Sal de Mar - COZUMEL

Great place, food and service. Jorge rocks! Thank you for hosting us : we had the fish of the day. Recome recommended!

Azul Madera is a favorite stop during our visits to Cozumel. Wife and I have been patronizing Azul Madera almost since they opened several years ago as Sal De Mar. On the second visit this week during our vacation we met Juan, the owner. He convinced us to order the salt crusted baked fish and my wife said it was the best meal she's ever had! The Mahi was draped in pork belly and then encrusted in salt before baking. The dish is then presented tableside where the salt crust, pork belly and skin are removed and served over creamy potatoes. In addition, the architecture is very unique as it was formerly Juan's grandfather's house and repurposed as the existing restaurant. I understand it's been featured in Architectural Digest. When I called to make a last minute reservation an hour in advance the hostess indicated they were full but said they would squeeze us in. She set up a separate table for us the bar area and it was very accommodating!

I was going to wait until after our next dinner there to post my review, but we enjoyed it so much I had to share now. This has become our favorite Cozumel restaurant and that is pretty high praise on a small island with so many good choices! The ambiance is really lovely with the indoor/outdoor decor, very imaginative cocktail menu and delicious food. The service is warm, friendly and very professional. One of the waiters even recognized us from previous visits and greeted us. This time I had a margarita, super, we had a taco appetizer that was almost a meal in itself. I normally don’t care for beans, but this was so perfectly balanced with the sausage and mole, just wonderful! My husband had the blue cheese burger and I had a calzone and we split each. Lots of food and delicious. Oh, and the service, right on point. Definitely give this place a try, you won’t be disappointed!

I don't write a lot of reviews, but compelled to share this one. A gem off the beaten path. The building is a stunning piece of architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright would be proud. Integrating the natural setting of an old property, retaining the artistic elements, and building modern around it. The service is quick and professional. Attending to my specific choices, explaining the elements of the menu in detail. Preparation and presentation are very creative. Portions moderate but left me wanting nothing. Barely room to choose from the tempting dessert menu. Their equivalent of a key lime pie will blow your mind. It's like you explained what a key lime pie was to a much superior alien species. They prepared it, and it came out totally different. I've been coming to Cozumel for more than 40 years. I have a new favorite place now.

The dinner we had there was without a doubt one of the very best places I've ever eaten at here in Cozumel, we had the salt encrusted snapper, mussels and calamari (2 orders!) Fantastic! A must try restaurant!