Parador 33 — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

Last Saturday night we walked by the main strip in Holbox and saw a small sign for Parador 33 Restaurant. We hadn’t heard of this place so thought we’d have a look. It looked busy and the ambiance was very romantic and nostalgic. There was one table left in the garden area so we were seated there. After being attacked by mosquitos we were moved to the next available table inside, beside the clay pizza oven.

We had already ordered our food and were waiting. My friend ordered a pizza (rocket and Serrano ham) and I ordered the Fettuccine pasta dish. When we moved to the new table I had noticed a pizza sitting on the counter by the pizza oven. It was sitting there for at least 5 minutes and I even joked to my friend saying I hoped it wasn’t his!

After being seated we were served our meal. My pasta came before his pizza. And it was the same pizza that had been sitting on the counter, for now at least ten minutes. The pizza arrived cold but that was probably a good thing since the rocket leaves had been cooked in the oven with the Serrano ham and pizza dough- and not sprinkled on afterwards as the norm! The leaves were now shriveled and almost brown looking old and unappetising.

My fettuccine was bland. The tomato sauce tasted as though it had been rinsed with warm tap water and thrown into the bowl. No garnish. No offer of black pepper or parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top. No salt and pepper on the table either. No olive oil or chilli oil to drizzle over the dry pizza.

After a few bland mouthfuls of my pasta I bit into something and initially thought I had cracked my tooth. Luckily it wasn’t a tooth but a piece of black stone. It broke into a few pieces in my mouth. I pushed it aside and searched the rest of the dish for stones, luckily to no avail.

During our meal we noticed the Uruaguayian owner sitting down and eating at the last free table. The two waitresses were friendly and the atmosphere was more of a “welcome to my home” than welcome to my restaurant sort of feel... which was ok.

If you wanted the bathroom you’d have to request a key from the waitress. A bit of a hassle especially since she was quite busy serving other guests and I’m not sure I’d want my meal served straight after she’s taken back the toilet key from another guest having just left the toilet (remember the toilets in Mexico are different to the world- toilet paper is not flushed, but placed in a bucket beside the toilet!)

We also noticed a German couple beside us complaining about their meal. Their empty plates sitting on their table for at least twenty minutes before they were cleared- as were ours!

Pizzas sat at the clay oven waiting to be delivered to other tables, too for at least ten minutes a time.

When our waitress from Argentina finally came to clear our table I mentioned the black stone in my dish. She suggested it was a seed! I said it had no flavour so unlikely. She spoke to the Chefs, owner and other waitress and they were baffled how the stone got onto my plate. The comped the entire bill (pasta, pizza, beer and water) and did apologise profusely.

Very grateful the meal was comped as it was very disappointing. Apart from the mishap of the stone in my pasta, the dish was bland and had zero flavour. The pizza was dry and the rocket was warm, shriveled and brown. Presentation of both dishes were drab and the menu is considerably overpriced for Mexico.

If you’re trying to create the homely atmosphere then charge familiar prices and improve on flavour, presentation and delivery of the meals. Disappointed the owner didn’t visit our table himself to apologise or offer a resolution himself, instead he sent his waitress. We ended up leaving a MX500 tip as appreciated their kind offer to comp the bill.

This restaurant has great potential and could be so much more. I wouldn’t go back though as there are much better restaurants on the island offering amazing pasta and pizza dishes at reasonable prices for the Mexico...

A Culinary Gem on Holbox – Parador 33!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience on Holbox, Parador 33 is the place to be. This Argentinian-Italian fusion restaurant isn’t just a meal,it’s a journey of flavors, hospitality, and passion! From the moment you step in, the vibe is unique, blending rustic charm with a touch of elegance. The staff is phenomenal, striking that rare balance between warmth and professionalism, making you feel like an honored guest rather than just another diner. Now, let’s talk about the food,because that’s where this place truly shines. The steak? Simply to die for. juicy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. But it doesn’t stop there. The menu is a creative masterpiece, offering bold, inspired dishes that fuse the best of Argentinian and Italian cuisines. Every bite is a testament to the dedication of the two incredible owners, who have poured their hearts into crafting an experience where the customer is always at the center.

Pair your meal with a fantastic selection of wines, and you have the recipe for a perfect evening. Whether you’re a meat lover, a foodie seeking something special, or just someone who appreciates great service and atmosphere, Parador 33 is worth every peso.

This is more than just a restaurant, it’s a Holbox must visit. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out on one of the island’s finest dining...

Recently had the pleasure of dining at "Parador 33," and it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. This hidden gem exceeded all my expectations and left me wanting to return for more. From the ambiance to the delectable dishes, every aspect of my visit was exceptional.

The soft lighting, tasteful decor, and gentle background music created a soothing environment perfect for an intimate dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The friendly hostess Sabrina greeted me with a warm smile and promptly led me to my table, ensuring I felt welcomed and comfortable right from the start.

The service at "Parador 33" was impeccable.The waitstaff was so attentive. The food—simply outstanding! The chef's dedication to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients was evident in every dish. I started with the KMO salad, which was bursting with flavors and paired perfectly. For the main course,"Bife a la Sal"it was cooked to perfection!

The pricing, which was surprisingly reasonable given the high quality of the food and service. In conclusion, Parador 33 is a true culinary gem that deserves all the praise it receives. From the warm and inviting ambiance to the top-notch service and outstanding cuisine, every aspect of the dining experience was...