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HA'

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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1 Star

The Experience

From Michelin Guide

If you’re not staying at the Hotel Xcaret, be sure to devote extra time to arrive at this restaurant, as it involves some navigation. However, once you’ve found it, you’re in for a treat. The cuisine has a definite French bent, which is perhaps no surprise given Chef Carlos Gaytán’s training, but there is nonetheless a confident use of distinctly Mexican flavors and ingredients. This is cooking with a clear sense of identity and strong technique, and noteworthy for bold, creative flavor combinations. The mushroom beignet decorated with a frilly crisp of cauliflower in a creamy truffle and mint sauce is a standout, as is the seared filet mignon with crispy potato mille-feuille garnished with house-cured ikura. Choose the wine pairing to learn more about Mexican wines.

Unique Things

From Visitor Experiences

A Culinary Journey Through Mayan Culture

  • HA' offers a multisensory dining experience that immerses guests in Mayan culture, with each dish telling a story through flavors, textures, and presentations.

Seasonal and Evolving Menu

  • Chef Carlos Gaytán's 9-course tasting menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that each visit offers new and unique culinary creations.

Water-Inspired Design

  • The restaurant's architecture and ambiance are inspired by the Mayan meaning of "HA'" (water), featuring a water vortex that welcomes guests, creating a serene and immersive dining environment.

Ingredient Stars

From Visitor Experiences

Signature Ingredients

  • Wagyu A5 Beef: This premium beef is known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, sourced from Japan. At HA', it is prepared as a tartare, showcasing its rich flavor and luxurious texture, paired with avocado and homemade jocoque.
  • Escamoles (Ant Eggs): A traditional Mexican delicacy, escamoles are harvested from the roots of the agave plant. They are featured in a tetela dish, combined with avocado puree and cauliflower, highlighting their unique earthy flavor and cultural significance.
  • Mushroom Beignet with Truffle: This dish incorporates fresh mushrooms and is enhanced with truffle oil, creating a rich and aromatic experience. The beignet is served with a crispy cauliflower element, showcasing innovative preparation techniques.
  • Pink Mole: A contemporary take on traditional mole, this sauce is made with roasted beets, pistachios, and horseradish, offering a vibrant color and a complex flavor profile that reflects the restaurant's commitment to modern Mexican cuisine.
  • Demi-Glace of Port Wine: Used in the braised oxtail dish, this sauce is prepared by reducing port wine to intensify its flavors, adding depth and richness to the dish.
  • Ikura (Salmon Roe): Featured in the sea bass dish, ikura adds a burst of briny flavor and a luxurious texture, enhancing the overall dining experience with its vibrant color and taste.
  • Homemade Jocoque: A traditional Mexican fermented dairy product, jocoque is used in various dishes to add a tangy flavor, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to authentic Mexican ingredients and techniques.
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