Whether you’ve come to Sian Ka’an with an excursion or are going on your own, Punta Allen is the place to have lunch as it is the only village in the Sian Ka’an biosphere.
It’s a small fishing village, and it’s known for its local seafood cuisine due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Tasting a good fresh fish is one of the best activities to do in Punta Allen.
Punta Allen is a very small village, you will not find many restaurants. A dozen of them are in the heart of the village.
Some are independent and others are part of fishermen’s cooperatives: Fisherman or Los Gaytanes are some of them.
1. Fisherman beach restaurant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fisherman Beach stands out as the best restaurant in Punta Allen.
Perfectly located on the beach, it not only promises a meal with a view but also ensures utmost relaxation with its amenities like sun loungers and hammocks.
The food is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its beautiful presentation.
The restaurant’s specialties include grilled fish and lobster, which, given the seaside location, are as fresh as they come.
For anyone traveling to Punta Allen, a meal at Fisherman Beach is sure to be a highlight, offering an authentic taste of the region’s marine bounty.
⚠️ It’s not recommended to eat meat in Punta Allen as it is likely transported from Tulum, and the cold chain is not always maintained.
- 📍 Google Maps link.
- 💰 Expect to pay around 230 MXN Pesos for a dish and a drink.
2. El Muelle Viejo ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The El Muelle Viejo restaurant is a restaurant located in the center of the village and specialized in seafood.
It welcomes groups and therefore offers a buffet formula, but I recommend the à la carte dishes such as Ceviche or the daily catch.
There is nothing better than eating fresh fish in Punta Allen, we know where it comes from!
The restaurant’s wall decoration is also worth a visit, so don’t hesitate to stop by while in Punta Allen.
- 📍 Google Maps link.
- 💰 Expect to pay around 200 MXN Pesos for a dish and a drink.
3. Los Gaytanes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This restaurant is also part of a boat cooperative (Los Gaytanes) and is located in the center of the village.
The view on the beach is stunning and the specialty here too is fish and seafood. You will taste the catch of the day at this restaurant with a price according to the weight of the fish.
An excellent option slightly more economical than the last two.
🦐 They also offer specialties made from lobster. The price is 1000 MXN per kilo.
- 📍 Google Maps link.
- 💰 Expect to pay around 180 MXN Pesos for a dish and a drink.
What to eat in Punta Allen? 😍
Punta Allen, located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatán Peninsula, is a remote fishing village known for its fresh seafood and traditional Mayan influenced dishes.
If you’re visiting Punta Allen, here are some must-try foods:
Seafood
Given its coastal location, seafood is the star in Punta Allen.
- Fresh Fish: Whether it’s grilled, fried, or in a taco, the fish here is incredibly fresh. Look for snapper, grouper, and barracuda, among others.
- Lobster: Punta Allen is especially known for its lobster. Depending on the season, you can enjoy it grilled, in tacos, or in other preparations.
- Ceviche: A refreshing mix of fresh fish or seafood cured in citrus juices and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Tikin Xic: A traditional Mayan dish made of fish that’s been marinated in achiote and citrus, then wrapped in banana leaves and baked or grilled.
Other Mexican specialties🇲🇽
- Campechana: A seafood cocktail that can include shrimp, octopus, and other seafood mixed in a tangy tomato sauce.
- Empanadas: Turnovers filled with various ingredients. In Punta Allen, you might find them stuffed with seafood or other local fillings.
- Sopa de Lima: A tangy lime soup that often includes chicken and is seasoned with local spices.
- Tamales: A traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (a starchy dough, usually corn-based) that’s steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The filling can vary, and in Punta Allen, you might find seafood variations.
- Local Beverages: Enjoy fresh coconut water or “aguas frescas,” which are fresh fruit drinks made with fruits like watermelon, pineapple, or tamarind.
