From sumptuous resort cuisine and magical romantic locations to mesmerizing views with just-as-impressive eats, these dining destinations are not to be missed.

Kokoro Tulum, a Restaurant With (K)alma at Copal Tulum Hotel

Tulum

Located at Copal Tulum Hotel, one of the most exclusive properties in Tulum, Kokoro Tulum is a Japanese restaurant that has just debuted. Perfect for fans of traditional Japanese cuisine, the outlet is led by Chef Alberto Tristany who perfected his skills at the best sushi bars in Mexico and the United States. Kokoro receives fresh fish that arrives daily from the coast of Baja California that Tristany prepares for an unforgettable dining experience. Menu highlights include cuts of bluefin tuna, flame-seared salmon nigiri, white fish kamayaki and huachinango tiraditos.

copaltulumhotel.com

Philosophy at Casa Malca

Tulum

With stunning views of the sea, diners here can savor modern dishes created with local ingredients. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features regional flavors and contemporary European techniques. Enjoy things like wood-fired pizzas, the fresh catch of the day, homemade breads and more. 

casamalca.com

Saffron at Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen

Dine on a wooden deck overlooking the tropical Mayakoba mangroves while indulging in contemporary Thai dishes originally created by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Chef Renu Homsombat who boasts two decades of experience in the tasty cuisine ensures the authenticity in every dish, transporting guests and their palates to another world.

banyantree.com/mayakoba

Catch at Thompson Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen

Located on Thompson Playa del Carmen’s 30,000-sq.-ft. rooftop, the trendy restaurant offers 360-degree views of the sea and city. Just like its famous New York City location, CATCH is the place to see and be seen with an open kitchen, a lively sushi bar and shareable seafood dishes. Make sure to stop by for Saturday brunch where you can start your day with waffle towers and cinnamon roll pancakes.

catchplayadelcarmen.com

Axiote

Playa del Carmen

Located in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen just a few steps off Quinta Avenida, Axiote is a casual restaurant housed under a thatched-roof palapa. Named after the achiote seed, a popular ingredient used in Mexican cuisine, the menu here is filled with authentic Mayan eats. Dig into the shrimp ceviche, melted Oaxaca cheese with handmade tortillas and the standout lobster aguachile with fried potato cakes.

axiote.rest

La Laguna at Fairmont Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen

This all-day restaurant features a taquería, tequilería, mescalería and a menu full of savory Mexican eats. Dig into dishes like lamb barbacoa tacos, chile rellenos, moles and more, all while gazing out at the waterways from the al fresco terrace.

fairmont.com/mayakoba

Sonora Grill Prime

Playa del Carmen

For an upscale steak dinner, visit Sonora Grill Prime where they’re serving up juicy cuts of USDA Prime-grade meat. Other menu options include ceviches and carpaccios, soups, grilled seafood selections, pasta, tacos and more. The wine menu includes a great selection of Mexican wines, including Punto Medio, created specifically for the Sonora Grill Group by Mexican winemaker Hugo d’Acosta.

sonoragrillprime.com

Sotavento at Andaz Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen

Meaning “where the wind takes you,” Sotavento is the resort’s newest dining destination inspired by a shipwreck washed up on the Mayakoba shores. Open for lunch and dinner, the beachfront outlet is casual during the day and lively at night, complete with string lights, a charcoal grill, cozy fire pit and live entertainment by resident DJ Jared Dietch. Dine with toes in the sand while enjoying Mediterranean eats including seafood, chef specials, salads, appetizers and more.

andazmayakoba.com

Porfirio’s

Playa del Carmen

Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen with a terrace overlooking bustling Quinta Avenida, this place is great for kicking back. Contemporary Mexican cuisine is the main star here with choices ranging from enchiladas and lobster tamales to tacos, surf-and-turf and more. 

porfirios.com.mx