Isla Holbox is an island paradise. You might spend a day out on the water snorkelling with whale sharks or take an island tour here or there but really, you’re here to lie on the beach, swim and relax. The hardest decisions you’ll make each day is what and where to eat for each meal and have we got you sorted in that department! Here are our picks of Isla Holbox’s best restaurants…
Disclaimer: Chasing a Plate’s meal at El Sabor de las Nubes was complimentary. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting our blog by using these links.
Where to eat on Isla Holbox
1. El Sabor de las Nubes
Paseo Kuka s/n, Esq. Calle Camaron, Playa Norte. Isla Holbox
If you’re after somewhere a little bit special then El Sabor de las Nubes is the place. We suggest you visit for sunset cocktails and dinner as they have a spectacular terrace which looks right out over the water. Their tamarind margaritas are our drink of choice for an aperitif after which you can select a Mexican wine to sample.
What we love about the food at El Sabor de la Nubes is that the kitchen champions both Mexican flavours whilst using the freshest produce they can get their hands on. You would be wise to opt for seafood- their pescadilla- a fried tortilla stuffed with minced fish is addictive and if it’s on the menu, their fish filet covered in a relleno negro sauce (a black sauce made from the toasting of chiles) is Isla Holbox on a plate. The service is attentive and friendly and they’ve got all the little details nailed- like providing bug spray when the mosquitos make an appearance. Definitely worth a visit!
2. Raices Beach Club
After a morning of sunbathing and swimming, nothing says island life like having your feet in the sand whilst you drink beer and tuck into some fresh seafood. Raices Beach Club is located smack bang in the middle of the beach and if they do one thing well it’s fish.
Their ceviche is spectacular- served with a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips or totopos- the generous plate of fish, red onion and tomato is zingy, spicy and SO tasty. Their whole pescado frito or whole fried fish is served with rice and salad and is beautifully cooked- crunchy skin and tender flesh. They’re a self proclaimed slow food eatery so don’t be in any hurry when dining here. Just lean back, order another beer and take it all in.
Where to eat on Isla Holbox: Fresh ceviche de pescado at Raices Beach Club
3. La Chilanguita
Calle Palomino s/n | Holbox
You’ll notice that compared to other parts of Mexico, the prices on Isla Holbox are a little higher. If you’re after a cheap meal then La Chilanguita should be on your list. At breakfast they serve favourites such as chilaquiles and huevos rancheros and then come late lunch/dinner they do a range of pambazos (a type of sandwich), tostadas, sopes and other antojitos (small snacks). It’s good, cheap food and the staff are really friendly.
Where to eat on Isla Holbox: pambazo at La Chilanguita
4. Marquesitas from the street cart in the square in the evenings
If you’re after dessert, the marquesita vendor in town square whips up a paper thin crepe cooked over a cast iron crepe press that sits directly on top of the flame. Traditionally a marquesita is filled with grated Edam cheese and a sweet filling of your choice. We recommend Nutella and Edam- the sweet and savoury combination is killer.
Where to eat on Isla Holbox: marquesitas for dessert
5. If you’re wondering about that lobster pizza…
We sampled Isla Holbox’s famous lobster pizza from the restaurant that first invented it: Restaurant Edelyn. We were spectacularly disappointed. The pizza base was a generic, biscuit-y base and that thing was dry! If you’re after pizza we suggest you dine at El Hornito Argento which is on the other side of the square. Whilst we didn’t try their lobster pizza we sampled their Margherita and Hawaiian- their bases were super thin, the pizza was cooked in a pizza oven and the toppings were generous and of excellent quality.
Travel Insurance
No matter where you’re travelling to we always recommend you have travel insurance. We use and love World Nomads. The great thing about them is that you can purchase travel insurance while you’re already travelling!
We hope this Isla Holbox guide has helped you eat and explore like a traveller, not a tourist!
Spending more time in Mexico? Check out our Oaxaca Travel Guide and Mexico City Travel Guide
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4 comments
Years ago I had a brief trip to Mexico and fell in love with their street food, though I was not fortunate enough to see this side of Mexico. Maybe some day in the future I will get to though.
Hi Chris, thanks so much for checking out out post! We absolutely adored the street food in Mexico- just the food in general was amazing! We loved Holbox so much- the seafood was just incredible. You must put it on your travel bucket list! Cheers, Sheena
This looks like a great list! I’m going at the end of the month and can’t wait to check out some of these places! I am curious about what is “safe” for Americans to eat…if you know what I mean! Did you have to stay away from raw fresh produce?
Hi Angela, thanks for checking out our post! You are going to fall in love with Isla Holbox- it’s simply magical. We didn’t have any problems when we were there- we ate loads of ceviche, fresh fish and fresh produce (in tacos, salads etc). Just make sure if you’re eating fresh fruit to wash it before eating. We always carry activated charcoal tablets whenever we travel- they work wonders for upset tummies and can be picked up at chemists very easily. Have an amazing trip! Cheers, Thomas & Sheena
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