For years, the words “all-inclusive resort” conjured images of mediocre buffets and uninspired dining experiences. We pictured endless lines of lukewarm food, sacrificing culinary quality for convenience. However, Hotel Xcaret Mexico shattered these outdated notions, completely redefining our expectations of all-inclusive dining. Located in the stunning Riviera Maya, this exceptional resort has proven to be a true culinary destination, offering the best food we’ve ever encountered at an all-inclusive.
Forget sad, wilted salads and mystery meats swimming in heavy sauces. At Mexico Hotel Xcaret, the dining is a vibrant celebration of flavors, freshness, and innovation. Even simple poolside lunches are elevated experiences, enjoyed from the comfort of your lounge chair, showcasing the resort’s commitment to exceptional quality in every detail. My previous reservations about all-inclusive resorts have vanished, replaced by an eagerness to return to Hotel Xcaret Mexico and explore even more of its gastronomic delights.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Setting a New Standard for All-Inclusive Culinary Excellence
From the moment we arrived, Hotel Xcaret Mexico impressed us with its dedication to culinary excellence. Check-in was elevated with a welcoming offering of mini paletas – authentic Mexican popsicles. Intriguing flavors like coco, mango lime, and tamarind immediately signaled that this was no ordinary all-inclusive. Opting for tamarind, I was delighted by the perfectly balanced sweet and sour notes, a refreshing welcome after a long journey.
This initial taste was just a prelude to the incredible culinary journey that awaited us. Throughout our stay at Mexico Hotel Xcaret, we constantly discovered new and exciting dining options, each surpassing our expectations. Every restaurant is seamlessly included in the all-inclusive experience, with only rare, justifiable upcharges for premium items like lobster upgrades, ensuring a truly worry-free and indulgent vacation.
Join us as we explore the diverse and delectable culinary offerings that solidify Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s reputation for having the best food at an all-inclusive resort, a true gem within Mexico Hotel Xcaret experiences.
A Culinary Journey Through Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s Restaurants
The sheer variety of restaurant choices at Hotel Xcaret Mexico is astounding. It’s easy to understand why we confidently declare it the best food at an all-inclusive resort. From Michelin-star experiences to unique cave dining, each restaurant offers a distinct and memorable culinary adventure.
Ha’: Michelin-Star Dining in the Riviera Maya
Our first dinner at Hotel Xcaret Mexico was at Ha’, the resort’s signature restaurant, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This contemporary Mexican kitchen, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offered an exquisite eight-course meal with thoughtfully curated wine pairings.
While Chef Gaytán’s innovative menu is the star, the ambiance of Ha’ is equally captivating. The restaurant’s design is a masterpiece, featuring striking water features – horizontal walls of cascading water and a mesmerizing cylindrical hydro-whirlpool. Soaring 20-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create an open and airy atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience at this Mexico Hotel Xcaret jewel.
But the cuisine at Ha’ is truly the highlight. This is elevated dining, a symphony of flavors and textures presented with artistic flair. Each of the eight courses was a sensory masterpiece, showcasing Chef Gaytán’s expertise and creativity. The King Crab starter, with its vibrant combination of green apple, celery gelée, yuzu, coriander, and mint crystals, was an impeccable beginning. The Onion Tartlette, featuring comte cheese, balsamic spheres, and roasted poblano, was another standout. And the fois gras, accompanied by pickled beetroot, red berries, and chambord, was simply divine. Every dish at Ha’ was a testament to culinary artistry.
Bio: Vegan Delights in a Cave Setting
For a breakfast experience unlike any other, Bio is a must-visit. Dining in a tropical beachfront cave overlooking the Mayan coastline is an unforgettable experience. Even if vegan cuisine isn’t your usual preference, the unique setting alone makes Bio worth exploring during your stay at Mexico Hotel Xcaret.
Bio’s menu is entirely vegan, focusing on fresh, naturally grown ingredients. We were impressed by the delicious baked goods and the extensive selection of fresh juices and smoothies, perfect after a morning exploring the Hotel Xcaret Mexico grounds.
Our breakfast started with a refreshing acai bowl, subtly sweet and loaded with fruit, nuts, and honey. This was followed by fluffy hotcakes with Nutella, coconut, and tropical fruit – a delightful and satisfying main course. Bio is a testament to the creativity and deliciousness of vegan cuisine, and we highly recommend experiencing it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Las Cuevas: Brunch Elevated to an Art Form
Sunday Brunch at Las Cuevas is an experience that redefines brunch itself. This meal alone solidifies Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s claim to the best food at an all-inclusive resort. The restaurant is nestled within a network of caves carved into the coastal rock formations, creating an intimate yet expansive dining space.
The sheer abundance and variety of food at Las Cuevas brunch is overwhelming in the best possible way. Stations overflowed with fresh shellfish – oysters, mussels, prawns, and clams. A skilled chef expertly carved a massive, freshly caught tuna. Crepe stations offered both classic and creative options, from boozy Crepes Suzette to Nutella and strawberry delights.
