Please wait..
Please wait..
Discover the hidden beauty of Cozumel
We offer the best Mexican and seafood in Cozumel. Our beautiful Mexican-style gardens and cozy atmosphere guarantee that you will have the best culinary experience available in Cozumel. We are so confident that you will love our restaurant, that we offer guarantee: "if you don't like it, you don't pay it." Come to Casa Mission during your visit to Cozumel. You will always be welcome to our home. Please note that though we share property with the Free Tequila Tour company and sometimes they add the "Casa Mission" brand to it, WE ARE NOT THE SAME COMPANY and CASA MISSION IS NOT RELATED TO THE TEQUILA
Ix Kool Restaurant in Cozumel is celebrated by travelers for its authentic and flavorful Mayan cuisine, with some highlighting the engaging cooking classes offered. The service earns high marks for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, further enhancing the dining experience. While many find the atmosphere inviting, a few caution it may feel cold or cafeteria-like. The hidden location is often described as a gem. Making reservations is advised due to busy wait times, yet service remains efficient. Overall, the restaurant provides exceptional value.
Cozumel restaurant established in 1978, Yvonne's daily Specials of fresh fish, seafood platters and meats are well known to locals and tourists alike.
On the island of Cozumel, both tequila and chocolate tasting tours are popular and offer a fun, educational look into Mexico's rich culinary traditions. They are great for travelers who want a hands-on experience that goes beyond a simple tasting. Tequila Tasting Tours š„ These tours are much more than just a chance to drink. They provide a guided tasting that is both informative and enjoyable. The experience is designed to teach you how to properly taste and appreciate tequila, similar to how you would with fine wine. Artisanal Production: Tours often highlight the entire "bean-to-bottle" process, from the harvesting of the blue agave plant to the fermentation, distillation, and aging of the tequila. You'll learn about the different types of tequilaāblanco, reposado, and aƱejoāand what makes each one unique. Educational Aspect: Guides, often referred to as "tequila connoisseurs," explain the history of the spirit and its cultural significance in Mexico. They teach you to identify different flavors and aromas and to differentiate between high-quality spirits. Some tours even include a lesson on how to make an authentic Mexican margarita. Tour Combos: Many tequila tasting tours in Cozumel are combined with other activities, making them a full-day excursion. You can find tours that include a visit to a Mayan village, a beach break, a food tour with taco tastings, or even a snorkeling trip. Chocolate Tasting Tours š« Mexican chocolate has a history that dates back thousands of years to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, who considered cacao a sacred food. These tours are an immersive journey into that history and the art of chocolate-making. Artisanal Production: The focus is on the traditional, artisanal "bean-to-bar" process. You'll learn about the cacao plant, how the beans are roasted and ground, and the ancient tools used for preparation. A highlight for many is the opportunity to grind your own cacao beans and create your own chocolate bar or a traditional hot cocoa drink. Educational Aspect: Tours often take place at a dedicated "cacao company" or chocolate factory, where expert guides detail the cultural and religious importance of chocolate in pre-Hispanic Mexico. You'll discover how the Mayans used cacao not just as a food but as a form of currency and a ceremonial ingredient. The tasting portion often includes sampling a variety of chocolates with different flavors and spices. Tour Combos: Like the tequila tours, chocolate workshops are often part of a larger excursion that might include a sightseeing trip around the island, a visit to a Mayan village, or a wine pairing.
In Cozumel, local seafood dining is a quintessential experience, offering a chance to enjoy incredibly fresh catches, from fish to Caribbean lobster, often in a stunning oceanfront setting. Here's what you can expect from this activity: The Atmosphere Many of Cozumel's best seafood restaurants are located right on the water, providing a relaxing and scenic backdrop. You can find everything from casual, rustic beach clubs with toes-in-the-sand dining to more upscale spots with elegant terraces for sunset dinners. The sound of the waves and a gentle sea breeze are often part of the experience, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Local Specialties to Try Ceviche: This is a must-try. Cozumel is famous for its fresh ceviche, a dish of raw fish or seafood cured in citrus juices, typically mixed with finely diced onion, cilantro, and tomato. Many restaurants, including local favorites like Pescaderia San Carlos and Buccanos, are celebrated for their take on this dish. Some places even offer unique versions, such as lionfish ceviche, as a way to help manage the invasive species. Fresh Fish: The daily catch is a staple on many menus. You can often choose your fish directly from a display before it's grilled, fried, or prepared to your liking. Popular local fish include mahi-mahi (dorado) and snapper. Caribbean Lobster: This is a major highlight of the local seafood scene. Restaurants like The Original Lobster House (La CabaƱa del Pescador Grill) and La Conchita del Caribe are known for serving up fresh, sweet Caribbean lobster, often grilled or with garlic butter. It's important to note that lobster has a specific season, so availability can vary. Where to Dine While there are many options, some of the most well-regarded oceanfront and local spots for seafood include: Buccanos at Night: Known for its gourmet dining experience with fantastic ocean views, transforming from a daytime beach club into an elegant restaurant. Alberto's Beach Bar Restaurant: A great choice for a casual, laid-back meal right on the beach, serving classic seafood dishes and lobster. Bajau Cozumel: This waterfront restaurant offers a modern twist on seafood with Caribbean and Asian fusion flavors, and a beautiful view of the Malecon. Pescaderia San Carlos: While not directly on the water, this is a beloved local spot praised for its authentic and delicious fried fish and ceviche. Whether you're looking for a romantic sunset meal or a casual lunch with your feet in the sand, Cozumel's local seafood scene provides an authentic and delicious taste of the island's culinary culture
