Riviera Maya - Dining

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Riviera Maya

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North America Mexico Riviera Maya Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-07-05

Mexican cuisine is celebrated for its diverse flavours and rich variety of spices and ingredients, many of which are native to the country. Its unique culinary heritage was recognised by UNESCO in 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Many dishes are prepared traditionally, with recipes passed down through generations, making the cooking process a ritualistic artistry. Food holds significant cultural importance in Mexican society, often taking half a day to prepare exquisite dishes that are steeped in history.

For those missing home, Riviera Maya's international diversity offers a range of dining options. Amidst the local culinary delights, you can find various international restaurants catering to different tastes.

Alux (Playa del Carmen)

Alux (Playa del Carmen)

Nestled in a millenary underground cave with colourful lighting and wait for it...real bats, Alux offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experience in Playa del Carmen. The contemporary Mexican cuisine served here delights with fresh ingredients and a symphony of flavours, while the enchanting atmosphere transports guests to a realm of wonder and delight. While the experience is pricey, the unique cenote setting and exquisite food make it worth every penny.

Hartwood (Tulum)

Hartwood (Tulum)

Founded by a husband-and-wife team from New York, this off-grid culinary gem features a rustic, jungle-like setting and an ever-changing menu of market-fresh dishes that expertly blend Yucatan-style food with American cooking—all prepared in a wood-burning oven and grill within a solar-powered kitchen. To secure a table at this much-loved eatery, early booking is essential.

Guido's (Cozumel)

Guido's (Cozumel)

Guido's brings the authentic taste of Italy to the sun-kissed island of Cozumel. With top-notch Italian food from wood-oven pizza to lasagna, homemade pasta and fresh seafood, it's easy to understand why the beloved restaurant is an institution to locals and a lovely find to tourists.

Aldea Corazón (Playa del Carmen)

Aldea Corazón (Playa del Carmen)

Step into a magical environment surrounded by dream catchers, lush tropical greenery, ancient trees, and underground cenotes to enjoy a fusion of Mexican cuisine with a Mayan twist, featuring mouth-watering dishes like 'cochinita' (slow roasted pork), roasted cauliflower, and the catch of the day with bean sauce and pico de gallo, along with frozen cocktails and beers.

Burritos Gorditos (Cozumel)

Burritos Gorditos (Cozumel)

Burritos Gorditos is a great pit stop for something fast, cheap, yet delicious. The menu offers around 20 types of burritos, made fresh to order with the freshest ingredients—from vegetarian and vegan to traditional meat-based, as well as salad burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. Yucatan-style burritos filled with 'cochinita' (pulled pork shoulder marinated and braised in achiote paste, orange juice, and lime) are also on offer.

El Asadero (Tulum)

El Asadero (Tulum)

For a delightful break from typical Mexican cuisine, visit El Asadero, a quality steakhouse in the centre of Tulum. Upon entering, you are greeted by the enticing aroma of grilled meats and spices. At the heart of El Asadero is an impressive charcoal grill where cooks expertly prepare flank steak, sirloin, ribs, and chorizo. Fresh guacamole and salsa are also made table-side.

La Cueva del Chango (Playa del Carmen)

La Cueva del Chango (Playa del Carmen)

La Cueva del Chango is a charming restaurant set in a lush tropical garden offering Mexican food from breakfast to dinner, including vegetarian and vegan options, plus a variety of juices made from fresh fruits.

La Choza Cozumel

La Choza Cozumel

Set a few strides from the main square, La Choza serves typical Yucatecan-Mexican dishes like 'poc chuc' (a Mayan/Yucateco version of barbecued pork) and 'chicken mole poblano' (served with a thick sauce made with chilis, fruit, nuts, seeds, and chocolate) in an upbeat and relaxing atmosphere.

Pizzeria Manglar (Tulum)

Pizzeria Manglar (Tulum)

With an unassuming entrance, Pizzeria Manglar is a simple yet charming restaurant that serves tasty and affordable Italian favourites. Enjoy pasta and wood-fired pizzas, all on a lovely garden terrace. Don't forget to save some room for their delectable desserts.

Buccanos (Cozumel)

Buccanos (Cozumel)

Buccanos is both a vibrant beach club where tourists can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the sun and a laid-back restaurant serving simple and modern Mexican food, with an infusion of local seafood and other street-food favourites. Everything here is made with fresh ingredients and their menu also features vegetarian and vegan options. Drop by Buccanos to sip some margaritas while watching the sunset or come here for a romantic dinner on their terrace overlooking the ocean and decorated with torches and candlelight.

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