A Taste of Mexico: 9 Vegan Restaurants in Cozumel
Having been mostly plant-based or vegan for over 7 years, I make it a priority to seek out the best vegan food spots wherever I travel (and coffee, of course). I was surprised to find so many vegan restaurants on such a small island like Cozumel. While food in Mexico is always phenomenal, Cozumel's vegan spots exceeded my expectations. Below, I list the places I tried while living here for a few months, alongside some of my favorite dishes for you to try.
Warning: You may get hungry after viewing the photos below….
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The Top 9 Vegan Restaurants Cozumel
Maple Bakehouse
A chain cafe with three locations, each offering a different menu. The Maple Bakehouse closest to Benito Juarez Park has more food options than the others.
Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (depending on which location you visit)
Pricing: $
Preferences: Vegan and gluten-free options available
Food Items: Pastries, coffees, smoothies, toast, paninis, egg dishes, desserts, etc.
Recommendation: Try the coffee and toast. I love that the coffee is served in a mug here.
Jolly Coffee and Bakehouse
A brunch-style quaint cafe with many sweet and savory options.
Hours: Breakfast and Lunch
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Vegan and gluten-free options available
Food Items: Waffles, coffees, smoothies, pancakes, toast, egg dishes, enchiladas, etc.
Recommend: Try the lattes (served in a mug), Banana Milkshake, and Pancakes.
La Cuisine
A small all-encompassing cafe perfect for a day of work on your laptop.
Hours: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian. Non-vegetarian and Non-Vegan options are also available.
Food Items: Smoothie Bowls, Egg Dishes, Waffles, Quesadillas, Tacos, Salads, Rice Bowls, Desserts, etc.
Recommend: The smoothie bowls, vegan tacos, and the coffee.
They also have a small store inside with vitamins, teas, coffee, protein powder, baked goods, and other assortments of vegan and gluten-free grocery items for purchase.
Paradise Vegan
A tiny, locally-owned Vegan restaurant with delicious, authentic Mexican food (and some Western options as well).
Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Pricing: $
Preferences: Entirely Vegan; Gluten-free not specified
Food Items: Mexican and Vegan style– tacos, burgers, hot dogs, enchiladas, etc.
Recommend: The textured soy al pastor and textured soy rinds tacos
Cash Only***
Sol de Maple
One of my favorite family-owned, locally-run small vegan restaurants in Cozumel. It is entirely vegan and the food is incredible. I visited many times and could not get enough. The Sol de Maple staff is super sweet and friendly.
Hours: Late Lunch or Dinner (Closed Mondays)
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Entirely Vegan; Gluten-free not specified
Food Items: Mexican and Vegan style– tacos, burgers, enchiladas, pizza, milkshakes, ice cream, etc.
Recommend: Everything? Cheese Sticks, Snickers Milkshake, Tacos Baja, Nachos, Burrito, Jalapeno Bites
Check the Sol De Maple Instagram for the most up-to-date hours. They sometimes open earlier, close later, and occasionally host special events like ice baths and brunch.
Nutty Treesome
A boutique-style vegan cafe offering generously portioned Western dishes. The food is very fresh and tasty, complemented by a thoughtful staff.
Hours: Breakfast (Sunday only) Lunch, and Dinner (Closed Mondays)
Pricing: $$$
Preferences: Entirely Vegan; Gluten-free specified options
Food Items: Salads, Burgers, Sushi Rolls, Desserts, etc.
Recommend: Try any one of the three salads, the kombucha, and any dessert (you cannot go wrong).
Coral Restaurante Vegano
Follow the sign up a set of stairs, and you will find this vegan spot nestled amongst a hostel. The decorations here are very beach-esque, with a variety of seating options from couches and chairs to a netted seating area.
Hours: Lunch and Dinner
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Vegan; Gluten-free specified options
Food Items: Sandwiches, coffees, milkshakes, smoothies, rice bowls, etc.
Recommend: The Celia Sandwich
Miss Deleites
A health-conscious restaurant with a variety of options. All of the food is freshly made using only in-season and authentic ingredients. The owner of Miss Deleites was extremely friendly and offered a complimentary 'chip and dip' sampler that allows you to try dips ranging from minimal spiciness to the most spicy (with ghost peppers and California reapers…my mouth was on fire, to say the least).
Hours: Lunch and Dinner (Closed Sunday)
Pricing: $$
Preferences: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian. Non-vegetarian and Non-Vegan options are also available.
Food Items: Mexican-based dishes with some daily options as well.
Recommend: The Vegan / Gluten-free Lasagna
The owner of the restaurant runs giveaways, cacao ceremonies, and temazcal opportunities now and again. Stop in for updates on when and where.
Vegan Barrio
Tucked away in a food complex, you will find a tiny, family-owned vegan eatery that has stolen my heart (and appetite) on the island. The food's freshness and flavor make it my number-one vegan restaurant spot in Cozumel. You can see them preparing each dish from scratch right in front of you, guaranteeing that every bite is handmade and oh-so-delicious.
Hours: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner (Closed Monday)
Pricing: $
Preferences: Vegan; Gluten-free not specified (all tortillas are made from corn)
Food Items: Mexican-based dishes
Recommend: Anything on the menu but more specifically “El Perron” and “Quesa-Brosas”
Note: Pricing is rated from $-$$$ (cheapest to most expensive).
General Information on Cozumel
Best Time to Visit:
Cozumel is great to visit 365 days a year, but I think the best time is March to early June–after peak season and before the real rainy season begins. Peak season is December-February so expect it to be busy. Rainy and hurricane season is mostly July-November but of course, it can expand into before or after those months. I have been here during March, April, May, June, and July.
Tips:
How to Get to Cozumel:
Flying (the best option): Cozumel has an airport right on the island that is located only 3-4 km from downtown San Miguel.
Ferry: You can take the 45-minute passenger ferry into Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. This ferry runs every hour with 3 companies running them: Winjet (orange) Xcaret (blue) and Ultramar (yellow). Check the sites for updated schedules and pricing. The 2024 price I paid was 260 pesos ($15 USD).
Mode of Transport in Cozumel:
Taxi, bicycle, motorbike. Cozumel is very walkable and transport is only really needed to tour the entire island or to reach specific beach clubs or beaches that are further away. I took 1 taxi during my time here and it was from the airport. Motorbikes are around $350-450 pesos daily. Bicycles are around 250 pesos.
Where to Stay:
I recommend staying right in San Miguel to be within walking distance of nearly everything you need. The beaches however will be a bit farther by foot or you can opt to rent a motorbike or bicycle.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Hostel Auikyani or Cozumel 568 - Vacation Rental
Best Low-Budget: Casa del Solar Centro Cozumel
Best Mid-Budget: Kippal - Modern Oasis - ApartHotel or Casa Mexicana Cozumel
Best Luxury: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
Food Recommendations:
Re-read this article to find some :)
