Santos Fuegos Holbox — Restaurant in Isla Holbox

Nestled in the charming island of Holbox, there's a restaurant that truly stands out, not just for its food but for its unique approach to dining. This place, which I firmly believe is on its way to earning Holbox's first Michelin Star, redefines the art of cooking with its wood-burning masonry oven and grill, bringing an authentic, earthy touch to every dish.

What makes this restaurant exceptional is its simplicity and focus on the essence of good food. With just two walls and a half roof, the setting is unpretentious, yet it exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more, and in this case, the minimalist design accentuates the culinary experience.

The menu is a celebration of local flavors with a modern twist. Each dish showcases the fresh, local ingredients, cooked to perfection, highlighting the smoky notes from the wood-fired oven. The cuisine here is honest and unassuming, yet it leaves a lasting impression with its bold and well-balanced flavors.

Rodrigo, the owner, has created a place that’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary haven where the food takes center stage. Here, it’s not about extravagant menus or fancy silverware. It’s about the pure joy of eating well-prepared, delicious food in a setting that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

This restaurant is a hidden gem for those who appreciate the finer aspects of dining. It’s not a place for loud parties or beachside revelry; it’s a destination for those who seek a memorable meal. The simplicity of its structure, with its open-air feel and intimate ambiance, adds to the overall charm and appeal.

In conclusion, this establishment in Holbox is not just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey worth taking. The combination of traditional cooking techniques, innovative local cuisine, and a relaxed yet captivating atmosphere make it a worthy contender for a Michelin Star. Rodrigo has not just opened a restaurant; he has introduced a delightful culinary experience that resonates with authenticity...

The food! The service! Everything! Our incredible server, Andrea, provided a detailed description of every dish on the menu and gave perfect recommendations for appetizers, entrees and cocktails. The attention to service is the best we have experienced in a long time. The entire staff made sure we were happy & hydrated. The food is outstanding! Everything we tasted was prepared and presented to absolute perfection. Flatbread was super flavorful and loaded with juicy brisket. The short rib was honestly the BEST I have every tasted. If short ribs are on a menu, I order them, so I've tried many but none as good as Santos Fuego. I may go back tomorrow to ask for a container of their chimmy churry. My partner had the fish...he picked every morsel because the did not want to waste one drop. It was moist and smokey. I tried the sweet potatoes that accompanied his fish. I don't know how they cook them so crisp on the outside and creamy smooth on the inside. Just amazing. At the recommendation of a friend, we ordered the roasted carrots. I don't have the words to describe how delicious they were. I would make a whole meal of those carrots! The cocktails were made with (noticably) high quality liquors. If you visit, I highly recommend the Holbox Mule. Delicious and refreshing! Their Golden Margaritas are spectacular too! We struggled to recall another time or place where we had received such amazing service and incredible...

Our meals were well beyond our expectations! The ingredients were fresh and perfectly prepared. The flavors combined in a way that surprised us and it was a such pleasure to try new foods. The presentation made our mouths water. We enjoyed the brisket flatbread, the short ribs, the broccoli, the green salad and the chocolate ganache dessert. Portions allow for sharing. We visited twice during our week long stay on Holbox and probably would have visited once more had we discovered it earlier in our trip! The atmosphere was perfectly rugged and simplistic but comfortable with appropriate mood music playing, The cocktails we tried were as delectable as the food. My wife is a detail person and loved all of the small details in the surroundings and the decor. The only issue were the pesky bugs. They knew good food when they smelled it. Repellent was offered and lovely incense was burning as well. It was recommended to come later in the evening as this is less of an issue. If you are like us and eat earlier, apply repellent prior to your visit and you will be just fine. Once you start eating you will forget about them anyway! Shout out to Gabriel for his wonderful menu presentation and conversation! And to Ulysses for telling us about this...