The Gastronomical Wonders of the Riviera Maya, Mexico
Written by Dena DaSilva
The Riviera Maya hosts an impressive dining list to satisfy almost every appetite. The area is full of unique food and tastes from around the world and accomplished chefs, including acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs, announcing their creations at your table.
Restaurateur offerings in this region tend to evolve from two areas: the one-stop resorts, with exquisite on-premises restaurants and the independent locations offering creative and tasteful entrees, with an equal caliber of chef and team.
On-site resort dining
One-stop resort restaurants bring world-class gastronomy; where culinary passion and flair is fostered in the expansive accommodations that the full-featured resorts provide.
The Grand Velas Riviera Maya hosts many fine dining establishments but there’s one that many claim is the finest French restaurant in the area. It’s called Piaf. Savor classic French cuisine like escargot, truffles, and bouillabaisse with pleasant aromas and perfected textures.
Passion by Martin Berasategui, inside the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, is led by Berastegui, a decorated 8-star Michelin Chef. His finely prepared Spanish cuisine and elegantly composed multi-course masterpiece are also well worth the service's choreography at your table.
Award-winning Le Chique restaurant at the Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma in Cancun offers a unique, multi-sensory dining adventure. The cuisine delivers creative flavors that integrate regional ingredients along with incredible wine pairings and impressive presentation.
The luxury hotel, Royal Hideaway Playacar, recently introduced Michelin-starred Chef Alejandro Sánchez as its new gastronomic director. With his arrival came Chef’s Table at Las Ventanas; a true culinary experience with a selection of a 6- or 12-course menu and the unique opportunity for diners to interact with the chef in an intimate setting.
Left & Right: Passion by Martin Berasategui
Unique and independent dining
These amazing local gems provide an unforgettable ambiance with enticing menu options of distinctive taste.
– Cancun
Harry’s (also a location in Playa del Carmen), satisfies the steakhouse addict with high-quality meat choices and savory side dishes. This contemporary restaurant provides incredibly attentive table service with a seafront view.
Tora Japanese Robata Grill offers an elegant seaside view along with fresh and innovative Japanese cuisine with high-quality ingredients and artistically crafted entrees and decadent desserts.
Restaurante La Habichuela is an award-winning restaurant with two locations in Cancun and features an eclectic style Latin Caribbean cuisine with seafood specialties cooked pre-Hispanic style.
– Puerto Morelos
Situated on Maroma Beach, this seaside restaurant called Pavo Real by the Sea combines fresh and local foods with European influences. The culinary diversity is coupled with impeccable service and breathtaking views.
Left & Right: toramexico.com
– Playa del Carmen
It Guilty, one the most exclusive international restaurants to come to Playa del Carmen, serves unique Indian-Caribbean cuisine. What’s more inviting is their attention to detail, exquisite service, elegant romantic vibe, and wonderful cocktails.
Alux, situated underground inside of a 10,000-year-old cave, takes elegant dining to a whole new level. Restaurant goers enter the vast cavern as if stepping into another world. A stunning place to dine, surrounded by magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, with food that matches the extraordinary setting.
The cozy restaurant Imprevist features delicious traditional and Mexican specialties for breakfast and brunch. For dinner, the menu consists of International-Asian fusion gourmet fare. Here you’ll undoubtedly enjoy an incredible culinary experience and attentive staff.
Vegetarian/Vegan-friendly restaurants are popping up more now and The Pitted Date has some of the most creative Vegan cuisine in the area. The food is always prepared fresh-to-order; a delight for Vegans and non-Vegans!
Situated in one of the coolest new areas on the north side of 5th Ave. is Que Huevos, a laid-back sidewalk eatery with a trendy diner look and feel. This corner café is great for breakfast lovers with a unique menu fusing Mexican and North American homemade meals for a delightful breakfast, brunch/lunch experience. Enjoy Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast, or waffles with organic maple syrup. They also serve exceptional espresso-based drinks like their signature horchata expresso.
Left & Right: thepitteddate.com
– Tulum
Featured in a handful of magazines and most notably the New York Times, Hartwood of Tulum, delivers an innovative and eco-friendly approach to cuisine. Their menu changes daily offering colorful and exotic local produce coupled with unique outdoor dining.
Mi Amor Restaurant by Paul Bentley, combines an elegant and modern cooking style inspired by French and Italian cuisines. Mi Amor, meaning My Love in Spanish, exudes sensual and sexy vibes combined with an incredible setting along the breaking waves of the sea.
Offering one of the best ocean views in Tulum is Mezzanine, an authentic Thai restaurant. Enjoy Thai cuisine with fragrant herbs and homemade coconut milk that delight and entertain your taste buds while the view whisks you away.
Posada Margherita is a taste of Italy, with handmade pastas and pizzas that melt in your mouth and freshly caught seafood, all served in a rustic beach setting. Listen to waves crash with a romantic sea breeze while feasting on amazing authentic Italian cuisine.
Riviera Maya dining delivers exceptional options and tastes from around the globe. If you are interested in dining in one or more of these spectacular establishments, contact our Experience Curators to make reservations for you. To add, Maya Luxe even has their very own gastronomical experience via our private chef service. For meals prepared and served to you fresh in your villa, contact an Experience Curator for more details and bon appetit!
And on a final foodie note, if you're a gastronomy lover you'll definitely want to mark your calendar and save the date for the Sabor Festival coming to the Riviera Maya this October 10-14, 2018. It will feature a some of the most extraordinary culinary talents from the Riviera Maya region and fans of the gastronomic world will have the opportunity to learn from these the local and national chefs, as well as attend seminars, workshops, and meet the new faces of the culinary world in the Riviera Maya. Follow the Sabor Festival website to receive up-to-date information on this event.
