DeNuccio's Ristorante — Restaurant in Isla Mujeres

Like a previous person: judging by the references this should be a good restaurant.

The view is fantastic, beautiful place too, clean, beautiful terrace, bar where you can clearly make contact with each other...and with owner Dan. Welcome was fine, it was busy and we were able to get a table for two outside in front of the bar. Service clearly indicated that it was busy so it could take a while. No problem.

In the meantime, we took some time to look at the menu: the menu is American-Italian, but this menu will not appeal to (most) Europeans. Very pricey by local standards. Local wine prices ok, American wine downright expensive. We also took some time to observe what is happening at the bar. Owner Dan is clearly “the man” of the company, Americans like to have a conversation with him…and Dan, in our opinion, likes to be the centre of attention.

Ordered a glass of chardonnay with the order, the waiter wanted to wrote down the American one. My partner didn't hear it immediately and almost ordered the expensive one. Starter (bruschetta) was a very thick piece of baguette with a special topping. Although tasty, this had nothing to do with an Italian bruschetta. Tastes good, so it must be a cultural difference.

Unfortunately the main course was really not ok. Pasta and large shrimps. The pasta (noodles?) had boiled over and was floating in the watery liquid. The shrimps were soggy. Both had no taste, this really had nothing to do with good cooking and certainly not with Italian food.

‘Dan the man’ came by and asked if I was okay (not we). We indicated that we as individuals were doing well. He indicated that he did not know what that means. Briefly stated: we're fine, food not so much. He didn't know what that means again. Once again we kindly stated that it was not to our taste. Again he didn't know what this meant.

Ok: the food is not what we expected from Italian food. Overcooked pasta what we think were noodles, soggy shrimp and no taste. ‘Dan the man’ is clearly not used to receiving negative comments. There is a very lame excuse that all pasta is fresh so ‘Al Dente’ is not possible. As if the pasta in Italy is not fresh… What a poor excuse for this watery, flavorless meal. Under the negative references you will see nice excuses when you are on the island, come visit again.... but at the moment itself nothing is said and nothing is done. ‘Dan the man’ walked away and we didn't see anyone again. Nu excuse, no coffee on the house (not that we wantor need that, it’s the idea that counts). After paying, Dan stood at the door and we wished him a nice evening. Dan made no response….

If you are used to Italian from Europe (the continent on which Italy is located), skip this place, it will be a...

What an amazing find on a small island in Mexico. This has to be one of my top dining experiences of all time. This was a planned dinner for 12 for my wife's birthday. I sent a chat request through Google to see about planning the evening. Maria (the owner) answered me immediately and we were able to get all of my questions and requests addressed with no problems at all. We arrived at the restaurant and they were all ready and greeting us. The staff had prepared a large table inside with open windows which was perfect. Maria came out and discussed the menu with us which was helpful. The cocktails were fantastic. Everyone loved the dirty martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives and the espresso martinis. We ordered appetizers and they were phenomenal. The antipasto for 2 was different cheeses, cured meats, artichoke hearts and olives. The calamari was the best I have ever had. Tender breaded rings in a light sauce with tomatoes and sliced mushrooms. I found myself soaking the bread in the sauce after we finished the calamari. The stuffed portobello mushrooms were fantastic according to the group. They went so fast I didn't get a crack at it. My Caesar salad was to die for and they added anchovies to it upon my request. It's the only way to enjoy Caesar salads in my opinion. For my entree I ordered the shrimp puttanesca which was out of this world. It's not for everyone only because it is spicy. Tail on shrimp in a light olive oil sauce with garlic, black olives, sundried tomatoes and a myriad of other flavorful ingredients. Served over HOUSEMADE pasta which was so tender it was like no other I have had. My wife had the pork oso bucco which we both agreed was the star meal of the evening. The presentation was fantastic and the flavors were amazing. Everyone at the table kept passing their dishes around and telling one another to take a bite because it was all just that good! We finished the evening with a white chocolate cheesecake that had candles for my wife to blow out. She got happy birthday sang to her in English by us and in Spanish by the staff. What an amazing experience for a milestone birthday. I can't thank Maria, her staff and the amazing 21 year old female chef (who prepared all of this for us) enough. DeNuccio's is an absolute must if you're on...

We decided at the last minute to change things up and go Italian. At 645pm we called and they advised we could get a table at 8, but the bar was open so come on over.

It was a rainy night so we stayed in the corner of the bar well covered and there happened to be 2 women next to us who befriended us. The bartenders were so friendly bringing us bread with dipping oil & balsamic when requested.

Maria, the owner, came over to talk and was just so friendly. Our new friends dined at the bar and one joined us for a chat at our table.

To start, we had Rhode Island calamari which shouldn't be missed. It was fried calamari rings with sundried tomatoes and maybe cherry peppers in a scampi style sauce. I may be explaining it inaccurately but you get the point....simply amazing. For entrees, we had the pear, gorganzola ravioli which was so decadent as well as the beef shank with shell pasta. The beef fell off the bone and was so flavorful and delicious. The sauce was reminiscent of marsala and was great.

The server was beyond friendly, the ambiance wonderful as Maria came by the tables checking to be sure everyone was beyond satisfied. The only drawback of dining a bit late was the limoncello tiramusu as well as traditional tiramisu were both gone! Other desserts were offered but we opted for coffee which was also delicious.

Check out the bathrooms as they are beautifully designed. We're from an area with high-end casinos and none have such beautiful bathrooms (of all things!).

We're going back soon for happy hour which is 3-5 with half priced wine, beer and I believe welldrinks plus live music Thurs through Saturday.

The view is amazing as it overlooks the ocean with an outdoor bar but couldn't be enjoyed on a rainy night.

Food & drinks were a 10, esthetics 10, friendliness 10. We now have soon to be lifelong friends we've met as well. Stop reading and make a...