Want to eat at the best Riviera Maya restaurants? You've come to the right place. You might think a trip to Riviera Maya means that the top dining spots in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and beyond are all about the Mexican cuisine.
While, yes, that's partly true. But beyond the traditional flavors, this resort-rich region offers a ton of top-tier restaurants that celebrate international cuisine. From fining dining to more casual eats, keep reading to discover our list of must-try places the next time you visit Riviera Maya and its surrounding regions.
Cancun: Top Dining Spots
Cancún is known for its luxurious ocean side resorts and vibrant nightlife. But it's also home to some top dining spots in Mexico. Here's a few that will have your mouth watering.
Best Upscale Restaurants
The best upscale restaurants in Cancún might also be some of the best in the world.
Tempo by Martín Berasategui
Tempo by Chef Martín Berasategui is a three-Michelin starred upscale Latin restaurant from the acclaimed Spanish chef. The restaurant is located inside the Paradisus Cancún all-inclusive resort.
Foodies will relish this dining experience, which consists of a seven-course tasting menu and impressive wine list featuring a selection from all over the world. From its elegant atmosphere to world-class service, a soirée at Tempo by Martín Berasategui is a meal you won't soon forget.
La Habichuela
La Habichuela was called one of the best restaurants in Cancún by USA Today. Backed by its 40 years of experience, diners can expect to be delighted by the establishment's high-quality food made from fresh ingredients. If you've made reservations, be sure to try the spot's signature dish, Cocobichuela, a lobster dish with shrimp, rice, curry sauce, and tropical fruits conveniently served in a coconut shell.
Circus Fun Awaits You!
Why juggle plans when you can watch the pros? Discover amazing circus shows in Riviera Maya Amazement guaranteed!
Beachfront Fine Dining
Because fine dining is great, but beachfront fine dining? Even better.
Harry’s Cancun Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Harry's Cancun Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar invites you to enjoy delicious cuisine with a scenic backdrop, a panoramic view of the enchanting Nichupté Lagoon. From premium meat cuts to fresh-caught seafood, the menu is almost as spectacular as the beach you'll be dining on. From Wednesdays to Sundays, enjoy the sounds of live piano seranading you as you dine.
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is also located along the Nichupté Lagoon. Its enormous menu features tons of delicacies, from raw seafood options like tartare to the highest quality prime cuts available. Don't miss the cocktail and spirits menu either, with plenty of options to pair with your meal.
Beachfront casual restaurants
Take it easy, and discover the joys of casual, beachside dining.
Mandinga
Mandinga's food and drink menus are plentiful—the only worry here is finally deciding on what dish you'll eat. Popular dishes include the ceviche, cooked fish dishes, and fresh empanadas. Most people who've been here before strongly suggest you give the flan a try, a light and creamy dessert with a vanilla sweetness.
After dessert, go ahead and dip your toes in the water. You're just a few steps from the sandy beach, after all. It's ideal for a post-meal stroll.
Mextreme
Mextreme is serving up fresh Mexican cuisine — or "munchies," as they put it — with an ocean view. From corn tortilla dishes coated in gooey melted cheese to traditional seafood dishes, Mextreme is destined to be a palate-pleaser. With such a vast menu, you can even drop by more than once during your stay and sample a bit of everything.
Rooftop Restaurants with Views
Riviera Maya is never short on stunning views—but these restaurants take things to new heights with panoramic views you won't soon forget. Raise your glass to these rooftop spots.
Nebrina Gin & Cocina Bar
Nebrina Gin & Cocina Bar specializes in gin cocktails, with over 20 different types of gin on the menu. If that's not your poison, try any of the menu's Mediterranean-inspired or traditional Mexican dishes—you won't be disappointed.
Playa del Carmen: Where to Eat
Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue is where you'll find tons of eating options, from upscale restaurants to mid-range options. Here are a few of our top choices you won't want to miss.
Upscale and Fine Dining
Don't settle for anything less than these upscale and fine dining establishments for your next special occasion or date night.
Cocina de Autor
Cocina de Autor is a Michelin Star restaurant nestled inside the idyllic Grand Velas resort. Its kitchen is helmed by Michelin Star Sidney Schutte, a chef of renown from the Netherlands. Its tasting menu — either eight or ten courses — consists of inventive dishes using freshest produce, local meals, and fresh-caught seeafood. It's an unforgettable, gastronomical journey that might just be the highlight of your trip.
The Traveler’s Table
The Traveler's Table in Playa Del Carmen promises to deliver an experience — so if that's what you're looking for out of a restaurant, you've come to the right place. Here, expect to be seated beside strangers. The restaurant's communal concept means you'll be sipping wine and breaking bread with strangers from around the world. That's because the restaurant founders believe in the power of food in bridging cultures and bringing folks together — hence, its name.
