Kinta Mexican Bistro

Kinta is a compact bistro on 5a Avenida Norte between Calle 2 and Calle 4, in the quieter northern part of Cozumel's Centro. The room opens into a small planted courtyard at the back, which is where most of the seating is, and the cooking is contemporary Mexican rather than the standard tourist menu.

What To Expect

Regional Mexican dishes reworked with modern technique: fresh fish and seafood, mole, and a rotating set of specials. Portions are plated rather than piled, and the cocktail list is built around mezcal and Mexican spirits. It is a small room, so service is personal and the pace is unhurried.

Good To Know

Kinta is a dinner destination rather than a quick stop, and the courtyard fills up in high season, so it is worth calling ahead on +52 987 869 0544. The kitchen is used to fielding gluten-free and vegetarian questions. It sits several blocks back from the waterfront, so the street noise is minimal.

Getting There

5a Avenida Norte between Calle 2 and Calle 4, roughly three blocks inland from Avenida Rafael E. Melgar in the northern half of downtown. It is an easy flat walk from the malecon and the downtown dive shops, and a short taxi from the hotels north of town.