Yes, a romantic dinner is one of the most common ways to say I love you on that special day.<\/p>\n
That’s why we’ve prepared this nifty lil’ guide for lovers who plan to be in Playa on February 14th.<\/p>\n
6\u00a0Places to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Dinner in Playa del Carmen<\/h2>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/the-grill-hyatt-playa.jpg\")
Pictured here: The Grill at 1 26 in the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen<\/p><\/div>\n
I’ll never tire of praising the wonderful restaurants in Playa del Carmen<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\nThere are so many great places to eat it almost doesn’t seem fair.<\/p>\n
But few are going the extra mile to pamper you on your Valentine’s Day dinner.<\/p>\n
These following gems are going to do precisely that with special menus for a romantic culinary evening with that very special someone.<\/p>\n
#1 The Grill at 1 26<\/h3>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/grand-hyatt-dinner.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Many locals are unaware that one of the best (if not the best) Playa del Carmen steakhouses<\/strong><\/a> is located in the Grand Hyatt<\/strong> Playa del Carmen Resort<\/strong><\/a> and that it’s open to the public. I recently had the privilege to sample some of the food here (wait for my review!).<\/p>\nBut as much or even more spectacular than the cuisine is the restaurant’s stunning ambiance overlooking the Caribbean Sea.<\/p>\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/hyatt-the-grill.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
For the Valentine’s Day menu, the Grand Hyatt will offer menus from both The Grill at 126 as well as its sister restaurant, La Cocina. The tables will be set out on the beach, and there will be live music and large discounts on champagne. In addition, the lovely ladies will receive a rose and a box of chocolates.<\/p>\n
Here are the menus:<\/p>\n
THE GRILL AT 1 26 Menu<\/h4>\n
Appetizer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Tartar of prime beef with poached quail egg, crispy capers, and pickled mustard seed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
or<\/p>\n
\n- Grilled octopus with soy glaze, confit potatoes with lemon and tarragon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Main Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Persillade crusted salmon, braised fennel, orange scented Basmati rice, and dehydrated kalamata olives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
or<\/p>\n
\n- Seared 8 oz. prime filet, carrot puree, roasted beets, yuzu beurre blanc sauce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Coeur a la cr\u00e8me for two, tropical fruit compotes, and coconut meringue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
LA COCINA MENU<\/h4>\n
Appetizer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Crispy tuna, glazed shallots, spinach and herbs pistou<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Main Course<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Grouper confit with celery root pure, pok choy, green apple chutney, and coriander seed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
or<\/p>\n
\n- Beef tenderloin with dry chili salt, hummus, cherry tomatoes, coriander, and horseradish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Chocolate and brandy cake, hazelnut cream, rosewater caviar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
or<\/p>\n
\n- White chocolate sphere, red fruits, red wine, dehydrated strawberries, pears and mint cream<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Price<\/strong>: $75 USD per person (The Grill at 1 26); $50 USD per person (La Cocina)
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>:\u00a0 Grand Hyatt Facebook page<\/a><\/strong>
\nAddress<\/strong>: 1st Avenue & 26th Street<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n#2 Restaurante Frida Kahlo<\/h3>\n
![\"Seafood](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/frida-kahlo.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
One of the world’s most fascinating and turbulent love of affairs of all-time took place in the capital of this great country we called home. Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera, two incredible artists in their own right, helped shaped the identity of a nation.<\/p>\n
Today, in Playa del Carmen, Restaurante Frida Kahlo is taking the cult of one of Mexico’s favorite daughters and translating that into a dining experience worthy of the name.<\/p>\n
The chic ambiance, the fancy art presentations, the passionate and inspiring artist herself, and the delicious cuisine, all make this a wonderful choice for those looking to cultivate their creative side this Valentine’s Day.<\/p>\n
Frida’s 4-Course Menu<\/h4>\n
1st Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Mini-crab cake, watercress salad, and mustard dressing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2nd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Mixed tiradito seafood plate with seabass and scallops, passion fruit, Kahlua, and citrus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3rd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Grilled tuna steak seared and served with a reduction of hibiscus and soy sauce, sesame seeds, and caramelized onions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
