Savoring The Riviera Maya: A Culinary Journey Through Local Flavors – PART 1

Written by Monica Figueroa

Welcome to our culinary travel diary, where we embark on an exciting journey through the flavors and gastronomic pleasures of the Riviera Maya and its surroundings. Just like Anthony Bourdain, we've taken it upon ourselves to explore the best restaurants in the Riviera Maya, and now we're sharing our guide so that you can indulge in the same delightful experiences when you visit this beautiful paradise.

Let’s start our series with one of our main stars: Cancun.

Cancun: A Feast for the Senses

Cancun serves as the perfect starting point for our epicurean exploration. Even if you're not staying in Cancun itself, it's the destination where everyone lands, setting the stage for the vibrant culinary adventure that awaits. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by Cancun's fusion of cultures and the remarkable flavors that emerge from this melting pot.

Beyond the all-inclusive resorts and popular tourist spots, we've delved deep into the heart of Cancun's culinary scene to offer you a diverse range of mouthwatering dishes that will leave you craving for more. So, fasten your seat belts, open your senses and get ready to experience the flavors that make Cancun a world-class gastronomic destination.

Puerto Madero

Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 14.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

Located in a privileged spot in front of the Nichupté lagoon and offering a gastronomic option that combines the best of Argentine and Mexican cuisine, Puerto Madero is the ideal place for an unforgettable sit-down dinner. The decor has a stylishly industrial feel. They serve lots of fresh seafood and prime steaks grilled to your specifications. An array of Pasta and salads are also available.

Begin your culinary experience with their freshly baked bread accompanied by chimichurri sauce. Indulge in the melty eggplant lasagna, a refreshing Caesar salad, and savor a generous plate of either skirt steak or grilled octopus. Pair your meal with a frozen mango margarita and keep an eye out for Pancho, the crocodile who occasionally makes appearances on their downstairs deck.

Harry's Steakhouse & Raw Bar

Km. 14.2, Kukulkan 1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

For a memorable special occasion, head to Harry’s, a prime steakhouse located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. This establishment exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Harry's Prime Steakhouse and Rawbar's specialities are USDA prime, Black Onyx and Kobe beef prepared to perfection. Expect to savor rich and indulgent dishes such as beets with 24k gold, crab ravioli with ricotta and parmesan, or tantalizing tacos filled with lobster, mango, chipotle, and tomato sauce.

The restaurant was recently remodeled and expanded and feels like a scene from The Great Gatsby movie. Portions are large, so you might want to consider sharing an entree or side dishes. Before you leave, make sure to save some space for the delightful pink cotton candy they offer along with the check.

RosaNegra

Blvd. Kukulcan Km 15, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

RosaNegra is a space that exudes freedom, a tribute to Latin American cuisine with a menu that includes gastronomic traditions from countries like Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico, showcasing authentic and daring flavours. While the menu boasts luxurious ingredients like A5 Kobe beef and Normandy turbot, there are some standout dishes such as Ora King salmon, Super colossal octopus, Nigerian Tiger shrimp, Giant crab claws and Alaskan King Crab cluster.

Treat yourself to the lobster tacos, served with fresh avocado, habanero-cucumber dressing, and pico de gallo. They aslo offer a wide assortment of ceviche and tiradito, as well as fish and seafood prepared in many recipes from Peruvian and Mexican gastronomy. Embrace the lively atmosphere and stick around until 10 pm for the spectacular fireworks show that illuminates the lagoon.

Nicoletta

Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 13.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

With a menu that captures the essence of Italy in every dish, Nicoletta embodies the Mediterranean culture, showcasing recipes from all regions of the country, spanning from Trentino-Alto Adige in the north to Sicily in the south. It pays tribute to the vast array of aromas, textures, and flavors found in the old continent. The restaurant features ceiling gardens that overlook the Nichupté lagoon in Mexico. Inside, you'll find replicas of Roman gardens, a Florence David statue, and beach wood furniture, creating a captivating ambiance in the dining area.

Nicoletta offers an array of pasta options, including a 25-layer lasagna, a generous portion of spaghetti with giant meatballs, and a rich gnocchi dish in aromatic sage butter. You can also indulge in classic Margherita pizza, a zesty rigatoni creation, or a tantalizing short rib paired with zucchini spaghetti. For an enchanting experience, venture up to the second floor, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views while savoring your meal.

Porfirio's

Km 14.2, Blvd. Kukulcan No.1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

While in Cancun, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to have a mariachi experience, and this is the perfect place to do so. Porfirio's offers the best of Mexican cuisine, using traditional ingredients and techniques to create modern Mexican dishes. This beautiful restaurant, located on Nichupte Lagoon in the Hotel Zone, offers indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor is the way to go if you want to witness one of Cancun's spectacular sunsets.