Cozumel, being a part of the YucatƔn Peninsula, offers a rich and distinctive style of Mexican cuisine that is heavily influenced by Mayan traditions. The flavors are a unique blend of ingredients, often featuring sour orange juice, and a variety of chiles and spices. Here's a breakdown of the authentic dishes you mentioned and what to expect when you find them in Cozumel: Cochinita Pibil This is arguably the most celebrated dish of Yucatecan cuisine. It's a luscious and tender slow-roasted pork. The pork is marinated in a mixture of sour orange juice and an achiote-based spice paste (recado). It's then traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in a pit oven (pib, which gives the dish its name) for many hours, often overnight. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful meat that is usually served in tacos or on a soft French bread roll (torta). It is almost always accompanied by a garnish of pickled red onions and fiery habanero chiles. You will often find this dish served as a popular Sunday morning breakfast or lunch item. Tacos al Pastor While Tacos al Pastor have their roots in central Mexico, they are a beloved and readily available staple in Cozumel. The preparation is a spectacle in itself: marinated pork is stacked on a vertical spit (trompo) and cooked slowly as it rotates. Thin shavings are then sliced off directly onto a tortilla. The marinade typically includes guajillo chiles and achiote, which gives the meat its characteristic red color and earthy flavor. A slice of pineapple is often placed on top of the spit, and a piece is cut off to add a touch of sweet and tangy contrast to the savory pork. It's typically topped with chopped onions and cilantro. Mole Mole is a complex and rich sauce, not a single dish, with hundreds of variations across Mexico. The most famous is Mole Poblano, which is known for its intricate blend of dozens of ingredients, including various chiles, spices, nuts, seeds, and a small amount of dark chocolate. The process of making mole is incredibly labor-intensive, often taking hours or even days, which is why it's traditionally reserved for special occasions and celebrations. While not as dominant as Yucatecan dishes, you can find restaurants in Cozumel that serve authentic mole, often with chicken or turkey. If you encounter a mole dish, it's a testament to the chef's dedication to traditional Mexican cuisine. Other Yucatecan Specialties to look for in Cozumel: Sopa de Lima: A refreshing and tangy lime soup made with rich chicken broth, shredded chicken, and served with fried tortilla strips. Poc Chuc: Slices of tender pork marinated in sour orange juice and spices, served with a zingy sauce and pickled onions. Salbutes & Panuchos: These are small, fried, puffy corn tortillas. Salbutes are topped with various ingredients like shredded chicken, while Panuchos are stuffed with black beans before being fried and topped with similar ingredients. Tikin-Xic: A local fish specialty where fish (often grouper or snapper) is marinated in achiote and sour orange juice, then baked in banana leaves. When searching for authentic food in Cozumel, it's often recommended to seek out "local" or "hole-in-the-wall" spots away from the main tourist areas. Look for places where the locals are eating, as this is often the best indicator of a truly authentic and delicious meal.
Cozumel offers a variety of rooftop bars and lounges where you can enjoy a relaxed evening with cocktails and spectacular views, particularly of the Caribbean sunset. While many of the popular spots are at sea level, there are some great options for elevated views. Here are some of the notable rooftop bars and lounges in Cozumel: Sky Lounge at The Westin Cozumel: Located on the 17th floor, this is one of the highest rooftop bars on the island. It offers unbeatable views and a happy hour, along with an infinity pool. This is a great choice for those looking for a sophisticated and high-end experience. Secrets Aura Cozumel: This resort has a "Sky Bar & Sushi" rooftop restaurant and bar, perfect for enjoying a cocktail and watching the beautiful Cozumel sunset with an ocean view. SERENO COZUMEL ā Roof Bar & Restaurant: This establishment, run by Chef Jonathan YnsensĆ©, offers a rooftop bar and restaurant experience. Yaama Bar and Grill: Located in downtown Cozumel, Yaama is known for its multi-level design, with the third floor offering a breathtaking rooftop view. Other options with elevated views: 987 Cocina and Cocktails: This newer spot is located upstairs and features live music and ocean views. La International Cerveceria: This bar has an upstairs, outdoor terrace with an unobstructed ocean view and a wide selection of international beers. TikiTok-M24: This place has a second story with dancing and an ocean view. The Money Bar: While not strictly a "rooftop," The Money Bar has a terrace called "The Miramar Terrace," which is a romantic spot to watch the sunset. Tips for enjoying Cozumel's rooftop bars and lounges: Sunset is prime time: The west side of the island is the best place to catch the sunset over the water, so look for a bar on that side. Check dress codes: Some resort bars may have a dress code, so it's best to check beforehand, especially if you're not a guest. Go beyond the roof: While rooftop bars are great, Cozumel is also famous for its beachfront bars, which offer a similar relaxed vibe and amazing sunset views from a different perspective. Many of these, like The Money Bar and Sunset Cozumel, are just as popular for an evening drink.
