If you’ve dined at María Dolores by Edgar Núñez, you already know: this is a dinner, a journey, a love letter to Mexico plated with precision, and yes, a standing ovation of flavors. But if you haven’t yet been seduced by its subtle smoke, velvet textures, and symphonic pairings… allow us to introduce you to the secret that food critics, travelers, and award panels just can’t stop whispering about. 

Behind the opulent curtain of ATELIER Playa Mujeres, nestled where the Caribbean breeze meets contemporary artistry, María Dolores continues to redefine what it means to be an award-winning restaurant. And not just any awards, we’re talking about the kind of accolades that chefs dream of and guests remember long after dessert. 

Let’s start with the MICHELIN Guide. Yes, that MICHELIN, the one that started as a travel companion for motorists and became the undisputed bible of global gastronomy. To be included, a restaurant must dazzle across five universal pillars: ingredient quality, technique, personality, consistency, and value. And guess what? María Dolores has been recognized as a Recommended Restaurant for two years in a row. That’s not chance. That’s a legacy in the making. 

And then there’s Forbes Travel Guide, the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. Their anonymous inspectors check every corner, every plate, every moment. The verdict? Five gleaming stars.And not just any five: María Dolores is the first and only restaurant in Latin America to receive this prestigious honor. That’s rarer than a perfect soufflé on a moving train. 

Let’s not forget the Four Diamond Award by AAA—an honor reserved for dining experiences that balance luxurious surroundings with culinary artistry. Or the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence, which celebrates cellars with impressive breadth and a knack for perfectly pairing sips with bites. The sommelier at María Dolores? Let’s just say, they don’t recommend wines—they curate moments. 

Add to that the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, the coveted Travel Weekly Magellan Gold Award, the Diners’ Choice Awards by OpenTable, and the World Culinary Awards—which in 2024 recognized us as Mexico’s Best Restaurant, but we’ll leave this for another day; otherwise, this blog might read more like a red carpet speech than a story worth savoring. 

Of course, no award is just a pretty plaque. Each one tells a story—a process of nominations, anonymous visits, blind tastings, and expert panels. They’re earned over time, not bought overnight. What makes María Dolores shine is that behind each dish, each garnish, and each perfectly timed pause between courses, there’s a team obsessed with excellence. And a chef—Edgar Núñez—who sees the future of Mexican cuisine not in reinventing it, but in elevating the honest flavors of its roots. 

So, whether you’re planning your stay at ATELIER Playa Mujeres or simply seeking an exceptional evening of fine dining in the Cancun area, consider this your personal invitation. María Dolores by Edgar Núñez welcomes external guests, and reservations are easily available through our official website. Embrace the moment, indulge your senses, and allow each course to gently unfold an unforgettable story.