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15 Best Restaurants in Bacalar for Every Meal
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Bacalar, then you’ve come to the right place!
I lived in Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen to be exact) with my family for almost a year and we made several trips to Bacalar.
When we visited Bacalar, a town in Quintana Roo four hours south of Cancun and two hours south of Tulum, our food options were really enjoyable overall.
If you’re only going to this town in the southern Yucatan Peninsula for a few days you’ll be eating out at least ten times.
Why not have each of those experiences at some of the best places to eat in Bacalar?
Travel Tip: Stay in Bacalar for three nights to see all the essentials.
Best Restaurants in Bacalar for Breakfast
When going out to eat, restaurants that cater to kids are always on our radar. Often breakfast places fit the bill, which is partly why this is our family’s favorite meal of the day.
Kids are generally less grumpy than at dinner time. Plus, breakfast is a bit more affordable than dining out for dinner. It’s the little things that make travel easier, right?
We love exploring new breakfast places both on vacation and at home, wherever that is at the time. These are our best restaurants in Bacalar, Mexico for breakfast:
1. Bakal Art Cafe
In my opinion, this is the best breakfast Bacalar has to offer. The owner/chef creates the menu based on family recipes and spent a lot of time talking to us after breakfast. The location is excellent, too.
It’s right across from the Zocalo and just a couple of short blocks from the Bacalar Lagoon. Plus, it’s located right around the corner from Fort San Felipe. All this makes it a perfect stop for breakfast before heading out on adventures for the day.
I’ve said before that chilaquiles are my favorite breakfast food, and I judge a restaurant based on the chilaquiles. Well, Bakal Art Cafe is some of the BEST chilaquiles I’ve ever had.
No, I did not get free food in exchange for saying that. The food was just seasoned to perfection, and the pickled red onions were a tasty addition I hadn’t tried before.
The espresso drinks had fancy designs on top. These were David’s favorite and are the featured picture at the top of this post. Plus, the hotcakes with multiple topping choices were Little Man’s favorite.
There was something for everyone at Bakal Art Cafe. I’m really sad we discovered this place on our last day in Bacalar, so we could only eat there once. It is exclusively outdoor seating and only has a few tables so definitely get there early.
For most families, this won’t be a problem if you have early risers as I do. By the time we left, every table was full.
2. El Manati
If you don’t know to look for El Manati, you might miss it. We walked past it twice before realizing it was a restaurant. The business is an art gallery, gift shop, and restaurant. The shop is at the entryway.
Thankfully, there is a small sign noting the hours that breakfast is served, which is how we found it. Once through the shop, the location opens to a lush garden. This is the setting for the restaurant, which is a hit with kids!
One thing all the breakfast places have in common on this list is their amazing chilaquiles. Their homemade juices are pretty tasty, too!
Families with picky eaters will enjoy having safe options like pancakes and fruit plates available, too. It’s definitely a perfect place to start a morning in Bacalar.
3. Ixchel
Of course, Ixchel has stellar chilaquiles, coffee, and pancakes. These are three breakfast items that need to be on any restaurant’s menu in order for us to put them on the best breakfast list. This Bacalar restaurant delivered!
They make the chilaquiles different than most restaurants by baking them in a clay dish. The meal is listed on the menu as the house special, “Xilaquiles Yum Kaax”.
You can even order them with half red and half green sauce for a more unique flavor!
If chilaquiles aren’t your thing, there are other traditional breakfast options, like tortas. There are also eggs with bacon and avocado toast toast as well as fancy pancakes with cookie toppings, like Oreo.
Those are Little Man’s favorites and the reason he chose this as the best restaurant in Bacalar!
4. Mango Y Chile
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy vegan restaurant for breakfast in Bacalar, Mexico, Mango Y Chile should be at the top of your list. All their food is 100% plant-based and organic, and their lagoon view is a great way to start the day.
At Mango Y Chile, you can enjoy a variety of breakfast options such as waffles, smoothie bowls, and even breakfast tacos – all made with fresh and wholesome ingredients.
But what really sets Mango Y Chile apart is its stunning location. Situated right by the lagoon, you can enjoy your meal while taking in breathtaking views of the water. It’s the perfect way to relax and start your day on a positive note.
Best Restaurants in Bacalar for Lunch
Each of these lunch places is also open for breakfast. And the breakfast places listed above are also open for lunch. We often spent lunch on the go somewhere, like the day we had lunch at Los Rapidos before trying out their natural lazy river.
The food was mediocre and overpriced, which is why it’s not on this list of best restaurants in Bacalar.
However, the three options below will definitely satisfy your cravings if you’re still in Centro at lunchtime during your stay in Bacalar.
5. Mi Burrito
This is the place to go if your kids like Chipotle! Yes, the flavors will be a bit different. However, this means they know and like tasty burritos!
One thing that makes Mi Burrito unique is that they wrap their burritos twice: once in an edible tortilla and again in a banana leaf.
