Lorenzillo's Live Lobster House

Lorenzillo's is Cancun's legendary lobster house, built entirely on stilts over the Nichupte Lagoon in the Hotel Zone. For over 35 years, it has been the go-to special-occasion seafood restaurant for families, couples, and visitors who want their lobster caught the same day and served with lagoon water rippling beneath them.

The setting is the first thing that hits you. The restaurant extends out over the lagoon on a wooden pier-like structure, with an air-conditioned interior and an open-air deck. The outdoor deck is where you want to be: water on all sides, pelicans fishing nearby, fish visible beneath the glass floor sections, and during sunset, the sky turns the lagoon into liquid gold.

For kids, this waterfront setting is inherently exciting and keeps them engaged even during a longer meal.

The menu centers on lobster, of course. Lorenzillo's sources its lobsters from fishermen in Isla Mujeres and Baja California, keeping them alive in a marine farm until they are ordered. You can actually visit the lobster tank and pick your dinner, a somewhat morbid but undeniably fascinating experience for kids.

The lobster is priced by weight, so prices vary, but expect $50-$80 per lobster depending on size. It is prepared grilled, steamed, or thermidor style.

Beyond lobster, the menu includes excellent shrimp (multiple preparations from $25-$40), fresh fish, ceviche, octopus, and seafood soups. For kids who are not into seafood, there is usually grilled chicken, steak, or pasta available. The portions are generous.

Let us be direct about pricing: Lorenzillo's is expensive. A family of 4 will spend $150-$350 depending on how many lobsters you order. Two adults with lobster, two kids with simpler dishes, plus drinks, will typically land around $200-$250. It is a splurge, but for a once-in-a-vacation seafood dinner with an extraordinary setting, many families consider it money well spent.

The restaurant is well-practiced with families. Highchairs are available, the staff is accommodating with children, and the lagoon provides natural entertainment. That said, this is a proper sit-down restaurant with courses served over 1.5-2.5 hours. It works best for families with kids who can handle a longer meal, roughly ages 4+.

Lorenzillo's opens at 1 PM for lunch and serves until midnight. Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset seating on the deck. The location at Km 10.5 is centrally located in the Hotel Zone, near La Isla Shopping Village.

For families who love seafood and want one truly memorable dinner in Cancun, Lorenzillo's delivers. The combination of live-catch lobster, lagoon setting, and sunset views creates a dining experience that kids remember long after the vacation ends.