Want a Michelin experience during your World Cup trip to Mexico?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, travelers from around the world are looking for more than just tickets to the matches. They are looking for the best that Mexico has to offer. If you are someone who values high-end gastronomy, you are probably asking: Where can I find a true Michelin-starred experience while I’m there?
While Mexico’s food scene is vast, two specific destinations stand out for those who demand excellence: Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Grand Velas Los Cabos. Both have been awarded 1 Michelin Star, making them the ultimate culinary stops during your World Cup journey.
A story of constant evolution
Cocina de Autor isn’t your typical hotel restaurant. It is a “gastronomic canvas” where creativity has no limits. The philosophy is simple: there are no fixed recipes. Everything is designed to surprise you through a conversation between ingredients, technique, and emotion.
Whether you are visiting the Caribbean coast or the Pacific, these two restaurants share the same DNA: a respect for the food and a focus on waking up the senses.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya: A sensory and spiritual voyage
In the Riviera Maya, the Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor is led by a team that blends local passion with international prestige.
The concept
Here, cooking is treated as a sensory trip. The food is fresh, playful, and avant-garde. It’s about taking Mexican tradition and letting creativity fly. The tasting menu celebrates the natural surroundings, inviting you to be present and open to new emotions. It’s more than just dinner; it’s a way to reconnect with your senses after the excitement of the game.
The authors
- Nahúm Velasco (Executive Chef): After working at the world-renowned Geranium in Copenhagen, Nahúm returned to Mexico to lead this kitchen. In 2024, his dedication to the craft earned the restaurant its first Michelin Star.
- Mikel Alonso & Bruno Oteiza (Consulting Chefs): Both are legends in the culinary world. Mikel trained under Juan Mari Arzak (3 Michelin Stars), and Bruno’s restaurant Biko has been on the “50 Best Restaurants in the World” list for years. Together, they ensured Cocina de Autor became the first All-Inclusive resort restaurant to win 5 Diamonds from the AAA.
Grand Velas Los Cabos: Bold flavors and irreverent art
On the shores of Los Cabos, the experience is different but equally world-class. This is where bold flavors meet sophisticated techniques.
The concept
The philosophy here starts with the earth and ancestral maize (corn). It is an “irreverent and daring” style of cooking that isn’t afraid to take risks. You’ll find a beautiful contrast between the rustic and the refined, creating a bridge between Mexican ingredients and European precision. It’s a warm atmosphere where the food is designed to make your palate “dance.”
The authors
- Francisco Sixtos (Executive Chef): A native of Jalisco who spent years in Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe and worked at the famous The Carlyle in New York. He focuses on simplicity, using the best possible products to create a balance between passion and perfection.
- Sidney Schutte (Consulting Chef): A Dutch master with a history of earning 2 and 3 Michelin Stars in Europe and Asia. He brings a global perspective to Los Cabos, drawing on his travels and heritage to create unique, complex flavors.
Why these two locations?
During the World Cup, you’ll likely be moving between major cities. Taking a few days to retreat to a Grand Velas resort allows you to experience the pinnacle of Mexican hospitality.
- Guaranteed quality: The Michelin Star is the highest recognition in the world. It’s awarded by anonymous inspectors who check for quality, technique, and consistency. You know exactly what level of excellence to expect.
- Unique scenarios: Whether you prefer the lush jungle and turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya or the dramatic desert cliffs of Los Cabos, you have a Michelin-starred table waiting for you.
- A tailor-made memory: Since the menus are in constant evolution, your dinner will be a one-of-a-kind story that you can’t replicate anywhere else.
Plan your culinary route
If you are a fan of signature cuisine, these two restaurants should be at the top of your list. They represent a new era of Mexican dining—one that honors the past but isn’t afraid to innovate.
- Visit Riviera Maya for a playful, nature-inspired journey.
- Visit Los Cabos for bold, experimental, and refined flavors.
The 2026 World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Your dining experiences should be just as memorable. Cocina de Autor ensures your trip to Mexico is defined by the world’s best flavors.
