La Carbonera 22 — Restaurant in Isla Mujeres

If you are an American MAGAt and are lucky to get Manny as your waiter then this place is for you. You can take a picture with him wearing your favourite red cap (see other reviews) and enjoy some of his best geopolitical ‘bromas’, jokes. You can have your ego massaged and your ideology enforced by a waiter whose only aim is to get big American tips.

If you enjoy having a meal without feeling second hand embarrassment or upset when hearing pro-magat jokes from one of their waiters then this place is NOT for you.

I do not have anything against restaurant staff working hard for their tips, and it appears Manny has found an easy group to target, but starting off with unsolicited political jokes in a family restaurant, even if it is not directed at your table, where some guests are Mexican and from other countries, not to say with different political leanings, is inconsiderate and disrespectful to those guests.

Not only was our lunch ruined by this but it affected other guests. For example, a newly arrived group of very happy, young Americans, who got to hear a ‘broma’ from Manny just as they were sitting, laughed nervously, and ordered some drinks quickly to go. While Manny was getting their order they were chatting in low voices in reference to the joke, not at all happy anymore. They got their drinks and got on their golf carts and left. Even people just looking to drink and drive didn’t care for the joke.

The other staff worked diligently and chatted about the weather, food, and activities around the island. The food was as average as you can get in that island. Atmosphere was shattered by an unnecessary ’joke’. Service was average, but as we were unlucky enough to get Manny it ruined the whole experience.

If you want great food and no bigoted Americans then I recommend Mexico Lindo y Querido restaurant, google it. Prices are the best in the island and food is way above average, and they make one of the best cafe de olla around.

Note to the manager/owner of La Carbonera: if you are OK catering to this specific kind of American then there’s no need to bring this to Manny’s attention, but if you care about ALL of your guests’ experience at your establishment then some training is clearly needed. I brought this to the attention of Manny but he stood there as a child does when caught with his hand in the cookie jar. My words went in one ear and...

La Carbonera 22 is a hidden gem on Isla Mujeres and quickly became one of our favorite dining experiences on the island. Tucked away with a view of the marina, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting—perfect for a laid-back lunch or a sunset dinner. The casual yet vibrant setting, with ocean breezes and a rustic coastal vibe, made for a memorable evening.

We ordered the fried whole fish, garlic shrimp, and tacos al pastor. Each dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The fried fish was a standout—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and full of flavor. It was clearly fresh and expertly cooked. The garlic shrimp was rich and savory with just the right amount of kick, served with a generous portion of rice and vegetables. And the tacos al pastor? Amazing. The meat was perfectly seasoned and juicy, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with the classic pineapple that brought just the right touch of sweetness.

But beyond the food, what really made La Carbonera 22 shine was the service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely cared about making sure we had a great experience. From offering menu suggestions to checking in without being intrusive, they struck the perfect balance.

Prices were very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, and the overall vibe of the restaurant made it feel like a place you’d want to linger—whether you're grabbing a quick bite after a beach day or settling in for a relaxed evening with drinks and good company.

If you’re visiting Isla Mujeres and looking for fresh, flavorful seafood and a local feel, La Carbonera 22 should absolutely be on your list. Great food, stellar service, and a charming atmosphere—what more could you ask for? We’ll definitely be back next time we’re...

Let’s start off by saying we ask them for a specific dish before we even entered. We asked them for the grilled grouper that is cooked in flame broil. They told us yes come in. We have it. I order the dish. He brings me out grilled garlic, tilapia, and tries to convince me that it is grouper as if I’m dumb and I don’t know what tilapia looks and taste like. We also ordered fish tacos, and chicken fajita Along with fried calamari french fries for my son who is five years old he choked on the calamari three pieces in because of how thick and gummy it was not only that not even three hours later he starts to throw up he had gotten food poisoning from the calamari and he threw up two other times after I thank God he choked on it because I made him stop eating it because if he would have finished his whole plate. He would’ve had a severe food poisoning. This place has horrible food. They manipulate you and lie just to get you to the door. This place had so many flies and the waiter reeked in alcohol as he was serving us and tried to convince me that that’s what I ordered and what I asked for and I refused to eat it and I refuse to pay for it. I would never return here again, especially being that my son got...