Puerto Morelos on the Riviera Maya is the perfect spot. Most people skip over it on their way to more popular spots like Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. But after spending a month soaking up the sun and exploring the area, we’ve fallen in love with Puerto Morelos. 

We’ve discovered some of the best Puerto Morelos restaurants, and I’ve put together a list of the best ones. I hope these food options help you fall in love with Puerto Morelos during your family vacation too.

Punta Corcho

If you’re after authentic flavors, this is the place to be. You’ll find it across from La Sirena, on the east side of the square. The front door might be tricky to spot since it’s tucked between street vendors. To get in, you’ll need to go up a narrow staircase, just watch out for that last step! It slopes toward you, so you might end up making an entrance like Willy Wonka if you’re not careful.

Punta Corcho Seating 

There’s plenty of seating, but the best spot is near the rooftop bar. From there, you’ll get a great ocean view and the main square, Parque Fundadores Puerto Morelos. Plus, it’s breezier up there, which is perfect for staying cool during the hottest part of the day. 

And the chairs here are some of the most comfortable in the area, which is a big deal. In Mexico, dinner can last anywhere from an hour to three, so having a comfy seat makes all the difference.

Punta Corcho Menu & Food

The menu is pretty big, with lots of fresh seafood options. I really wanted to try the lobster pizza, but I was a bit worried it might taste too unusual.

I ordered the fish fillet, which was wrapped in a Mexican pepper leaf. The dish was bursting with flavor, with just the right hint of the pepper leaf without being too strong. The salsas from the table added the perfect amount of spice I was craving.

If you’re up for a show, order the wood fired beef chuck short ribs. The chef flambés them with brandy right at your table on a hot stone. Make sure you have your camera ready! They heat up a volcanic stone in the oven and cook your meat on it. It’s an awesome experience and a memorable meal because of that.

Punta Corcho Kids Meals

Unfortunately, there isn’t a kids’ menu, so our kids had a tough time deciding what to order. They ended up getting tacos, but they weren’t too into the wood fired flavor on the grilled fish tacos. It’s one of my favorite flavors, though!

Punta Corcho Cocktails

We tried a few cocktails here, but the real standout was the Xtabentún. I asked for a shot of this special liquor, which is made in this region from melipona bee honey and anise. It’s been crafted here since the Mayan times. It tasted great, especially since I love mead and it even has medicinal purposes.

Punta Corcho Ambiance, Service & Friendliness 

Punta Corcho has a great vibe with sea creature art on a rustic wood louvered wall. The wood fired pizza oven and octopus art add a nice touch. Everything feels relaxed and not too flashy, and the seating has a cozy boho farmhouse feel.

The service was excellent and quick. The staff was so friendly that they even posed for a photo days later when I realized I forgot to snap one of the outside. They’re a fun and welcoming group, making your gourmet meal even more enjoyable.

Muelle Once 

This restaurant is located inside Hacienda Morelos on the Riviera Maya. We’ve eaten here a few times, and it never disappoints. They also offer access to a beach club, which is a nice bonus.

Muelle Once Seating 

They offer indoor, outdoor, and on the sand seating. We ate here just before Hurricane Beryl hit. The air conditioner was blasting cold air, and the beachfront seating was closed as they prepped the area for the storm.

The second time we visited, we sat on the deck. It was a pleasant experience, and after the live music from the mariachi band finished playing, we got to see a beautiful double rainbow.

Muelle Once Menu & Food

The menu here is one of the best we’ve seen in the area. It offers everything from wood fired oysters and mussels for seafood lovers to pizza and pasta. The burgers, like everything else we ordered, were made with fresh ingredients.

Muelle Once Cocktails

The cocktail menu is extensive and offers a wide variety , with options spanning three pages. I ordered the Sierra Negra, and Amanda got the Mai Tai. Both drinks were packed with flavor and made with real fruit juices, not syrupy flavorings.

Muelle Once Ambiance, Service & Friendliness 

Muelle Ounce is a family friendly spot, and on our second visit, it was packed with large families enjoying the outdoor beach seating. The vibe was relaxed, with everyone celebrating life and even a birthday.

