Best Waterfront Dining in Cancún

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.

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).

Tora combines gourmet ingredients and ancient and modern techniques to create fine Japanese cuisine presented in innovative ways. The large menu includes a special vegan section, signature cocktails, Japanese whisky and of course, Sake. The deck, with tables on different levels, candles and plush white sofas, offers spectacular views of sunsets over Nichupte Lagoon, while inside, bamboo, plants and twinkling lights create a dreamy, glamourous atmosphere. Excellent service and fun surprises complete the experience. Special tasting menus are available for events like birthdays, anniversaries or even a wedding reception, for groups of at least 15 people.

Cenacolo Zona Hotelera, located at km. 12.6 of Blvd. Kukulcan in the la Europea building, serves 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.

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.

Arguably one of Cancun's finest and certainly one of its most popular restaurants, Puerto Madero is named for the Buenos Aires port district that has risen to upscale trendiness in recent years. The decor has a stylishly industrial feel, much like the district itself. Argentinean cuisine is their specialty. They serve lots of fresh seafood and prime steaks grilled to your specifications, and also offer excellent pasta and salads. If you're watching your pocketbook, order a few appetizers and share them. Puerto Madero is the perfect restaurant for a big date or a special anniversary or birthday. Dress to impress.

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 and includes 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 is located in Plaza La Isla at km 12.5 in the Hotel Zone.

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.