Basico Holbox — Restaurant in Isla Holbox

Food and atmosphere were good, but very expensive compared to other options in the area, and not all the dishes were well thought out. However, service was subpar, and the server lied saying that the tip was mandatory, asking for the full 15% even though we had already tipped 10%, not letting us leave until we paid the extra 100 pesos. Avoid at all costs.

The sikil pak was tasty, but was served with corn tortilla that felt stale and chewy, should have been served with some chips instead. The kibi was flavourful, but dry and could have used a sauce. The best item was the catch of the day, which was genuinely delicious and well worth the high price.

Service was inattentive, and when we paid we provided a 10% tip on top of the bill. As we were leaving, the server counted the payment and demanded we pay the suggested 15% tip. I asked multiple times whether the tip was mandatory, even though the receipt said it was suggested, and he said yes we had to pay or we would not be allowed to leave. We finally paid, but the interaction left a terrible feeling to what would have otherwise been a decent, if expensive meal. Very unpleasant end to the meal, there are vastly better options around, even the tourist traps on the beach weren't so demeaning.

Edit: I see a response from the owner but have no way of responding back. We came in yesterday Tuesday Sept 17th 2024, we were a group of four sitting in the center of the restaurant around 7:30/8 PM. If you want to avoid this happening again, maybe indicate 15% tips are mandatory on the menu or outside. Better yet, pay your servers better so that they don't demand mandatory tips from clients. Your prices are already quite high compared to the neighbouring restaurants, you can certainly afford to pay them enough to avoid...

Basico Holbox offers a delightful culinary experience that combines freshness with flavor in every dish. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with a warm ambiance that sets the tone for an enjoyable meal. The tuna appetizer is a standout, boasting freshness and a burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. Each bite is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, leaving you craving more.

The caprese salad is a refreshing and flavorful starter, showcasing the simplicity of fresh ingredients done right. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the main course. And speaking of mains, the braised pork belly is a must-try. Tender, succulent, and packed with rich flavors, it's a dish that satisfies on every level.

For something a bit different, the sweet carrot risotto is a surprising delight. The sweetness of the carrots is balanced perfectly with the creamy risotto, creating a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. Each component complements the others, resulting in a harmonious dining experience that you won't soon forget. With impeccable service and a menu that celebrates the best of fresh, local ingredients, Basico Holbox is a culinary gem worth...

Despite the stellar reviews and high rating I’d say this is mediocre at best.

For food, we ordered croquettes and the carpaccio as appetizers; the croquettes were filled with a strange mash that tasted mango and the carpaccio, with a near complete lack of listed Serrano ham, was unfortunately far too oily. The mains, carbonara and linguini, were both slightly overcooked, but the linguini tasted good. The carbonara was somehow lacking both salt and pepper, and despite attempts to get the attention of the staff, we were never provided with any to our table. There was also artichoke (and small bits of cauliflower?) in the carbonara, that too overcooked, which in my opinion does not belong in the dish at all. The texture of the sauce was decent, but was unfortunately overshadowed by the above.

As for the environment, we have been at the island for a week, and I don’t think I’ve been to a louder restaurant in here. The music inside is not loud and actually decent, but you are close to an intersection that has three other restaurants, all playing different music and having live performances. To top this off, the side wall of the restaurant is open, meaning that traffic noise, barking dogs and this mix of music comes together in this...