15 Best Restaurants in Bacalar Mexico to Try in 2023
Looking for the best restaurants in Bacalar Mexico? You’ve come to the right place!
I’m a travel blogger that lives in nearby Playa del Carmen, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bacalar more than once.
So I’ve been able to try all the best restaurants and learn a thing or two about what’s good (and not so good) when it comes to dining out in Bacalar.
In this post, I’m sharing my picks for the 15 best restaurants in Bacalar. Whether you’re looking for breakfast restaurants, casual lunch spots, or upscale dining, I’ve got you covered.
Read on to find out where to eat in Bacalar!
Best Restaurants in Bacalar Mexico
Aside from being known as the Maldives of Mexico, the magic town of Bacalar has an up-and-coming culinary scene with a great variety of delicious and inventive restaurants.
With so many great options to choose from, deciding where to eat in Bacalar can be a difficult task! To help you out, here are the best Bacalar restaurants to try in 2023:
1. Mango y Chile
If you’re looking for a delicious vegan restaurant with a great view, head to Mango Y Chile.
This restaurant is located adjacent to the San Felipe Fort in the center of Bacalar, and offers stunning views of the lagoon from its terrace seating area.
All of the menu items at Mango Y Chile are vegan, including waffles, burgers, hot dogs, smoothies, and fruit dishes.
It’s a great restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or remote working. You’ll even get to dine next to a cannon on the outdoor terrace!
📍 Location: Av. 3 Fuerte San Felipe, entre Calle 22 y Calle 24
🕒 Hours: Daily from 9AM-10PM (Closed Tuesdays)
2. El Manati
El Manati is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious traditional American or Mexican breakfast while surrounded by beautiful artwork from local artists.
The restaurant sources its ingredients fresh and locally, so you can be sure you’re getting the best of what the area has to offer.
Plus, the beautiful garden setting is simply lovely and there’s even a gift shop selling unique local products.
Whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or just a great place to enjoy a good breakfast, El Manati Bacalar is definitely worth checking out.
📍 Location: Calle 22 116, Bacalar, Quintana Roo
🕒 Hours: Daily from 8:30AM-3PM
3. Enamora
With its brightly colored outdoor seating area, Enamora Bacalar definitely draws a crowd and is one of the best breakfast restaurants in Bacalar.
Menu options include omelets, egg dishes, tartines, french toast, cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit salads. And for a taste of Mexico, try the chilaquiles!
Plus, the restaurant’s cute picnic table seating and live music gives it a great atmosphere and makes it a good place to start your day.
📍 Location: Calle 18
🕒 Hours: Daily from 7:30AM-10PM
4. Ixchel
Ixchel is a great little spot for breakfast in Bacalar. The restaurant gets its name from Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of love and fertility.
The menu features Mexican food classics like chilaquiles and egg dishes. And for some breakfast fun, try their house special–Oreo pancakes!
But what I really love about this place is the relaxed vibe which makes you feel right at home in this Bacalar town restaurant. It’s the best place to start your day while enjoying some delicious food.
📍 Location: Calle 26, Avenida 3 y 5
🕒 Hours: Daily from 8AM-1PM (Closed Mondays)
5. Yerbabuena
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast or lunch option in Bacalar, be sure to check out Yerbabuena.
This colorful cafe and juice bar serves up coffee, smoothies, and agua fresca, as well as some mouthwatering food items like pancakes, sandwiches, salads, and poke bowls.
And the best part? You can enjoy your meal while swinging on one of their cute wooden swings!
📍 Location: Calle 28 Entre Avenidas 3 y 5
🕒 Hours: Daily from 8AM-4PM
6. Mi Burrito Bacalar
Looking for a delicious, quick, and affordable meal in Bacalar? Look no further than Mi Burrito! This colorful food truck offers a variety of different burritos, all packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a meaty burrito or something lighter and veggie-packed, Mi Burrito has got you covered. Burrito options include meat, Spanish sausage, shrimp, chicken, eggs, veggies, and more.
Plus, at less than $10 dollars per burrito, the good prices won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a casual yet tasty fast food meal in Bacalar, be sure to swing by Mi Burrito!
📍 Location: Avenida Costera entre Calle 16 y Calle 18
🕒 Hours: Daily from 12PM-9PM
7. La Playita
La Playita is a great spot for lunch or dinner if you want to dine directly on Bacalar lagoon.
This popular Bacalar restaurant is located right on the lagoon and has a laid-back lakefront terrace with jungle plants and hammocks–creating a great outdoor ambiance.
The menu offers a variety of good food options including tacos, empanadas, burgers, and flatbreads, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
📍 Location: Avenida 1 765 (Costera, Calle 26 Esquina)
🕒 Hours: Daily from 12PM-11PM
8. Finisterre
If you’re in the mood for some delicious pizza or pasta after a day exploring Bacalar Lake, head to Finisterre–one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Bacalar!
This upscale Italian restaurant has a beautiful second level open-air patio overlooking the water, and serves up some of the best food in Bacalar with its brick oven pizza, pasta, and Mediterranean cuisine. The lasagna is especially delicious!
Don’t forget to order a glass (or bottle) of wine to enjoy with your meal–it’s the perfect way to relax and watch the sunset over the lagoon after a day of adventurous activities in Bacalar.
📍 Location: Avenida 3 entre Calle 24 y Calle 26, Lote 16
🕒 Hours: Daily from 1PM-11PM
9. Waah Cocina
Located at the Makaaba Eco-Boutique Hotel, Waah Cocina is one of the best farm to table restaurants in Bacalar. Offering a complimentary breakfast for hotel guests, the restaurant is also a popular dinner restaurant in Bacalar.
