The best part about a destination wedding is that it's not only about making the wedding day a once in a lifetime event, it's about making the entire wedding week a bundle of fun for you and your guests. If you are planning a destination wedding in Mexico, one of our favorite tips to give couples is to take your guests out on an excursion, tour, or to a local hot spot to embrace the local culture. What better way to spend time with friends and family before the big day by eating your way through the top restaurants to wine and dine in Mexico? We spoke with experts at Funjet Vacations and gathered front-runners that will surely satisfy foodies around the world.
1. La Casa Del Chef
Location: Cancun
Cuisine: Traditional Mexican foods prepared with a more European artistic approach.
What makes it unique? This restaurant is in a small neighborhood outside of the Cancun Hotel Zone and is actually the chef, Cristian Morales' house.
Menu Must-Have: Costilla de Res, blackened beef rib cooked for 14 hours served with a chil mole and mashed sweet potatoes.
Funjet Insider Tip: This restaurant is a very unique and special piece of Cancun, seating is extremely limited so reservations are a must! - Matthew A., Funjet Vacations
2. El Chapulim
Location: Holbox Island
Cuisine: Fresh Authentic Yucatecan
Wedding Concierge Tells All: At El Chapulim, every dish is promised to be fresh and made to order. Located on the romantic island of Holbox, this restaurant would be a great addition to your day trip from Cancun.
What makes it unique? This small restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, but there's one thing missing: a menu! The menu changes daily and each table is greeted by the chef to have the dishes personally presented.
3. Lola Valentina
{ via TripAdvisor }
Location: Isla Mujeres
Cuisine: Mexican classics & Caribbean flavors with a twist
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Lola Valentina is sure to please. Just looking to relax with a refreshing drink? Check out their amazing bar menu, which includes more than a dozen different margaritas, all made fresh in house. Come prepared, this restaurant only accepts Mexican pesos or US dollars, no credit or debit cards are accepted.
What makes it unique? Lola Valentina has a menu that is almost too good to be true. Menu items are fresh and artistically prepared in a visually appealing way.
4. Lolo Lorena
{ via Isla Mujeres Restaurant Complete Dining Guide to the Island }
Location: Isla Mujeres
Cuisine: Various, Mediterranean, French, and Asian influences
Wedding Concierge Tells All: With a phenomenal reputation for menu items, diners sit together at a family style table in a romantic courtyard. A social butterfly's heaven, this restaurant is situated just right to meet new people during your visit to Isla Mujeres (especially for solo travelers). Lolo acts as both chef and hostess, greeting each guest and giving a thorough explanation of what each dish entails.
Funjet Insider Tip: Bring your own wine! Lolo welcomes guests to bring their own bottles of wine or champagne to dinner. We suggest bringing more than just one bottle, you do want to make new friends, right? - Ashley G., Weddings by Funjet
What makes it unique? Lolo Lorena's is a unique opportunity to explore in Isla Mujeres. Open select hours, reservations are absolutely necessary. Each night a small number of diners are welcomed to Lolo Lorena's home where she prepares a set menu for the group consisting of 6 or more courses. Lolo is from Belgium and enjoys incorporating locally fresh foods from the markets to create her culinary masterpieces.
5. Thai Lounge
Location: The heart of Cancun Hotel Zone, near the La Isla Shopping Village
Cuisine: Thai
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Head Chef, Supoj Thamtinno brings his talents to Cancun all the way from Thailand. With a delectable menu, we know this is the ultimate place to come for a night out with your love, or even with a group for dinner.
Funjet Insider Tip: Be sure to try one of the curry dishes! Combining the authentic flavor with the romantic atmosphere, you will surely feel like you are right in Thailand! - Natasha S., Funjet Vacations
What makes it unique? A Caribbean-esque atmosphere says it all! Set over the lagoon, diners can request a cozy booth to sit at over the water. The entire restaurant has lighting that provides a fun and romantic ambiance.
6. La Fonda del Zancudo
{ via TripAdvisor }
Location: Cancun
Cuisine: Mediterranean, French, with some Yucatecan influence
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Although the menu is selective and changes daily, the wine varieties available are sure to please any palette. Come with an appetite and willingness to try new things.
What makes it unique? Tricky to find, this small restaurant is set within the ancient ruins of an old house. The atmosphere is unparalleled to any other restaurant in Cancun. Once you enter, you are sure to feel like you are in a Mexican fairy tale.
