The Costa Maya, on the southern end of Quintana Roo may be remote, but you won’t regret the travel time to this region once you reach the seaside village of Mahahual. Once there, head for the Malecon, a mile-long walkway along the beach where you’ll find shopping, watersports, beach clubs, and food and drink. Here you’ll find unique gift ideas to remember your day in Mahahual, with an aromatic orchestra of mouthwatering smells emanating from a litany of beachfront bars and restaurants, most of which have your choice of a dining room or right under the coconut palms along the beach with the sound of great music blending perfectly with the waves and trade breezes. Now that we’ve made you hungry, here, in no particular order, are five popular beachfront restaurants worth checking out in Mahahual.
Ibiza Sunset – an adventure on a plate
Specializing in Mexican, Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes and a creative twist on popular cocktails, Ibiza Sunset Restaurant and Beach Club is by far one of those places not to be missed when you feel the hunger hit you. On the sand overlooking the Caribbean, Ibiza Sunset creates the perfect atmosphere with candles on the tables and hanging from the palm trees. Dishes here are professionally prepared by Chef Jackie and her talented staff. Try her Retro-Fired Chicken Breast Ibiza Sunset, served with a goat-cheese cilantro and herbs fresh from the garden. Order a Special Margarita made with Triple Sec, Mezcal, real lime juice, served with a hint of mint and smoked salt on the glass rim. Do not skip the guacamole made with tomatoes, onions, herbs and spices. Traditional Mexican and fresh seafood appetizers and main courses. Open 9am-10pm, located near the Malecon’s midway point.
Chill out in Paradise at 40 Canones
A restaurant and beach bar which remains a longtime favorite, 40 Canones features an outstanding combination of Italian pasta and Mexican Caribbean seafood. Pez Quadro, the beach club here, is one of the best places in Mahahual for an ice-cold adult beverage on white sand beneath the swaying palms. The cocktail menu might seem somewhat limited, but don’t be fooled, 40 Canone’s bar staff can whip up anything. The fresh grilled lobster is a meal large enough for two and pairs great with a cold beer or refreshing Mojito. For breakfast, fuel up with one of 40 Canones’ omelets, made 10 ways. By night, 40 Canone’s dining room glows with Caribbean seaside ambiance, soft candlelight, and smooth jazz. Gaze out at a moonlit sea as you enjoy a glass of wine and dine on a select choice of pastas, seafood or steak. Lasagna Clasica or the Ribeye are both excellent choices. For any of their classic Mexican appetizers or entrees, be advised: The habanero salsa served on the side is every bit as spicy and flavorful as it looks. Pez Quadro Beach Club is open 8am-6pm, 40 Canones Restaurant is open 8 am – late. Located on the southern end of the Malecon. Read more about 40 Canones restaurant.
Maramao – where Mexico meets Italy
Walk by this place in the early evening, and you’ll literally be drawn in by Maramao’s wicker-shaded lights and the smell of fresh seafood. Maramao occupies 50 yards of beachfront dining, specializing in Italian fare served with a Caribbean flare. You’ll also find a wide variety of other menu choices from appetizers to steaks, seafood and classic Mexican Caribbean entrees and desserts. The Alfredo con Cameron (alfredo with shrimp) is very popular, with sautéed shrimp served in a creamy alfredo sauce over a bed of freshly made pasta. If fresh fish is on your mind, your server will be glad to bring you a selection of the day’s catch to choose from and cook to your exact preference, served with a very generous helping of cilantro rice, tortillas and salad. Chase it down with your choice of cocktails or cerveza, and finish it off with a sweet tiramisu for dessert. Open for breakfast at 8 am and serves lunch and dinner from noon to 11 pm. Located toward the southern end of the Malecon next to 40 Canones.
Maya Beach Bar – beach basics at their best
For a quick bite and some shade during a busy day in Mahahual, stop by the Maya Beach Bar, where you’ll find simple breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. The food here is above average and the low prices, fast service, and beach view are what makes Maya Beach Bar an attractive choice for a quickly prepared light meal and bucket of beer or a cocktail. A favorite drink here is the Tidal Wave, with rum, melon licore, and coconut juice. Go grande with any one of Maya Beach Bar’s cocktails in a yarda, a gigantic glass with 2.5 pints of cold tropical goodness. Chips, salsa, and guacamole, as well as chicken nachos are a favorite here. Maya Beach Bar is open from 9pm-whenever. We say that because when asked, the Jamaican bartender simply shrugged and said, “Whenever, mon!”
Taste the sea at Nohoch Kay
Locals favorite on an open outdoor deck overlooking the Caribbean with quality seafood and budget prices. Guacamole, salsa and chips, fresh chunky ceviche and fish, shrimp and lobster tacos are perfectly prepared. If you’re truly hungry, sink your teeth into a juicy cheeseburger. Or, check out Nohoch Kay’s sampler platter, an aircraft-carrier size dish loaded with a little of everything on the menu. Vegetarians rave about the Nachos Natural and Veggie Burrito. Cool down with any of 20 refreshing mixed drinks and six beer selections. Located at the midway point of the Malecon. Hours vary by season.
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