Our stay at La Casa de la Playa was nothing short of paradise. The luxury of having someone to help you with everything you need, VIP experiences like dining in a cave, and some of the best views of all Playa Del Carmen, QR, Mexico, make this splurge-worthy trip that once you get a taste of, you dream of going back every year (or month!)
However, it doesn’t stop there! La Casa de la Playa doesn’t just have some of the best restaurants for inclusive resorts, it has some of the best restaurants in all of Mexico!
Aside from their collection of world-class restaurants, the resort also showcases inviting bars. La Casa de la Playa showcases a line of signature welcome drinks, cocktails, and top of the line luxury.
We spent 3 glorious nights in La Casa de la Playa and the hardest part was choosing where to eat and drink! I wanted to try all of the restaurants and bars, and also go back to some of its most delicious food!
Ready to take your La Casa de la Playa experience to the next level? I’ve done the legwork to make it easy for you, so sit back, relax, and let me guide you to the best vacation at La Casa de la Playa with these must-read articles:
- Xcaret’s Luxury Hotel: La Casa de la Playa Review
- Should I Stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte or Casa de la Playa? (Coming Soon)
Authentic Mexican Food at La Casa de la Playa
Explore Mexican history and regional cuisine with these restaurants.
Tuch de Luna
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Hours: Everyday; Open for Breakfast from 7:00 AM – 12:00 NN; Lunch from 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM; Dinner from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Tuch de Luna Menu
- Location: Map
Visit the highly recognized Mexican restaurant, Tuch de Luna at La Casa de la Playa. Tuch de Luna, created by celebrity female chef Martha Ortiz, is an ode to Mexican culture. This restaurant was awarded the Best Sustainable Restaurant at the Food and Travel Mexico Reader Awards 2023. In Tuch de Luna, each meal is presented like a masterpiece.
We came here for breakfast where they have a whole section of artisanal pastries, cheeses, and more! They had some of the most artistic and decadent conchas I’ve ever seen! And for drinks, they had a smoked milk atole and a cafe de olla except with a fresh guava foam. I just love how creative they were!
All of the breakfast was so beautifully plated with black ash bread, pan Mexicano with pinole cream that was so soft, plus cazuelas and more to try! We wanted to try more so they even brought us half orders, which I thought was such a wonderful personalization!
All during this, there is a harpist playing inside (we chose to sit outside for the nice warmth and beautiful view).
While we didn’t get to try dinner, we did get to come back for lunch and were just as delighted! The baked pineapple which sounded so simple was anything but, and I was so happy to dive into their shrimp and fish ceviche. Their short rib taco was so rich!
Of course, you can’t skip dessert on vacation, which includes coconut milk flan and a mixture of different ice cream flavors!
Estero
- Cuisine: Mexican & Peruvian Fusion
- Hours: Everyday; Open for Breakfast from 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM; Lunch from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Dinner from 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Estero Menu
- Location: Map
Estero Restaurant takes you on a Latin American journey for a more adventurous palate. At Estero, Chef Virgilio Martinez serves up inventive “market cuisine” combined with the tastes and cultures of Peru and Mexico. His restaurant took center stage as the “Greatest Restaurant in Latin America” since 2013 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. I never thought I’d be eating food from one of the best chefs in all of Latin America at Estero, but here we are!
Expect creative presentations and surprising combinations of innovative flavors on their menu. Don’t miss their 8-course meal, which combines Mexican and Peruvian flavors on one plate to create a gourmet experience you won’t soon forget. To satisfy everyone’s appetite, they also provide a vegetarian tasting menu.
While we didn’t get to enjoy the 8-course meal (so much food, so little time), we did get to enjoy breakfast and lunch there.
Related Post: Xcaret’s Luxury Hotel: La Casa de la Playa Review
I don’t think you could go wrong with anything on the Estero menu. Our favorite was the French bread soaked in a smooth walnut butterscotch sauce with some smoked peaches that was the perfect rounded out flavor burst. I loved that butterscotch sauce so much that I asked if I could have a side of it and I put it in my latte. I even asked my personal butler if I could get that sauce with my lattes delivered to my room several mornings, and they would. It just really goes to show the level of incredible hospitality and VIP treatment you get while here.