As for the venue itself, you'll find yourself in a picturesque setting, with the ocean serving as a calming backdrop. If you're looking to celebrate fine food, the joys of community, and Mexican culture, there's no better place to do it than under the starts at The Traveler's Table.
Gourmet Dining at Resorts
If you're staying at a Playa del Carmen resort, then good news: You likely won't have to travel far for gourmet dining. These restaurants are located directly on the resort property.
Le Chique at Azul Beach Resort
Le Chique at Azul Beach Resort was recently awarded a Michelin Star—so you know you're in for treat. Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna is pushing boundaries with his menu of molecular gastronomical, Mexican-inspired dishes that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. While there, be sure to scope out the cocktail menu which, according to the restaurant, take on "unexpected forms." Much like our productions, nothing at Le Chique is what it seems. Entrées may look (and taste?) like desserts. The goal here is to dazzle.
Need more arm-twisting? Read some of Le Chique's online reviews. "Gob-smacked," said one reviewer. "The best meal of my life," said another. Ultimately, it's the kind of meal you'll just have to experience for yourself.
Casual & Local Cuisine
Time for a vibe shift. Sometimes, the mood calls for casual and local cuisine—grab-and-go to tide you over. These are a few favourites of ours.
Lido Beach Club Restaurant
Lido Beach Club Restaurant is, according to the joint itself, where life is delicious. For a low-key establishment located a few paces from the Caribbean Sea, look no further than Lido. Here, you can indulge in delicious, International dishes with a Mexican touch, a ton of cocktails to choose from, and all the vegan options your cruelty-free cravings can enjoy. This may just be the Playa's Favorite Hangout after all.
Traditional Mexican Cuisine
Of course, no trip to Mexico would be complete without enjoying some traditional Mexican cuisine prepared lovingly by locals.
El Fogon
Of all the things to do in Riviera Maya, visiting a taqueria is one that can’t be skipped. Among taco connoisseurs, El Fogon is arguably the reigning champion in the quest for the perfect taco.
Fresh-pressed tortillas wrap around seasoned meats, and the whole parcel is topped with fresh salsa and passed along to hungry diners. The delicate balance of textures and flavors makes these tacos a mouthwatering delight. El Fogon might just be the king, after all.
La Cueva del Chango
Take your meal on the jungle terrace at La Cueva del Chango. Lush gardens and a whimsical restaurant façade make this spot seem like it's pulled straight from a fairy tale. The food is just as delicious as the view, spiced and sauced to perfection before serving.
Enchiladas come drenched in a savory bath, while vegan options make use of the region’s freshest offerings. Dessert is non-negotiable. We highly recommend the flan — it's extraordinarily delicious.
Axiote
The casual cabana-style decor at Axiote restaurant belies the refinement of its food. These flavors are bold and inventive, slyly remaking Riviera Maya cuisine into the dishes of the future. Think spicy soups with a punch acid twist, dressed up in a bath of herbs.
Tamales grace the menu, a favorite among local diners. Chorizo flautas and a stunning chile relleno will leave you hungry for more. And upon waking on a sunny seaside morning, Axiote’s breakfast spread is hard to beat.
Tulum: Best Restaurants
Choosing the best restaurants in Tulum was tricky, but we've rounded up a few top contenders.
Fine Dining in Tulum
The best choices in Tulum for when you're feeling a little fancy.
Hartwood
Hartwood is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, and serves
If you're passionate about sustainability, then you ought to check out this spot. It runs on solar energy and breaks down waste with its zero carbon foot print and 100% organic composting, which, in turn, is used to regenerate the mangrove environment and its interior farming. And, the restaurant proudly states that it only uses sustainable fishing methods so as not to disrupt the harmony of the natural aquatic life.
World-renowned Michelin Star Chef Réné Redzepi says the restaurant is "the place [he] dreams about." It's time to live out your own version of a fantasy here.
Arca
Arca puts Mexican cuisine in the spotlight, calling its menu a representation of the "flora and fauna around us." One look at the menu and you'll see what Arca is all about. Fresh-caught seafood, served alongside explosive flavors like smoked peanut, a chive emulsion, and salsa verde.
Arca’s menu showcases vibrant, bold dishes, including smoky grilled meats, fresh seafood, and inventive veggie dishes. Its setting leans into the rustic-chic, and is overall committed to sustainability. For these reasons, and so many others, it's clear to see why Arca has become a must-visit destination for food lovers exploring Tulum's shores.
Casual Beachfront Spots
Grab your bathing suit, grab a towl, and grab somethin g to eat at these casual beachfront spots.
La Zebra Beach Restaurant
La Zebra Beach Restaurant, part of the La Zebra Beach Hotel grounds, invites you to bring the whole family down for a bite. In a building that can best be described as a beach hut, La Zebra overlooks the gorgeous, tuqruoise waters of the Atlantic. Comfortable seating and a diverse menu serving up Mexican dishes made from fresh local ingredients mean that dining here is an experience the whole family can enjoy.