7. Marakame Cafe
Location: Cancun
Cuisine: Yucatecan and American influence
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Each night (and brunch on the weekends) there is live music featuring local musicians!
What makes it unique? Surrounded by greenery, you will feel like you are dining in your very own tree house. Be sure to stop by for either a quick afternoon coffee break or brunch.
8. La Barbacoa de la Tulum
Location: Cancun
Cuisine: Authentic Mexican Tacos
Wedding Concierge Tells All: We know everyone loves tacos, but what we love most is that you can get your tacos nearly anytime you want. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch after shopping, or a late night snack after indulging in Cancun’s infamous nightlife, La Barbacoa de la Tulum has your back.
What makes it unique? If you’re looking for the best tacos in town, head to Barbacoa de la Tulum. Locals and even tourists alike flock here to get their hands on some of the best tacos in town. This small open air restaurant is easy to find near City Hall.
9. Sur Steak House
Location: Playa del Carmen
Cuisine: Argentinean Influence
Menu Must-Have: You can't visit Su without having the charcoal grilled octopus. Trust us, you won't want to miss this savory appetizer.
What makes it unique? Set in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Sur can be found right on 5th avenue. This restaurant has the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner for two or even a rehearsal dinner. Set right on the corner, the rustic elegance of the decor and open air concept make for the perfect people watching spot.
10. Imprevist
Location: Playa del Carmen
Cuisine: Traditional Mexican specialties as well as International and Asian fusion
Wedding Concierge Tells All: While the menu satisfies nearly any craving, the bar doesn’t disappoint either. Imprevist has an appealing wine and cocktail list with offerings from around the globe.
What makes it unique? Specializing in both breakfast and dinner, Imprevist is the go-to spot for anyone looking to give their taste buds a run for their money. Like most popular restaurants in Playa, Imprevists specializes in seafood dishes.
11. Alux Restaurant
Location: Playa del Carmen
Cuisine: Contemporary International
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Alux has its own in-house Sommelier who will assist you in pairing the right bottle with your meal in the wine cave cellar. Special events are welcome, and the social vibes are fit for a rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding group event.
Funjet Insider Tip: If you are hosting a destination wedding near Playa del Carmen, host your rehearsal dinner at Alux. Sure to amaze your bridal party, the night before your wedding is sure to be unforgettable! –Karmen S., Weddings by Funjet Concierge.
What makes it unique? Set inside a 10,000 year old cave, this restaurant doesn't need any extra decor to wow your senses.
12. El Jardin
{ via TripAdvisor }
Location: Playa del Carmen
Cuisine: Authentic Yucatecan
Wedding Concierge Tells All: If you love businesses that keep it local like us, this is the restaurant for you. All ingredients are locally sourced and fresh, coffee and eggs are organic, and tortillas are handmade! We can't forget to mention the prices aren't too shabby either.
What makes it unique? Tucked away just a block and a half away from 5th avenue, El Jardin is worth the short venture off the main strip. This restaurant is the magical work of two chefs, one a native from Mexico, and the other from Czech Republic. The restaurant is set within a garden, so it makes for a fun brunch date or family outing. Breakfast is served all day, and they host special events all night on Wednesdays (Karaoke) and Fridays (European Cabaret show).
13. Casa Jaguar
Location: Tulum
Cuisine: Eclectic mix of Mexican cuisine
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Stop by later on Thursday nights to enjoy the dinner dance party. Casa Jaguar brings in live music to put on the perfect vibe for dancing the night away under the star filled Caribbean night sky. Looking to host the ultimate boho or eco-inspired event? Casa Jaguar is the place to go.
What makes it unique? Tulum is a magical destination not far from Cancun and Riviera Maya. Locals and tourists easily become enchanted by Tulum’s rich archeological history and jungle feeling right by the sea. Casa Jaguar brings all of these elements together to make diners feel as if they are deep within the jungle. A carefully artistic approach goes into the décor at Casa Jaguar to naturally complement the surrounding greenery.
14. La Palapa
Location: Puerto Vallarta
Cuisine: Mexican with Asian and French influence
Insider Tip: La Palapa is an absolute must for dinner. It's so romantic, has very nice food, and the views are amazing. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Pacific. - Francisco A. Puerto Vallarta Resident and Island Sun Employee
What makes it unique? Started by a family back in the 1950's, La Palapa is a staple for memorable dining in the Puerto Vallarta area. La Palapa's menu is every seafood lover's dream. Enjoy the beach club at La Palapa to soak up the sun, and stick your toes in the sand while enjoying attentive service.