They play music for guests through a sound system, but being right on the beach means traveling musicians often stop by to play a few tunes for tips. That’s how we ended up with front row seats to a mariachi band concert.

El Merkadito

El Merkadito means “the market” in Spanish. Despite its slightly lower rating on Google Maps, the food here is really good. We’ve been a few times, and it’s definitely one of our top places to eat.

El Merkadito Seating 

You can choose to sit on the beach or in the elevated pier area. The restaurant has a rustic boat and beach vibe, and the seafood menu is extensive. For the best ocean view, I recommend staying in the main restaurant area, it’s the best place to see the blue water. Just a heads up: some of the chairs are a bit small; I felt like I was sitting in a kid’s table on our first visit.

Sitting on the beach beneath the palm trees at El Merkadito feels like stepping into a tropical paradise. You can relax in boats that have been converted into seating and lounging areas.

El Merkadito Menu & Food

The first dishes we tried were fantastic. The ceviche maza was delicious, especially with the perfectly cooked octopus, and the salad with strawberries was amazing. For dessert, the Nutella crepe was really filling, topped with strawberries and ice cream.

They definitely have delicious food here. If you want to try a more traditional Mexican food item, you have to order the “tacos de canasta”. These basket tacos will take your dining experience to the next level.

El Merkadito Cocktails

The drinks here are both beautiful and perfectly balanced, neither too sweet nor too strong. We especially love the red wine punch and the big margaritas.

El Merkadito Ambiance, Service & Friendliness

The seating area elevated from the beach has fans throughout, including under the palapa roof and by the oyster bar.

After sunset, the atmosphere became much more relaxed as the beachgoers left. The staff transformed El Merkadito into a dimly lit tropical beach seafood stand. It had a cool seafood restaurant vibe with music and industrial cage lights after dark.

The Burger Underground 

I’m a die hard fan of Mexican cuisine, but my kids love burgers. This little burger spot is on Javier Rojo Gomez, right across from El Pirata. Note that this street is usually closed in the late afternoon, starting around 3 or 4 o’clock.

The Burger Underground Seating 

Most of the seating at The Burger Underground is outside on the street, creating a fun atmosphere. The picnic table setup gives it a block party vibe, perfect for enjoying the afternoon and mingling with others.

The Burger Underground Menu & Food

The menu is available in both English and Spanish. It offers a variety of burgers, including ground beef patties, chicken, and a vegan option. They also have chicken wings with five different flavors.

The burger I ordered, topped with a soft egg yolk and bacon, was messy but delicious. The beef didn’t have the gamey taste you sometimes get in Mexico. I’d rate the burgers 3.75 out of 5 stars. There’s room for improvement, but it will definitely satisfy your craving.

The girls thought the French fries tasted like they were cooked in oil used for fish. We ordered the Ajo Parmesano fries, but I didn’t notice the fishy taste. The garlic fries might have had truffle oil, which could explain the unique flavor.

The Burger Underground Cocktails

Unfortunately, they don’t serve any alcoholic beverages. However, they do offer a homemade limonada that’s both good and refreshing. They also serve Coca Cola sodas and bottled water.

The Burger Underground Ambiance, Service & Friendliness 

When we arrived at the burger place, we asked the guy behind the counter if they were open. He rolled his eyes, which was a bit off putting. Although it seemed like a rhetorical question, sometimes places aren’t quite open yet. Unfortunately, this set a somewhat negative tone for the rest of our meal.

The waitress was friendly and helped us in a mix of Spanish and English. This is a great place to enjoy a cheeseburger and a basket of fries while taking in the street view from a picnic table.

El Charro 

This restaurant isn’t on the beach but is located just a few steps from Al Chimichurri in this small town. We were drawn to El Charro because they serve Mexican classics like Chiles en Nogada and arrachera tacos year round.

El Charro Seating 

Since it was the hottest part of the season, it was pretty warm the day we visited. We chose to sit on the sidewalk to catch the breeze. I didn’t notice any fans inside, so if you prefer to sit indoors, it might be a bit warm.

