Navíos — Restaurant in Cancún

We went here from a recommendation from a colleague who was here 3 weeks ago and from a local. It’s unfortunate to say that this beautiful place was a BIG disappointment. Though the atmosphere overlooking the lagoon is priceless, it still does not make up for the ugly ugly rude service from our server Victor and the bad food. Not sure what this man had going on but rude doesn’t even cut it. After 20 minutes of being seated and no one coming to our table, we ended up flagging down someone to bring us water. 10 minutes after asking for the water, Victor our server, comes hurried to the table saying “ Okay, c’mon what do you want, let’s go” for the record we don’t know this guy and never met him before so not sure why he was talking to us like this. We ordered our drinks, appetizer and food and waited and waited and waited… finally received our drinks; strawberry mojito, Paloma, regular mojito and a passion fruit with Tito’s. I have to say none of our drinks were good. I had to go to the bar with two of the drinks for them to fix them. The appetizers came; shrimp ceviche, octopus carpaccio, roasted poblano with quinoa. The roasted poblano sat in a bed of refried beans which the beans were good but lukewarm. The ceviche was flavorless and the octopus carpaccio was okay. For the entrees we ordered the lobster (which they over cooked) they brought two butters for the over cooked lobster; popcorn butter which was disgusting and a garlic butter which was good, the lobster tacos (which tasted like freezer burn taquitos from some convenient store), the tuna steak was overcooked as well, and the last entree was the flank steak which was fair at best but lukewarm. Not sure if our food sat in the kitchen or what but, I can’t even explain. After all this, Victor did not come to check in and ask about the food or if we wanted more drinks. We had to keep stopping bus boys for more water. Again, we flagged down another waiter and asked for our check since Victor never came back once he took our order. Victor finally showed up with our bill and then disappeared again, when he finally came back he was bothered that we were using an American Express card because he needed a different card reader. When he came back with the AE card reader he was hurrying us about how much to type in for his tip. After all that the card reader was not connecting and we had to go to the bar to use something else which didn’t work and he proceeded to tell us “No American Express, Visa, visa!” We ended up paying in cash. Again, this place is beautiful but that’s it. Food was not good, service was terrible. I know places can have an off day but this went beyond that. I will not come here again.

The funny thing is that above the bar they have a sign that reads “ God owns this business and we just manage it” the sign should read “God owns this business and we mismanage it.” God doesn’t like ugly!

Here are some pictures of the place and food… please don’t be fooled something that looks pretty doesn’t mean it’s good! This is what we would call a TT...

I recently had dinner at Navíos, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won't forget anytime soon! Everything about this place was just amazing, starting with the valet parking. It's so convenient - you just pull up, and they take care of your car. No hassle at all.

Walking into Navíos, I was struck by how incredibly atmospheric and beautiful the interior is. The design, the lighting, everything about it makes you feel like you're in a very special place. It's not every day you get to dine in such a stunning setting.

And guess what? The restaurant is right on the water, which adds a whole new level of cool to dining there. The waiters shared with us that crocodiles occasionally swim nearby, about every three days! Although we didn't see any during our visit, just the thrill of possibly spotting one added excitement to our meal.

The service at Navíos was top-notch. The staff were super friendly and attentive, making sure we were well taken care of throughout our meal. They were knowledgeable about the menu and helped us make our selections, which was a big plus.

Now, onto the food - it was out of this world! We ordered a variety of dishes, including Tuna Steak, Grilled Octopus, Octopus Bell Pepper Pasta, Lime Soup, an Americano, Tea, a Pina Colada Virgin, Chocolate Delight, Mexican Flank Steak (Angus), and a couple of cocktails. Each dish was a delight, perfectly prepared and presented with such care. The flavors were incredible, and it was clear that a lot of thought went into each recipe.

The presentation of the dishes and the way the table was served were impeccable. It's not just about the taste of the food at Navíos; it's also about the experience. The lighting in the restaurant enhanced the ambiance, making our dinner even more memorable.

In summary, my experience at Navíos was absolutely fantastic. From the valet parking to the atmospheric interior, from the exceptional service to the delicious food, everything was just perfect. It's a place I highly recommend to anyone looking for a dining experience that's a cut above the rest. I loved everything about Navíos and can't wait to return for another meal.

On top of all the wonderful experiences at Navíos, there was something extra special about our visit. It was my birthday, and my friends had used the OpenTable app to book our table, mentioning that we were celebrating my birthday. The restaurant went above and beyond to make the day memorable for me. At the end of our meal, they surprised me with a dessert as a gift. It wasn't just any dessert; it was unique, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. To top it off, it came with fireworks! This gesture was not only thoughtful but also made me feel really special. The dessert was on the house, but the experience was priceless. This kind of attention to detail and care for customers is what sets Navíos apart and why I'll always remember my birthday dinner...

Forget everything you thought you knew about Cancún restaurants, because Navíos isn't just a meal—it's an experience! From the moment you step in, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on a journey into a stunning, swamp-like paradise that magically morphs into the boundless ocean. Seriously, it's like Mother Nature herself moonlit as a set designer. The ambiance alone is worth the trip. Picture this: you're nestled in a cozy, hanging palm tree perch, gently swaying with the breeze as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. The panoramic views of the ocean are simply unbeatable—you'll be hard-pressed to find another spot in Cancún that offers such an exclusive, front-row seat to nature's nightly masterpiece. And then there's the food. Oh, the food! Prepare your taste buds for a fiesta. The "arroz negro" with octopus and calamari is a smoky, seafood symphony that will haunt your dreams (in the best way possible). The vegan tart proves that plant-based can be utterly divine, and the tuna tostadas and ceviches are so fresh, you'll swear the fish jumped straight from the ocean onto your plate. But if you really want to elevate your experience, do not, I repeat, DO NOT leave without trying the lobster burritos. They're a revelation. Even if you're stuffed, make room for dessert. The lava chocolate is a molten explosion of flavor—a veritable volcano of deliciousness. The cornbread will surprise you with its unexpected deliciousness, and the guava dessert offers an intriguing and delightful end to your meal. Now, let's talk about the service. It's truly a masterclass in attentiveness with a side of delightful mystery. Your waiters are like highly skilled ninjas, seemingly appearing out of thin air just when you're contemplating another margarita. They somehow know exactly when to chat and when to let you soak in the moment, all while subtly (and hilariously) protecting you from the very real suspected alligator that may or may not be swimming under the tables. (Don't worry, it just adds to the charm!) The best part? Unlike many of Cancún's tourist traps, Navíos offers all this magic without breaking the bank. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for such an extraordinary dining adventure. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable night out that combines breathtaking views, incredible food, and a healthy dose of whimsical charm, Navíos is absolutely, unequivocally worth it. Go forth and conquer that...