservation because they will only hold your table for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the lagoon for a visit from the resident crocodile. Thai Lounge is located in Plaza La Isla at km 12.5 in the Hotel Zone.

This incredibly romantic restaurant is located in The Ritz-Carlton hotel. There are tables around the pool, as well as in private cabanas right on the beach. An individual cabana can be reserved at an extra cost, 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.