Discover the Best Mexican Cuisine in Playa del Carmen: Casa Rivieras

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My Expat Life in Mexico and Finding Casa Rivieras

After my husband Steve and I visited Playa del Carmen on vacation, we fell in love with the area. The beaches, the culture, the weather – everything was incredible. On a whim, we decided to take a leap and move to Mexico as expats to embark on a new adventure.

The transition to living in Mexico was easier than expected. We found a comfortable apartment just a few blocks from the beach where we could watch the sunrise with coffee every morning. The locals welcomed us right away and helped us adjust to our new expat life.

Of course, one of my favorite parts about the move was experiencing authentic Mexican cuisine. I wanted to discover the best local eateries to truly immerse myself in the regional flavors. That’s when I stumbled upon Casa Rivieras.

First Impressions of Casa Rivieras

I first spotted Casa Rivieras while exploring downtown Playa del Carmen. The vibrant exterior with strings of colorful flags strewn overhead immediately caught my eye. Inside, Mexican artwork and crafts decorated the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat and spices drifted from the bustling kitchen.

The host greeted me right away with a warm smile and escorted me to a charming table on the patio. A server brought a basket of freshly fried tortilla chips and three traditional salsas – a cool avocado puree, a chunky roasted tomato mix, and a fiery habanero blend. I knew I was in for an incredible meal.

Celebrating the Art of Mexican Cuisine at Casa Rivieras

As I browsed the menu, I discovered Casa Rivieras celebrates the art and heritage of Mexican gastronomy. Vibrant indigenous ingredients blend with complex Spanish cooking techniques brought during colonization. Generation after generation has passed down recipes and traditions, resulting in Mexico’s uniquely diverse and flavorful cuisine.

Authentic Dishes True to Culinary Traditions at Casa Rivieras

Casa Rivieras stays true to culinary traditions by using time-honored recipes and authentic cooking methods. Skilled chefs expertly recreate iconic dishes like:

Simmering mole poblano – a rich, complex sauce containing over 20 ingredients
Grilled carne asada steak marinated in lime, garlic, and Mexican oregano
Fresh ceviche “cooked” in citrus juice with sliced avocado and tortilla chips
Crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar and served with warm chocolate dipping sauce

No shortcuts are taken – only the highest quality ingredients and artisanal attention to detail.

Ingredients Reflecting Mexico’s Diverse Regions at Casa Rivieras

The menu takes diners on a culinary tour of Mexico’s diverse flavors. I learned dishes reflect unique gastronomic histories shaped by native civilizations and old world influences:

The Yucatán Peninsula: Smoky pit-roasted cochinita pibil pork shoulder
Vera Cruz: Tangy fish fillet simmered in a bright tomato broth
Oaxaca: Complex moles blending chilies, nuts, spices, and chocolate
Jalisco: Spicy shrimp ceviche with lime juice and chilies
The Pacific Coast: Fresh raw tuna tostada piled high with avocado

The chefs expertly balance flavors, textures, and colors in every regional specialty.

Ensuring Quality Through Fresh, Local Ingredients at Casa Rivieras

At Casa Rivieras, freshness and quality are non-negotiable. The chefs carefully hand-select ingredients from local providers and farmers’ markets.

As my server described the day’s offerings, I knew the produce was just picked, the tortillas freshly pressed, the seafood recently caught. This commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients adds incredible depth and brightness to each dish.

By supporting small local producers, Casa Rivieras also gives back to the Playa del Carmen community. It’s a win-win situation resulting in ethical food sourcing and exceptional quality.

The Atmosphere Sets the Stage for an Incredible Dining Experience at Casa Rivieras

As a writer, I pay special attention to ambiance and décor when reviewing restaurants. Casa Rivieras checks every box:

Colorful hand-painted tiles cover the interior and vibrant flower boxes line the patio
Handwoven basket light fixtures emit a cozy golden glow
Classic Mexican tunes performed by a roving mariachi band fill the dining room
Attentive yet unintrusive servers flawlessly tend to guests’ needs

Whether celebrating with visiting friends or enjoying an intimate dinner for two, Casa Rivieras offers a warm, festive backdrop for creating lasting memories over extraordinary meals.

Refreshing Beverages From Classic Margaritas to Mexican Wine at Casa Rivieras

While perusing the drinks menu, I discovered the beverage program thoughtfully complements Casa Rivieras’ cuisine.

Beyond the requisite margaritas, I found an array of traditional Mexican spirits and fermented beverages made from agave, grains, fruits and berries. Some standouts include:

Margaritas with fresh-squeezed lime juice and premium tequila blanco
Sparking margarita and sangria cocktails infused with tropical fruit
Complex mezcal and smoky Scotch whisky
Small-production Mexican wines – an up-and-coming industry
Housemade horchata, a sweet rice milk infused with warm spices

The refreshing cocktails and interesting wines provide new and exciting ways to experience authentic Mexican flavors.

Accommodating All Tastes and Dietary Needs at Casa Rivieras

As a California native, vegetarian fare is important to me when traveling. I was thrilled to discover flavorful meatless dishes like:

Sizzling fajita vegetables with grilled bell peppers and onions
Hearty vegetable enchiladas blanketed in mole sauce made without lard
Crispy potato flautas with guacamole, crema, and salsa
Spinach and corn empanadas served with tangy tomatillo salsa

Casa Rivieras proves vegetarian food in Mexico goes far beyond rice and beans. Their thoughtful meatless dishes overflow with the iconic flavors and textures that define Mexican gastronomy.

The Perfect Venue for Special Events at Casa Rivieras

In addition to daily dining service, Casa Rivieras provides full-service event catering and venue rental packages. From weddings and birthdays to corporate functions and holiday parties, their seasoned team delivers completely customized events.

The indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate both intimate gatherings and lavish celebrations of 200+ guests. Packages include:

Custom menus reflecting regional Mexican cuisine
Full bar service with margarita machines, signature cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits
Elegant tablescapes with vibrant floral arrangements and artisanal serving pieces
Marimbas, mariachis, and other traditional Mexican musicians
Professional wait staff providing seamless food and beverage service
Dessert buffets overflowing with flan, churros, tres leches cake and more sweet specialties!

With its vibrant setting, extraordinary service standards and focus on Mexican gastronomy, Casa Rivieras creates events as memorable as the cuisine itself.

Contact Information and Hours

Casa Rivieras is located at 25 Avenida Norte in central Playa del Carmen, just three blocks from the beach. They serve dinner Sunday through Wednesday from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 5:00 to 11:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended by calling +52 (984) 803-3213 or booking online via OpenTable.

In Conclusion: An Exceptional Celebration of Mexican Cuisine at Casa Rivieras

My evening at Casa Rivieras exceeded every expectation. The vibrant setting, impeccable service, wonderfully complex flavors and genuine hospitality left me eager to return again and again.

Beyond outstanding food, Casa Rivieras offers a vibrant culinary and cultural experience that touches the soul and leaves diners with an enhanced appreciation for Mexico’s gastronomic traditions.

I’m thrilled to discover such extraordinary regional Mexican cuisine right in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Both locals and visitors alike should add Casa Rivieras to the top of their dining lists for an exceptionally memorable meal. I cannot recommend this magnificent restaurant highly enough!

Author Bio: Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid traveler originally from San Diego. After falling in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, she took a leap and moved to Mexico to embark on expat life with her husband Steve.

Samantha enjoys immersing herself in the local culture, beach-hopping along the Riviera Maya, and seeking out the best regional cuisine. She hopes to provide helpful tips and stories to others planning memorable trips to this coastal paradise.

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