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This post is also available in: Dutch

Latest update: 13 August 2024

One of the main reasons why I am such a fan of the Mexican town of Bacalar is the range of nice cafes and restaurants. There is so much choice here. My stomach and taste buds are having a blast! So let me share my restaurant tips with you.

Bote de leche – dinner

This is easily the best restaurant I’ve encountered on the Mexico coastline. You. Must. Go. Here. It starts with the service: incredibly friendly and helpful. The meal begins with a small salad from the house. The menu is written on a chalkboard, and when the chef hears that we want our piece of meat medium-rare, he comes straight to our table. If that’s what we like, we should order the filete. It is a bit more expensive, but we won’t regret it, he assures us. And he’s right. It’s divine. The wine at Bote de Leche is dirt cheap compared to, for example, restaurants in Tulum. The food is also very reasonably priced.

Google Maps location

Bote de Leche in Bacalar

Enamora – breakfast, brunch, and coffee

Enamora is THE place for breakfast and brunch in Bacalar. The coffee is excellent, and all dishes on the menu are highly recommended. Try yogurt with granola, waffles, and good sandwiches. The menu is Swedish oriented (the owner is Swedish) and is supplemented daily with cakes and tarts. Enamora has a relaxed coffee café atmosphere, also in the outdoor area. Take a sheltered seat under the characteristic old trees.

Google Maps location

Excellent breakfast at Enamora.

La Piña – breakfast, lunch, and dinner

A huge garden is hidden behind a seemingly small entrance. One where you can go for delicious food both during the day and in the evening. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally. The menu is Mexican, with successful forays into pizzas and delicious hummus. Vegetarians and vegans can also indulge at La Piña: there is much choice.

Google Maps location

El Manatí – all day long

El Manatí (the manatee) is a restaurant, shop, and gallery. You will mainly find products and art from local entrepreneurs and artists in the shop and gallery. You might find something unique here if you’re looking for a souvenir. At the back is a tropical garden that you can visit from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. El Manatí also offers many vegetarian options. So expect a lot of options on the menu. Maybe a little too much, so the quality of the breakfast is just okay, but not wow. When I get there, the coffee machine is unfortunately broken. However, the setting makes up for this completely.

Google Maps location

The tropical garden of El Manatí.

Mango y Chile – lunch and dinner

At Mango y Chile, you can eat the tastiest vegetarian and vegan burgers. Everything is plant-based. It is not a restaurant for a romantic dinner but more for a quick meal. You order at the counter and then sit at one of the tables on the veranda. A burger and a view of Lake Bacalar, what more could you want?

Google Maps location

Mango y Chile is located on a hill, so you can view the lake even better.

La Playita – all-day

At La Playita, you basically don’t have to leave, ever. You can swim in the lake, eat well and chill in a hammock. It’s not the cheapest place in Bacalar, but you also pay for the location. And that sure is great: you can jump into the lake, and the restaurant area has a real jungle vibe. The service is a bit slow, but hey… you’re on vacation, take your time!

Google Maps location

Los Aluxes – breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Check the photos with #losaluxes on Instagram. You will only see bright blue water, relaxing people, the sun, nice chill spots by the water, and delicious cocktails. Oh, and swings in the water. The ideal Instagram spot. Of course, I manage to go to Los Aluxes when a downpour breaks out. So my plan to swing in the water and finally become an influencer on Instagram is canceled. That forces me to have a bite to eat in the restaurant. Quite pricey but very tasty. By the way, you must spend at least 200 pesos to use the facilities.

Google Maps location

Banana Go – lunch and snack

Banana Go is a popular food truck with ample seating. The picnic tables invite you to join other people and strike up a conversation. The menu includes burgers and banana rolls: a deep-fried roll filled with chicken or fish, for example. The price is competitive, and the owner is extremely enthusiastic. Update 2023: the food truck has been ‘temporarily closed’ for a while. Unclear if it’ll open again.

Google Maps location

Café café – coffee

Need caffeine? Then make an emergency stop at the coffee truck Café Café on the square, open from Monday to Saturday from early to late. Whether you want an americano, cappuccino, latte, or macchiato: you’ve come to the right place here.

Update 2023: I’m not sure if this coffee truck still exists.

Cute coffee truck!

So much to eat and so little time!
Are you also looking for a nice place to sleep? Check out my ho(s)tel tips in Bacalar.
Or do you still need to be convinced to visit Bacalar? Then read the 9 reasons why you want to go there.

More Mexico inspiration?

blog overview Mexico
  • Accommodation. All-time favorite: Booking.com. Find hostels via Hostelworld.
  • Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. You could also try WithLocals. ‘Free’ walking tours are available at GuruWalk. And for bike tours, try Baja Bikes.
  • Attractions and museums. Get a 5% discount on museums and attractions at Tiqets with the coupon code KIMOPREIS22.
  • Bus. Book bus trips in Mexico with Busbud or 12Go.
  • Car rental. Compare prices at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
  • Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely check out Skyscanner, Kiwi, and Trip
  • Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel. 
  • Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try CheapOair or Expedia.
  • SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
  • Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon.
  • Visum. Make sure you have the right documentation to travel to Mexico. iVisa can help you out.
  • Yoga retreat. Or: try a yoga retreat in Mexico!

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.

First published: April 2018. The article has been updated since.

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