This extra outer layer makes it easier to hold, especially for smaller hands. This spot is one of the closest things you’ll get to fast food in Bacalar. There are no McDonald’s or other chain places here.
It also has an excellent view! Just a five-minute walk from the Zocalo (town square) down to Avenida 1, Mi Burrito is a food truck with some picnic tables under a palapa. It overlooks Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Siete Colores in Spanish).
Since it’s on the same street as Cenote Azul, it is also a great lunch spot for families who don’t want to eat at the cenote’s restaurant.
The casual vibe is perfect for families who just need to refuel before the next activity or heading out of town at the end of their trip.
6. El Encanto Restaurant
Our hotel was half a block away from El Encanto restaurant, so this is where we ate immediately after arriving in Bacalar on our first day.
El Encanto is across from the Zocalo, right next to Bakal Art Cafe. This restaurant is larger than most we visited in Bacalar. It seems to cater to larger groups in the evenings.
However, it’s pretty quiet at lunchtime. If you don’t want to go all the way down to Mi Burrito, the burritos here are also pretty tasty. I thought it had the best tacos in Bacalar!
They also have a pretty extensive Mexican food menu of fresh seafood, fish, fajitas, pasta, fish tacos, and quesadillas (or as Little Man calls them, “flat grilled cheese”).
7. Enamora
This bakery also serves a variety of breakfast items. The real gem here, however, is the excellent sandwiches on their homemade bread.
There are even gluten free options here! They even make homemade juice in a variety of flavors. They’re good for people seeking vegan options for meals.
Because Enamora is a block off the Zocalo, it tends to be a bit quieter. Unless you know to look for it, you might never discover the tasty morsels this bakery has to offer.
8. La Playita
If you’re looking for a delicious lunch spot in Bacalar, Mexico, look no further than La Playita. This restaurant and beach club’s address is located in the neighborhood, right on the lagoon, and offers stunning views while you dine.
La Playita’s menu features a fusion of Latin cuisine with high-quality ingredients that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or something meatier, they have plenty of options to choose from.
Some people say La Playita has the best seafood in Bacalar!
But it’s not just the food that makes La Playita one of the best lunch restaurants in town. The ambiance is unbeatable, with a laid-back and friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home.
Plus, you can swim right off their dock and their team provides top-notch service that will make your dining experience unforgettable. Sometimes they even have live music!
Best Restaurants in Bacalar for Dinner
Some dinner restaurants don’t open until 5 pm. If you’re an early dining family, getting there right when they open will help you avoid crowds and wait times for tables.
Most restaurants have open-air seating, even at dinner time. This also makes them pretty wheelchair accessible since anyone can wander or roll into the main dining area through the open entryways.
9. Macario Bacalar
Macario Bacalar has been receiving rave reviews from locals and tourists alike, and it’s not hard to see why.
To start, the menu at Macario Bacalar is simply outstanding. The restaurant offers a great variety of Mexican and fusion dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.
From lobster risotto to pork belly and fish, the food is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on their tasty ice cream.
But it’s not just the food that sets Macario Bacalar apart – it’s also the atmosphere. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home.
On top of all that, the staff is friendly, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
10. El Barril Grill
This steakhouse and burger joint gets busy in the evenings. However, it was totally empty when we showed up at 5:30 pm. Since we were the only patrons, our service was excellent! Our hotel told us it serves alcohol from the local microbrewery.
Sadly, when we visited they were out of stock. So if you want to try the famous blue beer of Bacalar, you’ll have to visit their brewery. We talk more about that brewery in this post about what to do in Bacalar.
11. Bertilla & Luciana Pizzeria
While it’s technically a pizzeria, the real winner here is the pasta. It’s all made fresh right on-site! We were so hungry the first night that we forgot to take photos before we ate.
I got the gnocchi in red sauce, Little Man got pizza, and David ate a rigatoni dish with veggies and a white sauce. The pizza was Italian-style thin crust. Easy to fold and eat, as the New Yorkers do. Little Man loves this trick!
The portions were bigger than we expected, so it was way too much food. I could have easily shared pizza with Little Man. We had a lot of it leftover.
While there wasn’t a designated kids menu here, we did see a lot of families. Between pizza and the various pasta, there are a lot of kid-friendly dining options here.
12. Los de Atlixco
This restaurant was not on our radar when we first got to Bacalar. However, Little Man insisted we try it after seeing the fun cartoons drawn on the restaurant walls. The menu is pretty simple, with a mixture of Mexican and American foods.
From burritos and quesadillas to burgers and boneless wings, there are options for even the pickiest eaters. The fries that come on the side of all entrees were the best we tried in Bacalar. They were the perfect crispness for straight-cut fries.
Best Restaurants in Bacalar for Dessert
These Bacalar restaurants are exclusively limited to street food. There are other locations we tried for desserts. However, they weren’t very tasty.
We were really disappointed in the ice cream shop on the northwest corner of the Zocalo. It was cheap but all the flavors we tried were freezer burned.
So, if you don’t get dessert at your dinner restaurant then stick with these two choices for the happiest bellies.
