Opened in 2021, Marina Bartolome may be a young restaurant, but it has a rich history. The family are original islanders, making their livelihood from the bounty of the sea. One just has to glance at the photos that adorn their gallery wall to see how deep the roots go into Isla Mujeres history. 

The marina is what one might call a one-stop-shop. A marina, restaurant with an air conditioned private function room, sports bar, take away counter, and small dipping pool, all under one roof. 

You enter the restaurant on Medina, just south of the ferry dock, and walk into a crisp, nautical restaurant at the foot of the marina. The location provides an expansive view of the water between Cancun and the island. It’s a perfect place for enjoying the sun set and fish and seafood recently caught in those very waters. 

Kath enjoyed the pera primavera cocktail. An delicious inventive creation of gin, white vermouth, pear, eureka lemon, agave and ginger ale.

On the day we dinned there, the catch of the day was fresh caught Mahi Mahi. This is a rarity as it’s low season for that fish. So, we started with appetizers that would feature this firm, white fish.

We selected the ceviche mixto on the recommendation of our server Angel. Piled high on a platter was whole shrimp, chunks of mahi mahi, octopus and calamari with chopped tomato, red onion, and cilantro.  The beautiful taste of fresh lime sparkled on your palate. 

We also really enjoyed the fish fritters. They were lightly battered, hot and crispy. Served with a spicy mayo and a side of guacamole that was topped with picked red onion. 

For main we both picked shrimp dishes. I had the garlic shrimp. I must confess, I was drawn to it by the anticipation of mashed potatoes, which did not disappoint. The potatoes were whipped to smooth perfection and full of buttery flavour, the side of corn was sweet and worked well against the salt of the large sautéed garlic shrimp. 

Kath selected the pasta Alfredo with shrimp. Served in a rich cream sauce, highlighted with white wine and citrus. It was a generous portion served with garlic toast.  

By this point we were very full, so packed up the leftover shrimp pasta and topped it with the garlic shrimp from my plate. It made a delicious dinner the next evening. We did somehow access enough tummy space to share some vanilla ice-cream. 

Marina Bartolome also hosts special events such as wine pairings and tequila tastings in a lovely, large air conditioned space that can also be booked for private events. 

Insider tip: The shrimp skewers that have topped the Isla Mujeres Food Page are from our visit in March 2024! I recall that they were sensational and so was the spicy octopus.

Kath’s quote: “The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.” – Ernest Hemingway

Love never fails

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