A World Of Dining At Mexico's Nizuc Resort & Spa
When most Americans think of Cancun, they think spring break, Señor Frog's, bikini-clad girls and board short-wearing college kids with strings of Mardi Gras beads around their necks. Though this side of Cancun does exist, there is a way to enjoy Cancun with a glass of wine or a smooth glass of tequila paired with a beautifully-prepared Mexican meal — all while drinking in the gorgeous environment that dutifully serves as your weekend escape.
Nizuc Resort & Spa is Cancun like you've never seen it before.
Recently named one of the best new hotels in the world in 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler, Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico is truly a diamond in the rough. The resort is located at the gateway of the Riveria Maya and sits on the secluded and private Punta Nizuc. What's more, Nizuc is the only resort in the area that has two private beaches, which means serenity is right at your doorstep.
Nizuc Resort & Spa is a world in intself, and it comes complete with an array of dining options to satisfy even the hungriest of travelers. The resort has six restaurants, all under the guidance of French executive chef Vincent Wallez, that deliver a spread of international cuisines that will transport you from Mexico to the far-off places from which many of these dishes and restaurants hail. Whether you're craving Italian or you're looking to experience Mexican food outside of tacos, Nizuc has all of the dining options you are looking for.
Café de la Playa
Photo Credit: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Café de la Playa is the resort's breakfast and brunch hotspot. Café de la Playa is teeming with a never-ending buffet, made-to-order chef's stations, pastries and baked goods and an à la carte menu, making it the perfect place to start your morning.
Ni
Photo Credit: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Alan Banda of Peru is the head chef at ni, the resort's Peruvian restaurant. On the menu at Ni guests can find traditional Peruvian meals including classic limeno cebiche, trilogy casuas or tuna taktaki in nikkei sauce cebiche. Other standout dishes include duck with rice or beef sautée, with salads and desserts to accompany every meal.
Ramona
Photo Credit: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Under the guidance of head chef Bladimir Garcia, a Mexican native, Ramona is the resort's contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant places a heavy emphasis on using locally-sourced produce and spices incorporated into the dishes to accentuate the different regional cuisines throughout Mexico.
La Punta Grill and Lounge
Photo Credit: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Mexican chef Efrain Mis takes the helm at La Punta Grill and Lounge, a restaurant that offers a casual yet sophisticated environment with an open air setting and views onto the infinity pool and the ocean beyond. The restaurant's focus is on the meat and seafood fishes, but some must-try at La Punta Grill and Lounge are the shrimp and fish tacos along with the shrimp ceviche.
Indochine
Photo Credit: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Chef Sergio Ichikawa, originally of Japan, brings an Asian flair to Mexico with his restaurant Indochine. The menu reflects varied dishes from across Asia, and the tastes match the journey. Among the items on the menu are wok dishes including pad Thai and lobster yakisoba, as well as traditional Asian dishes like lamb biryani or sushi rolls, including their very own Nizuc Roll.
Terra Nostra
Photo Credit: Nizuc Resort & Spa
At Terra Nostra you can taste authentic, home-cooked Italian food made by Italian-born chef Daniele Tonin. Terra Nostra has its bases covered, from pastas to woodfired pizzas to an array of bruschettas, soups, and appetizers. The main courses showcase both meat and fish, and the dessert is something to most definitely make room for.
Alexandra E. Petri is the travel editor at The Daily Meal. You can follow her on Twitter @writewayaround