Kiosco Verde

Essential Guide to Visiting Cancun, Mexico

"A humble, family-run seafood eatery that began as a simple stall in 1974 and grew into a critically recognized dining spot (included in Mexico’s Michelin guide) under the stewardship of the founder’s son, serving traditional preparations of local fish and seafood with standout dishes like ceviche, grilled octopus and lobster empanadas." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"Octavio Santiago continues a longstanding family tradition at Kiosco Verde. This simple but welcoming kiosk was founded by his father in 1974 and is located along the road that crosses Puerto Juarez. The detailed menu is complemented by specials written on the blackboard, but all focus on seafood from the local market and highlight the regional style. The dishes are as tasty as they are colorful, as in the Argentine-style empanadas stuffed with lobster meat and chimichurri sided by baked potatoes, fried leek julienne and aguacate, along with chile hummus. Pulpo zarandeado is another winning dish, and with generous portions you'll be hard-pressed to order dessert—but don't skip it. The specials, like the dreamy panna cotta, are worth it." - Michelin Inspector

15 Destination-Worthy Restaurants in the Mexican Caribbean | Eater

"Kiosco Verde opened in the mid-70s, when Puerto Juarez was a small fishing village and Cancún had yet to erupt into a resort town. It’s been there ever since, and Octavio Santiago (whose father opened the restaurant) is now at the helm as a master of the charcoal grill. Michelin-recommended Kiosco Verde is known for its fresh fish and seafood — so order yourself a feast under the open-air palapa. There are chipotle-red aguachiles topped with slivers of red onion, cucumber, and cilantro, tostadas piled with avocado and plump shrimp, and all matter of charcoal-grilled fish and oysters." - Lee Musho

The 13 Best Cancún Restaurants | Eater

"Every Cancún local knows this seafood stalwart. Awash in blue and white, it has held down a spot in Puerto Juárez, a fishermen’s neighborhood in Cancún, since the ’70s, making it one of the city’s longest-running establishments. Chef Octavio Santiago — who took over the business from his father — serves skillful renditions of soups, cocktails, ceviches, fresh fish fillets, octopus, and shrimp. Be sure to try the boquinete (hogfish), a deep-water fish served fried or cooked over an open fire, as well as grilled oysters with garlic butter and lemon. And don’t miss the salsas; they’re a delicacy. [$$]" - Wendy Pérez