El Fish Fritanga — Restaurant in Cancún

We visited five years ago and had a great meal.

We just had our second dinner here this week and I’ve confirmed this is my favorite restaurant in the world! The ambiance is amazing. Waterside with sand at your feet, twinkly lights among the trees, and an amazing breeze. The service is top notch and the food is incredible! On my first visit, I loved our appetizers, and my husband really enjoyed his entree. I’m not a big seafood lover, so I ordered a steak. It was okay. I’ve since learned that I’m probably never going to love a steak as an American in Mexico.

We ordered the Aguachiles and the shark pescadillas. Both were incredible! The shrimp was so tender and clean tasting. After we’d eaten the shrimp from the aguachiles, I continued to dip my chips in the sauce - so fresh and delicious!

We were also offered tortilla chips with multiple sauces. My favorite by far was the habanero sauce. Many times the hot sauces are just heat, but this sauce was so flavorful, but not just of habanero. It was an oil based sauce, with lots of garlic, smokiness from the peppers, and a nice umami finish. I couldn’t stop eating it! It had too much heat for my husband, but he also enjoyed the selection of the other fresh made sauces that were served.

My husband ordered the Tikin Xic Red Snapper. It was served whole with lots of vegetables and spices. While it had great flavor, it was not overly spicy.

I ordered fish tacos and the “famous” Governor shrimp tacos. The fish tacos were very simple with fried fish, shredded cabbage, and a light sauce. Each order was two tacos and each taco held two very large pieces of fish - cooked perfectly. These were the best fish tacos I’ve ever eaten. The shrimp tacos were covered with cheese, beans, and topped with avocado. They were good as well, but definitely more American style with all of the cheese.

Because we ordered two appetizers, I was overly full and didn’t eat much of my entrees. I think the restaurant staff mistook this as me not liking my food. They checked on me several times, and sent the manager out as well.

I asked our server (poorly - my Spanish is terrible) about what was in the habanero sauce. He tried his best to tell me on English. He went to find someone else who could explain in English better. He later came back out after finding out from the exactly what was in it. I found it very thoughtful that he took the time to find out exactly how it was made and with the exact ingredients.

The only thing I missed on this visit was the mariachi band that was there on our last visit, but I’m guessing it was because we were there on a Wednesday night this time.

I loved my experience here five years ago, but was afraid that I’d be let down on this visit. I often work things up in my mind only to be disappointed later. Also, let’s face it - the world has changed since COVID and the bar has been lowered at many places. This is definitely not the case here. The experience was better the second time around, even years later!

If you’re looking for a beautiful and romantic atmosphere, great food at a great price and wonderful service, don’t pass this place up! It doesn’t look like much from the street. If you blink, you might miss it. Head downstairs to be transported to a...

El Fish Fritanga is a brilliant seafood restaurant located in the heart of Zona Hotelera. As with everything in Zona Hotelera expect to pay top dollar... $$$$. The one thing that sets El Fish Fritanga apart is the quality of food. If you look at the prices nobody would blame you for thinking Tourist Trap! The food here is brilliant!

The main restaurant is downstairs past the small Taqueria. The main restaurant is a proper dine in venue and has a full menu, while the Taqueria upstairs serves mostly Tacos and has a very limited menu. The food is just as good in both places. The drinks here are amazing! We first ate at the Taqueria upstairs which is on the main street. You can order all kinds of drinks at the Taqueria as well, if it's not listed on the menu, the staff the drinks will be made at the bar downstairs and bought up. Salud!

LA TAQUERIA: ~ Ceviche - 5/5 The ceviche was literally like a meal. We weren't expecting it to be that big. It was by far the best one we had on trip; Very well balanced, Good flavor, Not too citrusy with generous amounts of seafood.

~ TACOS: PULPO ENCEBOLLADO - 5/5 Probably some of the best Octopus Tacos I had. Grilled to perfection with a decent amount of Octopus in it.

~ TACOS: CARNE ASADA - 4.5/5 Your standard Carne Asada tacos. these were delicious! Nothing to complain about...

Even the chips and salsa were amazing! The Salsa had a nice kick to it, without being overly spicy.

If you want some ocean views and a nice ambiance make sure to dine at the main restaurant downstairs. They also have live music in the evenings as well.

#adulting: ~ Piña Colada - 5/5 Best, Piña Colada I had so far in my life I think...actually I'm positive! Well balanced, not too sweet, refreshing; Fruity, Silky and Smooth! Brilliant!

#Seafood: ~ TACOS: Soft shell Crab - 3.5/5 This was interesting... For some reason the Soft Shell Crab just doesn't work as a Taco for me. It had a bit too much going on...

~ Elé octopus: 3.5/5 The grilled octopus was good, but I had better elsewhere. Grilled with Paprika for that smokey and spicy flavor.

I like this place, great spot to enjoy a meal without...

Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Food/drinks: 4/5

Vitals accepts credit card accepts USD fully English speaking staff has kids menu, is kid friendly

We tried several restaurants near our hotel Westin Lagunamar and this one is hands down the one we most highly recommend. So many good things about this place, but what really stands out is their hospitality. Unlike other places where you'll feel hustled, this place is welcoming, transparent, and friendly. The manager is clearly trying to build a reputable establishment that makes you want to keep coming back (and we'll definitely be back).

We came as a family including two young kids and they welcomed us warmly. Located downstairs behind the taqueria and right on the water, the vibe is relaxed but classy. They even have a mini play gym that our little girls just loved going on between bites.

The menu is full of seafood options and also includes a kids menu which is a lifesaver. We ordered oysters on the half shell, the grilled octopus, fish ceviche, kids' chicken tenders, and several margaritas. I loved the oysters which were fresh and clean served with lime and a dark (but light) mignonette (a steal at 190 per half dozen).

Everything came to only about 1350 which we thought was amazing compared to some other places we tried. The best part was that they walked me through the bill and there were no hidden charges at all (receipt clearly states tip is not included). They accept USD (amount clearly shown on the receipt) and credit card in which case they also let me choose the tip amount (not everyone did this!).

Overall, we walked away feeling this is a place we can trust and would love to come back again and again. They earned our loyalty and we are more than happy to recommend this place to friends and others staying in the area.

Thank you for the hospitality and see...