Isla Holbox is a Mexican island, situated at the northern tip of Quintana Roo, that resembles the paradise stereotype pictures you may see in postcards and wallpapers. Yup, it’s that beautiful.
Add to it the fact that there are no cars or paved roads and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday destination for a complete reset and ultimate relaxation.
But the island is not just pretty beaches and great hotels. There are plenty of things to do in Holbox, and one of them is relishing its mouthwatering gastronomy. So, where to eat in Holbox if you’re craving the famous tacos Al Pastor, local cuisine, or the yummiest breakfast? You’ll find out below!
After you check it out, keep this guide handy to remember what the best Holbox restaurants are, and visit them once you’re on the island.
Milpa
Milpa Holbox serves not only food to make your taste buds sing, but your eyes as well. Their dishes are delicately arranged on the plates, and they excel at creating art pieces with your dinner.
Their Mexican, Mediterranean and Contemporary cuisine offers a wide range of options and while fresh fish is their strength, they also serve vegetarian dishes.
All of their produce is locally sourced, and they also offer homemade breads and sauces to go with your meals. It’s definitely one of Holbox best restaurants.
Milpa: C. Palomino & C. Porfirio Díaz.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 6 PM to 11 PM. Make reservations to ensure your spot before you go.
ROOTS Pizzas a Leña
For a fantastic wood fired pizza, head to Roots Pizza a Leña. They serve amazingly big homemade pizzas, made on wood ovens right in front of your eyes. The place has a really cool beach vibe and ambience, there is live music and a courtyard where you’ll find one of the greatest Holbox bars, serving some of the best drinks on the island.
They also have a 100% Mexican wine cellar, so you can get a taste of the real Mexican wine. For the adventurous when it comes to food, one of the most requested flavours is the Lobster Pizza, so don’t forget to try it.
It’s one of the most sought-after and absolute best restaurants in Holbox, so get there early in the evening to grab a table.
Roots Pizza a Leña: C. Porfirio Díaz between C. Palomino & C. Carito.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 11.30 PM.
Painapol
Painapol is a beautiful location for brunching, as it specializes in fresh smoothies, hearty sandwiches, pancakes, and delicious acai bowls.
The unmissable items of any brunch, including coffee, avo toast, eggs, and cakes of different flavors, are also available at Painapol, where you’ll be able to refuel after a morning spent at the beach or set yourself up for success before a day of adventures.
A healthy lunch menu and luscious desserts can also be found here.
Painapol: Calle Tiburon Ballena.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 3 PM.
TacoQueto
Best tacos in Holbox, you said? You’ll find those in TacoQueto, which serves the authentic flavors of Mexico in the shape of its most renowned dish.
This restaurant specializes, as its name suggests, in tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, served right next to the beach. A true classic on the island, TacoQueto has been serving food and honoring the Mexican flavors for 15 years now and, according to the many reviews it gets, their burritos are the most scandalicious in the area; you’ve been warned!
If you’re not into burritos, though, you’ll still be able to enjoy their pizzas, nachos & guacamole, and the best street food in Holbox. However, who can resist the classic Al Pastor tacos when in Mexico?
TacoQueto: Ave. Pedro Joaquín Coldwell & C. Tiburón Ballena.
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Alma Bar
Alma means Soul in Spanish, and Alma Bar’s location with perfect views of the sunset, crafted cocktails and grilled food is all it takes to treat your body and soul; add a beautiful rooftop pool in the mix for the ultimate lunch experience in Holbox.
Whether you visit for brunch or dinner, or only stop by for a sunset drink (highly recommended!) don’t leave without trying their tortillas and (at least) one of their cocktails; that’s their specialty!
The bar also hosts music festivals and brings in DJs, and they are the perfect spot to celebrate your birthday or special occasion, so if you have an anniversary coming up during the trip, you now know where to go! It’s certainly one of the best bars in Holbox.
Alma Bar: Calle Paseo Kuka 150.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Arte Sano
Arte Sano is THE vegan spot in Holbox to visit if you’re vegan/vegetarian, or you simply want to take a break from meat. They take the traditional fast-foods like burgers, pizzas or tacos and turn them into yummy, healthier versions that include gluten-free and vegan options.
All food is freshly made, and they use the best Mexican flavors to make your meal as tasty as it is healthy. Homemade bread, sauces, and dips go well with all the menu options, and you can also get all sorts of fresh juices to go with your lunch.
