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Tora Restaurant – A Review of One of Cancun’s Best Japanese Dining Experiences

Updated: 24 hours ago

This unique restaurant was the winner of the 2020 Diner's Choice award granted by Open Table, and we can see why!


An epic night out on the water with magnificent food, first-class service, brilliant entertainment, and an amazing vibe.


Sunset over water with two people on dock. Plate of Japanese cuisine and glass of wine on table. Text: "TORA, 5 star dining, Cancun."


During our time in Cancun, Jenn was looking for a nice place to eat on the water with a sunset view... this is how she happened upon Tora, a Japanese Restaurant (one of her favorites).


However, we found it a little challenging to find the details we were looking for, so we hope that we can touch on some of the questions you may have when considering a visit.





Read on for the incredible food we tried, the superb entertainment, how to find Tora Cancun, our YouTube video highlights, and our restaurant rating!


Table with wine glasses, a snack dish, and a sunset view over the ocean. Warm colors and a relaxing, serene atmosphere.






Our Tora Restaurant Highlights


We took an Uber from central Cancun to get to Tora, which cost a very reasonable 400 pesos.


Tora is situated in the hotel zone and is on the water of the Nichupté Lagoon with absolutely breathtaking views!





It was super appealing from the outside, and we knew from the moment we stepped out of the cab that we were in for a real treat.


We were greeted at the entrance and taken towards the reception desk, where there are mandatory temperature checks; this was fine, although for the first and only time since the pandemic, it was conducted with a full facial scanner!


A man holds a door open for a woman entering a wooden-paneled building with "TORA" sign. Plants and stone walls are visible. Casual mood.
Meet and greet at the entrance to Tora, the beginning of an epic night

We found this technology interesting as we had never seen anything like this before. We were then escorted to our sunset view table, which could not have been more perfect.


We each started with a signature Tora Infusion Ball (640 pesos for two), and oh wow, was it good!



There are 3 flavors to choose from, and we highly recommend them.


We spent the next 20 minutes or so soaking up the magnificent sunset, water, and Tora dock, with uninterrupted views accompanying the warm breeze and soothing background music in the restaurant.


It literally could not have been more serene.


Sushi platter and wine glasses on a table by the sea at sunset. Palm trees, people in the background; a serene, tropical setting.
The excellent Sashimi Platter, exclusively at Tora, in the warm backdrop of a stunning sunset. Paradise!

For our starter, we went for the Sashimi Platter, which included Bluefin tuna, Ora King salmon, Hamachi, and Alaskan King crab.





Little did we know that the presentation of this would be so impressive! It was delicious, although it was so hard to take the first bite... we could have stared at it all night.


The staff were highly attentive from the off and were on hand at any moment to tend to our needs or questions. The shift manager even came over to say hello and take a few photos!


Grilled shrimp and fish on ceramic plates with sauce dots, garnished with herbs. A bottle of wine and glass nearby on a wooden table. Cozy ambiance.
Delicious grilled seabass & tiger shrimp, the finest Japanese cuisine at Tora Cancun

For our main, we ordered the grilled seabass ( 750 pesos) and tiger shrimp (800 pesos), accompanied with brandy (410 pesos each) and wine (1 bottle, 820 pesos).


We also had one of Tora's famous hot rice pots (500 pesos), which is a traditional Japanese rice casserole. This was magnificent and was served directly by the chef right at our table!




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The Food at Tora Restaurant


The food was scrumptious, in keeping with the first-class treatment we received throughout this memorable night.




Keep in mind, we wanted to try and sample some of the pricier options, but the menu is expansive and can accommodate a variety of price points.



The entertainment started with a fantastic drum bongo and dancing show on the dock against the backdrop of the night sky.


It was super fun and was accompanied by the staff handing out fountain sparklers to all of the diners!


Who doesn't love a good sparkler? It certainly set the mood and continued right until closing time, along with the staff encouraging table and chair dancing and joining in with the fun.



We also had an excellent hookah with a delightful blueberry shisha (1300 pesos), alongside some fiery tequila (250 pesos each).





The singing and dancing continued in the build-up to the grand crescendo... fireworks on the water! It could not have been more spectacular and is truly an unforgettable restaurant.



Not to mention the bathroom facilities were excellent too, with waiter service/champagne, towels, face cloths, perfume, and a beautiful setting.


We honestly cannot praise Tora highly enough!






Tora Restaurant on YouTube


Now for the video! Enjoy the highlight reel. If you do like our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please do like and subscribe!


People dining with seafood platter and wine at sunset. Text: "TORA," "Sunsets, Seafood & Sparklers," "5 Star Food & Entertainment, Cancun Mexico."

Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!





How to Get to Tora Japanese Restaurant in Cancun


Tora is located in Cancún’s upscale Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), right along the lagoon-facing stretch of Boulevard Kukulcán.


Whether you're staying nearby or visiting from downtown, it's easy to reach by car, taxi, or public transport.


By Car or Taxi

Tora sits at Km 15 of Boulevard Kukulcán, near luxury hotels like the Nizuc Resort and JW Marriott. Set your GPS to:


📍 Blvd. Kukulcán Km 15, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico


Valet parking is available at the restaurant entrance. Taxis are widely available throughout the Hotel Zone, but always agree on the price in advance or use a hotel to arrange one.

By Rideshare

By Public Bus

On Foot (from nearby hotels)





⪢ Consider Taking a Tour


A great way to explore the best of Cancun is by tour. Discover underwater museums, cenotes, beach party experience, Chichen Itza tours, and much more with Get Your Guide.


No matter where your travels take you, Get Your Guide offers the best way to connect with your destination. Book your tickets here.



⪢ Contact Information for Tora Restaurant


● Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 15, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico


● Contact: +52 998 313 4128




⪢ Easily Find Hotels Near Tora Restaurant


Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Cancun hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.







FAQ: Tora Cancun – Upscale Japanese Dining by the Lagoon


Where is Tora Restaurant located in Cancun?

Tora is located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), specifically at KM 15 of Boulevard Kukulcán, right along the Nichupté Lagoon. It offers stunning sunset views and a chic waterfront setting.

What type of cuisine does Tora serve?

Is a reservation required?

What is the price range?

Is there a dress code?

What makes Tora stand out from other restaurants in Cancun?

Is it suitable for vegetarians or special diets?

Is Tora good for families or mainly adults?

Can I just come for drinks or dessert?

What’s the best time to go?





Our Experience Ratings:

Tora Restaurant, Cancun


Couple kissing in a lively outdoor setting with string lights, palm decor, and ocean view at dusk. Woman in striped dress, man in blue shirt.


If you are celebrating anything special, or even just looking for an amazing date night out, then this is the place to do it in Cancun, Mexico.


Don't forget to make a reservation, however, you can take the chance of just walking in.


Also, keep in mind it is much quieter the earlier you go, and you will get to see the amazing sunset view!





We noticed most people came later in the evening for dinner and the entertainment. We arrived at 4 pm and left at 1 am.


We would advise allowing yourself time to embrace the full experience.


Atmosphere: 5/5

The ambience and vibe were fantastic, right up there as the best restaurant experience we have ever had.


The entertainment was excellent, and there were some extra nice touches throughout the night that added even more to what was already a great time!

Cost: 5/5

Food: 5/5

Service: 5/5





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