La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Rating8.0
Rating8.1
Rating8.1Six restaurants and five bars. Most a la carte restaurants are adults-only and require reservations. Raixes buffet and the Eva Mandarina Beach Club are the family-inclusive options. The Trattoria Italian is the most praised restaurant by returning guests — book it first. Room service is free 11 AM to 11 PM; before and after that window, the coffee shop (8 AM to 11 PM) is the best alternative.
| Restaurant | Meals | Reservations | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Lounge Banderas | Included | ||
| Coffee Shop | Included | ||
| El Mirador | Included | ||
| El Rancho Steakhouse | Included | ||
| Eva Mandarina Beach Club | Included | ||
| Huanacaxtle | Included | ||
| Ikebana Japanese Restaurant | Included | ||
| La Gira Rodizio | Included | ||
| La Parota Health Bar | Included | ||
| Raixes | Included | ||
| Room Service | Included | ||
| Sky Blue Bar | Included | ||
| Trattoria | Included |
Japanese
Adults-only Japanese a la carte with teppanyaki show cooking, 6-10 PM. Sushi, sashimi, tataki, tempura, and wok dishes on the a la carte menu; teppanyaki tables are the performance element. Reservation required. Smart casual dress (no sleeveless shirts or swimwear).
Signature dishes: Sushi appetizers, Tempura appetizers, Teppanyaki dishes, Woks, Sashimis, Tatakis
Rodizio (Brazilian Steakhouse)
Adults-only Brazilian churrascaria — meat on swords carved tableside continuously. Picanha, sirloin, and linguiça (Brazilian sausage) are the standout cuts; glazed pineapple is the palate cleanser. Salad bar alongside. Reservation required.
Signature dishes: Picanha, Bife Com Alho, Maminha, Sirloin, Linguiça (Brazilian sausage), Frango Com Bacon (chicken wrapped in bacon), Glazed pineapple
American-style Steakhouse
Adults-only American-style steakhouse a la carte, 6-10 PM. Classic cuts in a straightforward format. Reservation required.
Italian
Adults-only Italian a la carte — the most consistently well-reviewed restaurant on the property. Book this one first, and book it for a specific evening rather than leaving it for later in the week. Evening hours, reservation required. Smart casual dress.
Mexican and International
The main buffet for all ages, open for all three meal periods (breakfast from 7 AM, lunch 1-4 PM, dinner 6-10 PM). Mexican and international buffet with daily themed dinners. Open-air palapa setting with Pacific views. Casual dress. No reservation needed.
Signature dishes: Exquisite Mexican food, Daily themed dinners
International buffet
Adults-only outdoor buffet for breakfast and lunch (7 AM to 4 PM) — open-air setting overlooking guanacaste trees. Quieter and more pleasant than the main buffet for morning meals. Converts to Trattoria in the evening. No reservation needed.
Mexican delicacies, Coastal-inspired dishes, Seafood
The resort's private beach club, 10 minutes away by shuttle. Open for drinks 10 AM to 6 PM, food noon to 5:30 PM. Mexican coastal menu: ceviches, fish aguachiles, traditional tacos, and seafood. Signature margaritas. No reservation needed. Worth building a full beach day around — go on the first shuttle, return on the last.
Signature dishes: Ceviches, Fish aguachiles, Seafood, Traditional tacos, Cocktails, Margaritas
Snacks and refreshing cocktails
Poolside snack bar next to the infinity pools with Banderas Bay views. Snacks noon to 5:30 PM, bar open 11 AM to 1 AM. The best daytime food while staying at the pools.
Signature dishes: Tempting snacks, Refreshing signature cocktails
Smoothies and juices
Fresh smoothies and juices by the mineral pool. Daytime hours. Included.
Signature dishes: Fresh smoothies, Nutritious juices
Bar with drinks
Evening lounge that becomes a disco/nightclub. Live music earlier, dancing later. Adults-focused atmosphere.
Signature dishes: Craft cocktails
Bar with drinks
Evening lounge bar, relaxed atmosphere. Good for pre-dinner drinks.
Coffee, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, yogurts
8 AM to 11 PM. Fresh ground coffee, daily-baked pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and yogurts. No wet clothes or swimwear. The best morning coffee option on the property.
Signature dishes: Freshly ground coffee, Daily baked pastries, Gourmet sandwiches
International
24 hours. Free from 11 AM to 11 PM. Outside those hours a small charge may apply.