15. Café des Artistes
Location: Puerto Vallarta
Cuisine: Contemporary International with Mexican influence
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Come with an open mind and willingness to try something unique, Café des Artistes menu is unforgettable. Although Café des Artistes is considered a luxury experience, children over the age of 8 are allowed to join the fun. Made for vino lovers, they offer an expansive wine list covering all profiles from more than 10 countries.
Funjet Insider Tip: Café des Artistes welcomes wedding groups to join them for their celebration; this is the perfect opportunity to host your rehearsal dinner offsite!
What makes it unique? A landmark restaurant for more than a quarter of a century, Café des Artistes provides a luxury dining experience like no other in the region. Guests certainly experience the local traditions put in effect here, and the deep devotion to art of all types. The décor of this restaurant changes and offers a visual experience for all to enjoy, indoors and outdoors.
16. El Barracuda
{ via Villa Experience Mexico }
Location: Puerto Vallarta
Cuisine: Seafood, fresh, local
Wedding Concierge Tells All: We can’t get enough of this perfect location. Right on the beach and located in the middle of Puerto Vallarta, El Barracuda is easy to get to. Open from 11am to 2am this beachside bungalow restaurant also doubles as a nighttime lounge. If you’re looking for the perfect date night stop, then this is the perfect place. Catch the sunset, indulge in fresh ceviche and grab a beer.
What makes it unique? El Barracuda specifically describes itself as “ …Fresh, non-formal, not fancy, and delicious” and we love it! Perfect for any beach bum that wants to enjoy some of the best local seafood that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, El Barracuda is the place to go. The restaurant is actually right on the beach, so you get to enjoy your meal while sticking your toes in the sand and watching the sea right by you.
17. Tierra Viva
Location: Sayulita, near Puerto Vallarta
Cuisine: Mexican-Caribbean
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Like most seaside restaurants, seafood consumes the menu. From start to finish, the staff at Tierra Viva makes you feel like you are the only table in the restaurant. We can’t get enough of the amazing customer service experienced here!
What makes it unique? Tierra Viva names itself as the creative cuisine of Sayulita. This restaurant sources its seafood and produce locally to give diners the best of destination.
18. Palmar Trapiche
Location: Sayulita, near Puerto Vallarta
Cuisine: Local, paired with craft brews on tap
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Craft brews are all the rage here in the US, but we love that we can carry this hobby south of the border in Sayulita. Perfect for a quick relief from the midday sun or for the ultimate guys night out, Palmar Trapiche has it all. Looking to let your nerdy side out? Enjoy free documentary showings on select nights!
What makes it unique? Palmar Trapiche is a local microbrewery with 10 different craft beers on tap. Along with a full service kitchen, Palmar Trapiche allows visitors to either enjoy just a brew or pair their meal with the right selection on tap. Situated on the north side of little surfer town Sayulita, Palmar Trapiche provides the ultimate jungle vibe near the ocean.
19. Hacienda Cocina y Cantina
Location: Cabo San Lucas
Cuisine: Authentic Mexican
Wedding Concierge Tells All: The fantastic dinner menu and the tequila list are what win us over. The atmosphere is casual and gives the best of beach vibes. Bright cozy furniture and string lights make dining a welcoming and comforting experience that will make you never want to leave. The Weddings by Funjet team loves that while Cocina y Cantina is great for any meal or a casual drink by the sea, they also provide off site wedding venues! If you’re looking for a unique spin to your destination wedding be sure to consider this unique non-resort gem.
What makes it unique? Set on a quarter mile stretch of beach, Hacienda Cocina y Cantina is the best place to stick your toes in the sand and enjoy the views of the iconic Land’s End rock formation.
20. Sunset MonaLisa
Location: Cabo San Lucas
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Wedding Concierge Tells All: Romance can’t be beat here. The perfect spot for newlyweds, Sunset MonaLisa offers the best views of Cabo’s sunsets while relaxing at fire pit lounges and a champagne bar.
What makes it unique? Sunset MonaLisa is like having three restaurants in one. They offer different atmospheres for different food menus and dining styles. Sunset MonaLisa for fine dining, Tattinger Terrace is a laid back lounge area, and Sunset Point is best for a casual social experience with pizza and tapas. We suggest making an experience out of it and trying a dish at each venue.