or<\/p>\n
\n- Beef filet in a gorgonzola sauce with figs and pears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Afrodisiac chocolate biscuit, caramelized rose petals, and lychee ice cream.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Includes: 1 bottle of wine (Casa Madero V, 750 ml) and 1 bottle of Evian water<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nPrice<\/strong>: $800 MXN per person
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: Facebook<\/strong> <\/a>
\nAddress<\/strong>: 5th Avenue & 8th Street<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n#3 El Pueblito Cooking School at Mayakoba<\/h3>\n
![\"Talented](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/el-pueblito-cooking-school-1-of-39-768x540-1-300x211.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
I recently wrote an article about the El Pueblito Cooking School<\/strong><\/a>. Led by the talented Chef Karla Enciso, the school itself is a love affair with the beauty and grace of all things culinary.<\/p>\nAnd while you can sometimes learn by doing, this Valentine’s Day you can learn and fall in love by eating. That’s because Chef Monica Lazcano is teaming up with Karla on February 14th to present a 5-course romantic dinner under the stars entitled “Mexico en el alma” (Mexico in the soul).<\/p>\n
Born in the state of Puebla, home to some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, Chef Monica is going to seduce with her unique and authentic Valentine’s Day menu. This one is definitely for foodies, especially those looking to experience Mexican food like never before.<\/p>\n
El Pueblito Menu (Spanish\/English)<\/h4>\n
1st Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nSquash blossom sopes<\/em> (pronounced soap-ehs, similar in concept to tostadas) with chapulines (saut\u00e9ed grasshoppers)<\/p>\n2nd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nSweet corn soup with herbs and chili peppers<\/p>\n
3rd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nMexican caviar – escamoles<\/em> (ant eggs) covered in a mezcal sauce and berries<\/p>\n4th Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nMaguey worms and mushrooms in an ajillo chili pepper sauce and served with guacamole<\/p>\n
5th Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nGuayabas filled with coconut balls<\/p>\n
Includes: welcome cocktails provided by Tequila Patron, wine by Casa Madero<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nPrice<\/strong>: $75 USD per person
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: 984-122-5024
\nAddress<\/strong>: Cancun-Tulum Highway KM 198<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n#4 Alux Restaurant & Lounge<\/h3>\n
![\"Alux](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/cave-alux.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Few restaurants can claim such a romantic setting as Alux. Located within a winding underground dry cenote, a romantic dinner at Alux promises to be as memorable as it does delicious.<\/p>\n
The menu at Alux stimulates the senses and adds a special touch of wow to a well-cooked meal of regional Mexican specialties.<\/p>\n
Just remember to ask for permission before entering into the cenote; an alux<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\u00a0is a sort of sprite that likes to play tricks on people. If you ask him for permission to enter a cenote, he’ll surely let you enjoy your romantic dinner.<\/p>\n![\"Alux](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/28796037_2354703604555454_3781742695815315456_n-1-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Alux’s Menu of Love<\/h4>\n
Hors d’oeuvre<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Fine layers of tuna fish filled with goat cheese and alfalfa sprouts over a bed of arugula and baby spinach, green apple, dehydrated olives, cherry tomatoes, Portobellini mushrooms, and passion fruit vinaigrette; served with pita bread<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Entr\u00e9e<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Cold cream of avocado served with mix bell peppers and sweet corn, purslane, Brie cheese and fried tortillas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Main Dish: Surf & Turf<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Beef tender roll covered in red wine gravy and mushrooms; served with a shrimp medallion wrapped in bacon and served with mashed potatoes infused with garlic confit, pink bell pepper and saut\u00e9ed vegetables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Strawberry cream served with a white chocolate fondue, fruit skewers (strawberry, figs, lychee) and a wafer (to share)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Includes: 1 bottle of artisan water, one bottle of house wine (lounge area only), one bottle of M\u00f6et champagne (V.I.P. area only)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nPrice<\/strong>:\u00a0$1,600 MXN per person (lounge area); $2,150 MXN per person (private table in V.I.P. area)
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: Alux Facebook page<\/strong><\/a>
\nAddress<\/strong>: Juarez Avenue btw. 65th & 70 Ave. South<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n#5 El Jardin Restaurant<\/h3>\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/el-jardin-vino.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
