How Xcaret dining works
Xcaret has 10 restaurants spread across the park. With the All Inclusive ticket, all food and drinks (including alcohol for adults) are included at every restaurant from opening to closing. The basic day pass does not include any food, so if you are on basic you will be paying a la carte at $15 to $35 per plate.
The 10 restaurants span casual to upscale. Some are open buffet style, others are a la carte. Wait times vary from instant to 45 minutes depending on the time of day.
The top 3 restaurants
1. La Cocina
The best restaurant at Xcaret. Mexican contemporary menu with Yucatecan influences. Dishes like cochinita pibil, stuffed chile poblano and seafood tostadas are consistently excellent. Indoor with large windows. No reservations needed but go before noon or after 2:30 PM to avoid waits.
2. La Laguna
Lagoon view, open air, focus on fish and seafood. Grilled fish, ceviche, shrimp cocktail, lobster on the upgraded menu. The view alone makes it worth a visit. Can be crowded at peak lunch.
3. Caletita
Casual beachside. The best place in the park for a quick bite after snorkeling. Fresh ceviche, tacos, guacamole and drinks. Barefoot, sandy floor, relaxed.
The rest of the 10 restaurants
- La Isla: upscale international with steak and seafood. Dinner focus.
- Restaurant del Pueblo: buffet with regional Mexican dishes, wide variety, fast.
- Xpiral: vegetarian friendly, healthy bowls and salads.
- El Embarcadero: fish and chips style casual.
- Hacienda Henequenera: traditional Yucatan feast served family style. Inside the hacienda.
- Las Palapas: Italian and pizza, kid friendly.
- Café del Puerto: coffee, cakes, breakfast pastries.
Best strategy for a full day
Breakfast: pastries and coffee at Café del Puerto around 9 AM when you arrive.
Lunch: La Cocina at 11:30 AM (before the crowd) or Caletita if you are at the beach.
Afternoon snack: Las Palapas for pizza or Xpiral for a lighter bowl.
Dinner: La Laguna or La Isla before the Mexico Espectacular night show (starts at 7 PM).
Drinks
Bars are distributed across the park. Cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks and water are all included with the All Inclusive pass. The open bar runs all day, but bartenders stop serving 30 minutes before park closing. Do not overdo it on the open rivers, keep drinks for the beach and lagoon areas.
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian options are available at every restaurant. Vegan specific menus are strongest at Xpiral and La Cocina. Gluten free options are available on request but limited in buffets. For severe allergies, contact Xcaret guest services on arrival to flag your needs.
Is the all inclusive worth it for food alone?
Yes, almost always. If you expect to eat one full meal and drink 3 to 4 cocktails during the day, the all inclusive upgrade ($30 on top of basic) pays for itself. For a group of 4 spending a full day, the savings vs a la carte can exceed $150.
Book Xcaret All Inclusive
Unlimited meals, drinks and 40+ attractions. Instant confirmation, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Frequently asked questions
Food is included only with the All Inclusive or Plus ticket at Xcaret. The basic ticket does not cover meals. With the All Inclusive pass, you can eat and drink unlimited in 10 restaurants across the park from opening to closing.
La Cocina is widely considered the best restaurant at Xcaret. It serves Mexican contemporary cuisine with excellent presentation. Reservations are not always needed but go outside peak lunch hours (1 to 2:30 PM) to avoid waits.
Most Xcaret restaurants do not require reservations. A couple of the upscale options (La Laguna, La Isla) benefit from reserving at Guest Services. For peak dining times (12 to 2 PM), arriving before noon or after 2:30 avoids the worst queues.
