Quintana Roo secured its spot once again in the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide in Mexico, with established restaurants retaining stars and emerging projects earning new nods. The awards ceremony in Mexico City spotlighted the state’s culinary scene, confirming the region’s growing reputation for fine dining and innovative service.
Starred Restaurants Retain Their Status
Three Quintana Roo venues successfully defended their Michelin stars from last year. Signature Cuisine Riviera Maya, located in Playa del Carmen, held onto its star by delivering refined dishes that blend local ingredients with modern techniques. Ha’, inside Xcaret Mexico Hotel, maintained its stellar rating through a menu that highlights Yucatecan flavors in a sophisticated setting. Le Chique in Puerto Morelos also ratified its star by continuing to impress diners with creative tasting menus and impeccable plating.
New Awards and Recognitions
At the ceremony, Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna received a prestigious Chef Mentor Award for his work developing emerging talent across the region. His mentorship at Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya contributed to that restaurant’s Hospitality and Service Team Award, celebrating an exceptional front-of-house experience and guest satisfaction. These honors underscore the guide’s growing focus not only on cuisine but also on service quality and professional development.
Expanded Recommendations List
In 2024, the Michelin Guide highlighted 88 restaurants nationwide for outstanding quality. For 2025, the list grew by 20, and Quintana Roo contributed to that increase with Ki’is in Playa del Carmen joining the recommendations. Other local favorites that retained their spot include Axiote, Cocina de México, Cetli, Cocina de Campo by Agricole, Mestiza, and Punta Corcho. Each of these venues impressed inspectors with menus that honor regional traditions while elevating presentation and technique.
A Statewide Push for Gastronomic Tourism
Quintana Roo’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide has spurred local efforts to attract food-focused travelers. Since its nomination for the 2024 Michelin Stars Award, the state has launched training programs to help chefs and restaurant teams meet the guide’s exacting standards. The National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Quintana Roo announced ongoing workshops for members in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres.
“We will continue to strive to do better and be prepared to receive the inspectors, who are anonymous, because they have to receive the service as any diner would at any time, so this makes you stand out worldwide,” said Julio Villarreal Zapata, president of Canirac in Quintana Roo and Cancún. His message reflects a commitment to consistent quality, since inspectors evaluate restaurants without revealing their identities, ensuring that every guest experiences authentic dining.
Impact on Local Chefs and Businesses
The 2025 guide reinforces the idea that small and medium-sized establishments can achieve international recognition. Restaurateurs report increased reservations and heightened interest from overseas travelers since stars were first awarded to the state. Culinary students have also taken note: mentorship programs like those led by Gómez Luna offer a clear pathway from apprenticeship to Michelin-caliber kitchens. Meanwhile, hotels and resorts across Quintana Roo adapt by promoting tasting menus and local ingredient sourcing to align with global dining trends.
By maintaining existing stars and celebrating new recommendations, Quintana Roo capitalizes on its 20-year culinary evolution. From beachside grills in Tulum to fine-dining rooms in Cancún, chefs push boundaries while respecting Mayan and Caribbean influences. The Michelin Guide’s recognition acts as both an honor and a challenge: local teams understand that anonymity of inspectors demands unwavering quality.
As gastronomic tourism grows, hoteliers and tour operators plan food-centric packages that include cooking classes and chef meet-and-greets. With Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna’s mentorship award and Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya’s service accolade, the state’s dining scene proves it values innovation and hospitality equally. Ultimately, the 2025 Michelin Guide edition cements Quintana Roo’s status as a must-visit destination for gourmands and casual diners alike.
