Quintana Roo: Mexico’s Michelin-Starred Culinary Hub

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, stated that inclusion in the Michelin Guide has consolidated the state as one of the country’s six leading states in gastronomy.

Gastronomic Festivals, A Key Factor

The head of Sedetur (the Ministry of Tourism) added that the gastronomic festivals held in the tourist destinations of the Mexican Caribbean have become a key factor in attracting visitors and diversifying the region’s tourism offerings.

During the second edition of the Apapaxoa Cultural Gastronomic Festival, which concluded on August 31 under the organization of Grupo Xcaret, the cuisine of the world was celebrated through the fusion of Mexican ingredients and techniques with international styles.

As part of the event, recognition was also given to the restaurants from the state included in the Michelin Guide. Currently, 20 restaurants in Quintana Roo are part of the guide: 13 with recommendations, four with the Bib Gourmand distinction—which recognizes quality and accessible pricing—and three with Michelin stars, located from Isla Mujeres to Tulum.

The strategy now seeks to expand visibility to the south of the state and to the islands of Holbox, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres, the official indicated.

Reservations Increase

Inclusion in the guide has increased foot traffic and reservations at restaurants, further positioning this tourism segment. While the average tourist expenditure in Quintana Roo is around $1,100 dollars with a six-night stay, visitors who come motivated by gastronomy significantly increase their economic impact by touring different restaurants.

For his part, Carlos Constandse Madrazo, founding partner of Grupo Xcaret, highlighted the success of the festival. “It was a productive week with visits from chefs from different parts of the world who attended, during which conferences and master workshops were held. The goal was to recognize the quality of the food and chefs we have in Mexico and to showcase the importance of our gastronomy on a global level.”

He stated that gastronomy was a step that Quintana Roo needed to take and that it has been consolidated naturally, as everyone must participate in this common project. He highlighted that local chefs possess the creativity and talent already recognized in other countries and that is now also reflected in Mexican cuisine.

“The profile is already defined, because more and more tourists are arriving specifically motivated by the culinary offerings,” he emphasized.

Michelin Guide Winners in Quintana Roo

Currently, 20 restaurants in Quintana Roo are part of the guide:

Recommended Restaurants:

Bib Gourmand Category:

Special Awards: