The Bacalar food scene has a ton of options, especially around the main square. Some of the best Bacalar restaurants to check out are Ruda and Punta Corcho Bacalar, both close to the square. Since Bacalar is a hot spot for European solo travelers and backpacking couples, I’ve put together a list of some of the best family-friendly places to eat below.

Mango y Chile

Be sure to stop here before heading to explore the Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar it’s right next door! Mango y Chile offers a variety of vegan options, like vegan burgers and more.

They offer a variety of drinks, including different types of coffee like mochas and lattes. The fresh smoothies were some of the best we’ve had! Since mango season was almost over, the girls made sure to get their mango smoothie fix before it’s gone.

With the best lagoon view and delicious vegan food, this is definitely one of the best vegan restaurants in Bacalar. Make sure to check out the old Spanish cannon and live out your pirate dreams, or dance under the colorful Mexican fiesta flags while you’re here. And if you want to read more about Mango y Chile click here.

La Playita

We were recommended this restaurant during check-in at Casa Hormiga (full review here), and it didn’t disappoint! It’s one of the most popular restaurants in the area, right on the water. You can even go for a swim, and don’t forget to take the kids to the dock to see the fish!

They have super friendly staff, and the jungle-like atmosphere makes this lagoon-front spot even better. Since we visited during rainy season, they burned herbs in small buckets to keep the mosquitoes away. They also have one of the few ATMs around, but no worries, they accept credit cards if that’s how you prefer to pay.

We tried a few items from their large menu. The drinks were awesome, especially with the fresh guacamole on the side. The spicy margaritas definitely packed a punch! We ordered two burgers and a flatbread pizza. Overall, the food was solid, and it’s the perfect spot to relax by the lake while enjoying a meal.

Ruda

Ruda is just down the street from La Playita and has a cozy, quaint cafe vibe. The atmosphere is lovely, and the dining experience is unique. They offer a variety of delicious dishes on a small, rotating menu that keeps things fresh.

We’ve noticed that restaurants with rotating menus make it to our “great restaurant” list, and Ruda is no exception. It’s the perfect place to try something new that you might not find elsewhere, like their turmeric and coconut milk curry. They also offer vegetarian options  alongside options for meat lovers.

La Burguesia de Pueblo 

We have a teen who loves hamburgers, or “hamburguesas” as they say in Spanish. Being on the road for several months can be challenging, and every once in a while, we all crave a good burger, especially her!

Burgers can be hit or miss here in Mexico due to the type of beef available. However, during our three-week stay in Bacalar, this place quickly became one of our favorites places. I’d say it’s the ideal place for a tasty burger and french fries in the area!

If burgers aren’t your thing during your visit, they have plenty of tasty Mexican classics on their large menu. You can choose from burritos, tacos, and cuts of steak like arrachera.

La Trattoria Del ‘46

This restaurant quickly became a family favorite after we ordered delivery to the hotel, craving some international cuisine. It was the right place for pasta, and the pizza was pretty good, too. With takeout, you never really know what to expect, but it made our list of the best Bacalar restaurants after we dined in one night.

We ordered the pesto pasta and some pizzas for delivery and were shocked at how good it was. When we dined in another night, we decided to go all out. The polpettone and short ribs were fantastic options, bursting with flavor! Put this on your short list if you are going to visit the area, its a great spot to get your pasta fix. 

Beach Club Blu

The Beach Club Blu offers an amazing view of the Bacalar Lagoon and is located just past Cenote Azul. I know what you’re thinking: it’s a beach club, so the food might not be that great because they have a lagoon view. 

The ice-cold beers paired with their burritos, which rival those from Mi Burrito Bacalar, will definitely lift your spirits and keep you coming back. Even if they didn’t have the stunning view of the lagoon of seven colors, I’d still come here just for the burrito and the fish and chips! Yes, the food is that good!

They have a giant chessboard and a dock where you can stroll and enjoy the afternoon by the lagoon. We had a relaxing day here, soaking up the fresh fruit smoothies, food, and fresh air. Our full review can be found here.

Los Rapidos De Bacalar 

Los Rápidos is the perfect spot to eat, drink, and float down the river among the living stromatolites. It’s the most stunning location we have ever visited. However, the food here is a 3 out of 5 stars but the the drinks are pretty good!

The experience was truly awesome if you plan to spend most of the day there. The vibe is laid-back and relaxed, with families and tourists just enjoying the river. It costs about 200 pesos for adults to get in, and lockers are available for 100 pesos upfront (you’ll get back 50 pesos when you return the locker key).

Los Rápidos is located outside of town, closer to Xul-Ha, and about an 18-minute drive from downtown Bacalar. Once you and your family see the water and this unique spot on the lake, you’ll know it’s worth the trip and if you want to read more click here.

Kinal the Khaban Bacalar Hotel Restaurant 

This boutique hotel has a well-deserved restaurant that’s open all day, offering a delicious breakfast menu in the morning. They serve up classics like chilaquiles, pancakes, and French toast.

After breakfast, they serve specialty-crafted cocktails and even deliver them to the open-air gazebo, where you can enjoy some of the most peaceful views of Bacalar Lagoon. My favorite dinner item here was the classic Mexican fish tacos. The chef offers a “hippie-chic” fine dining experience that’s truly unique. Our full review can be found here.

Punta Corcho Bacalar 

Punta Corcho in Puerto Morelos was our favorite restaurant in that area, so we had to check out the second location here in Bacalar. If you’re headed to Puerto Morelos, don’t miss our guide to the best places to eat, check it out here. The open kitchen design is a nice touch, watching all the action lets you really appreciate the chef’s craft and passion for food. You can feel the love in every meal.

We ordered a variety of dishes, and they have the best tacos in the area. Both locations are fantastic, and the food is outstanding at each. You won’t be disappointed no matter which one you visit! They also have live music, adding to the great atmosphere.

La Casa De Lauu

We stumbled upon this cute little café, perfect for breakfast. After taking some morning photos, we stopped by as a couple, ready for some traditional Mexican cuisine.

The food was flavorful, though the portion sizes could’ve been a bit bigger. If they improved their service speed and friendliness, this place could easily become a top spot. They do have a high rating on Google Maps, and we visited during a busy time, which might explain the slower service. Give them a try and see what you think—they definitely have potential!

Ajal Restaurante Bacalar 

Ajal gave off the same vibe as Matcha Mama in Tulum when we first walked by. The first time we visited, we snapped some cute photos of the girls on the swings since we had just eaten breakfast and I’d already had too much coffee. 

On our second visit, the fresh guacamole was overly sour, too much lime. I ended up with mild food poisoning, and after that, I noticed the place wasn’t as busy as other spots we visited.

Overall, the service and food were a 3-star experience, even without the food poisoning. The burrito, cheeseburger, and other red meat dishes were on the tough side. Based on our experience, we wouldn’t recommend it for the food, but it’s a solid spot for drinks and photo ops.

Is Your Family Ready To Enjoy Some Of The Best Bacalar Restaurants?

Bacalar may be a small town, but it’s the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy life. Word has it that some restaurant owners from Tulum and Puerto Morelos have brought their culinary talents here, opening new spots or expanding with a second location. One thing’s for sure, you’re in for a great dining experience in Bacalar!