If I have a mea culpa to make with my content it’s this: I haven’t shown\u00a0El Jardin the attention it deserves.<\/p>\n
El Jardin has an awesome space that is warm and inviting, and the food here is consistently good. A lot of love has gone into making this place what it is today, which is why it’s fitting that El Jardin is included in an article on the most romantic places in Playa del Carmen to celebrate Valentine’s Day.<\/p>\n
Speaking of love, Paula Liebe (love in German) will be gracing the evening with some romantic chanson.<\/p>\n
El Jardin Menu<\/h4>\n\n- Shrimp Bisque<\/li>\n
- Cucumber Mousse<\/li>\n
- Grouper filet with a sauce of white wine, grapes, and shrimps<\/li>\n
- Flan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Price<\/strong>: $295 MXN per person
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: liebepaula@gmail.com
\nAddress<\/strong>: 20th Street between 10th & 15th Ave<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n#6 Cenacolo<\/h3>\n
![\"Cenacolo](\"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/cenacolo-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Cenacolo is a chic Italian restaurant located on Playa del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue. This spacious eatery self-proclaims itself to be ambassadors of Italian cuisine.<\/p>\n
And for good reason.<\/p>\n
Handmade pasta made fresh, Italian wines, an incredible menu of regional dishes, and a great view of la Quinta Avenida make this a great option for a romantic night out any day of the week.<\/p>\n
On Valentine’s Day, however, there’s yet another reason to give this Playa del Carmen favorite a try: heart-shaped lobster agnolotti (agnolotti are similar to ravioli). Sounds delicious!<\/p>\n
Price<\/strong>: $385 MXN per person
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: Cenacolo website<\/strong><\/a>
\nAddress<\/strong>: 5th Avenue between 30th & 32nd Streets<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nNeed another reason to fall in love with Playa?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
Pictured here: The Grill at 1 26 in the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen<\/p><\/div>\n
I’ll never tire of praising the wonderful restaurants in Playa del Carmen<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n There are so many great places to eat it almost doesn’t seem fair.<\/p>\n But few are going the extra mile to pamper you on your Valentine’s Day dinner.<\/p>\n These following gems are going to do precisely that with special menus for a romantic culinary evening with that very special someone.<\/p>\n Many locals are unaware that one of the best (if not the best) Playa del Carmen steakhouses<\/strong><\/a> is located in the Grand Hyatt<\/strong> Playa del Carmen Resort<\/strong><\/a> and that it’s open to the public. I recently had the privilege to sample some of the food here (wait for my review!).<\/p>\n But as much or even more spectacular than the cuisine is the restaurant’s stunning ambiance overlooking the Caribbean Sea.<\/p>\n For the Valentine’s Day menu, the Grand Hyatt will offer menus from both The Grill at 126 as well as its sister restaurant, La Cocina. The tables will be set out on the beach, and there will be live music and large discounts on champagne. In addition, the lovely ladies will receive a rose and a box of chocolates.<\/p>\n Here are the menus:<\/p>\n Appetizer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Main Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Appetizer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Main Course<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Price<\/strong>: $75 USD per person (The Grill at 1 26); $50 USD per person (La Cocina) One of the world’s most fascinating and turbulent love of affairs of all-time took place in the capital of this great country we called home. Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera, two incredible artists in their own right, helped shaped the identity of a nation.<\/p>\n Today, in Playa del Carmen, Restaurante Frida Kahlo is taking the cult of one of Mexico’s favorite daughters and translating that into a dining experience worthy of the name.<\/p>\n The chic ambiance, the fancy art presentations, the passionate and inspiring artist herself, and the delicious cuisine, all make this a wonderful choice for those looking to cultivate their creative side this Valentine’s Day.<\/p>\n 1st Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n 2nd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n 3rd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Includes: 1 bottle of wine (Casa Madero V, 750 ml) and 1 bottle of Evian water<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Price<\/strong>: $800 MXN per person I recently wrote an article about the El Pueblito Cooking School<\/strong><\/a>. Led by the talented Chef Karla Enciso, the school itself is a love affair with the beauty and grace of all things culinary.<\/p>\n And while you can sometimes learn by doing, this Valentine’s Day you can learn and fall in love by eating. That’s because Chef Monica Lazcano is teaming up with Karla on February 14th to present a 5-course romantic dinner under the stars entitled “Mexico en el alma” (Mexico in the soul).