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CAO

4.3 (37 reviews)
Open 2:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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What's the vibe?
Trendy
Intimate
Upscale
Happy hour specials

Recommended Reviews - CAO

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Tuna tostadas
Mark M.

I have had the good fortune to have these "Slow-down-to-savor-each-bite" moments in at least three Mexican cities now. and Holy CAO, this place did not disappoint. Sorry. I'm better than that but I had to take that low-hanging fruit. I traveled with 7 other people to Cancun and we were looking for an escape from the food at the resort. I got a reservation to this restaurant after a cursory search of off-resort restaurant offerings and I so happy to have come across this restaurant. It was only a 5-10 Uber ride from the hotel and it is located in the Puerto Cancun shopping mall; think: the swanky walkable malls in any metro area in the U.S. The place is located right on the water and it is in the shadow of several highrise condo buildings. We chose to take a table inside, as opposed to our original plan of sitting outside to catch the sunset. The position of the restaurant prevented that. My husband and I chose to make our own tasting menu: we shared the TUNA TOSTADAS, RIB EYE "GAONERAS" (tacos) and the CHEESE BURGER. It sounds like alot but there were only 2 tostadas and and 3 small tacos. The tuna tostadas were an absolute delight, with a hint of sweetness and the savory firmness of the tuna. The small gaonera tacos were delectable in their delicateness and I added a bit of chile to make each bite pop. The slight char on the burger bun was a perfect complement to juiciness of the 7 ounce beef patty. Culinary portion of the review is done--I'll take a moment to discuss the surroundings. As a person in his mid-forties, I had a terrible time actually reading the menu because of just how dark the restaurant was. It could have stood to be a wee bit brighter, although it definitely lent itself to a romantic environment. The bathroom was really great, but it was also incredibly dark. The servers at the table were amazingly accommodating and took care of us well. The bill was consolidated into one bill, which was problematic for a large group. I'm not sure if they could have separated it, had we mentioned it earlier. It was still very inconvenient with the mix of cards and cash from each couple. Summation: CAO was AMAZING and I will return the next time I am in Cancun. Kudos to the chef and management on a job well done!

Tiffany C.

Now this is service!!! Exceptional service and the food was just an phenomenal. Came here with a big party and our hostess Isabella was so accommodating with my allergies and provided our table plenty of options to play with. We started our night at the bar and moved to our table. The napkins were placed on our laps and folded when you leave your seat. The wine was flowing and refilled with precise attention. We decided to order a bunch of items for appetizers and main dishes and shared across the table. Everything was delicious, the photos honestly don't do justice. Please go here, I promise you, you will not be disappointed

Dessert!
Leslie C.

We came here to celebrate my birthday and we were not disappointed at all! We truly enjoyed our dinner here! The food was absolutely delicious! From the appetizers to the main course and the dessert. Everything was well seasoned and absolutely delightful. The service here was great! The staff was very attentive and I appreciated their small token to celebrate my birthday. If you seat in the outside area you get some great views at night! I would highly recommend this place!

Corn patata
Elle E.

Excellent service at this upscale restaurant in the heart of the puerto of Cancun. The hamachi and tacos were tasty!

Tacos, margaritas.
Alyssa J.

Where do I start. The ribeye tacos were so tasty. We also ordered the guacamole it was great as well. The margaritas were prepared exceptionally. I'd recommend this to anyone wanting a great bite and nice ambience.

MD W.

We have been wondering where the party was at??? CAO is LIT!!!! Great customer service... Tell our waiter Daniel & the manager GABO that we sent you... Please come during happy hour & I promise you will find your happy here! The outdoor area has a beautiful scenery with a beautiful bar, DJ, and a great view. The happy hour drinks are 2 for 1, and that alone is perfect! The food was absolutely amazing... The 14oz ribeye with a side of garlic mushrooms were cooked and seasoned to medium perfection!!! From the customer service, atmosphere, drink specials, beautiful views, and delicious food... We highly recommend!!! Can't wait to come back...

view of the harbor
Ann M.

4 minutes agoNEW Every dish was special - not typical Cancun resort food. We started with an assortment of sauces and crispy tortillas, then tuna guacamole and BEET, then we shared the burrata dish, the salmon, and the shrimp. It was all delicious and would be a lot of work to make at home. We finished with tableside NITRO ICE CREAM and a vegan carrot cake. Be sure to request Isa- she's fun and informative!!

Bourbon cocktail
Jamie M.

I've eaten at a few of the Anderson Group's restaurants. CAO is good, but I prefer Ilios or Bak. The restaurant is nestled on a marina with a beautiful view. The food is delicious. I don't typically enjoy beets, but CAO served me the best beet of my life! The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is because I feel the drink menu is lacking. I consider myself a cocktail connoisseur and the drink combinations fell short. The espresso martini for dessert was the only truly exciting cocktail I sipped on. It's made with real espresso which is always promising and wasn't too sweet. Overall an enjoyable dining experience.

Margarita
Melissa C.

Oscar the bartender was amazing! You absolutely have to come to Cao. It's gourmet authentic sumptuous Mexican fare with top shelf tequila. Highly recommend the shrimp tacos, the barbacoa dip and nachos

View from my balcony.

I ordered a "to go" meal consisting of a salad & queso fundido. The queso was put on paper, then in a box. Not a good look, but It was good. I've had better in my home town. The salad was good but very small portion with very large leaves. Had I gotten utensils I would have cut the salad into bite size pieces, I didn't even get a napkin! I didn't realize this until I got to the hotel! I had to scrounge through my tote bag for anything I could use to eat my meal. Found a spoon, not fun to eat salad with. They had one chair to wait. If there had been more people waiting, there would be no where to sit. Luckily it was quick. It was not worth what I paid ($440 pesos =$28.60 usd incl 10% tip) I get they may not have many "to go" orders when their restaurant faces the the yachts on the water, but I have the same view at my hotel balcony & I would have enjoyed eating my dinner from there had I not had to eat out of a box or struggle with my large pieces of lettuce. Maybe they should invest in plasticware (plastic bowls) just in case they get that one "to go" order. All in all I will not come here again. I have 3 more trips this month, but will find elsewhere to eat. Ordering room service is an option!

Dock view !!
Down Like Four Flats S.

Excellent service! I would definitely go back again when I'm in that part of town while traveling. The food was fresh, filling and amazing! It's affordable for a family of 4 and worth the experience.

Delicious cocktails at Cao!!
Hellen B.

This place is popping with energetic music. Food was delicious with great presentation! They celebrate lots of events I.e birthday, anniversary etc. Would definitely be back.

Spicy margarita

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3 years ago

Fantastic food and great service. Such a nice place we will be back for sure!! The steaks are so delicious

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

Absolutely loved their food and their service. This is one of the best spots in the Puerto Cancun restaurant area!!

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CAO Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - CAO

The tuna tostadas were an absolute delight, with a hint of sweetness and the savory firmness of the tuna.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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CAO - seafood - Updated May 2026

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