During the month I spent in Campeche, I dined at some of the city’s finest restaurants. As a traveler who prioritizes sampling local cuisine, I feel that a nation’s culture shines through its food. Whenever I visit a new place, I come with a checklist of specific dishes, fruits, or drinks to try.
Mexican cuisine is renowned for its richly seasoned delicacies, blending ancient Maya and Aztec ingredients with influences from the Spanish conquistadors and modern globalization. Street food, like homemade empanadas, tacos, and enchiladas from quaint little stalls, is especially popular in Mexico and was the first thing I sought out in Campeche. Street vendors offer an affordable and fresh way to sample excellent food, often with quick service that doesn’t compromise on quality.
This list of the best restaurants in Campeche includes a range of options: traditional Mexican eateries with lively music, convenient food stalls, and even the occasional pizza place for when you crave something different. Most are near the main tourist hotspots, but after spending some time exploring, I also discovered some hidden gems worth mentioning. This guide covers everything from favorite bakeries (because breakfast is essential!) to a must-visit ice cream parlor and the best coffee shops in Campeche.
Parador Turístico isn’t just one restaurant, but several eateries under quirky straw roofs where you can find the freshest fish. Options include fish sold by weight, fried, or breaded. You must try the spiny lobsters and pampano en escabeche, a marinated fish served whole. My favorite spot here is El Auténtico Sabroso for its fried shrimp.
Marganzo, arguably the coolest restaurant in Campeche, has become quite touristy but still offers good value and a great atmosphere with vibrant interiors and live music. Despite being pricier, chef David Muños serves beautifully presented and delicious food, with the parrillada de mariscos being a must-try.
Casa Vieja del Río offers a splendid view of Campeche’s busiest square and the cathedral, making it an ideal spot for evening drinks and finger food. The Yucatán specialties, grilled tuna, and mint margarita are particularly delightful.
La Recova Cincuenta & Nueve, a barbecue restaurant on Calle 59, boasts a variety of grilled local meats and claims to have the best steaks in Campeche, along with excellent desserts like chocolate cake.
Los Abuelos, located in the less touristy San Román quarter, is popular for its breakfast options that use produce from their family farm. The home omelet with ham, cheese, beans, and mole sauce is a standout dish.
Cafe Luan serves breakfast near Calle 59, offering croissant sandwiches, chilaquiles, fresh fruit, and homemade cakes, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their pancakes with chocolate and banana are a must.
Chocol’Ha, located in a charming historic house, is a paradise for chocolate lovers. They offer the best hot chocolate with chili, along with light lunches and delicious pastries. The decoration featuring old sewing machines adds to its unique charm.
Origen is known for its superb coffee, homemade cakes, and eco-friendly practices. This family-owned café sources and roasts its own coffee, offering vegan and vegetarian meals along with regular coffee-tasting events.
El Cirujano is a beloved taco food truck that serves delicious and affordable carnitas tacos with fresh pico de gallo. It’s fast, clean, and a local favorite, though you might have to queue.
La Palapa Del Tío Fito is a popular spot among locals, especially during soccer matches. It’s great for enjoying regional cuisine and fresh seafood while taking in seafront views, best experienced during sunset dinners.
El Bastión de Campeche, ideal for breakfast or a light lunch, serves simple yet tasty dishes like cochinita pibil and offers friendly service.
La Pigua, one of Campeche’s more expensive fish and seafood restaurants, offers beautifully presented dishes in a refined setting. Their specialties include pampano and homemade coconut cake.
Scattolla59 offers a wide range of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and the best tiramisu. The restaurant has both terrace and balcony seating, making it a lovely spot to dine with music in the background.
Churrería El Jarocho, a food truck on the Malecón, serves my favorite snack—churros. They use fresh ingredients and have excellent salty plantain fries for those who prefer savory snacks.
Artehelado, a stylish ice cream shop by the sea, offers a changing menu of rich, creamy flavors like tangerine and watermelon peppermint. It’s perfect for a refreshing treat while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Must-try dishes in Campeche include pampano, pan de cazón, chilaquiles, cochinita pibil, and octopus in its ink. FAQ for dining in Campeche reveals that the best restaurants are Parador Turístico and Marganzo, with Chocol’Ha being a personal favorite. Locals typically have dinner around 9 pm, lunch from 2 pm, and breakfast after 9 am. Tipping 15% is standard. The best dining areas are along the malecón and Calle 59, and the zona centro near the cathedral is ideal for staying.
If I could return to Campeche for a day of eating, I’d start with a flat white at Origen, enjoy a light lunch at Los Abuelos with a chat with Gloria, take a siesta, then get an ice-cream-filled macaron at Artehelado, stroll along the Malecón, and finish with dinner at Marganzo.
While Campeche has plenty to see, its vibrant food scene makes the city an even more exciting destination.
