Manati - cozumel centro

At first we were a little hesitant, it is out of the way and we were the only ones to eat from the handwritten menu without prices. But the food set itself a large menu del dia (menu of the day), which has a fixed number of options, but contain fruit juice, soup and a dinner. The juice and broccoli soup were good, but the dinners were great...for $10 total.

We had visited Cozumel in February with friends and returned in December 2004. One thing we all agreed to repeat from our previous trip was to have dinner in Manati! The atmosphere is charming, with a whimsical treatment on the ceiling in front of the house, traditional 'upscale' Mexican style in the main dining room and an additional small room upstairs. Exposed wooden beams, rich but damped colors and many green plants give you the feeling of being in a secret garden oasis. Our host, Patricia (please announce pa-tree-see-a), is gracious. Not only did she work magic to create such a beautiful space, but she puts a magic on her mules every time she visits. Your bright smile is reason enough to give Manati a chance; the food will hold you back. The menu is simple to NYC standards, but more inspired than what you'll find in the restaurants that are the main square in San Miguel. The soups are particularly good and change regularly. Our group enjoyed the rural vegetable soup, a broccoli cream and a simple French onion. The ginger mango chicken is a crowd gift, like the salmon. The garden salad is fantastic, especially because it is surprisingly difficult to get a decent salad on the island in general. The oriental salad is a little dipped into soy sauce to make it a hot recommendation, although it would probably work better as a small side. We actually did it and everyone enjoyed something. Also try the Chia flavored water. This is Chia, like in Chia pet, not Chai. It is a Mexican herb that is reported to have stomach and digestive properties. Also delicious! Who knew? We're with Manati when we visit Cozumel. And if you are looking for easy, casual, inexpensive: try Luigi's pizza, right opposite the taxi station.