13. Akira Ice Rolls
We first discovered rolled ice cream in 2019 when we were traveling in Malaysia. It was created in Thailand, Malaysia’s northern neighbor, and is popular throughout SE Asia.
Ice rolls are hand-made ice cream that’s laid flat on a flash-freezing surface and rolled. It’s fun to watch it made from its liquid base and crushed ingredients. Because the ice cream is so fresh, it also tastes amazing!
Typically, ice rolls are $6-$8 USD at ice roll shops in the United States. However, we got a bowl of ice rolls at Akira for just 70 pesos (~$3.50 USD)! At that price, I didn’t mind going back a couple of evenings to try new flavors.
Surprisingly, this food cart accepts credit cards. However, they do pass on the vendor fees to the customer. So I still recommend paying cash here if possible.
14. Bacalar Marquesitas & Crepes
This food cart only shows up in the evenings. Around 6 PM each night, two ladies bring the cart with all the fixings. They set up on the corner next to El Encanto, across from the Zocalo.
Marquesitas are a crepelike desert created in the Yucatan in the 1930s. They’re cooked in a press and filled with a variety of things then folded or rolled. The press makes them harden while they cool so they’re easier to hold.
Most street vendors fill their marquesitas with jam, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, caramel, candies, cookies, fruits, or cheeses.
The most popular way locals eat marquesitas is filled with Nutella and shredded Edam cheese. The savory and sweet combination sounded gross to me at first.
However, it’s incredibly addicting after a few bites! You could visit a marquesita food cart every day on a one-week vacation and never eat the same thing twice.
15. Paleteria y Heladeria la Guadalupana Bacalar
If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast spot in Bacalar, look no further than Paleteria y Heladeria la Guadalupana. This charming little spot is known for its amazing custom fruit pops, made fresh daily on-site.
Located on Calle 20 between 3 and 5 in the heart of Bacalar’s Centro neighborhood across from Fuerte San Feliope, Paleteria y Heladeria la Guadalupana is the perfect place for a cool treat after a long day of sightseeing in Bacalar.
Grab a fruit pop and head over to the fort to watch the sunset! All their fruit pops are made with only the freshest ingredients and are available in a wide variety of flavors.
FAQs for the Best Restaurants in Bacalar
Do you still have questions about the best restaurants in Bacalar? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is Bacalar worth seeing?
Yes, Bacalar is worth seeing! Located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Bacalar is a lagoon with crystal-clear waters that range in shades from light blue to green. It’s a great destination for those looking for relaxation and adventure alike.
How many days do you need in Bacalar?
Bacalar is a small, beautiful town in Mexico with lots of things to do. It can easily be explored in a single day but if you really want to get the most out of your visit, three days is better.
Is Bacalar Lagoon cold?
Bacalar Lagoon is usually quite warm, with temperatures that stay consistently in the 70s or 80s (Fahrenheit). However, January can be a bit cooler than other months.
The lagoon typically experiences temperatures in the 60s during January, so it’s not too cold but could be considered a bit chilly compared to other months.
Does Bacalar Lagoon have crocodiles?
Yes, Bacalar Lagoon does have crocodiles, but they are rarely seen by humans due to their nocturnal nature and the sheer size of the lagoon. They avoid humans whenever possible.
As a result, your chances of actually seeing a crocodile in Bacalar Lagoon are slim but still possible!
Can you swim in the lagoon Bacalar?
Yes, swimming in the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de los Siete Colores) in Bacalar is one of the most popular activities to do. Due to its shallow depth and warm waters, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even paddle boarding.
Is Bacalar walkable?
Yes, Bacalar is very walkable. Along the waterfront, there are several well-maintained pathways for both walking and biking. The town itself is also small enough to explore by foot, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach.
The streets are safe to navigate day or night, so you can feel confident when out exploring this beautiful destination.
Wrap Up: The Best Restaurants in Bacalar
Most popular restaurants in Bacalar accept credit cards. Food trucks and food cards typically do not. However, the internet can be spotty. So always have some cash on hand to pay that way just in case the card reader isn’t working.
Don’t count on restaurants having free wifi either. Some do but many don’t. This is primarily because the connection is so spotty that they need the bandwidth for accepting credit cards and other business matters.
In addition, parking at restaurants in Bacalar Centro can be difficult to find. None have dedicated free parking areas like most of the hotels Bacalar has around town.
👉 Stay in Bacalar Centro so you can walk to any restaurant!
If you’re driving from one of the Bacalar hotels outside Centro, grab a street spot as soon as you find one within a block or two of the restaurant. Then walk the rest of the way.
For a town that was off the beaten tourist path of Riviera Maya in the Yucatan, Bacalar has a very nice variety of restaurants and foods. Many of them are kid-friendly, not just the ones we’ve mentioned here.
These are just the best restaurants in Bacalar that we’ve found so far. We’ll definitely need to go back to keep testing more! Like La Cabañita Grill and Madre Masa.
If you think we’re missing one from our list, contact us to tell us about it!
