Cancun Waterfront Dining: Tasty Cuisine and Spectacular Views

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.

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 cocktail).

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 or 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.

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 homemade every day. Service is excellent, an extensive wine list is on offer and portions are large. The decor is chic, light and modern with the addition of a live pianist creating a lovely ambiance. There is another Cenacolo restaurant located in Marina Town Center and one in Playa del Carmen. Dress up and leave your flip-flops at the resort.

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 the 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 Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar offers an extensive selection of wines to accompany the melt-in-your-mouth steaks. Portions are large, so you might want to consider sharing an entree or side dishes.

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 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 finest 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 the specialty, so expect a lot of fresh seafood and prime steaks grilled to your specifications. Many of the entrees are big enough to share. Don't miss the Marlin Carpaccio. If you're not a meat eater, there are also plenty of salads and pasta dishes to choose from. This is the perfect place to celebrate a big date or a special anniversary.

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 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, as well as of the lighthouse which is located a short distance away on the property of Hyatt Ziva. Prices at Mocambo are quite reasonable and the service is good. Most importantly, the food is delicious.