El Charro Menu & Food

The theme here is Mexican food, and it’s pretty good. I’ve been searching for Chiles en Nogada for a while but usually miss the September season in Mexico. It was a treat to find it here, served year round. The flavor profile is unique, sweet, nutty, and earthy with the poblano flavor. It’s unlike anything I’ve tried in Asia or Europe. You definitely have to try this national dish.

Our kids love birria and birria tacos. The tacos were packed with meat, but they weren’t as tender as we’ve had at other places in Mexico, perhaps they got a few tougher cuts of meat. Despite that, the kids had no trouble eating them and finished off the meat stew.

El Charro Cocktails

I ordered a Michelada, and Amanda got a sangria. The sangria wasn’t as tasty as what we’re used to in America, but Amanda doesn’t like two tone sangria anyway. It was prepared correctly for Mexico, though it was a bit of a surprise. On the bright side, the bartender made the mojito perfectly, and they had a full bar.

El Charro Ambiance, Service & Friendliness

The staff was really friendly and provided fast service. We were a bit early for dinner, so there was only one other table besides ours. The cityscape art accent wall and the festive flags overhead added a nice touch to the atmosphere.

Lola y Moya 

This is one of the few places in the area that offers breakfast. While there are many coffee shops, Lola y Moya is the only one of its kind in Quintana Roo.

Lola y Moya Seating 

They offer both inside and outside seating. The outdoor area has a shaded courtyard vibe with a colorful fountain. Inside, there’s a large, vibrant mural of a deer and coyote head. We chose to sit indoors, where there were plenty of fans to keep you cool.

Lola y Moya Menu & Food

The menu is quite extensive for a place that only serves breakfast and lunch, which is a big plus for morning and midday meals. With a wide range of options and several awards to their name, they truly have something for everyone.

My favorite dish here is the enmoladas, where they wrap chicken in a corn tortilla and cover it with mole sauce. If you’ve never tried this dish, I highly recommend it, especially here. I also had a hard time choosing because huevos rancheros is another favorite of mine. You really can’t go wrong with either dish.

The Chilaquiles verdes came with plenty of sauce and chicken. If you’re really hungry, this dish is a great choice. They offer a kids’ menu, they ask about food allergies and can provide vegetarian or vegan options. 

Lola y Moya Coffee 

At Lola y Moya, you can enjoy some local coffee in the morning. We tried a special coffee drink called banana coffee, which is a fusion of coffee and a banana smoothie. It was a unique and tasty twist on your usual coffee.

Lola y Moya Ambiance, Service & Friendliness

The staff was friendly and most spoke both languages. We accidentally left a bag behind, and they ran out to return it to us before we even got to our car, which was quite a distance away. Definitely come here for a great brunch ambiance, friendly service, and that comforting “grandma’s kitchen” flavor.

Blue Morelos

They’ve got a great “vibe,” as the cool kids say. It’s the perfect spot for lunch, especially after visiting a cenote when you’re craving some quick and flavorful tacos.

Blue Morelos Seating 

Inside, they have limited seating with air conditioning for just four tables, plus about four tables on the sidewalk. It’s a small spot, but definitely worth the wait if all the tables are taken. Plus, sitting outside lets you enjoy the cool artwork of a gator and other animals painted on the wall.

Blue Morelos Menu & Food

I’m not even sure where to start with the food because everything was bursting with flavor. The Aventon tacos, for instance, had a surprising combination of meat and mustard that made them taste like German sausages. It’s an unusual mix, but it’s my favorite taco on the menu.

Other tacos we recommend are the Fajita and Sweet Revenge. The guacamole is packed with red onion, and if you like a kick of spice, definitely add their green sauce, it’s really spicy!

Blue Morelos Cocktails

We arrived during happy hour, which was a pleasant surprise. I ordered a Michelada with Dos Equis, served ice cold in a glass mug. The margarita was just as refreshing as the ones from our favorite bartenders at the pool bar at Hotel Indigo. The paloma and mojito were also light, refreshing, and spot on.  

Blue Morelos Ambiance, Service & Friendliness

The guys had a great vibe when we walked in, with the music turned up and an EDM playlist setting the mood. They were excited to help us find the best tacos on the menu and even reminded us to order our last free drink, which we had forgotten.

