Cancun is undoubtedly a recipe for delicious dining. With more internationally-renowned chefs flocking to this area, gifted young local gourmands starting up their own restaurants, a Mexican culture rooted in rich & unique flavors, and an abundance of fresh Caribbean seafood & exotic produce, the conditions are perfect for pleasing your palate. Foodies who are planning a luxury vacation here can hardly go wrong with their dining choices, but there are certain spots that are a cut above the rest.
Don't miss these restaurants for a high-class experience:
La Habichuela Sunset The backlit replicas of deities & breathtaking Yucatecan-esque gardens at this establishment all provide a mysterious Mayan-inspired atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic dinner. Sumptuous dishes such as Chicken Verónica with plantains, prosciutto & sweet Hawaiian sauce or Fish Fillet Amaranth with almond flakes & tropical fruit pico de gallo lend a refreshing island twist on typical Mexican flavors. True to its name, La Habichuela Sunset is the perfect spot for observing the awe-inspiring colors in the sky at dusk. Wash down your dinner with the Xtabentun Honey Coculnich Cocktail before heading to one of the hot nearby lounges or clubs.
Le Chique It may take a 15-minute drive to get to Puerto Morelos, but the trip is well worth it for the unparalleled 14-course dining experience at Le Chique. Located inside the Azul Sensatori resort, this adults-only restaurant offers a chic upscale environment & a truly diverse array of decadent dishes that are presented in a unique way. Additionally, the dinner includes seven wine pairings to complement the flavors of the food. It's worth noting that guests of the resort pay a significantly lower fee for the same meal.
John Gray's Kitchen Considering the fact that John Gray is the chef who represented Mexico in the Food Network's 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, it's no surprise that his latest venture in Cancun is a culinary treat. The cosmopolitan, contemporary vibe may not evoke an authentic Mayan feel, but it's just the right setting to see & be seen. The menu, which emphasizes fresh & local ingredients, changes weekly, so every visit here will be a surprising delight.
Cocina de Autor There are only 28 seats in Cocina de Autor, so if you're looking for an experience that feels intimate & exclusive, this is the place. Set inside the elegant Spanish Colonial mansion of owner, chef & sommelier Cristian Morales, there are two seatings per night for a candelit dinner at the eatery. For a truly luxe feast, head to the Veuve Cliquot private dining room, or opt for a table among the blossoming vines on the patio. The fusion fare includes innovative offerings like Barbacoa goat cannelloni, Lobster carpaccio & roast piglet with Argentinean chimichurri sauce.
