Restaurant Especias

Welcome to Restaurant Especias, an enchanting culinary destination nestled in the heart of Cozumel, Mexico, specifically located on Calle 3 Sur between Calle 5 Sur y 10 Sur. As an enthusiastic food reviewer at Cafe Encore, it's my pleasure to introduce this gem, where authentic Italian cuisine meets exceptional hospitality. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere, vibrant flavors, and a staff dedicated to providing an unforgettable dining experience.

At Restaurant Especias, the menu is a celebration of Italian flavors, highlighted by a selection of exquisite pastas, pizzas, and local ingredients. Dishes like the Lasana Alla Bolognese and Risotto Asparagi E Gamberi showcase the culinary expertise of the young Italian owners, who pour their passion into each plate. The Gnocchi Di Patate Alla Sorrentina and Fettuccine Zucchine, Gamberi E Pachino provide a perfect balance of textures and flavors, leaving diners yearning for another bite.

  • Lasana Alla Bolognese: Layers of pasta, tomato sauce, and ground beef, a true comfort food classic for MX$360.00.
  • Risotto Asparagi E Gamberi: A delightful blend of risotto with asparagus and shrimp for MX$435.00.
  • Gnocchi Di Patate Alla Sorrentina: Fresh potato gnocchi served with tomatoes and mozzarella for MX$330.00.
  • Fettuccine Zucchine, Gamberi E Pachino: This dish combines fettuccine with zucchini, shrimp, and cherry tomatoes for MX$370.00.

The pizza offerings are equally captivating. The Pizza Margherita, adorned with fresh basil, embodies the simplicity and elegance of Italian pizza, while the Pez Leon Pizza, topped with lionfish, capers, and fresh tomatoes, is an innovative take on classic recipes.

But it’s not just the food that has diners raving. Customers consistently mention the passionate and attentive service, often complemented by delightful drinks like their renowned peach wine and expertly crafted espresso martinis. The vibrant ambiance, especially when dining on the balcony as the sun sets, further enhances the allure of this dining hotspot.

Looking back at reviews from diners like Mike Couser who praised the impeccable service that kept on par even when arriving close to closing time, and Gary Ziesés who felt that the standards at Restaurant Especias would surpass any major city worldwide, it's clear that this restaurant has established itself as a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

In conclusion, if you're seeking an authentic Italian dining experience in Cozumel, Restaurant Especias is not to be missed. Embark on a culinary journey filled with flavor, warmth, and a touch of Italian flair, right here in the heart of Mexico. Trust us; your palate will thank you!

Menu

Location

Address: Calle 3 Sur between Calle 5 Sur y 10 Sur, Centro, 77600 Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +52 987 869 7947

🕓 Work Hours
MON 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
TUE 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
WED Closed
THU 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
FRI 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
SAT Closed
SUN 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Offers Kerbside Pickup
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Serves Great Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Great Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Great Dessert
    Yes
  • Great Wine List
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Late-night Food
    Yes
  • Serves Small Plates
    Yes
  • Serves Spirits
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Bar On Site
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Quiet
    Yes
  • Romantic
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Dinner Reservations Recommended
    Yes
  • Accepts Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Free Of Charge Street Parking
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Plenty Of Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Mike Couser

    05 June 2025

    Great meal from start to finish. Amazing Italian restaurant in Cozumel. Started with some aperol spritz, best I've had outside of Italy. Perfect ratio of all ingredients. The bruschetta was excellent, very flavorful tomatoes. We brought mahi mahi and barracuda we caught on a fishing trip and they prepared it for us. Started with barracuda steaks which they served fried per our request. Chef did two different styles, both Italian and Mexican style. The mahi mahi we had as both a pasta and sauteed with a garlic sauce. It was served with vegetables on the side as well which were delicious. All of it was outstanding, a true authentic Italian restaurant in Mexico. We came 45 minutes before closing (sorry) and we couldn't have had better service or food. Also the best wine list I've seen on the island, a nice mix of European, American and local wine. Took a tiramisu home and it was exceptional, done in the true Italian style. Can't say enough good things about our visit, a must eat if you enjoy Italian. Can't wait to go back. Thank you to our server and the chef.

  • Author: Gary Ziesés

    02 May 2025

    We are from NYC and San Francisco. Both great food cities. Restaurant Especias is an absolutely delightful, authentic Italian restaurant, owned and run by young Italians. We’ve eaten here at least a dozen times and every meal was like a gift. Service is outstanding. We enjoy Stefano as our waitstaff and the young people who help clear dishes away are almost unnoticable. Very discreet and unobtrusive, just as you would hope them to be. The quality of the food and the fresh ingredients are outstanding. This restaurant could do very well in any major city of the world. We are so glad they chose to be in Cozumel. Keep up the great work!

  • Author: Stephanie Mae

    17 April 2025

    Absolutely wonderful staff and delicious food! The peach wine is so good. They make a fantastic espresso martini and lemon cello. Not sure I've ever been disappointed by the food here always great.

  • Author: Claudia Edelmeier

    13 April 2025

    We met the owner of this cute Italien Restaurant at Wet Wendy Bar and asked ourself " What Makes an Italien in Mexico"? The answer is: " Better Italien dishes than in Europe" The Food ist amazing, the Service excellente and friendly. If you stay in San Miguel you should not miss that placeand please try the "Spicy Espresso"!!!! ...