It’s a particularly good place to visit for a healthy, hearty breakfast, whether you’re a vegetarian or not; some fruit and veggies never hurt anybody!
Arte Sano Holbox: C. Gerónimo de Aguilar & C. Palomino.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 10 PM.
Alta Gula
Alta Gula is a great restaurant to enjoy South American cuisine. They serve traditional dishes from Argentina and Venezuela, and their staples go from mouth-watering milanesas and empanadas to arepas, sandwiches, pies, and small bites.
They also offer a wide variety of vegetarian alternatives, salads, and hearty side dishes to go along with the main courses.
The setting is very charming, featuring swinging seats, great artwork, and a beautiful plant arrangement. The staff is very friendly, the prices are reasonable, and the dishes deliciously flavorful.
Alta Gula: Carito y Porfirio Díaz.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 1.30 AM to 11 PM.
Casa Nostra Roof Restaurant
Casa Nostra is an Italian Holbox restaurant that brings Mediterranean flavors all the way to your table.
As in any good Italian restaurant, the homemade pasta, Holbox’s very best, is one of their star dishes, and they have reinvented many Mediterranean classics to fit in the fresh catch of the day and some local spices.
This fusion is a total success, and reviewers point to this restaurant as a gastronomic gem in Isla Holbox.
When you visit, don’t forget to ask for the dessert menu regardless of the time of day; you cannot leave without tasting their cannoli or tiramisu. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll enjoy the best breakfast in Holbox right here!
Casa Nostra: Av. Pedro Joaquín Coldwell & C. Canane.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Clandestino Coffee Roasters
Clandestino Coffee Roasters is a fantastic coffee shop that serves a wide variety of healthy breakfasts and high-quality coffee.
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and the main items on the menu include pastries, smoothie bowls, bagels, avo toasts, and salads, all of which pair perfectly with their freshly roasted coffee.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, you can go for one of their alternative drinks. There are matcha and chai lattes, smoothies, tea, and hot chocolate available.
Clandestino is a very good spot for treating you with a special Holbox breakfast or brunch, or to get a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day.
Clandestino Coffee Roasters: Paseo Kuka, 12
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Mandarina
Mandarina is a seaside restaurant by Casa Las Tortugas, one of the island’s boutique hotels. Its location right on the beach makes it one of the best-situated restaurants in Holbox, and it offers a wide range of dishes, combining local and international cuisine.
At Mandarina you can get tasty French toast or waffles for breakfast and choose from pasta, salads, meat or fresh fish dishes, and sandwiches as your main courses. If you’re after a simple, comfort meal, this is where you’ll find it.
All their dishes come in generous portions and they also have craft beers, an extensive wine list, and cocktails to go with your meal. If you’re looking for the best food in Holbox, Mandarina won’t disappoint.
Mandarina: Av. Damero 310.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM to 10.30 PM.
Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar is situated right in front of the beach, offering fantastic views while you have your breakfast or lunch, or enjoy a cup of coffee. The cafe also boasts a garden surrounded by palm trees; if the weather is nice, there’s nothing like eating outside with nature all around you.
The food is really good and its location makes it one of the top restaurants for a quick bite before heading back to the beach, or a post-sunbathing-session hearty lunch.
Cafe del Mar: Calle Erizo 3.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 7.30 PM.
Las Panchas
Las Panchas is a popular eatery to enjoy fresh, local seafood and authentic Mexican flavors that range from tacos and soups to ceviche. The restaurant is just by the water and boasts a laid-back atmosphere and simple, rustic decor.
Local ingredients are used for all the meals, and the fish is locally caught every morning. The restaurant is particularly praised for the large portions of the dishes and reasonable prices, which attracts both tourists and locals.
Las Panchas: Calle Esmedregal.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 7 PM.
Barba Negra
Barba Negra is a highly-rated restaurant that specializes in tacos, offering a wide variety of fillings and flavors that range from seafood and grilled meats to vegetarian options and are served with salsas and sides.
Pizzas are also a staple at Barba Negra, which is a great place to dine if you’re vegan or gluten-free as it accommodates various food restrictions.
The restaurant itself is lively and laid-back, and it complements it cuisine with specialty drinks and local music.
Barba Negra: Avenida Damero.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 2 PM to 10 PM.
