Top 5 Restaurants for Picky Eaters at Hotel Xcaret
One of the main reasons we decided to become members of Hotel Xcaret was the food. Authentic Mexican cuisine is woven into every corner of the resort, and despite staying for a week at a time during our visits, we’ve never gotten bored of it. This is no small feat, especially considering our family’s specific challenges, like accommodating Eli, our picky eater. Finding meals he enjoys while on vacation has always been tricky, but at Hotel Xcaret, this has never been a problem.
As we plan our fifth trip to Hotel Xcaret this March, I wanted to share our top five favorite restaurants for picky eaters. These spots have been lifesavers for ensuring everyone in the family enjoys mealtime—even our most selective eater. Let’s dig in!
As we get ready to plan our fifth trip to Hotel Xcaret in March, here are the Top 5 Restaurants for Picky Eaters at Hotel Xcaret!
Mercado de la Mercede
Mercado de la Merced is a must-visit for families. This buffet-style restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to different palates. For Eli, it’s a treasure trove of options. From freshly made quesadillas to plain pasta and kid-friendly chicken nuggets, there’s always something he loves. The layout makes it easy for kids to see the food options and make their own choices, which has helped Eli feel more adventurous about trying new dishes.
The dessert spread for dinner is also incredible!
Why it works for picky eaters:
Huge selection of familiar and safe options.
Live cooking stations for customizable dishes.
Fresh fruit and desserts that appeal to kids.
Pro tip: The breakfast spread is phenomenal! Eli’s go-to is the fresh fruits and waffles, which can be served with a variety of toppings, including fresh berries and maple syrup.
Las Cuevas
Dining at Las Cuevas is an experience in itself. Built into natural caves, this restaurant offers a unique ambiance alongside its diverse menu. As a kid who loves to eat meat, Eli loves the rodizio style, endless options of a variety of meat. Even if your kid is not a meat lover, there is a buffet section that serves made-to-order pastas, salads, fruits, bread, cheese, rice, and other Mexican cuisine. It’s plain enough to meet his preferences but still flavorful enough to make him excited for dinner.
You can even watch the meat getting grilled outside!
Why it works for picky eaters:
Endless meat options for meat lovers.
A buffet section with customizable, kid-friendly choices.
The unique cave setting adds excitement to the dining experience.
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a table near the edge of the cave. The views add an extra layer of magic to the dining experience.
La Trajinera
Located in the middle of the main pool, La Trajinera primarily serves fresh seafood for lunch and a variety of other dishes for dinner. They also have a buffet where there are other kid-friendly options like grilled chicken, mac and cheese, and french fries during lunch.
Why it works for picky eaters:
A casual environment where kids can be themselves.
A buffet section with more kid-friendly options
Ability to grab a quick bite during the day after swimming
Pro tip: If you’re dining for lunch, you can walk right across the pool after your meal to grab delicious ice cream for dessert.
Chibalí
Chibalí is the resort’s designated family restaurant, and it’s a gem for anyone traveling with kids. The menu is designed with children in mind, offering familiar favorites like pizzas, burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Eli’s absolute favorite here is the pizzas and the milkshakes. The colorful decor and kid-friendly staff add to the charm.
Why it works for picky eaters:
A menu curated specifically for families.
Fun presentation of food that appeals to kids.
Located right next to the infamous Octopus Pool for easy access
Pro tip: Check out the candy station after your meal, filled with traditional Mexican sweet treats, cotton candy, and ice creams that even the pickiest eater will love.
Xin-Gao
For a slightly more elevated dining experience, Xin-Gao is a standout. This Asian-fusion restaurant might not seem like an obvious choice for a picky eater, but the menu’s versatility is its secret weapon. For Xin-Gao, you can opt to dine in for the Omakase, a la carte, or teppanyaki table, which all offers different, yet delicious experiences. As a Korean-American family, Eli loves Asian food and is something familiar for him. Eli’s go-to dish here is rice and pork katsu, which can be ordered without any sauces.
Teppanyaki table is always a hit!
Why it works for picky eaters:
Asian-inspired foods that are customizable
A wide variety of flavors for more adventurous eaters.
An interactive teppanyaki table for a fun dining experience.
Pro tip: If you’re dining at the teppanyaki table, let the chef know about your child’s preferences. They’re happy to adjust ingredients to make dishes kid-friendly.
Bottom Line
The beauty of Hotel Xcaret’s dining options lies in their inclusivity. Every restaurant offers something for everyone, from adventurous foodies to the most cautious eaters. This ensures that families like ours can enjoy stress-free meals, where everyone leaves the table happy and full.
As we gear up for our fifth visit, we’re excited to revisit these favorite spots and discover new dishes. If you’re planning a trip to Hotel Xcaret and have picky eaters in tow, rest assured that you’ll find plenty of options to keep everyone satisfied. Bon appétit!