Best Seafood in Cancún

This American chain-restaurant is just as popular in Cancun as it is in the good ol' US of A. Cancun, a city surrounded by water, has some wonderful seafood restaurants to choose from, but Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is often busy because guests recognize the name. In addition to the wide variety of shrimp dishes, you'll also find salads, sandwiches, steaks, and scrumptious desserts on the menu. The dessert sampler is a real crowd-pleaser. When you order a margarita, the drink it prepared at your table. This family-friendly establishment has a special menu for children and there is a small play area for kids.

Los de Pescado's menu is very small, but the economical items they serve are out of this world. This is a local's favorite, with locations all over downtown Cancun. This is great take-out food that reheats well and they even deliver! Menu items include fish or shrimp tacos, ceviche or ceviche tostadas, and fish or shrimp burritos. Have an ice cold beer or "agua natural" with your lunch or dinner and do not miss the spicy white mayonnaise-based dressing.

When you're in Cancun, it's easy to get caught up in the festive atmosphere and maybe overdo it a little. If you find yourself in this scenario, then pull it together and head to El Cejas for lunch and their renowned cocktail, Vuelva La Vida (Return to Life). After you rejoin the world of the living, settle in for some of the best and freshest seafood in the city. Favorites include ceviche, a piquant seafood cocktail, shrimp soup, and, of course, the grilled fish selections. El Cejas is located in Mercado 28 (Market 28) so do a little souvenir shopping afterwards.

El Galeon del Caribe aka Las Pescadillas, is a rustic (to say the least) hidden treasure in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Tucked in between the mangroves on Nichupte Lagoon at km 19.4 of Kukulcan Boulevard (across the street from the GR Solaris Cancun) Las Pescadillas, is essentially chairs and tables under a palapa, but they serve the yummiest, freshest pescadillas (fried corn tortillas stuffed with fish) around. They also serve delicious ceviche, garlic shrimp, soft drinks, cold cerveza and more. This is traditional, authentic Mexican seafood at its best, and the price can't be beat. Oh, and there's no dress code.

This casual seafood restaurant is located smack in the middle of the Hotel Zone but it's also a local favorite. El Fish Fritanga is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. This is a great spot for a family meal. They have high chairs and a changing station available and outdoor kids play area. The restaurant is also pet friendly and offers WiFi. If you go on a fishing tour and catch a fish, they will prepare it for you! Prices on their menu range start at just 50 pesos (about 2.50 usd) for two of their famous pescadillas (fried fish tacos). They are located on the lagoon so you'll enjoy a lovely view. Try the ceviche or fish tacos with a frosty chelada (prepared beer drink).

There are many restaurants on the lagoon in Cancun, but Almadia Cancún Bar & Marisquería (formerly Mocambo) is one of the few oceanfront eateries in town. Located right next to Playa Caracol, a popular public beach, Almadia serves up some of Cancun's best seafood. Open for lunch and dinner, the dining area is open-air and covered with a large palapa (thatched roof). There are gorgeous views of the island of Isla Mujeres off in the distance, as well as of the lighthouse which is located a short distance away at the Hyatt Ziva. The cuisine has a gourmet, contemporary twist and in addition to seafood, they serve pasta and steak.

The portions are quite large here so don't make the all-too-common mistake of filling up on salad before the over-sized entrees even make an appearance. Steak and seafood are the main offerings at this lovely, waterfront restaurant. Save room for one of the mouthwatering desserts. The carrot cake is especially delicious and large enough to share with a few people, although it's so good that you may not want to share it with anyone. Captain's Cove is located at 16.5 of Kukulcan Blvd., across the street from the Omni Cancun Hotel and Villas. They are open daily from noon to 11pm.

Harry's Prime Steakhouse and Rawbar's specialities are USDA prime, Black Onyx and Kobe beef prepared to perfection. They also serve tempting appetizers, other meats like lamb and ribs, seafood, hamburgers and sandwiches. Harry's also offers delicious desserts and a variety of creative cocktails. Service is top notch. The restaurant was recently remodeled and expanded and feels like a scene from The Great Gatsby movie. Portions are large, so you might want to consider sharing an entree or side dishes. Once you dine at Harry's, you'll return time and time again.

Fred's Seafood & Raw Bar offers fresh, delicious cuisine in an elegant waterfront setting. The extensive menu includes hot and cold starters, raw bar, tacos, soups and salads, lobster, catch of the day, rice and pasta and mouthwatering seafood, beef and chicken main courses. Be sure to save room for one of their delectable desserts. There are gluten free options available and service is impeccable. Outdoor dining is available, with tables overlooking the lagoon for a great view of the sunset. Private outdoor cabanas are available for small groups. Fred's is a dining experience worth leaving the resort for.

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.