Lorenzillo’s, Lobster House in Cancun

Mention Cancun, and most people think of sun-drenched beaches, spring break, lots of tequila, dancing and partying all night. But what about that Mexican cuisine? Cancun offers its regional cuisine and seafood plays a big role. Of course, you can always pair that with margaritas or a great bottle of wine. All of which are on the menu at Lorenzillo’s, known as one of the area’s finest Lobster Houses and a long-time Cancun favorite.

Lorenzillo’s has a prime location on the Nichupte Lagoon-side of Cancun’s Hotel Zone on Kukulcan Boulevard. You literally walk the wooden plank (walkway) above the lagoon. To the left of the plank is a bar with seating for a pre or post-dinner drink, and that’s when you enter Lorenzillo’s, enriched by a nautical-esque pirate theme, complete with maps, spyglass, anchors and even a wooden ship’s wheel.

Ay, matie, a bit of the pirate ambience going on here. In 1979, the name of the infamous and merciless pirate, Lorenzillo, was given to this fine restaurant offering choice selections from the surrounding seas. Lorenzillo’s lobsters are caught by fishermen from the Isla Mujeres respectful of the international laws. From there, the lobsters are taken to Lorenzillo’s Lobster Farm, with a maximum capacity of 20,000 live lobsters – fresh for your selection.

Literally built on the water, an oversized palapa serves as the roof. The restaurant is a city landmark. It’s the largest in the area constructed entirely of palm thatch and native hardwoods in keeping with ancient customs – and reconstructed completely for the third time post-Hurricane Wilma.

If you’re not swayed by Caribbean character or finely-crafted trappings, you will be impressed with their menu.

My personal favorite is their table-side Caesar salad – no anchovies please – prepared in a wooden bowl. I’ve tried to duplicate the dressing at home, but I haven’t succeeded yet.

Next up, “El Pirata” – broiled sea scallops over tortilla chips and guacamole. 

Select your main entrée from the tank, Caribbean live lobster prepared as I like (steamed) or 19 other ways. Other menu selections include soft shell crab and stone crab (in season), jumbo shrimp and Chilean sea bass – all guaranteed to melt in your mouth.

Another tableside preparation is the tempting crepes suzette desert.

There are a lot of things to do in Cancun. Yet there’s something about the water gently washing against the wharf, occasional glimpses of alligators, a tropical sunset and amazing food that keeps me returning to Lorenzillo’s when vacationing there.

Lorenzillo’s     
Hours Daily 1pm-12:30am     
Location: Bulevar Kukulkán Km 10.5, Cancún Island     
Reservations recommended     
Phone 998/883-1254

Similar Posts:

Share