Cancun Lighthouse Marina — Restaurant in Cancún

Please avoid this place at all cost!!! It’s terrible!! I went for lunch with my mother and sister. I wanted oyster and the people told me go to light house what a mistake. I ask for oysters and I did not get oyster I got almejas I will provide a picture. We ask for a seafood cocktail and a waiter gave me ceviche I told him that’s not what I ordered that I wanted a cocktail he got upset and took it back not a sorry nothing he just took it back I let it slide and my sister had asked for octopus tacos and they came out with shrimp tacos. my sister said I ask for octopus not shrimp and the waiter told her they had ran out but why bring me shrimp and not tell me you don’t have it. They offer you free margaritas you get a shot glass of margaritas why the false advertisement. I told them I was runing late and needed the bill they took 23 min to come back and The first thing the waiter told me after that horrible service was the tip is not included. They even charged us for tap water this is insane I told him I felt bad with the treatment they did not care they just told me to pay. I paid with cash and they did not give me the correct change and told me they change American money at 18 but the bill said 67 usd so I don’t understand please as Americans be very careful they are scammers and you don’t feel safe walking back to your car. The bathroom is also really unsafe it’s not inside the restaurant and since I was not considered important nobody Help me locate it. This was a really upsetting...

Note the cost per person above is in MXN; we [five] paid approximately 70 USD per person. Person who took our orders had a mean demeanor, was unwelcoming and plainly dismissive. Asked a waiter for a side of guacamole - response was "ok". Never got the guac. Young waiters brought meals and were gossiping en español over the plates, unsanitary. Perhaps, we didn’t look worthy of what we ordered, nor being there in the first place. Asked a waiter for flavorful/spicy sauce as the meals were bland, cold, tasted perished, undercooked; such an insult to the local culture/cuisine, - response was a dismissive "ok". Same waiter walked by our table, back to back, yet still ignored us. Sauce didn't arrive until we asked another waiter. We arrived hungry but couldn't savor our meals. Bill comes and, scam scam scam, list did not make sense, mind you, we are a family that does not consume alcohol. Gratuity portion was made up, no transparency in percentage nor how the total came to be. When I spoke up for my parents and asked staff to separate the bill for some transparency, they chose to be dismissive, continued with the gossip en español, mocking us. The manager came, just to make matters worse, by converting the bill to dollars, doubling it, and still didn't explain how the total came to be. They legit ripped us off without remorse. I said this to the staff before walking away - repeating it here: BAD SERVICE, BAD MEALS, BAD EXPERIENCE. "Tourist" trap and discriminatory...

A Hidden Gem Next to the Tourist Trap

While vacationing in Cancun, like many others, our resort recommended La Parrilla. But stepping into that place felt like walking into a tourist trap—unfriendly staff, disorganized service, and an overall uncomfortable experience that felt more like a tourist trap than an authentic dining experience. The service was poor, and it was clear the focus was on squeezing tips rather than offering hospitality. Musicians roamed from table to table, pushing you to request a song and then hanging around for tips—awkward and uncomfortable, especially when you're just trying to enjoy a meal.

Thankfully, we noticed the restaurant right next door and decided to give it a shot—and we’re so glad we did! The vibe was completely different. Warm, welcoming staff, genuine service, and excellent food. There was live music here as well, but it complemented the evening instead of interrupting it. The musicians played in the background, adding to the atmosphere without expecting tips or disturbing diners.

If you're in Cancun and looking for great food and a truly enjoyable evening, skip the overhyped recommendation and check out this hidden gem. You...