Mateo’s Mexican Grill
Mateo's Mexican Grill is a beachside joint serving up what they claim are the "best fish tacos" on Earth. See if that's true for yourself by stopping by this joint. This outdoor spot overlooks the ocean and serves up a plentiful menu of kebabs, burgers, ribs — and yes, tacos. This is a great spot for lounging with a drink in hand and grabbing a casual bite with friends or family.
Local Favorites
Because who better than locals to guide us to our new favourite spots?
Burrito Amor
Burrito Amor is for anyone who loves burritos (and who here doesn't?) and for those looking to savor some healthy eats, too. Here, the varied menu serves classic Mexican dishes alongside cleaner, greener meals like smoothies, energizing bowls, and tons of tinctures and juicies. If your group has tons of different tastes or dietary restrictions, Burrito Amor pretty much has it all.
Taquería Honorio
Taquería Honorio is a cozy, unassuming spot that's made a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Tulum. The bright yellow walls of Taquería Honorio recall the sunny world outside, although inside is where it really sizzles.
Just-pressed tortillas, juicy fillings, and bright house-made salsa combine to form the perfect tacos. Cochinita pibil is a fan favorite; it is slow-roasted and slathered in achiote sauce. Order it stuffed in a taco, sandwich, or quesadilla for the perfect lunchtime treat.
Puerto Morelos: Best Dining Spots
Puerto Morelos is a quaint costal town in Riviera Maya. On top of its many charms and rich history, you'll find great eating options to check out during your stay.
Casual Seaside Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious meal with a view at some of these Puerto Morelos casual seaside restaurants.
Pelicanos Restaurant & Marina
Pelicanos Restaurant & Marina is located along the stunning Puerto Morelos waterfront. The kitchen here specializes in fresh seafood and Mexican eats, the kind of casual eatery that lets its guests enjoy local flavors by the sea. Some of the signature, must-try dishes here include grilled fish tacos and ceviche. Just be sure to try a refreshing cocktail while you're at it to fully embrace the laid-back setting.
Punta Corcho
Punta Corcho serves wood-fired cuisine and fresh, sea-to-table cuisine. With Chef Poncho Cadena leading the kitchen, customers can enjoy a traditional twist on classic Mexican dishes with a focus on fresh and local ingredients. This is bound to be an unforgettable dining experience for anyone coming to Mexico in the hopes of tasting its delicious cuisine — with a gorgeous view, too.
Local Favorites
We'll keep it simple: When it comes to where to eat, locals know best.
La Sirena
La Sirena is a vibrant hotspot serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with a bit of a Caribbean spin. Peruse the cocktail menu to quench your thirst and enjoy a seafood meal of fresh-caught fish, mezze plates, and more. Plan ahead and make sure you secure a spot on its rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of the ocean and a dining-under-the-stars experience. You'll no doubt be charmed by this locale.
Dining in Popular Riviera Maya Resorts
Dining in Riviera Maya restaurants on resort grounds are the places to see and be seen in.
Vidanta Riviera Maya
Nektar
Vidanta’s Nektar is an intimate and airy dining experience serving the delectable flavors of the Yucatán. An homage to local cuisine, this restaurant features unique dishes like the tongue-searing tikin-xic fish: a filet carefully marinated in annatto and sour orange, then grilled to perfection.
Best of all, Nektar is mere steps from our Mayan jungle theater — home to our one-of-a-kind dinner experience, JOYÀ. But that’s a story for another time. Literally.
Bistro Bleu
This is French fare served Riviera Maya style. Shocking prints and organic curves dominate the decor at Bistro Bleu, creating a classically elegant scene with a charming twist. You’ll find all your French favorites served up with some modern flair.
Bright salads, flavor-packed entrees, and life-changing desserts are all here, along with long-perfected dishes, such as escargot drenched in herby butter. Take your meal on the patio for a taste of Paris in the heart of the jungle.
Gong
Gong at Vidanta offers another trip around the world, this time to the Far East. Asian delicacies, such as juicy Peking duck and decadent lobster rolls, are infused with a taste of jungle freshness.
Dim-lit dining rooms make meals romantic regardless of the occasion. Fish just plucked from the sea transforms into resplendent sushi rolls and sashimi dressed in citrus soy sauce. For dessert, tempura ice cream is a spectacle worthy of our own shows.
Chiringuito
Tucked inside one of Riviera Maya’s all-inclusive hotels lies a veritable portal to Spain. Vidanta’s Chiringuito offers authentic Spanish fare in all its vibrant glory. The luxe dining space’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer a shining view of the world beyond as you dine on spiced Spanish favorites.
