Gong at Vidanta Riviera Maya — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

Once upon a time in a small, bustling town in Mexico, there lived a young boy named Alejandro. Alejandro grew up in a modest home, where every meal was a treasure and every flavor a discovery. His family didn’t have much, but they had an abundance of love and a shared passion for food. Alejandro's mother, a gifted cook, would conjure magic in their tiny kitchen with the simplest of ingredients. She taught him to appreciate the beauty of a perfectly ripe tomato, the joy of a fresh tortilla, and the thrill of a fragrant herb.

Years passed, and Alejandro's palate matured. His insatiable curiosity and unyielding love for food led him to the bustling markets and street vendors of Mexico City, where he tasted everything from tamales to tacos, each bite fueling his dream of becoming the greatest food critic in Mexico. With hard work and determination, Alejandro's dream came true. He was now renowned for his passionate reviews and poetic storytelling, capturing the essence of each dish he encountered.

One evening, Alejandro found himself in a highly acclaimed restaurant, ready to embark on a new culinary adventure. The menu before him was a canvas of flavors, and he couldn’t wait to paint his story.

Tiradito de Atún y Amarillo ($140) Alejandro’s journey began with the Tiradito de Atún y Amarillo. As the dish was placed before him, he was transported back to his childhood, when his mother would save her precious coins to buy fresh fish from the market. The delicate slices of tuna, bathed in a vibrant yellow chili sauce and garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, were a revelation. The freshness of the tuna, combined with the zesty and slightly spicy sauce, created a harmony that reminded him of the vibrant, bustling streets of his youth. Each bite was a reminder of how far he had come, and how every flavor told a story.

Tiradito Koi Selallo con Yuzu y Ají Amarillo ($570) Next, Alejandro savored the Tiradito Koi Selallo. The white fish, marinated in yuzu and yellow chili, transported him to a world of sophistication and elegance. The citrusy yuzu was a bright, refreshing contrast to the mild fish, while the ají amarillo added a playful heat that danced on his tongue. Garnished with cilantro and chives, this dish was a masterpiece. It spoke to the refinement he had acquired over the years, yet still held the warmth and comfort of home.

Ceviche de Camarones Crujientes ($250) The Ceviche de Camarones Crujientes brought a smile to Alejandro’s face. The crispy shrimp, tossed in a tangy lime sauce with spicy chili and a hint of coconut, was a textural delight. It reminded him of the joyous crunch of chicharrón, a treat his family rarely afforded but always cherished. The playful contrast of textures and flavors was a testament to how the simplest ingredients, when handled with love and care, could create something extraordinary.. Yakitori de Pollo Oregano ($230) Alejandro’s journey continued with the Yakitori de Pollo Oregano. The succulent chicken skewers, marinated with oregano, garlic, and a touch of citrus, were grilled to perfection. The smokiness of the grill enhanced the earthiness of the oregano, creating a dish that was both rustic and refined. It took him back to family gatherings, where the grill was the heart of the celebration and each bite was savored with gratitude. As Alejandro finished his meal, he reflected on the incredible journey of flavors and memories. Each dish had told a story, not just of culinary mastery, but of his own life, his struggles, and his triumphs. Alejandro had grown from a poor child with a love for food into the best critic in Mexico, and every bite reaffirmed his belief that food, at its best, is a celebration of...

The service was great but the food...it was our first try at eating at one of the restaurants on the property and we were sorely disappointed. $290 gone to waste. Out of 6 of us only 4 of us got drinks and to bring a can of soda to the table, kills the upscale vibe very quick. The sushi I had was 8 measly slices of very bland sushi, worst I have ever had, my daughter got a chicken stir fry dish that was also flavorless, she doused it with soy sauce to get some type of feeling on her tongue, the presentation for the sushi that came with crab on top had a look of someone who chewed the food and spit it out to top the sushi it was on....so we cooked our own food. Saved so much money going to the market and making our own flavorful meals in the room. Apparently others were doing the same thing because we smelled food in the hall of the builder were in as we passed through. Lol sad experience. The decor and service was nice though. Havana Moon was better. Go there instead if they don't close it because they have an overpriced buffet that not everyone wants to go to at Del Lago restaurant on the other side of...

Jose, as the server

Drink order fruit punch really great would recommend. The house water is infused with lime. *The service is great, very fast, and helpful.

The edamame where cook perfectly. Dumplings are cooked to perfection. The pot stickers are well made, and the sauce has a nice hot kick to it.

I would highly recommend getting the seaweed sald very flavorful sweet and tangie.

The lobster roll is well plated with a great taste to join it.

Unagui roll has great display with also amazing flavor with perfect char and sweet sauce.

Salmon roll has a good mix with avocado in it but can use more salmon.

Pad Thai has a fantastic taste profile with the shrimp to lovely accompany the noodles with the egg on top. The peanuts on the side add an extra kick...