14 Best Restaurants in The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Using only the freshest ingredients—from local fruits and vegetables to seafood right off the pier—the chefs at this jungle-side restaurant work their magic in a comfortable, contemporary setting that feels more Manhattan than Maya. Ask about the tender roasted duck breast with tequila, chipotle, and honey, or order an addictive, understated bowl of shrimp macaroni and cheese with notes of truffle. The fresh tuna tostada is also a treat. Daiquiris are served strong and fruity and portions are ample, so get ready to loosen your belt. The specials change weekly and the menu changes seasonally, so repeat guests are always in for a treat.

Overlooking the town square, La Sirena serves an eclectic mix of dishes ranging from mini sliders and grilled grouper to hearty plates of barbecue pulled pork with shoestring fries. If you like Mediterranean food, opt for Greek specialties prepared by chef Anthony Chalas, who credits his skills to his years spent in Greece. The dip sampler—with homemade hummus and tzatziki—is simple and delicious, as is the Athena salad topped with a block of feta and kalamata olives. The keftedes (Greek meatballs) are outstanding. You can taste the quality here, reflecting Anthony's effort to buy only organic and fresh ingredients. There's live music nightly in high season and tequila tastings on Monday.

People come from up and down the Riviera for the zingy flavors of this southern Thai restaurant. Popular dishes include pad Thai, drunken noodles, and money bags (crispy fried wonton wrappers filled with a Thai shrimp mix). Overseeing the menu is Thai chef Dim Geefay, a well-known teacher and TV cooking personality. Recipes start with basil, chile, mint, and lemongrass, which are homegrown from seeds brought over from Thailand. The spiciness of the soups and curries (created with house-made coconut milk) are rated as "Tourist," "Expatriate," and "Truly Thai." Health-conscious diners will also appreciate a range of salads and the mildly sweet flavor of the Chaya green juice.

This jungle-chic restaurant serves up creative fine-dining fare unlike anything else you'll find in the region. Standout dishes include al pib--style lamb (with roasted mushrooms and birria sauce reduction), a la talla--style catch of the day (with adobe sauce and Mexican grasshoppers), and mole verde with curry and breaded avocado. It's difficult with dishes this good, but leave room for dessert. The lime sherbet with tapioca and coconut, is the perfect, decadent end to a perfect, decadent meal. This creative fare is served in a romantic jungle setting, with distressed wood floors, exposed stone walls, and ceiling lights that mimic birds' nests. In the background, Mexican music and the sound of water falling complete the atmosphere. Even the most discriminating foodies won't be disappointed by this hidden gem tucked away on the beach road just before the Sian Ka'an nature reserve.

Considered by some as the best gourmet Mexican cuisine in Tulum, TU is, if nothing else, a fascinating expression of the country's rich gastronomy. Start with octopus tacos served with chipotle mayonnaise, and try the huitlacoche risotto with salmon as main dish. A Mexican flan as dessert will keep you happy and asking for more. The cocktails and the atmosphere are as stylish as the dishes. 

Playa's most dramatically sited restaurant sits atop a small cenote in a vast jungly garden full of strangler vines and Mayan ruins—right in the middle of Avenida 5. Designed in accordance with Maya building practices, it's a feast for the eyes, with living "green walls" covered with plants, a bar built on a stone wall, and a park in back that makes for a romantic setting at night (bring bug spray). The menu, full of dressed-up Playa standards—fresh fish, pork shank, guacamole—isn't as memorable (though the jicama tacos are worth a try), but it's a worthwhile meal nonetheless.

For sweeping ocean views and light meals, head to this shady beachfront resort restaurant, where the smoothies are fruity but not overly sweet, the guacamole is fresh and flavorful, and the salsa selection is excellent. Don't miss the amply portioned spicy-sweet Thai curry Buddha Bowl. And if you're craving some beach time after your meal, ask about Amansala resort's beach club, where $45 will get you a sun bed for the day.

The cheapest restaurant along Tankah's beachfront serves up fresh, simple, satisfying Mexican food from 8 am to 9 pm every day. Grab a table at the waterfront, and order up beef fajitas or fish tacos, topped with a healthy helping of fresh-made salsa and fresh-squeezed lime juice. Margaritas are popular (and strong) here, and on Sunday you can join locals for a popular barbecue on the beachfront and live music from 1 pm to 4 pm. Bring your own meat or order from the restaurant.

"The Pier" resembles a Caribbean fish market with its wooden plank floors, whitewashed tables, and pilings strung with rope. A chalkboard features the catch of the day; it's delivered from local fishermen every morning and simply yet flavorfully prepared one of five ways or sold by the gram to go. El Muelle opens at 4 pm, so come before dinner for a strawberry-lemon spritzer and mixed ceviche made Peruvian style with leche de tigre. From that point on, you're hooked, and you'll soon find there isn't a mediocre dish on the menu.

This darling, ocean-to-table restaurant is not to be confused with Muelle 3 right around the corner.

This lagoon shore restaurant serves gourmet Mexican dishes and exotic cocktails to enjoy with the best view in town and live music most days. Go for the al pastor (shepherd-style) seared tuna as the main course, and don't leave without trying the tribute to cacao as dessert.

With driftwood tables overlooking Half Moon Bay, swings at the lively bar, and salsa music keeping things moving, this might be the perfect beach restaurant. The usual Mexican fare—quesadillas, empanadas, burritos, and fish tacos with handmade tortillas—is perfectly fine, but the food isn't the point. It's all about the location. Directly on the beach, this place takes full advantage with two big upstairs terraces that provide sweeping views of the water. Lounge chairs are scattered on the sand for customers' use, and there's a small pool to keep the kids busy while you have another margarita. Climb the ladder to the two-seater tower table, 15 feet above the sand, where your drinks are delivered in a bucket on a rope.

Locals rave about the grilled steaks and garlic shrimp at Sergio's—one of the nicest restaurants in Chetumal. The barbecued chicken (made with the owner's special sauce) and smoked-oyster or seafood pizzas are equally tasty. When you order the delicious Caesar salad for two, a waiter prepares it at your table. This place also offers a huge breakfast menu plus a variety of lunchtime pasta dishes. You can order takeout or have food delivered, but the gracious staff and free Wi-Fi give you an added incentive to eat in.

This Italian restaurant stands out for its elegance, excellent service, extraordinary steaks, and noteworthy pizzas and cocktails. There's a great brunch on weekends and live music every night.

This funky café, where expats and locals congregate, serves up smoothies, baked goods, tacos, homemade ice cream, and everything in between. The breakfast menu spans acai bowls, eggs Benedict, pancakes, and fruit plates, and for lunch and dinner you'll find blackened fish tacos, coconut shrimp, burgers, and vegetable wraps. Set back from the little plaza, the colorful garden is a pleasant place to have a coffee, and its location by the ecological center makes it the closest thing Akumal has to a downtown. If you fall in love with a local stray, the owner will help you get the paperwork to take your new pet home. The restaurant is open until 10 pm and has free Wi-Fi. This is the only place in town where happy-hour specials include food. Stop by between 4 and 6 pm any day of the week for pizza, taco, and drink specials.