Stop by for some unique taco flavors and enjoy the lively music for lunch or dinner. It’s definitely a solid spot in our book.

Boquinete Seafood and Grill 

Tucked right across the street from Punta Corcho and just steps from Chedraui and Fundadores Park, Boquinete Seafood and Grill might not stand out at first glance, but don’t let that fool you. If you’re into seafood, this place is a hidden gem with a memorable menu and exceptional culinary experience.

Boquinete Seafood and Grill Seating 

Like many places in Mexico, Boquinete features a breezy palapa roof that gives it that laid-back, beachy vibe. You can sit in the main dining area or right on the sand. We asked for a table with a beach view but opted to skip sandy feet that day. They’re super flexible and can easily accommodate larger groups by rearranging tables.

Boquinete Seafood and Grill Menu & Food 

They serve up seafood dishes you don’t see every day. I ordered the soft shell blue crabs that are deep-fried, flavorful, and absolutely delicious for your taste buds. We also tried fish and ribeye tacos, plus a shrimp taco loaded with cheese, bacon, and poblano pepper, all on soft corn tortillas providing a culinary delight. Everything had the freshest ingredients and was packed with flavor.

Boquinete Seafood and Grill Cocktails

Let’s talk drinks. They serve one of the smoothest mezcals we’ve found in this coastal town: El Macho Silvestre. It’s smoky, mellow, and has quickly become our favorite. The mezcalitas were perfect, smooth, flavorful, and easy to enjoy while gazing out at the ocean.

Boquinete Seafood and Grill Ambiance, Service & Friendliness 

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the owner with a warm welcome and told to sit wherever we’d like as this was our first time here. Our waiter was attentive, and the whole experience just felt relaxed and genuine. Even though we didn’t bring the kids this time, it would’ve been a great family meal, too.

Ten of Puerto Morelos

If you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, and empanadas, this place is a great choice for delivery. They offer delivery with a fee of 100 pesos to the hotel zone. Plus, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can enjoy a two for one deal on beer when dining at the restaurant. They have their own delivery driver, so you won’t need to use apps like Tomato or Uber Eats.

Ten of Puerto Morelos Menu & Food

We decided to try a bit of everything and ordered a variety of dishes. The shop offers a selection of 4 piece empanadas, and I went with the blue cheese and ham and cheese options. They were some of the best empanadas I’ve had in a long time. They were a little dry on the first bite but quickly turned into delicious finger foods.

The Arriabiata with two rolls was bursting with flavor and topped with nicely melted mozzarella cheese. The pepperoni pizza wasn’t my favorite, but the kids enjoyed it. However, the Margherita pizza was fantastic, loaded with tomatoes, cheese, and a generous amount of basil. The crust was crisp and thin, highly recommend it if you’re a pizza fan.

Ten of Puerto Morelos Dessert (Postre)

We tried three desserts: strawberry cheesecake, Oreo cheesecake, and tiramisu. I’m not a fan of strawberry, but I have to admit the strawberry cheesecake was surprisingly good. It tasted fresh, wasn’t too cheesy, and the graham cracker crust was delightful.

The Oreo cheesecake was my favorite. The combination of Oreos and cheesecake was perfect, though a bit more chocolate sauce on top would have made it even better. As for the tiramisu, it didn’t quite hit the mark. It was a bit dry and looked different from what we’ve had around the world, maybe due to the style or difficulty finding ladyfingers in Mexico.

Should I Eat At The Best Puerto Morelos Restaurants With My Family?

We’ve taken the kids to all of these restaurants. Some are more kid friendly, offering kids’ meals and simpler options, while others cater more to adult tastes. If your kids are adventurous eaters, definitely check out Punta Corcho. Otherwise, save it for a date night. 

All the other restaurants are more accommodating to kids’ tastes, but El Merkadito is the perfect spot. On weekends, you’ll find many families enjoying the beach and soaking up the sun, which makes it easy for your little ones to make friends and stay entertained.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite place to eat in Puerto Morelos.