However, it was the traditional Mexican fare that truly captured our attention. The selection was vast and exquisite – crispy, soft, cheesy, grilled, soupy, crunchy, featuring both vegetables and meats. It was a true fiesta of flavors, and we indulged in dish after delicious dish. While a tempting dessert table beckoned, we were simply too full to partake, a testament to the brunch’s incredible generosity. Plan to spend ample time at Las Cuevas and arrive with a hearty appetite to fully appreciate this exceptional Mexico Hotel Xcaret dining experience.
Xin-Gao: Asian Fusion with Mexican Flair
Xin-Gao offers a captivating fusion of Asian flavors with subtle Mexican influences, creating one of our most memorable meals at Hotel Xcaret Mexico. The restaurant’s design is both spartan and luxurious, featuring warm wood tones and various seating options. Traditional low tables with benches and cushions offer an authentic Asian dining experience, while live grilling stations provide entertainment with chefs preparing wok-fried dishes with impressive skill.
The menu at Xin-Gao is diverse and delectable. We sampled a variety of dishes, including incredibly tender chicken and beef skewers. The kids devoured the artfully presented ramen, a testament to its deliciousness.
The maki, nigiri, and sashimi were all exceptionally fresh and high-quality. Unique and delectable flavor combinations kept us ordering more. Standout dishes included the Salmon Tiradito and the Wonton Tostada, a heavenly combination of lobster, shrimp, and kanikama salad with mango and cream sauce. The Tiradito offered a unique Mexican twist with soy and lime dressing, serrano chile, and cilantro. Xin-Gao is a must-try for Asian cuisine lovers visiting Mexico Hotel Xcaret.
Cantina Los Faroles: Upscale Oaxacan Cuisine
Cantina Los Faroles is not your typical Mexican restaurant. This vibrant and energetic cantina features upscale Oaxacan cuisine by celebrity chef Alejandro Ruiz, offering a sophisticated and surprising dining experience within Hotel Xcaret Mexico. Live music fills the air with traditional Mexican ballads, while elaborate light fixtures resembling luminarias create a festive atmosphere. A captivating light show adds to the ambiance, making Cantina Los Faroles a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
We couldn’t resist watching the woman hand-making corn tortillas, a testament to the authenticity of the cuisine. Appetizers like quesadillas with Oaxacan cheese and spicy meat, and chicken or squash blossom empanadas, were incredibly flavorful. The shrimp and scallop aguachile and the suckling pig tostada were also exceptional.
For main courses, the grilled octopus with huitlacoche rice was a standout, and the turkey in black mole sauce was award-worthy. While a kids menu is available, it features more sophisticated options than typical children’s fare, reflecting the restaurant’s upscale focus. For adventurous eaters, don’t miss the tostada topped with chapulines – deep-fried, crunchy, and surprisingly delicious crickets, a Oaxacan delicacy!
Mercado de la Merced: A Buffet Elevated by Service
Mercado de la Merced became our breakfast staple, further reinforcing Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s claim to the best food at an all-inclusive resort. Think of it as a “Giant Assisted Buffet” – the service at each food station is truly exceptional, making it feel far from a typical buffet experience.
The variety at Mercado de la Merced is astounding, with something to please every palate. Nothing feels mass-produced; instead, the kitchen staff assists in assembling plates with fresh, flavorful morsels. The quesadilla station, manned by a remarkably efficient woman hand-making tortillas and filling them with custom ingredients, was a particular highlight.
Beyond quesadillas, Mercado de la Merced offers omelette stations, every imaginable egg dish, chilaquiles, fresh tropical fruits and juices, crepe, pancake, and waffle stations, and an entire section dedicated to pastries, Mexican breads, and desserts. The breakfast selection is already incredible, and we can only imagine the limitless options available for lunch and dinner at this Mexico Hotel Xcaret gem.
Premium Drinks and Cocktails Throughout
The beverage offerings at Hotel Xcaret Mexico are as impressive as the food. Across all restaurants and bars, the selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks is outstanding. This is not a resort that skimps on quality; premium liquors are readily available, and bartenders are skilled and happy to craft your perfect drink. From morning mimosas and Bloody Marys to evening nightcaps, every drink is expertly prepared and delicious. Be sure to try a Carajillo, a perfect after-dinner cocktail of Licor 43 and espresso over ice, or a refreshing Tamarind Margarita, a new favorite we discovered at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, showcasing the unique flavors of tamarind.
Ready to Experience the Best Food at a Mexico Hotel Xcaret Resort?
Hopefully, this culinary journey through Hotel Xcaret Mexico has convinced you that it truly offers the best food at an all-inclusive resort. If you’re ready to experience these incredible dining options and the many other wonders of Mexico Hotel Xcaret, visit their website to book your reservations today. Prepare for a vacation where culinary excellence is not just an afterthought, but a central and unforgettable part of the experience. And stay tuned for more articles about our adventures at this exceptional resort!
