Sister #3 Isla Mujeres (Part 2-Olivia’s)
Sister # 3: “While the traditional regional cuisine on Isla Mujeres is amazing, there is also a huge variety of fare available because people from around the world have discovered this little Island and now call it home.
March 2010
Olivia’s Israeli owner/operators offer a nice variety of good Mediterranean food including moussaka and kebab.”
Added by Kathryne: We were so excited to try Olivia’s in March 2008, that we accepted a table right in front of the restaurant’s open kitchen. The result was that we were engulfed by the smoke from the open fire. This did not dampen our appreciation of their well made mojitos or carefully prepared food. We tried their spanakopita, moussaka and Moroccan fish on couscous.
Moroccan Fish
In February 2009 we were fortunate to make a reservation for the best table in the house. There is a beautiful, large square table at the rear of the restaurant which is under a thatched canopy where enjoyed another lovely dinner .
Sisters 1-3 Under the Palapa
On my next visit, I intend to try their Shawarma. This was one of my favourite meals when I travelled to Israel a decade ago. I still recall the glistening juices as the meat portion was shaved off of the rotating spit. We had stopped at a roadside diner outside of Jerusalem. Their version was served with crunchy veggies and a variety of sauces-the memory of the taste is still very vivid.
Kath’s Quote: “Don’t take a butcher’s advice on how to cook meat. If he knew, he’d be a chef.” -Andy Rooney
OMG ! I am a transplanted Winnipegger living in Ct who has recently discovered Isla Mujeres and reading your review on Grand Beach food and pickerel specifically got my mouth watering ! Thanks!
When I try to describe Isla to Winnipeggers that have never been, I say “its like going to the beach (Grand) but in January. ” So you would totally get what I’m talking about. Thanks for dropping in.
You know how I love this place. I can see myself eating a Canadian breakfast in the morning, snorkelling in the afternoon and wandering around town in the evening.
i would rather stick pins in my eyes than be feed by a bunch of over dressed snobs on vacation eating greek food on an island in mexico known for its sea food! avoid this place at all costs and enjoy the local fare its better and cheaper and you don’t need to get dressed up to do so
Well Karl I can see that you are passionate about your food. On subsequent visits, I too have found Olivia’s on the pricey side and I actually prefer Comono’s for Mediteranean offerings. But I would never say “avoid this place at all costs” because to each his own. We find that when we are on the island for an extended period of time that some variety is welcome. I also agree that the local fare is cheaper. We like to frequent an inexpensive tiende one night and then be able to order a choice glass of wine the next. Although we love our seafood, rice, beans and cilantro, the variety of Isla’s cusine means that we never get bored. As far as sticking “pins in (your) eyes”. Please don’t-how ill you gaze at all the lovelies on North Beach then?