Start your meal with a selection of tapas prepared with fresh, local produce. Rich entrées, such as Paella Valenciana stuffed with seafood and a hint of saffron, make any meal a special occasion.
Frida’s
When night falls, Frida’s at Vidanta awakes with a festive start. This authentic Mexican cantina is built for a fiesta, offering guests a cheery space to let loose and unwind after a long day of Riviera Maya adventures.
Traditional favorites are on the menu. Delight in the comfort of familiar yet spectacular flavors. Enchiladas, tacos, and tasty drinks form a combination that hits the spot every time.
Havana Moon
Draped in swaths of pink and turquoise, Havana Moon is almost as colorful as the beach outside. Here, the tropics are swirled, seasoned, and mixed to fit on your plate.
Jerk chicken is served up in abundance, paired with a pleasant sangria and panoramic views of the beach beyond the window. Lucky guests might catch some live music or even a fire show we’d be proud to call our own.
La Cantina
At La Cantina, Mexican comfort food is served hot for hungry guests looking for a hug on a plate. Start with mounds of guacamole and cured cactus salad, followed by a homey bowl of tortilla soup.
La Cantina’s cozy atmosphere is steeped in elegance, so you’ll still feel like you’re on vacation as you dig into tastes of home.
Dining by Ambiance
Sometimes, going out is about more than just the food — it’s all about dining by ambiance. Here are some of our favorites if you’re chasing a buzzy vibe to go with your food and drink.
Beachfront & Waterfront Restaurants
The fresh air, ocean breeze, and vibrant atmosphere make these beachfront and waterfront restaurants ones to visit during your stay.
El Camello Jr, Tulum
El Camello Jr.is as authentic an experience as it gets. Not only will you enjoy the electric atmosphere, as locals and tourists stream in.
La Zebra Beach Restaurant
By day, La Zebra Beach Restaurant is all about fine dining under the sunshine. By night, come here to experience the energy of a beachside hangout below the stars. Its vast food and drink menu make this one good for large groups seeking more of a, dare we say, party vibe.
Rooftop & Open-Air Dining
Enjoying a meal under the stars with panoramic views of the city and ocean? Sign us up. These open-air dining spots are perfect for those who want a memorable evening.
Catch, Playa del Carmen
Catch is a swank, trendy venue with a seafood-forward menu featuring fresh sushi, a raw bar selection, and plenty of other inventive dishes too. Be sure to give the cocktail menu a look while you're at it, because there's nothing better than sipping a sunset cocktail... as the sun sets. Visit here at nightfall to see why Catch is a favourite of locals and tourists alike.
Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge
Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge is a dining experience like none other. That's because it's fine dining in a millenary cavern — a 10,000-year-old underground cave — a breathtaking setting that lets you experience nature up close and personal. You'll feel like you're on the set of a movie as you dine on Mexican cuisine in this ethereal setting, surrounded by stalctites and stalagmites. You'll feel like your worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the action above.
Accessibility and Special Services
Traveling shouldn't mean skimping on comfort or accessiblity.
Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants
Going out for a bite while on vacation should be accessible to all guests. These restaurants make sure of that!
Harry’s Cancun
Harry's Cancun is a fine dining steakhouse offers fantastic views and is attuned to the needs of all diners with accessible seating, restrooms, and ramps. So whether you're enjoying a juicy steak or devouring a seafood platter, Harry's Cancun ensures that luxury eating is made accessible to all customers.
La Cueva del Chango, Playa del Carmen
La Cueva del Chango provides a laid-back ambiance and a menu rich with Mexican flair and flavor. This charming restaurant is wheelchair-friendly too, ensuring that it caters to all guests. For anyone looking to experience a true taste of Mexico — complete with local ingredients and refreshing drinks — look no further.
Accessible Resort Dining
No need to leave the resort to experience of the finest cuisine Mexico has to offer.
Passion by Martín Berasategui, Paradisus
Not only is Passion by Martín Berasategui in the Paradisus resort one of the best meals you’ll ever eat, but it’s wheelchair accessible too. The restaurant strives to offer an inclusive space where all diners feel welcome to enjoy the Michelin Star meal.
Savor the Unforgettable Flavors of Riviera Maya
Culture, dazzling sights, restaurants — Riviera Maya in Mexico packs it all into a traveler’s heaven. Experience the best of the region all in one night by coming to see our show JOYÀ, playing exclusively at VidantaWolrd's resort.
Follow the fluttering butterflies into a land filled with half-animal masters and impending pirate invasions. Our cadre of high-flying acrobats tells a thrilling story drawn by Mayan tradition and the monarch butterfly’s journey from life into death.
Every sense engages with a unique culinary experience served up as the show goes on. A three-course meal packed with fresh, local flavors brings the story to life like never before. It's so enchanting you can almost taste it. Seeing is believing, so book tickets for JOYÀ today.