Dining in Cancun can be a gastronomically rewarding experience. With travelers from around the world converging on this vacation paradise, there is a selection of restaurant choices just as varied as visitors tastes. While expected Mexican fare such as enchiladas, burritos and margaritas are plentiful, "typical" Cancun cuisine caters to the city's array of international visitors, with a sizable American chain restaurant presence. However, hungry vacationers will be able to find everything from Italian and French to vegetarian and Chinese. In addition, buffets and all-you-can-eat specials have become an economical and time-saving trend. There are restaurants to satisfy every taste and any time, breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack.

There are two distinct and separate areas to choose from when it is time to eat. In Cancun's Hotel Zone, diners will find that there are many one-of-a-kind restaurants that are exclusive to Cancun. Cambalache is an Argentine steakhouse that promises diners big steaks and a fun time. La Distileria serves hearty Mexican food, and boasts a tequila museum. If you are looking for authentic Yucatecan regional cuisine, Pacal, right on the lagoon, is the answer. Many hotels feature less-publicized, yet outstanding restaurants, as well. Tulum restaurant in the El Pueblito Beach Hotel boasts a mangificent ocean view by the main pool and a delicious variety of dishes. La Paloma, located inside the Omni Cancun Hotel and Villas, is alive with true Mexican warmth and flavor. La Paloma serves breakfast, lunch and dinner a la carte or buffet style. Cancun has also experienced some Americanization, with the influx of large theme restaurants and the chain establishments. These offer vacationers a chance to get a little bit of "home cooking" in a familiar setting, with the festive atmosphere that only Cancun can provide. Along the Hotel Zone, diners can choose from such favorites as Outback Steak House, Hard Rock Cafe, and the swanky, upscale Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. There are also such American culinary stalwarts such as T.G.I. Friday's, Bubba Gump Seafood Co. and even a Subway Sandwich location, for a light meal in between shopping or lying on the beach. There are also all the fast-food favorites, for visitors looking for a quick bite. Diner's choices aren't limited by the restaurants on Cancun Island, however. Venture into Cancun City, and the selection of authentic Mexican food is astounding, and it won't break visitor's budgets. Downtown is also where you will find many places open for breakfast, as opposed to the Island, where many places don't open until lunch or early afternoon. Los Bisquets de Obregón offers a cafeteria-style breakfast that is sure to satisfy. For dinner, a visit to Pericos offers diners a chance to see an authentic Mexican Fiesta along with a truly memorable meal. If you haven't experienced a real Mexican Fiesta, you must go see one. These dinner shows include great meals, plenty of margaritas, and a sampling of traditional Mexican music, song and dance.

Dining etiquette in Cancun is similar to dining in the states with the exception that it is considered quite rude for a waiter to bring the check before asked. Simply say "la cuenta por favor" or make the international scribbling on your hand sign to get the bill when you are ready. Otherwise, you may be sitting at your table for a while. Leave 10% - 15%, or more as a tip for exceptional service, but make sure the tip hasn't already been added to the bill. In Spanish, the word for "tip" is "propina" and may appear that way on the tab. Your tab may also say "servicio." Following these tips and recommendations should assure a unique and memorable Cancun dining experience.

Lee Breeze