Porfirio’s

Porfirio's is Grupo Anderson's take on modern Mexican dining, and its Cancún branch is a large restaurant on the lagoon side of the Hotel Zone. It stands at kilometre 14.2 of Boulevard Kukulcán, in the same lagoon-side complex as the group's Harry's steakhouse, and it looks out over the Nichupté lagoon from a terrace and a large deck. The group describes the concept in three words, Mexico reimagined, and has further branches in Playa del Carmen, Mérida and Mexico City.

The kitchen recreates traditional Mexican dishes with creative twists and carefully chosen ingredients. Menus are published as images and downloads on the group's site rather than as text, so check them before you go if you have particular dishes in mind. Live mariachi music is part of the evening, and staff can tell you when the musicians are due.

The space is built for groups. Porfirio's can seat around 410 people across a main hall of about 90 covers, a deck of about 200, a terrace of 60, a side terrace of 44 and a small bar. That makes it a common choice for celebrations, office parties and large families, and the group offers set menus for parties of ten or more, with an open-bar option for those who want one.

Families are well catered for. Porfirito's, the in-house children's club, is staffed by certified babysitters, which lets parents enjoy a meal while children are looked after nearby. There is WiFi throughout, a video wall, a designated smoking area and valet parking at the entrance.

Porfirio's suits families, groups and visitors who want Mexican food in a lively setting with music and a lagoon view, rather than a quiet, intimate dinner. Reservations and group bookings are handled by Grupo Anderson's, whose group events team can be contacted through its website.

The opening hours shown on the group's site contain an error, so confirm times when you book. The restaurant is within walking distance of Puerto Madero at kilometre 14.1 and Fred's at kilometre 14.5, making this stretch of the boulevard a good place to compare menus before choosing where to eat, all of them with views over the lagoon.