★ Michelin$$$$Contemporary, Mexican
Harbored in a striking space inside the Hotel Xcaret Arte, Le Chique practically exudes charm. The lovely setting is matched by polished service, and gorgeous presentations are distinguished by theatrical flourishes. Taken as a whole, an atmosphere of special occasion pervades the experience. The tasting menu spans Mexico's regions, showing a clear sense of style and personality while consistently impressing with creativity, excellent ingredients, strong technique and impactful flavors. A fruit and foie gras salad nestled in an orange or a huitlacoche-stuffed donut with poblano and epazote sau
★ Michelin$$$$Mexican, Contemporary
If you’re not staying at the Hotel Xcaret, be sure to devote extra time to arrive at this restaurant, as it involves some navigation. However, once you’ve found it, you’re in for a treat. The cuisine has a definite French bent, which is perhaps no surprise given Chef Carlos Gaytán’s training, but there is nonetheless a confident use of distinctly Mexican flavors and ingredients. This is cooking with a clear sense of identity and strong technique, and noteworthy for bold, creative flavor combinations. The mushroom beignet decorated with a frilly crisp of cauliflower in a creamy truffle and mint
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 99 reviews
HA', a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Playa del Carmen, holds a 4.9/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on 80 reviews. Guests frequently praise the exquisite food quality, impeccable service, and atmospheric setting, particularly highlighting the tasting menus and wine pairings. Chef Carlos Gaytán's creativity and warmth are often noted. However, some negative feedback mentions a lack of 'wow' factor in recent visits, citing issues with meal pacing, imperfect execution of creative ideas, and occasional service inconsistencies. While a minority found the experience overrated or poor value, the overwhelming consensus celebrates HA' as a top-tier dining destination offering a memorable and high-quality culinary journey.
Ideal for diners seeking refined contemporary Mexican cuisine and attentive sommelier service.
★ Michelin$$$$Creative, Mexican
Once inside the opulence of the Grand Velas resort, guests are treated to an indulgent, immersive experience encompassing stunning ocean views, assiduous service, and, of course, singular cuisine. As its name indicates, the cooking here is driven by the creative vision of Chef Nahúm Velasco, who delivers a sophisticated tasting menu that emphasizes novel combinations and compelling textures. A meal might progress from spider crab paired with silky jackfruit, to smoked bacon with tuna, or perhaps a foam of Jerusalem artichoke with huitlacoche and mushrooms. The menu changes regularly with ample
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 100 reviews
Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen offers creative Mexican cuisine with a TripAdvisor average of 4.6/5. Positive reviews highlight exceptional food quality, attentive service, and sophisticated ambiance, particularly praising the sommelier’s expertise in Mexican wines and staff members like Leonardo and Marco. Conversely, negative feedback cites issues with meal pacing, overly small portions, and avant-garde presentations that some found unappetizing. A few guests reported uncomfortable service dynamics or sterile atmospheres. While the culinary experience is generally regarded as high-quality and innovative, individual preferences for modernist techniques vary significantly.
Suitable for diners seeking refined creative cuisine and wine experiences, though those preferring traditional flavors or larger portions should proceed with caution.