Unique Dining Experiences in Mexico
La Joya
Take a seat at The Table inside the La Joya restaurant located in the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun hotel.
This multi-sensory culinary adventure combines music and narration for a truly unique dining experience. A 16-person table comes alive with images of fiery volcanoes and churning lava, depicting the beginning of civilization on the Yucatán Peninsula.
A narrated, time-lapse video transports diners from the dawn of Mayan civilization to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, and then to a modern and fiercely independent Mexico.
The menu changes daily, featuring dishes like blue crab stew with guajillo chili, cacao braised short ribs, and venison salad with citrus jelly. Each dish throughout the eight courses complements the time period projected on the table. There are vegan and vegetarian options available as well.
The Table experience is available on Friday and Saturday evenings, providing a memorable way to explore Mexican culinary heritage.
El Vilsito
By day, this auto garage transforms into a late-night taqueria known as El Vilsito, making it a must-visit destination in Mexico City. For over 32 years, this unlikely venue has been delighting guests with mouthwatering tacos, gringas, and alambre.
El Vilsito is famed for its tacos al pastor, which feature spit-fire roasted pork, thinly shaved and topped with pineapple. Remember to bring cash, as seating is scarce at this bustling eatery, which operates from 8 pm-3 am Monday-Thursday, 8 pm-5 am on Friday and Saturday, and 4 pm-midnight on Sundays.
La Gruta
Sometimes even gimmicky, tourist-centered locations offer memorable experiences. La Gruta, located just a short walk from the iconic pyramids of Teotihuacán, boasts a cavernous dining room seating up to 700 guests. This unique venue has welcomed celebrities and public figures alike.
Candles illuminate the volcanic cave in which the restaurant resides. Though the food, featuring familiar items like tacos and quesadillas, is somewhat pricey, the enchanting atmosphere is unmatched. For something special, try the pit barbecue cooked bajo tierra (underground).
Traditional folkloric dance performances occur on Saturdays and Sundays, providing added entertainment for diners. Reservations are advisable, especially during peak times when waits can be lengthy.
La Casa de los Azulejos
In Mexico, a massive retail chain like Sanborn’s can find itself on a must-try restaurant list. Nestled inside a stunning 18th-century palace adorned with blue and white tiles, La Casa de los Azulejos is the most famous of its kind in the nation.
The menu offers a wide array of choices, ranging from hamburgers and club sandwiches to filet mignon and enchiladas. While the food may not be extraordinary, the remarkable setting compensates for it.
The building’s interior is as exquisite as its tiled facade, featuring a beautiful indoor courtyard and a Moorish fountain surrounded by stunning murals and mosaics visible from the upstairs level.
Xochimilco
Often referred to as “the Venice of Mexico,” Xochimilco is a picturesque garden paradise located at the southern edge of Mexico City. Visitors, including many locals, can choose from dozens of trajineras (gondola-like boats), typically searching for one decorated with their name or flag.
While there are sit-down restaurants at various boat docks, the most unique and enjoyable way to dine is by ordering food from the many vendors floating by.
Quesadillas, tacos, along with plenty of tequila and beer are served from small trajineras eager to delight the hundreds of thousands of visitors Xochimilco receives each year. The floating fiesta comes alive with mariachi bands practicing their craft on their own trajineras, providing lively entertainment with party songs and classic ballads.
For those venturing to the Yucatán Peninsula, a less-traditional but still enjoyable attraction, Xoximilco, recently opened near Cancun and offers a fun experience for those unable to travel to Mexico City. This experience features a tasting menu showcasing some of Mexico’s most beloved traditional dishes, such as mole, ceviche, and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), all while enjoying live music and storytelling about popular Mexican legends.
