It isn't every day that you get to dine in the coziness of a hand-built timber house which dates back to the 1800s and savor some of the most sumptuous fare you will find on the island of Cozumel. But if it is this very combination you are looking for, then El Manati on Calle 8 Norte is a restaurant you simply cannot afford to miss.
The intimate five table restaurant was originally designed as a mechanic's workshop, after which Pati and Eric took over to revamp it as one of the most popular and widely recommended restaurants in Cozumel. Today, you can visit El Manati for lunch, or dinner, or even both, if you are truly that impressed! A meal at the restaurant begins with an outstanding array of starters like the Fish Carpaccio, which is marinated raw fish served in spinach and topped with a delicious dressing and the Oriental Salad, which is an El Manati original and combines fresh vegetables with an Asian zing. Entrees include the traditional Chicken in Mango Sauce, which is served in tortillas and a fantastic mango chutney. You can also devour shrimps cooked to your preference with garlic, a coconut curry sauce or a la diabla, just as the locals would! There is also a sprinkling of appetizing pastas, tacos and baguettes you can try. And for the finishing touch, El Manati serves a concise assortment of homemade desserts which include the tangy lemon pie, the sinful Kahlua and vanilla ice cream topped chocolate cake and even ice-cream in extraordinary flavors like lemon, which is tinged with mint liqueur, and vanilla served with Kahlua.
Lunch features an eclectic array of daily specials which includes soup, fresh bread and flavorsome entrees. To accompany your meal, the restaurant offers a comprehensive wine menu which features a heady mix of wines, cocktails, beer and fresh juices and soda for the not-so-alcoholically-inclined. And if that isn't enticement enough, El Manati also features some of the most popular artistes and bands on their live entertainment schedule which is regularly updated to keep the ambience as diverse as possible.
Reservations are recommended and can be made over the telephone at (987) 869-8568. El Manati is open from noon to 11 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from noon to 2 am on Thursday and Saturday.
For further information, you can also refer to the website http://www.elmanati.com.
El Manati
Calle 8 Norte
Cozumel 77600 Mexico
