We love Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Resorts for more reasons than one, but if we could choose between the sophisticated and relaxed atmospheres, the best locations with breathtaking surroundings, accommodations that cater to adults only and families, world-class spas or authentic cuisine that’ll make your mouth water, we will always choose authentic cuisine as the number one reason. Take a look at our top 6 favorite restaurants throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, and discover why Hyatt Luxury Resorts are the perfect choice for a wedding group of foodies!
1. El Cortijo
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
El Cortijo is a Spanish inspired tapas restaurant with an authentic menu and something to please the whole family! The décor is traditional, yet simplistic, and the ambience gives you the feeling that you have wandered off to Spain throughout your dining experience. The best part, there is no formal dress code! There are even private dining rooms available for groups up to eight guests that are on a first come, first serve basis. When it comes to the menu, we absolutely suggest trying the Chicken Paella, followed by the Pijama dessert made with caramel custard, whipped cream, peaches saturated in syrup and vanilla ice cream- can you say YUM!?
Concierge Tip: El Cortijo takes reservations, and is a popular hot spot to dine. Call ahead of time to make your reservation, and don’t miss out!
2. Casa Grande
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Casa Grande at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta allows guests to enjoy a traditional Jalisco menu of food. Alongside a wide variety of meal options, they also have an impeccable selection of tequilas and mezcals to create the perfect novelty cocktail. The authentic Mexican décor in this restaurant makes the guests feel like they are truly in destination and not at a resort! The little details such as the stone fountain, dinner plate designs, and the tiles of the dinner tables gives a great sneak peak to the craft behind the cuisine. For this restaurant, we have several suggestions for our fellow foodies. To kick off your meal, start with the Atado de pollo relleno de huitlacoche y aguacate, which is chicken stuffed with huitlacoche (a Mexican delicacy) and avocado. Moving on, we suggest going for the marinated pork chop that’s grilled and then served with authentic “birria” sauce and freshly made grilled tortillas.
Concierge Tip: The almond tart with tequilla macerated fruits in a dark chocolate sauce is to die for!
3. Pasteles
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Sweet tooths rejoice! Pasteles at Hyatt Ziva Cancun allows guests of all ages to be a kid in a candy store! This sweet shop takes things to the next level with candies, cupcakes, cookies, a chocolate fountain and even a build your own ice cream sundae bar station. Stop in as many times as you’d like, Pasteles is open from noon to mid-night to accommodate cravings any time of the day! Get here easily as it’s located near the main lobby and feel free to “grab and go.” No formal sit down dining required here!
4. Chef’s Plate
Hyatt Zilara Cancun
If you’re looking for the ultimate foodie getaway, we highly recommend checking out Hyatt Zilara Cancun’s Chef’s Plate. This restaurant provides the ultimate indulgence for diners; a 7 course (yes, seven) meal created by the resort’s executive chef. To make things even more special, it is worth noting that the menu changes daily to keep things interesting for guests who stay over longer periods. Along with the 7-course meal, guests are also treated to the services of a wine sommelier to ensure that they have the right wine paired with their meal. This restaurant does require reservations to be made a day in advance for seatings at either 6:00 or 8:00pm and is only available to guests in the Junior Suite Oceanfront to Premium room categories. Interested to know more? Check out this example menu from the restaurant:
- Salmon Stuffed Avocado (sunflower Seeds and spearmint, yogurt and smoked paprika sauce)
- Lamb Double Consomme (barley, celery and foie gras profiteroles) Starfruit Sorbet
- Shrimp and lobster medallion (miso, sake and mirin wine butter and green tea jasmine rice)
- Deconstructed Lamb Shank (sealed, black truffle demi glaze sauce, potato and baby carrots)
- Borscht Pear (cooked with aqua vite, accompanied with chocolate and vanilla mousse and pistachios)
5. ChoiceZ Buffet Restaurant
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
We know that nearly everyone has had their own experience in a buffet, but the ChoiceZ Buffet Restaurant at Hyatt Ziva in Montego Bay raises the bar when it comes to the world of buffets. Here at Weddings by Funjet, we are convinced this is the best buffet the Caribbean has to offer. The interior is modern with a clean cut contemporary feel. When it comes to the food, the options are endless. The buffet is open for breakfast (7:00-11:00am), lunch (12:30-3:00pm), and dinner (6:00-10:00pm) every day. The cuisine options change regularly and offer an array of international food choices and “build your own” stations. Dinnertime often includes themed dining presentations such as Jamaican Jamboree or Bollywood nights.
6. Urban Heat
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
Who doesn’t like to save the best for last? Urban Heat and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall will change your expectations for all-inclusive dining. Urban Heat allows guests to travel around the world thanks to their fabulous menu variety and innovative décor. Appetizers, entrees, and even desserts are inspired by large cities around the world such as London, Sydney, New York, and Shanghai. The staff at this restaurant is just as excited about the eclectic menu as the guests are. To really take each dining experience to the next level, the restaurant has one simple rule: do not touch your cutlery! When greeted by your server, a brief “show” is put on with your silverware to welcome you in the most entertaining way right before your eyes. The décor in Urban Heat is bold, and has a very lounge like feel to it. The colors are bright and the textures that adorn the furniture and fabrics do a great job representing different cultural vibes. Urban Heat’s menu changes frequently, so we suggest that visitors all order something different and then share with each other to get the most out of their meals.
Ashley is a Weddings by Funjet Concierge who loves to combine her passion for planning weddings with her love of travel to give couples the experience of a lifetime. Visit Weddingsbyfunjet.com to learn how she can help you plan your dream wedding today!