Gather a group of friends and order a variety of dishes to share. Delight with the enchiladas verdes, available with cheese or chicken, the flambé jumbo shrimp, the grilled ribeye with mushrooms, and, of course, some lobster tacos. Also, Porfirio's offers more than 100 tequilas and mezcals, served from a cart that goes from table to table and mixes specialty cocktails. For dessert try the churros cart, or for little diners we recommend the ice cream truck dessert.

Lorenzillo's

Blvd. Kukulcan Km 10.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

Built completely over the lagoon, this popular restaurant is the perfect place for Seafood aficionados. This upscale dining spot boasts an exclusive lobster farm, fishers from Isla Mujeres and Baja California catch Lorenzillo’s lobsters in traps and according to the size established by international fishing laws. From there, they are transported to our lobster farm and lovingly taken care of by biologists for you to enjoy them at Lorenzillo’s. The result is the freshest and most succulent lobster you can imagine.

Indulge in this delicacy while enjoying the spectacular views of the sea. Lorenzillo's promises a memorable culinary journey for all seafood lovers.

La Habichuela

C. 10 Margaritas 25-20, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

A longstanding classic eatery in Cancun's Centro, La Habichuela is a must-visit restaurant showcasing a mouthwatering Caribbean-inspired menu. The delightful ambiance which includes Mayan sculptures, trees, plants, and twinkling lights can be enjoyed in the open air garden or from the indoor section. Offering high quality food made with the finest ingredients and superb service, the restaurant's signature dish is Cocobichuela, a mixture of lobster, shrimp, rice, curry sauce and tropical fruits, all served in a coconut shell.

For a sweet ending, indulge in the made-at-table crepes, and of course, no meal at La Habichuela is complete without the Chichen Itza dessert and Mayan coffee.

Casitas

Kempinski Hotel Cancún, Rtno. del Rey 36, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

For a dining experience filled with elegance, head to Casitas, located at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Zona Hotelera, here you can have a private Casita all to yourself for the entire evening and enjoy an excellent dinner by the ocean. The elegant handcrafted cabanas transform into private dining areas on the beach, where the gentle sound of waves and the soft moonlight complement each other every night. You can reserve private casitas for a beachfront dining experience or choose to settle on the open terrace with ocean views.

The menu deliciously combines fresh seafood and grilled steaks to satisfy all tastes. Sample the shrimp tacos, savor the BBQ beef short rib, and end your meal with either a refreshing key lime pie or a luscious tiramisu. The accompanying wine list, delightful dessert menu, and personalized service only add to the experience.

Tacos Rigo

Palenque 50, 77509 Cancún, Q.R.

A local favorite that also attracts many tourists. Located in the heart of Cancun, it is a popular stop for visitors exploring Mercado 28 in search of crafts before heading back to the hotel zone or their villa. The taqueria's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by walls adorned with colorful cartoons featuring characters from different eras and nationalities. It's easy to get lost in the captivating artwork while enjoying a beer and a taco, which are considered a perfect pair here.

Tacos Rigo is renowned for its delicious salsas, including the famous "end of the world" hot sauce. They understand that tacos are all about the perfect balance of filling and salsa, and their salsas definitely deliver. From suadero and tripa to cabeza, lengua, and more, this taqueria offers a wide variety of taco options that will satisfy any craving. For those who prefer milder flavors, they also serve chicken and beef tacos.

Emara: Antojitos Yucatecos

LTE 2 y 3, Xel-ha MZA 17, 77509 Cancún, Q.R
Very close to Market 28 (and near Tacos Rigo), you'll find Emara, a small local establishment that serves all the typical dishes of regional cuisine. Visited by locals and travelers alike, it offers a less fine dining experience but a much more authentic taste of the place.

The Mexican food here is definitely worth it. It's a great idea to order some surprising tamales, a unique roasted suckling pig, and a perfectly crafted chicken soup. Come to this restaurant for its homemade flan, and you'll be delighted. It's the perfect time to savor an irresistible wine, a spectacular beer, or some extraordinary micheladas. People usually visit Emara Antojitos Yucatecos to enjoy their magnificent horchata, sensational frappes, or unbeatable pot-brewed coffee.

As we wrap up our time in Cancun, the first chapter of our super tasty culinary series, we can't help but get all giddy, knowing that there's a whole lot more foodie fun on the horizon. From drool-worthy street eats to unforgettable dining experiences, we hope this guide has left you hungry for more lip-smacking adventures in the Riviera Maya.

But hold onto your forks, because the adventure doesn't stop here! Buckle up, because our next chapter is already in the works. You'll get the best of the Riviera Maya from every corner, with unforgettable experiences that will leave you drooling.

See you next time!