At the north end of the island there are scores of restaurants of all types, from very local to large, sit down restaurants. If it's local flavor you're looking for, this is the place, and everything's within walking distance. Getting sick is something of an individual matter: I've yet to get sick anywhere in Mexico. I never avoid eating salads in restaurants and I wouldn't hesitate to eat something sold by a street vendor, provided he and his operation looked superficially clean. Still, if someone handling the food has something, like giardia, you run a risk you can't entirely avoid, unless you stay home, and who wants to do that!
isla mujeres a must to visit. asked all the questions you are asking and after visiting the island a few times once visited the dolpin place saw the bottle house ate around the island and wow best experience we ever had we felt very stupid for some of the questions we asked. we also ate in jax a few times and a few buckets of beer and two tables put together to hold all the local tapas for under 40us dollars for the 4 of us was amazing and after eating got to say never felt better nourished in my whole life these local people are truly amazing and fantastically friendly really hope to visit and stay on the island the next time and due to the beauty of the island sands and scenery a topless person can easily go unnoticed, and I kid you not.
If you go back a few blocks there is a group of local style eateries...across the street from Hotel Las Palmas on Av. Guerrero. They have local fare and are inexpensive....just be careful of the side sauces :icon_eek:
I love me some Isla Mujeres, Playa Norte, Buho's (i've tried to drink all their cold beer but they keep replenishing their stock). Been hungover but never sick. . .wait. . .what? Anyway, get a fruit plate at Buho's. Try a marquesita from a street vendor. drink plenty of micheladas. we'll be there in less than two weeks for trip two this year.
I forgot what I was going to point out. We've been going to Playa Norte at least twice a year since '01 (with the exception of October of '05) and I've noticed there doesn't seem to be as many topless these days as there were a few years back. It's still done on Playa Norte, especially over closer to Buho's which is sorta on the northern end of the beach. (would "northern end of Playa Norte be redundant??)
My Isla restaurant recs are: Seafood: Justicia Social!!!!! My favorite restaurant on the Island. Sometimes we cross to Isla only to eat here. GREAT conch ceviche, Whole fried fish, lobster, Garlic shrimp, EVERYTHING. It is on the main road but on the opposite side of the ferry. If you get off the ferry, turn right and it is right past the parking lot for Ultramar. Take Out: LA MEXICANA!!!! A whole achiote rotisserie chicken with rice, beans, tortilla, onions, peppers, and salsa for $80 pesos. It is seriously delish. They also have a restaurant downtown for lunch (they close at 5) a couple of store fronts down from Faynes. The hotel will have their number but just in case, 9988771161. Italian: Rolandis Downtown for pasta, pizza, soups, and carpacio. The place on the corner by the Argentinean place is also very tasty. They have homemade tortellini. American: Jax has great burgers and typical American bar food. On the corner down by the entrance to North Beach. Beach Bar: Playa Sol has the most beautiful beach but Chichi's and Bujos around the corner are nice too. Night Bar: Faynes from 10-12 for the Band with no name, Om has good djs and cuban bands sometimes, and then La Luna down by the main square for the late night. They also have salsa Wednesdays or Tuesdays Sunday Morning: If you wake up early enough (they stop serving at 9 am) you must try the Cochinita Pibil at El Marcado. I have tried it from Merida to Isla and everywhere in between and everyone from here agrees, there is no cohinita like the cohinita in Isla. Tamales: By the ferry you will find women selling tamales out of silver pots, they are sooo good. Make sure you eat it with the red sauce (not spicy) and the green if you like spicy. Sushi: I'm not sure if OM is still selling sushi but their rolls are very tasty. They use high quality ingredients. Tacos: Tacos Medina is right down from Faynes and is great for some late night cravings. Sit down Mexican: Bucaneros, which is directly across the street from Rolandis downtown, has great Mexican breakfasts and typical Enchiladas, Fajitas, Arrachera, etc. for lunch and dinner. YUM! As far as getting sick, I have been visiting and lived on Isla on and off for 22 years and never got food poisoning once. If you do get sick, go to Dr. Salas. His offices are accross the street from Rolandis downtown.
You guys have all missed the best places to eat. The item is Tik n Chic and you either go to Playa Lancheros or Playa Tiburon. A white fish, often Sierra, aka Mackeral, grilled over a wood fire. The fish is covered with an achiote paste, sort of the color of paprika. Served on a big platter with a shredded cabbage, onions, cilintro, limon and tortillas. Make tacos or just eat off the bone. YUMMY.
Juacala! Justicia is much better than lancheros or tiberon, although my father in law would argue that statement. I think everyone has their prefered seafood place on the island.
Late, but better than never. I have been going to Isla since 1989 & find new places every trip! Check this out! www.hollyeats.com then scroll down to Isla! Too many good places for one trip! Enjoy!
