My family just returned from a trip to Cancun. Twenty some years ago my husband and I went to Cancun and visited La Habichuela and had an extremely memorable meal that we still talk about. So when planning this trip with our children we were very excited to see that the restaurant was still in business in the original location and was still highly rated. This was truly our best meal again in Cancun. The service is extraordinary and the setting can best be described as a Mayan garden with beautiful lighting. We had our choices of different types of fresh breads that we selected out of a basket from the waiter, different soups for appetizers, sorbet to cleanse the palate in between, and then our main course. Everyone love their food choices. I had the house specialty again called La Cochicheula which was curried lobster and shrimp over rice served in a hollowed out coconut. It was great to be in a restaurant that is still high quality after so many years. A photographer also took a professional picture of my family for a nominal fee at the conclusion of the meal which will be a great souvenir of our best meal in Cancun.

While staying with friends in Cancun we took the bus from the Royal Sands to Cancun City. Our friends asked us not to judge the restaurant by the area. We were somewhat apprehensive as we got off the bus at the end of rush hour and wandered down the main street and then veered off down a side road. La Habichuela was at the end of the road in an unimpressive building. When we entered, I was pleased to see the inside was modern with glass and wood. But my friend said, "Wait, we're headed out to the back to eat." As we exited out the back door, we walked into what I can only describe as a beautiful Mayan garden with lights in the trees, stonework and fabulous white iron peacock chairs.

The service here was very attentive and the food was bountiful and very good. My girlfriend and I ordered the La Cochichuela which is shrimp, lobster, rice and coconut in a tasty sauce served in a hollowed out coconut. It was good, but I thought it was a bit pricey. Hubby had a chicken in wine sauce that was excellent and quite large with sides of vegetables and potatoes. Girlfiend's husband also had a chicken dish which looked good. The rolls were light and heavenly. This restaurant is a must do when in Cancun...and in hindsight, the area was fine. We just think that in the future we may take a cab there instead of the bus as we don't know if we would ever find it again.

We dined at the new location for La Habichuela in the Hotel Zone last night and had a wonderful meal. I'm posting it here since it's only been open for a couple of weeks so it won't be on your maps but it is well worth finding and a lot easier than going downtown. The food was excellent, the service was very attentive and the location ambience is exceptional. We arrived early to watch the sunset over the lagoon and had a table next to the glass curtain wall. While the sun was setting, our waiter prepared our traditional caesar salad at the table so we had a show with the sunset and the table prep on both sides of the table. Menu is very similar to the downtown location but prices are higher than the Dos Gringos publication & doesn't have the famous Cocobichuela (shrimp lobster curry in coconut). They had a very nice chef's special that night of steamed grouper in foil with vegetable though and they also have lobster, shrimp, fish, beef and traditional dishes from the downtown menu. For Cancun it is a pricey place but well worth it. Wine list has good selection but seems a little high priced. Outdoor dining is also available.

The interior and garden are fabulous, and rather a change from the surrounding area. Our party of eight enjoyed great service and very fine food in the charming garden. My house specialty of beef tips "prepared like grandma used to" was spectacular. Our group included adults and teens and everyone found something to enjoy. Our bill was under $25 US per person. I would highly recommend a visit to this great restaurant.