first time isla mujeres visitor -needs recs. likes it all!

[mcegielski]

looking for recs for four day isla trip. i have been on hollyeats.com and checked out his reviews but wanted to see what others think or if there is even the slightest chance that he missed something....(yeah, right!) anyhow, how about some recs?

[bronwen]

I always hit the Miramar the minute I arrive. Love the place. Bistro Francais wasn't good when we last went (August last year). Actually, the little cafe at Garrafon is pretty good and lovely to sit at with a few drinks. Rolandi's is always lovely and Mango Cafe has interesting food. We also went to Satai (I think that's what it's called) which we enjoyed.

[mcegielski]

THANKS EVERYBODY!

after doing various research, using some of all of you folks recs, and some word of mouth stuff we are goinG to try to hit the following

KASH KEKEN CHUL
MANGO CAFE
PICUS
OLIVIA
PLAYA LANCHEROS
RENE AND RENNE
LA LOMITA

might also breakout down and try the za' at Rolandi's too!

Will def report back. so excited!

[mcegielski]

Wow. Isla Mujeres had some of the best eating of my life....

Picus-garlic lobster, so good! price was so low, so fresh, tasty

Mango Cafe-so cute, so fun, people there so sweet, food was so interesting and unique

olivia- romantic, flavorful, parmesan bread with tzatziki sauce to kill for, nice change from eating too much guacamole and tacos!

playa lancheros-probably best tacos of trip, gorgeous ocean view, another garlic lobster appearance that was again delicious

la lomita-chile rellenos and chicken mole out of this world. best rellenos ever in my book

kash keken chul- out of the way locals bbq meat place, again fresh and delicious

rene and renne-probably one of my favorites. what an operation. husband and wife team in one small room. husband rene works the room and is a wonderful host. total experience.

alluxes coffee shop, pastries and banana bread that were delicious

also snuck in:
bienvendios al paisana poc-chuc-shrimp tacos that were tender, fresh, and juicy. seafood soup from another world! another experience place. you know your not in kansas!

thank you everybody for the suggestions. for the places people recommended that i did not hit i will seek them out on my next visit! isla needs to be hit once a year or every other year depending on our bankroll.

what a fabulous experience!

YUM!

[Nyleve]

Heading to Isla next week - tell me more about Rene and Renne. Where is it? What kind of food? And Picus - rough price on the lobster? Thanks! I can't wait.

[mcegielski]

So jealous! Isla is wonderful and you will have some of the best eating of your life there! Make sure to squeeze in as many local joints as possible.

The lobster anywhere on Isla has low low prices! Try the garlic lobster at Picus which you will see when the ferry drops you off or at Playa Loncheros if you make it there. You would need a golf cart or scooter to get there....
Rene and Renne is easy to find as well. Close to ferry terminal as well in Centro it's on Ave Madero right at the start of the street if you got to Madero from the ferry area on the left hand side. it is a small yellow building. Great for lunch. He is a true character as well. We never used menus although he had some he just asked us what we liked. We had some mixed tacos and guacamole. Wish I would of tried some enchladas as well. Some people ordered them and they looked great. For a really good website with tons of Isla food pictures and recs check out www.holllyeats.com on the home page click on EATING ISLA MUJERES. Enjoy and give us a report on your trip and eating. Final rec, if you get burned out by guac, tacos, and redfish try Olivia. Wonderful Mediteranean and romantic as well!

[Nyleve]

Thanks - I was on Isla last year and I agree - fantastic eating to be had. We never made it to Playa Lancheros so I want to make it this time. Also planning a trip out to Isla Contoy for snorkeling and the tik n' chik or whatever they call it - grilled fish on the beach - if the weather's good. And for what it's worth, I can't imagine getting burned out by tacos, guacamole and fish. I have heard that Olivia is good but I will save Mediterranean food for the Mediterranean. Good Mexican is so absolutely unavailable in Canada that I simply won't eat anything but while I'm down there.

[Nyleve]

La Lomita - fantastic chiles rellenos and their sopa de frijoles negros is enough for two meals. For seafood, I like - gah - is it Velazquez? The last seafood place on the beach going north along the west side. And ditto to Taqueria Medina and Alexia y Geovanny (fish tacos are great).

[mem53]

Oh how I love Isla Mujeres! My biggest recommendation is Aluxes coffee shop- they sell banana bread by the slice, and it is amazing! Buy a slice to nibble on when walking around town, or sit and have a slice with your morning coffee. Also, Sancocho's Grill has good seafood- I remember the fish with rum sauce being especially good. Tacqueria Medina has very good tacos and queso fundido. For cheap and good lunch, go to Alexia y Geovanny's Loncheria- it is in a little local market with family owned restaurants.

[mcegielski]

and Aluxes! have heard bout the nanner bread!!!!