The Waah Cocina menu features creative and affordable dishes made with fresh, local ingredients like tamales, ceviche, pumpkin, lamb, beef tongue quesadillas, and a tasty jamaica (hibiscus) dessert.
You’ll also be able to enjoy your meal poolside next to the hotel’s trendy and completely eco-friendly outdoor pool and garden.
📍 Location: Avenida 1 entre Calle 14 y 16
🕒 Hours: Daily from 8:30AM-11PM
10. Nao Restaurant Bacalar
Nao Bacalar is a lovely Japanese restaurant located right on Lake Bacalar. The setting is perfect for enjoying a quiet, romantic meal or an evening out with friends.
The outdoor terrace seating is an especially nice place, as you can enjoy the beautiful view of the lagoon while sipping on mezcal cocktails and tasting delicious sushi dishes.
The service here is friendly and efficient, and the dishes are beautifully presented with fresh flowers. If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience in Bacalar, be sure to check out Nao!
📍 Location: Avenida 1 27
🕒 Hours: Daily from 8AM-11PM
11. Nixtamal
For an upscale dining experience in Bacalar, head to Nixtamal, which is only open for dinner.
This higher end restaurant serves a variety of creative dishes including seafood, fresh fish, steaks, and ribeye dishes. You won’t be disappointed with the restaurant’s beautifully presented dishes.
Plus, Nixtamal’s outdoor jungle setting is very trendy with unique overhead light fixtures and a heart-shaped structure made out of wood–giving off a very warm and romantic ambiance.
📍 Location: Av 5 esquina Calle 12
🕒 Hours: Daily from 3PM-10:30PM
12. Barbanegra
If you’re looking for an upscale taco experience, Barbanegra serves some of the best tacos in Bacalar. The restaurant’s gourmet tacos come at a higher price, but they’re worth it thanks to the handmade tortillas.
Menu options include standard tacos like chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, and al pastor, as well as quesadillas and other Mexican dishes. Plus, vegetarian and vegan food options are available.
With moody red lighting and bright neon signs throughout, Barbanegra restaurant definitely gives off a racy yet fun kind of vibe. And don’t forget to take advantage of the 2×1 drink special!
📍 Location: Avenida 5 y Calle 16
🕒 Hours: Daily from 9AM-11PM
13. Macario
If you’re looking for an amazing upscale dinner spot in Bacalar, Macario is definitely the place to go. The Mexican contemporary kitchen offers a unique dining experience that is perfect for those that want to enjoy a leisurely meal.
The outdoor jungle setting is really beautiful and the warm lighting creates a really cozy atmosphere. The 4-5 plates dining experience takes time so it’s best for those that are not in a rush.
Some of the standout dishes include the glazed salmon, short rib ravioli, and mushroom risotto. The craft cocktails are also tasty and refreshing–and you’ll definitely want to try the mango brulee dessert!
📍 Location: Avenida 3, Calle 0 Esquina
🕒 Hours: Daily from 5:30PM-12AM
14. La Cabañita Grill & Cantina
Open for all day dining, La Cabañita Grill & Cantina offers a delicious and slightly more upscale dining experience in Bacalar.
The tacos here are tasty, and the octopus, salmon, and catch of the day dishes are all definitely worth trying. And you can even order fresh guacamole prepared right at your table.
But one of the best things about La Cabañita is its creative food presentation and mezcal tasting. Plus, the complimentary appetizer of colored tortillas hanging on a clothespin line is a fun and unique way to start your meal.
If you’re looking for a colorful and unique dining experience in Bacalar with great service, La Cabañita is definitely worth checking out.
📍 Location: Avenida 5 entre 26 y 28
🕒 Hours: Daily from 8AM-11PM
15. Montefuego
Located close to Bacalar’s lively town square, Montefuego is an upscale dinner restaurant in Bacalar. Its great location in the center of town makes it easy to grab a bite before or after exploring all that the area has to offer.
The dinner menu at Montefuego offers generous portions with its steaks, ribeye, and Tomahawk cuts, as well as seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, shrimp, and catch of the day.
The creative cocktails are also worth trying–top off your meal with a tamarind margarita or pineapple and ginger mojito.
And you’ll want to save room for dessert too–the complimentary mini marquesitas are the best way to end your meal.
📍 Location: Calle 22 SN Entre Avenida 5 y 7
🕒 Hours: Daily from 3PM-12AM
Bacalar Best Restaurants: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Bacalar food and drink:
The most popular restaurants in Bacalar are La Playita, Mango y Chile, El Manati, and Finisterre.
Start your day in Bacalar at a breakfast restaurant like El Manati. Then hang out on the lagoon at a waterfront restaurant such as Los Aluxes. Finish the day by having dinner and drinks overlooking the lagoon at Finisterre.
No, Bacalar is not touristy. Tourism is growing in Bacalar but it is still no where near the nearby tourist towns of Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum.
Bacalar is walkable if you stay in the town center. If you choose to stay on the lagoon further away from the town center, it’s best to have a rental car to get around.
Conclusion: Best Bacalar Mexico Restaurants
Are you ready to try out some of these amazing restaurants in Bacalar Mexico? I hope this Bacalar restaurant guide was helpful in discovering the best places to eat in Bacalar.
While many Bacalar hotels offer free breakfast, be sure to venture out and check out some of these incredible restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks.
And with Bacalar being a small town, most of these restaurants will be within easy walking distance of where you’re staying.
A truly special place on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, Bacalar is one of my favorite places in all of Mexico and the food scene there does not disappoint! Provecho!
Traveling to Mexico soon?
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🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
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