<\/p>\n Born in the state of Puebla, home to some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, Chef Monica is going to seduce with her unique and authentic Valentine’s Day menu. This one is definitely for foodies, especially those looking to experience Mexican food like never before.<\/p>\n 1st Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Squash blossom sopes<\/em> (pronounced soap-ehs, similar in concept to tostadas) with chapulines (saut\u00e9ed grasshoppers)<\/p>\n 2nd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Sweet corn soup with herbs and chili peppers<\/p>\n 3rd Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Mexican caviar – escamoles<\/em> (ant eggs) covered in a mezcal sauce and berries<\/p>\n 4th Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Maguey worms and mushrooms in an ajillo chili pepper sauce and served with guacamole<\/p>\n 5th Course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Guayabas filled with coconut balls<\/p>\n Includes: welcome cocktails provided by Tequila Patron, wine by Casa Madero<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Price<\/strong>: $75 USD per person Few restaurants can claim such a romantic setting as Alux. Located within a winding underground dry cenote, a romantic dinner at Alux promises to be as memorable as it does delicious.<\/p>\n The menu at Alux stimulates the senses and adds a special touch of wow to a well-cooked meal of regional Mexican specialties.<\/p>\n Just remember to ask for permission before entering into the cenote; an alux<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\u00a0is a sort of sprite that likes to play tricks on people. If you ask him for permission to enter a cenote, he’ll surely let you enjoy your romantic dinner.<\/p>\n Hors d’oeuvre<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Entr\u00e9e<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Main Dish: Surf & Turf<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Dessert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Includes: 1 bottle of artisan water, one bottle of house wine (lounge area only), one bottle of M\u00f6et champagne (V.I.P. area only)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Price<\/strong>:\u00a0$1,600 MXN per person (lounge area); $2,150 MXN per person (private table in V.I.P. area) If I have a mea culpa to make with my content it’s this: I haven’t shown\u00a0El Jardin the attention it deserves.<\/p>\n El Jardin has an awesome space that is warm and inviting, and the food here is consistently good. A lot of love has gone into making this place what it is today, which is why it’s fitting that El Jardin is included in an article on the most romantic places in Playa del Carmen to celebrate Valentine’s Day.<\/p>\n Speaking of love, Paula Liebe (love in German) will be gracing the evening with some romantic chanson.<\/p>\n Price<\/strong>: $295 MXN per person Cenacolo is a chic Italian restaurant located on Playa del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue. This spacious eatery self-proclaims itself to be ambassadors of Italian cuisine.<\/p>\n And for good reason.<\/p>\n Handmade pasta made fresh, Italian wines, an incredible menu of regional dishes, and a great view of la Quinta Avenida make this a great option for a romantic night out any day of the week.<\/p>\n On Valentine’s Day, however, there’s yet another reason to give this Playa del Carmen favorite a try: heart-shaped lobster agnolotti (agnolotti are similar to ravioli). Sounds delicious!<\/p>\n Price<\/strong>: $385 MXN per person Need another reason to fall in love with Playa?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n#1 The Grill at 1 26<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nTHE GRILL AT 1 26 Menu<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
LA COCINA MENU<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>:\u00a0 Grand Hyatt Facebook page<\/a><\/strong>
\nAddress<\/strong>: 1st Avenue & 26th Street<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n#2 Restaurante Frida Kahlo<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nFrida’s 4-Course Menu<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: Facebook<\/strong> <\/a>
\nAddress<\/strong>: 5th Avenue & 8th Street<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n#3 El Pueblito Cooking School at Mayakoba<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nEl Pueblito Menu (Spanish\/English)<\/h4>\n
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: 984-122-5024
\nAddress<\/strong>: Cancun-Tulum Highway KM 198<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n#4 Alux Restaurant & Lounge<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nAlux’s Menu of Love<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: Alux Facebook page<\/strong><\/a>
\nAddress<\/strong>: Juarez Avenue btw. 65th & 70 Ave. South<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n#5 El Jardin Restaurant<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nEl Jardin Menu<\/h4>\n
\n
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: liebepaula@gmail.com
\nAddress<\/strong>: 20th Street between 10th & 15th Ave<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n#6 Cenacolo<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\nR.S.V.P.<\/strong>: Cenacolo website<\/strong><\/a>
\nAddress<\/strong>: 5th Avenue between 30th & 32nd Streets<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n