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Viva Zapata

1/2 block west of the main square, Holbox Island, Mexico
( 984 ) 875 23 30
Update restaurant details
Ranked #14 of 45 restaurants in Holbox Island
Cuisines: Mexican
Good for: Child-friendly, Romantic, Groups, Local cuisine
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Romantic, Groups, Local cuisine
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
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111 reviews from our community

76% Recommend
    53
    32
    14
    8
    4
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Denver, Colorado
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

The first night, we avoided Viva Zapata because it looked like Senor Frogs (bar in front)... and we wanted the authentic non-touristy experience. After reading some good reviews, we gave it a try. This was my favorite dinner of the trip. A woman made the tortillas fresh over hot coals near our table, and they were DELICIOUS. There was live... More

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See 2 more reviews by Chelsea R for Holbox Island
Edmonton, Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013 via mobile

We loves this place, true local Mexican experience with real fisherman cooking their catch - actually we saw the owner bringing it it in and then they grilled us the mixed grill, wonderful experience and the music here is amazing. If you want simple, real grilled fish & seafood without all the frills/sauces this is the place... Actually we asked... More

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See 6 more reviews by Hayley2013 for Holbox Island
Aspen, Colorado
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

My husband and I enjoyed a delicious seafood platter at Viva Zapata Grill in Isla Holbox in April. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. We will definitely return there especially if there continues to be live music.

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See 2 more reviews by JudyDon087 for Holbox Island
Lidingo, Sweden
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

Live music and a good grill! We had the big seefood grill for two and it was great. Staff was very friendly and they even ran across the street (to a supermarket) and bought icecream for our son. (they didn't have it on the meny).

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See 2 more reviews by Jenny G for Holbox Island
Augusta, Georgia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
33 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

Enjoyed the overall atmosphere. The wait staff was friendly. However, as the evening progressed and the restaurant became busier the service became a little slower. The food was ok. The grilled fish was good, the flank steak a little bit tough and the grilled pork gristly and no flavor.The live music was flat.

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See 5 more reviews by Steven W for Holbox Island
Billings, Montana
2 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013

I was here for my 40th birthday dinner and thought it was a super experience. No it is not a michelin starred place but if you like fresh grilled fish, sausage, and steaks with some beers and tequilas you will love this place. I hung out at the grill with the chef. Had the mixed grill ...shared with my wife...and... More

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Central BC
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Really liked the little area at the back. Something charming about being in proximity to the grill. Unfortunately, the food was merely okay. Not bad,but just okay. Service though was not good. Lots of staff around but our waiter pretty much ignored us after dropping off the food. Also, in Mexico, tequila is cheap. Getting a margarita with what i... More

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See 2 more reviews by corksmasher for Holbox Island
Vught
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

The location, a kind of tree covered garden, is nice to stay a couple of hours. A large team of friendly staff prepare the food on a BBQ and in a small kitchen on site. The food lacks fine spices, herbs and vegetables though. The live music was a disgrace on the night we were there, but that could be... More

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See 2 more reviews by Vuppies for Holbox Island
Haarlem, The Netherlands
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013

Very friendly staff, superb cocktails, nice atmosphere with live music and good food! try a whole grilled fish, yum.

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Seattle
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 April 2013

They do a good job of luring you in with their welcoming 'swings' bar and friendly vibe. Main dining area is round the back - bring bug spray (or wear shoes). Service slow, even by Mexican standards. Food was ok - we shared the 'surf & turf' platter, which (although billed for 2) wasn't a lot of food, comprising mainly... More

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See 6 more reviews by claw1968 for Holbox Island

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