El Mero Mero — Restaurant in San Miguel de Cozumel

I am not quite sure how this place got this high rating. In my view, the quality and the taste of the food is not even close to average. I chose this place on our trip to Cozumel because we wanted to try something modest (in terms of luxury) that offers good food. So I picked this place based on the reviews. But it was a huge disappointment. Even the mojito drink was just like water drink with some lime. On top of that, the place is not cheap. We had to change my daughter’s diaper and there was no place to do that. The washroom was disgusting. I don’t mind non-luxury places but this is borderline unacceptable. The 2 guys who served us were nice though. We ordered. 2 meals: octopus and grilled fish. The octopus was less than average, but my wife could eat. The grilled fish was absolute disaster and I couldn’t eat it. It was very clear to me that it was cooked multiple times. It was the first time ever that i don’t eat my plate in a restaurant. I regret not returning the plate from the get go. On top of that, the plates were swimming with oil. I don’t if they think that it is a good thing. But clearly not. At the end when I was paying the bill, the waiter emphasized multiple times that tip is not included. It wasn’t something I appreciated especially with my dissatisfaction...

Up front, the price option I selected was for the food items, though I will note that the alcoholic beverages were also quite reasonably priced.

My lass and I had the pescadora al ajo and camarones al ajo tacos respectively, but traded off one of three each so we could get a taste of a wider variety of the menu. Absolutely delicious. The salsas they served with them were a bit mild for my taste, but I also like very spicy food. The pico served with the tacos was fresh and tasty, bright in both flavor and color, and the components were firm and crunchy.

The service was exceptionally attentive, though as the only patrons in the establishment, one would certainly hope so. The restaurant was nothing particularly exciting, your average tile floor, back bar, plaster and white paint rental location restaurant. So if you're just dying for something ultra fancy, this may not be your joint. On the flip side, it was clean and bright, the chairs were serviceable and the table didn't rock back and forth. So if you just want a great meal at a decent price, I'm definitely going back here...

On cruise port call in Cozumel we went looking for something not over touristy and were pleased to find El Mero Mero. At first I was anxious about what to order. But with some help, the specialty of the menu is to choose seafood items. And then the party who ordered breading fried items was not raving about their selections. But… I ordered the Pescado Frito Red Snapper (not breaded) and it was amazing. I also ordered the Sopa de Mariscos which was also amazing. I was wanting to sample. So you should know the red snapper and the soup could each alone be a full meal for one person. I shared with others at the table. Neither was too spicy, but both flavorful. The red snapper had the option of fish size and I chose medium. We also shared a mixed ceviche for the table (no picture). That was good. I felt the waiter was attentive and interested in me having a...