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 but their taco stand is open from 7 am until 1 am. This is a great spot for a family meal. They have high chairs and a changing station available and an outdoor kids play area. Prices on their menu range from 10 to 200 pesos (USD: 75 cents to 15 dollars). They are located on the lagoon so you'll enjoy a lovely view. They have all this to offer plus their food is delicious. Try the ceviche or fish tacos with a frosty chelada (prepared beer drink).

There are many restaurants on the lagoon in Cancun, but Mocambo is one of the few oceanfront eateries in town. Located right next to Playa Caracol, a popular public beach, Mocambo serves up some of Cancun's best seafood. Open for lunch and dinner, guests may order from the menu or opt for the seafood buffet, which is available several times a week. 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. Prices at Mocambo are quite reasonable and the service is good. Most importantly, the food is delicious.

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.

Prime cuts of USDA beef, dry-aged beef and Kobe beef are served at this upscale, waterfront restaurant. Beef that is dry-aged has more flavor and is more tender than beef that has not undergone the dry-aging process. Kobe beef from Japan, Australia and USA is offered, as well as several Kosher steaks. Kobe beef hot dogs, burgers, sliders and even tacos are available for those that crave beef but are looking for something a little different. Harry's has a raw bar and also serves lobster, cod, prawns and more. There is an extensive selection of wines to accompany the melt-in-your-mouth steaks and seafood.

Fred's House offers fresh, delicious seafood in an elegant waterfront setting. The menu has an extensive selection of seafood dishes, as well as beef, chicken, and other specialties of the chef. There are also selections available from the raw bar, as well as sushi. Caribbean lobster and Maine lobster are both available. Seafood platters are available for parties of two or four people. Fred's House gives many dishes a little Mexican flair. A regional favorite is the Tikin-Xik Style Whole Fish. The mixture of spices on the fish make it incredibly flavorful. Outdoor dining is available, with tables overlooking the lagoon. Private, outdoor cabanas are available for small groups.

One of Cancun's oldest restaurants, Lorenzillo's has been a favorite among locals and tourists since it opened in 1979. Since there is a lobster farm on the premises it's no surprise the menu consists primarily of seafood dishes. A few meat and poultry dishes are also offered. For starters, try Las Cornamusa, which is lobster croquettes, served with chipotle mayonnaise. The hardcore seafood fan should try the Treasure Chest entree. It is a grouper filet, stuffed with lobster, shrimp, mushrooms and Bernaise sauce. Alaskan King Crab Legs are offered seasonally and they are nothing short of fabulous. After enjoying the perfectly prepared seafood entrees, finish off the evening by indulging in one of Lorenzillo's sinful desserts, like the Chocolate Volcano.