Neither are favorites of mine. La Choza is often recommended and I suppose it is a good tourist restaurant. It does have local food, however. If you want local food, Tony Romes is not the place--no local food and you sit on plastic chairs. I know it has fans who enjoy the American food.

I think the kids might enjoy more a place with outdoor seating such as Casa Denis, about one half block east of the main square.

As far as being close o the pier, it will depend where your ship docks or anchors.

I've eaten at both of these places quite a bit. I like Tony and he's helped me out of a few jams when on the island so I always recommend him since his food is always good as well. But I can't say the cooking there reflects local cuisine. La Choza will be the more authentic local menu for you if that's what interests you. It also happens to be my favorite restaurant on the island. Love their fajitas, chicken in black sauce, that salsa, the margaritas, the murals in the bar, etc..... Damn, I love everything about that place!

Tony's is probably the more kid friendly but La Choza isn't bad.

Both places are fairly close to the pier, but back in a few blocks off the main street.

Crap, now I'm hungry!

I second the vote for Casa Denis. And it is right in the main square area. Loved it.... Liked LaChoza but would choose Casa Denis over it.

I can't believe anyone would honestly recommend Tony Rome's. There is nothing local about it, the food is overpriced and just ok not great, service is slow to forever, and I don't personally enjoy being on vacation and listening to the owner wine the whole time about how hard things are and how lazy the locals are.

La Choza is decent, but as Robert says it's very touristy. Casa Denis is also a favorite. If you are going to be in town late enough, try Especias.

By "late" Trunkfish means Especias is only open for dinner and am thinking 6pm on...........it's on Calle 3 a few doors up from avenida 5...........food is great and Adrien will take care of the kid-friendly part!...........if that's too late for your ship then I "third" the Casa Denis vote since it's close and easy and also is the oldest restaurant on CZM..............make sure you check out the photo gallery inside on the way to the back courtyard!............(hey trunkfish-----email me----I'm easy to find).............Betsy

Thanks everyone! I am leaning toward casa Denis now. I appreciate the feedback!

Hey Elliebean, just down the road from you here on Kent Island. Casa Denis is a favorite of my kids also. It will also give them a chance to see the plaza.Mr. Tony Rome has two school age kids that love to play too. After dinner, walk around the corner of the plaza to Michoican for ice cream.

Kentmorrdave..small world!!! I lived on KI for a few years and parents live there. I have never met someone on TA who lives so close!

So where else have you travelled besides Cozumel? We were going back and forth between flying to Cozumel for the whole vaction and doing a cruise. We have also been to Turks and Caicos, Grand Cayman, Anguilla, Aruba and the Bahamas.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I have to admit I've taken offense to what Trunkfish said about Tony Rome's. On our first trip to Cozumel, Tony's was wonderful. We loved the food and the company. I've never been to a restaurant where the owner will come and sit with you after dinner to make sure you enjoyed everything.

Since then we always stop at Tony's when we are there. I do not think the food is overpriced, and we love it! If you go, you have to try his BBQ Sauce, it's soooo good.

I'm sorry Trunkfish may have had a bad experience there, but please don't disregard Tony's based on one person's opinion.