Cancún, Q.R.

restaurants

The Surfin Burrito

Chef-Owner Cory McKay left behind his native Canada to start his burrito-making business in Cancun, Mexico. Head to this 24-hour spot and you’ll find McKay and his team churning out massive, tortilla-wrapped creations bursting with a blend of fillings and sauces. “That’s real deal,” Guy said after taking a bite of the Mahi Shrimp Burrito. This beauty comes stuffed with succulent morsels of fresh shrimp and marinated cubes of mahi-mahi, along with onions, tomatoes, green peppers and corn. Before folding the tortilla around the fillings, McKay douses his creation with a blend of different sauces.

Cancún, Q.R.

restaurants

Pinchez Tacos

With so many taco spots vying for customers in Cancun, this spot has set itself apart with creative flavor combinations. “This taco is out of bounds!” exclaimed Guy after biting into the restaurant’s signature creation. The Pinchez Taco comes piled with chopped pork and chorizo bursting with smoky flavors, along with a layer of crisp pork rinds and grilled onions that have been drenched in honey and mustard. Another popular pick is the Pio Pio Taco, which comes heaped with grilled chicken and a vibrant mango salsa.

Cancún, Q.R.

restaurants

El Fish Fritanga

At this waterfront restaurant, both the views and the dishes dazzle. Fresh catches are the specialty here, such as a hogfish that’s prepared in a style known as tikin xic. Served whole, the fish is rubbed with a distinctive red paste made from achiato seeds, layered with tomatoes, onions and peppers, then grilled until lightly charred. “That’s dynamite,” Guy declared. Also popular are the pescadillas (aka fried tortillas), which come stuffed with a well-seasoned mixture of shark meat, tomatoes and onions.

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

restaurants

Guy Fieri's Playa del Carmen Kitchen + Bar

The crowds pack in to Guy’s Playa del Carmen joint to sample his comforting (and creative) bites that bring together Mexican and American flavors. The towering Trash Can Nachos are a menu mainstay. Layer upon layer of crisp tortilla chips are smothered in a silky cheese sauce and black beans, then heaped with cheddar cheese and smoky, succulent pulled pork. A flavorful flourish of salsa, sour cream, Cotija cheese, pickled red onions, jalapeno slices and cilantro leaves complete this sky-high, shareable snack.

Ciudad de México, CDMX

restaurants

Mora Mora (To go)

This hip, semi-hidden spot exudes a creative vibe, from the colorful murals that plaster the walls to the vibrant fusion cuisine turned out by Chef-Owner Christian Rodriguez Fuentes. A reservation is needed to get into this casual joint that Guy said is the place to go “if you’re looking for an adventure and want to try eclectic food.” The menu rotates semi-regularly, but one standout that had Guy raving is the pork belly burger. A pork-and-beef patty comes smothered in cheese and piled high with toppings that include caramelized onions, pork belly and bacon. Another must-try is the Tartar de Kamajiis , which sings with bright flavors, thanks to a mixture of fresh tuna, ginger, hot pepper and tomato.

Cancún, Q.R.

restaurants

El Rincon de los Antojos

When Guy wants to satisfy his appetite for Mexico City-style specialties in Cancun, he heads to this cozy restaurant with the clever name (it means “the corner of cravings” in Spanish). Three generations of women serve satisfying, spice-laden dishes, such as a chile relleno that’s a local favorite. “That’s the bite,” said Guy, after tucking into the grilled and fried poblano pepper, which comes stuffed with a creamy Panela cheese, coated in an airy crust and drenched in a bright, tomato-based sauce. Another crowd-pleaser is the chicharron gordita, a savory fried pastry bursting with crackly pork rinds and a homemade, heat-packed salsa.

Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

restaurants

Asi y Asado

Fresh ingredients and hand-pressed tortillas (nearly 90 pounds’ worth made daily) draw the crowds to Asi Y Asado. Guy declares the octopus in the grilled octopus tacos “so fresh it tastes like the sea.” Also divine is the Vampiro that features cheese, pork chops and pineapple salsa on a tostada.

Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

bar

Tiki Bar

Overlooking the beautiful marina, Tiki Bar is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It’s serving up some of the best sushi in Cabo. Guy can’t get enough of the Heavy Nagasaki featuring layers of fresh fish inside a butterflied shrimp roll, which is fried and then drizzled with homemade eel sauce.

Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

restaurants

Solomon's Landing

This outdoor oasis serves seafood caught straight from San Lucas Bay. Guy sampled the stuffed fish drenched in a rich lobster reduction, whose freshness factor left him impressed. Stopping by for breakfast? Try the chilaquiles: a tasty mix of tortilla chips, cheese, shredded chicken and salsa.