Private Chef or Dining Out in Cozumel? Here’s How to Choose
A Foodie’s Guide to the Island
Cozumel is an island full of adventure, crystal-clear waters, and—drumroll, please—a foodie’s paradise! Whether you're craving gourmet meals at your villa or the adventure of trying local favorites in town, Cozumel’s food scene is ready to impress. Cozumel has it all so how do you decide? Let’s dive into the best options for your stay! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the perks of both options — and how to enjoy the best of both worlds.
🍽️Option 1: The Luxury of a Private Chef in Cozumel 🍽️👨🍳
Picture this: You’ve spent the day snorkeling at El Cielo or exploring Mayan ruins. You come home to your oceanfront villa or condo… and a local chef is preparing fresh seafood in your kitchen. That’s the magic of hiring a private chef. Sounds dreamy, right?
A Private Chef is Perfect For:
✅ Special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries
✅ Big families or groups who want a relaxing, shared meal
✅ Foodies looking for fresh, authentic island cuisine
✅ Guests staying at We've Gone Coastal Cozumel Villa (in Costa del Sol — just outside of town)
✅ Families traveling with kids, picky eaters or dietary needs
Want to learn more about why a vacation rental is the perfect choice for a private chef experience? Read our Why Choose a Vacation Rental Over a Resort guide.
We’ve Gone Coastal Tip: We work with trusted, talented local chefs who’ll customize the menu to your tastes. Whether you want Mexican classics or tropical fusion, we’ll help make it happen — no upcharges or referral fees here.
🌮 Option 2: Cozumel’s Amazing Restaurant Scene🐠🍹
If discovering new flavors is your thing, Cozumel won’t disappoint. From taco stands to upscale seafood with ocean views, this island has it all. From casual taco stands to fine dining with ocean views, there's something for every palate.
Dining Out is Great If You:
✅ Want to soak up and experience the local culture
✅ Love exploring different restaurants each night
✅ Prefer walking to restaurants — especially if staying at our El Cantil Condo
✅ Like to mix it up with both private chef meals and nights out
🍴 Top Restaurant Picks Near El Cantil Condo:
Casa Mission – Beautiful hacienda, classic Mexican cuisine. A must do in Cozumel!
Guido’s – Pasta + legendary garlic bread
Burritos Gorditos – Big flavor on a budget
La Perlita – Don’t miss the lionfish tacos!
Buccanos – Seafood + ocean views
Mercado Municipal – Authentic market eats, fish, meat and produce market (Shop and eat all in one stop!)
Paprika – Caribbean-Mexican fusion on the beach
Kondesa – Upscale Mexican in a garden setting
🍤 Dining Near Our Villa in Costa del Sol
Though it’s just a short drive from town, you’ll still find gems close to our beachfront villa.
Sereno Cozumel – Trendy spot with fresh, flavorful dishes and great cocktails
The Money Bar – Casual, with live music + casual eats and sunset views
Doña Chely – – Authentic local Mexican cuisine with homemade flavors a short walk from Costa del Sol
Alberto’s Beach Bar – Beachfront seafood, sand between your toes and a laid-back atmosphere
SkyReef – Snorkeling, seafood , drinks all in one stop!
Casa Mission – Worth the drive every time!
📍 Want a full list? Check out our Cozumel Travel Guide →
Discover even more foodie favorites in our full island dining guide:
Where to Eat and Drink in Cozumel
From taco stands to private chefs, it's your go-to guide for the best bites on the island!
🛒 Grocery Shopping for DIY Meals
Prefer cooking at home during your stay? Our properties have fully equipped kitchens! Cozumel has great grocery stores to stock up on fresh ingredients. Both of our vacation rentals have everything you need to cook great meals.
Stock up at one of our grocery stores here:
Mega Soriana – Large selection of groceries, fresh produce, and bakery items.
Chedraui – A supermarket with a variety of local and international products.
Sam’s Club – Great for bulk items if you're staying for an extended time.
Local Markets – Pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood straight from local vendors!
Mercado Municipal – Authentic local fish, meat and food market with great eats. 🍽️
Our Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Cozumel covers all transportation options and tips for navigating the island.
🔗 Read: Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Cozumel →Grocery Shopping for DIY Meals 🛒🥑
🤔 So... Which Option is Right for You?
Honestly? Why not both! Start your vacation with a gourmet meal in your villa or condo, then venture out to taste the island's culinary delights. No matter what you choose, Cozumel is ready to delight your taste buds.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ Page for everything you need to plan your dream Cozumel getaway!
🏝 Ready to Book Your Stay?
We’ve Gone Coastal Cozumel has two beautiful vacation rentals:
🏡 The Villa – Peaceful beachfront home with private pool, ideal for families or groups. Perfect for those who want a quiet escape with ocean views for a private chef experience or access to restaurants a short drive away.
🏢 The Condo – Centrally located with stunning views and walking access to top restaurants. Ideal for those who want to be close to restaurants, nightlife and enjoy walkability.
📣 Want to hear what past guests have to say?
✅ Villa Reviews
✅ Condo Reviews
📍 Curious about why we love sharing Cozumel? —> Meet Dory & Learn How We’ve Gone Coastal Came to Be
A Foodie’s Guide to the Island | Written by Shannon Coleman (aka Dory)
Published: April 2