But enough about my love of this butterscotch sauce because the corn and amaranth waffles and the beef jerky with a cocoa sauce and cheese were just as enjoyable. We even came back for that jerky another day!
It is no surprise that lunch is another treat and another example of just how kind and dedicated the staff are to making sure you have a phenomenal experience. With fresh items like lobster and grouper ceviche and wagyu tartare, they really got fancy for lunch. We got the sea bass, and they even had a lobster. I don’t remember how it happened, but they could tell I just wanted plain lobster and butter, and I got it!
Lumbre
- Cuisine: Northern Mexican
- Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; Open for Dinner from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Lumbre Menu
- Location: Map
Looking for the smoky appeal of cooking over an open kitchen? Lumbre, La Casa de la Playa’s haven of fire-kissed thrills, is the place to go. Under the leadership of the Rivera-Río brothers, the restaurant honors Northern Mexican culinary heritage. Here, the unique taste of smoke takes the lead, giving depth and aroma to each meal.
Savor coastal delicacies and the strong tastes of traditional cooking styles as you go on a culinary experience. Don’t miss their special “Goat + Foie,” a unique take on the traditional marinated and roasted kid, or their “King Crab + Wedding Roast,” slow-cooked meat flavored with smoky perfection. Every taste at Lumbre is a tribute to the ancient art of open-flame cooking, providing a really unique dining experience.
Centli
- Cuisine: Southern Mexican
- Hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday; Open for Dinner from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Centli Menu
- Location: Map
Discover the real flavor of southern Mexico’s cuisine at Centli restaurant. A rich mix of southern tastes, Centli pays homage to the “cornfield and its main ingredient: corn, the heartbeat of Mexico.” The Rivera-Rio brothers supervise the restaurant, which has a cuisine that highlights the diversity of corn and the rich culinary heritage of southern Mexico.
They started us out with a small corn croquette served in a smoky presentation to set the mood. From there, we got to dive into our meals, which included options like Tolucan oysters covered in green chorizo and grilled ceviche from Milpa.
The entrees themselves were insane. As a lover of mole, I had to try their two mole dish with an Oaxacan Black Mole and Bride’s Mole which was the perfect mixture of sweet and savory with rich chocolate flavors. The mole itself is made with over 45 Mexican ingredients and you can taste the complexity of so many flavors blended together.
The Veracruz style fish was equally delightful in presentation as it was in taste with the wrapped banana leaf that helped keep all of the flavors steaming into the fish.
Of course, with a restaurant dedicated to corn, we had to get the corn dessert with corn bread, popcorn flan, corn caramel and corn ice cream! However, each dish is truly an artwork, like the cocoa cenote filled with a whole cenote scene made with chocolate, it felt like a Mexican Willy Wonka creation!
Options to Dine at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Mexico
Aside from these restaurants, La Casa de la Playa’s guests can also go on a culinary adventure with the 21 Restaurants and Bars at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret México, its sister hotels. It’s nice to have so many additional options, but also HA’ and XAAK are two restaurants that are the only ones that are additional costs when staying at Hotel Xcaret Arte or Mexico but are included if you are staying at La Casa de La Playa.
There are also certain experiences, like the 13 course omakase at Tah-Xido that is an additional cost, but included if you are staying at Casa de la Playa. The melting pot of cultures was incredible, and you can read more about it on our Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurants blog.
Las Cuevas Brunch at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- Cuisine: International Cuisine
- Hours: Sunday Brunch from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Open for Dinner from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Las Cuevas Menu
- Location: Hotel Xcaret Mexico – Map
While the breakfast and brunch are at La Casa de La Playa, if you are staying on a Sunday, I cannot recommend enough heading over to Hotel Xcaret Mexico for their brunch in the caves. This is the most insane brunch I’ve ever seen, with what must be over 20 stations of sushi from top chefs, fresh fish for ceviche, grilled meats, and oysters, to name a few.
Then they have a whole section of traditional Mexican cuisine with pastor negro right there, rich mole, cochinita pibil, fresh tortillas that you see them pressing, and more.
When it comes to sweets, there is a whole table of an insane amount of desserts. It’s not fair because I wanted to try them all! I would try to stay here multiple Sundays just so I could have this brunch as much as possible!
HA’ Dining Experience
- Cuisine: Mexican Cuisine
- Hours: Open for Dinner from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Ha’ Menu
- Location: Hotel Xcaret Mexico – Map
Savor a once-in-a-lifetime experience at HA’ Dining, an AAA 5-Diamond Certified Restaurant. Chef Carlos Gaytán, the first Mexican to be awarded a Michelin star, features innovative Mexican cuisine. Expect surprising flavor combinations, beautiful presentations, and the freshest local ingredients. HA’ Dining is more than a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
XAAK Dining Experience
- Cuisine: Mayan-Mexican Cuisine
- Hours: Open for Dinner from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Reservation: Required
- Menu: Xaak Menu
- Location: Hotel Xcaret Arte – Map
Craving authentic Mexican flavors? Look no further than XAAK, a culinary adventure exclusive to La Casa de la Playa guests. XAAK, run by five executive chefs, offers a cutting-edge menu that highlights the various regional flavors of Mexico. Savor unique dishes, rediscover traditional techniques, and create lasting culinary memories during your stay.
Related Posts: Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Discover the Mayan traditional culinary traditions at Xaak (Pronounced as Shock). Imagine flickering torches illuminating a jungle-inspired setting while you enjoy the 9-course menu including 2 desserts designed by Chef Roberto Solís, Chef Paco Méndez, Chef Jonatan Gomez Luna and Chef Alejandro Ruiz, and complimentary wine pairing by multi-award-winning sommelier Sandra Fernández.
Your meal ends with a gift from one of their baskets from the ceiling. The ladies get a little hand-woven bag, while men get a little box of candies.
Special Dining Experiences at La Casa de la Playa
La Casa de la Playa goes beyond ordinary dining! This Xcaret gem offers the best experiences. Indulge your taste buds, explore culinary history, or savor a beachfront escape – La Casa de la Playa creates unforgettable memories, one delicious bite at a time.
Dinner Rio Azul Cenote at Xcaret Park
La Casa de la Playa offers an unforgettable dining experience unlike any other: a private dinner in the ethereal Rio Azul Cenote cave. This is a sparkling, private space decorated with the natural beauty of the underground wonders of the Riviera Maya. Your private table is surrounded by crystal-clear water, giving the space a relaxed atmosphere.
A dedicated chef will prepare a multi-course gourmet meal just for you and pair it with a fine wine selection. This genuinely personalized experience is ideal for special events or anyone looking for a remarkable culinary journey.
Dinner at Islote Xcaret Park
Craving a unique dinner date surrounded by water? Experience the Mayan Village Dinner at Islote Xcaret Park, included with your stay at La Casa de la Playa. This private island for four people (or two couples) sits on a cool river spot. Dig into an 8-course feast that highlights the pre-hispanic Mayan ingredients. It’s a fun way to explore ancient flavors on a cozy island.
Beach Dinner
The beach dinner was something we didn’t see advertised before, but of which our amazing butlers told us about. They have set up a whole grill on the beach just as the sun was setting with glowing orbs and live music to create a truly romantic experience.
A variety of foods, such as rib eye, picana, ribs, octopus sausage, argentinian sausage, and chicken, are served for a shared feast. They also serve apps and sides like grilled sweet potato, truffle potato puree, and sauteed spinach. For dessert, you get cornbread with corn, crumble, rompope sauce, and corn ice cream.
Personally, I was underwhelmed with the taste of the meal compared to what we had been eating previously. I might have just taken a cocktail and small appetizer here to enjoy the scenery and sunset before heading to another restaurant for a meal.
Dinner in the Gran Tlachco Theater
This is the dinner we spoke about at the parks. Dinner at La Casa de la Playa gets an upgrade with the Gran Tlachco Theater experience. Enjoy a backstage tour, then take a platform straight to your seat for a delicious seven-course meal with drinks. Top it all off with the México Espectacular show right in front of you – a dazzling performance celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. It’s a night of fine dining and entertainment all rolled into one.
In-Room Dining Experience at La Casa de la Playa
La Casa de la Playa offers a convenient and delicious in-room dining experience, perfect for those evenings you want to relax in your private haven. Their extensive gourmet features a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options, catering to all palates. Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy delicious selections.
Start your day with the unique “Ginger and Date Pancakes” drizzled in maple syrup and berry jam, or savor a classic lunch like “La Casa de la Playa Sandwich” with chicken breast, bacon, and melty cheese. In the evening, indulge in a juicy “Pork T-Bone Steak” with potato terrine and creamy demi-glace, or explore lighter options.
Don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with the “Campechana,” a traditional baked tortilla dessert recommended by the Rivera Rio brothers, featuring walnuts, cajeta, guava paste, and goat cheese. Wash it all down with a refreshing drink like the “Ma’alob,” a delightful mix of sweet rum and a touch of Mexican spice.
Enjoy your food at the comfort of your suite by checking the in-room dining menu here.
Drinks and Pool at Casa De La Playa
Aside from their collection of world-class restaurants, the resort also showcases inviting bars with its breathtaking rooftop views and handcrafted cocktails. Not to mention the different pools!
El Bar (Lobby Bar)
- Hours: 24 hours
- Reservation: Not Required
- Type: Cosmopolitan Mixology
Relax and socialize at El Bar at La Casa de la Playa’s welcoming ambiance. Open 24/7, this peaceful oasis provides a cosmopolitan mixology experience similar to that of your living room. I loved this place because it was almost always empty so you were getting extra personalization when it came to making a nice cocktail vs a typical all inclusive where you’re fighting for a bartender’s attention.
Sky Bar
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Reservation: Not Required
- Type: Top Quality Cocktails
Unwind at Sky Bar, La Casa de la Playa’s rooftop haven. You get some of the most incredible views of the water from up above. This was the more chill pool of the two options while we were there, as most people seemed to hang out at the downstairs pool and bar.
Wet Bar
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Reservation: Not Required
- Type: Mezcal and Tequila specialties
The most energetic of the bars and pools was the wet bar on the same floor of Tuch de Luna. You get a beautiful swim up bar plus an infinity style pool. There’s not too many seats, because there doesn’t need to be! Casa de la Playa is a small resort compared to the mighty all-inclusives (again allowing for more attention and customization for guests).
This was the pool you went to when you wanted to interact with other guests and socialize. They even have their own pool menu with some incredible tacos and bites.
However, for a more peaceful retreat in the same area, all you have to do is take a swim down the extended portion of the pool that goes all the way over the ocean! It was one of my favorite views because you’re getting to look right down over the water away from the shore like you would on a boat, except, you know…in a pool!
Craving for more? Don’t worry! La Casa de la Playa’s guests also have exclusive access to the Restaurants and Bars at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret México! You can simply walk across to the other side or ask your private driver to take you there. If you walk you might even catch a glimpse of the Xcaret Grupo founders home.
Cava Wine Cellar
Cava is a wine cellar that presents a carefully selected range of Mexican and international wines, handpicked by sommelier Sandra Fernández, featuring La Casa de la Playa’s exclusive label. Delve into local classics or renowned favorites with the guidance of their expert team.
Indulge in your ideal selection for a truly unforgettable wine journey. Operating around the clock, you have the freedom to select any wine and relish it in your hotel room at no extra cost. The experience of entering this wine cellar and freely choosing our desired wine felt exhilarating!
You have the option to arrange a wine tasting experience for an extra fee.
Bodega – Tequila and Mezcal Bar
In addition to the wine offerings, there is a dedicated space for tequila and mezcal, showcasing the finest Mexican spirits from various regions. The selection includes renowned options like Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Tequila Herradura Silver, and Gracias a Dios Mezcal, allowing you to enjoy a shot of your preferred drink.
The ambiance of the dark and atmospheric Mezcal room provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of Mexico City.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Restaurants at La Casa de la Playa
Prepare your food palate by checking the FAQs below:
Is Food Free at La Casa de la Playa?
Yes, food is provided at La Casa de la Playa! Dive into a variety of cuisines at their restaurants and bars at all Grupo Xcaret, which also provide room service and minibars.
Don’t forget that your accommodation includes entrance to the Xcaret parks, several of which include food and beverages.
Is Alcohol Included at La Casa de la Playa?
Most drinks flow freely at La Casa de la Playa! Enjoy top-shelf liquors, select beers, and basic wines at most restaurants, bars, and even with room service. But remember some premium brands might require extra charges. So, raise a glass to wonderful memories, responsibly!
Can You Visit the Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico?
Yes! Guests staying at La Casa de la Playa can also go on an unlimited culinary adventure with the 21 Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico. By adding the 4 Restaurants at La Casa de la Playa, guests can go on a culinary journey at the 25 Restaurants of Grupo Xcaret!
Are there Vegetarian or Vegan Options in the Restaurants?
Yes. All restaurants have vegetarian and vegan options. La Casa de la Playa makes sure that there’s always something for everyone, regardless of differences in palates.
Does the Hotel Offer Room Service?
Yes! La Casa de la Playa provides a range of culinary delights that you can enjoy even at a late hour service. Aside from the restaurants, you can also enjoy room service breakfast and complimentary food and beverage service three times a day! Check the in-room dining menu here.
What is the Tipping Policy at La Casa de la Playa?
While tips are not required at La Casa de la Playa’s restaurants and bars, leaving a tip is a kind way to recognize the staff’s commitment to your experience.
Typically, a 15%-20% tip on your bill indicates first class service. If you were particularly delighted with the care, hospitality, and faster service, consider going above and beyond this range to make a lasting first impression.
Remember that even a small tip makes a significant impact on the staff’s livelihood. Tipping acknowledges their hard work and ensures that their love for hospitality remains strong!
Restaurants at La Casa de la Playa: Final Thoughts
La Casa de la Playa is more than just your average luxury resort; it’s an adventurer’s dream come true. Four unique restaurants provide creative Mexican food and tastes from its regions. Unforgettable dining experiences are created by open-flame specialties and celebrity chefs.
Your culinary options are expanded beyond La Casa de la Playa with exclusive access to 21 restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico. Unique experiences are numerous, including a romantic beach dining or a private dinner in a cave. Day or night, a large in-room dining buffet with vegan and vegetarian choices satisfies every appetite. The majority of drinks are provided, including house wines and liquors, making for a worry-free culinary experience. More than just a place to stay, La Casa de la Playa offers a delightful culinary journey for all tastes.
Explore the wonders of Grupo Xcaret! Read of my guide to the Hotel Xcaret Arte and Grupo Xcaret here:
- Mexico’s Best All-Inclusive: The Hotel Xcaret Arte Review
- The All-Fun Inclusive Package at Hotel Xcaret Arte
- Casas and Suites at Hotel Xcaret Arte: A Riviera Maya Haven
- Is It Worth It to Upgrade to Casa de Los Artistas?
- 10 Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte: A Journey of Gastronomy
- 10 Bars at Hotel Xcaret Arte: A Flare of Mixology
- Xcaret’s Luxury Hotel: La Casa de la Playa Review
- Should I Stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte or La Casa de la Playa? (Coming Soon)
Last Updated 8 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: April 6, 2024
