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Cocina de Autor

Michelin-Starred Creative Restaurant In Riviera Maya
Beyond dining, a meal at Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant, transforms into a culinary experience for all the senses. Step into the imagination of chef Nahúm Velasco alongside renowned chefs Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza. Every dish is a playful and creative take on tradition that infuses the freshest ingredients with imaginative twists. Enjoy an uninhibited gastronomic adventure that mirrors the excitement of life.
Cocina de Autor Restaurant in Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Cocina de Autor
"Cooking with thoughts, eating with feelings." Experience a sensory and playful dining experience at Cocina de Autor. 

Chef Velasco has crafted exceptional creative cuisine that is more than simply a reinterpretation of classic dishes. His innovative menu takes you on a journey that demonstrates the purity and essence of new and familiar flavors. This relaxed culinary adventure reflects the culture and spirit of life.

 

CuisineCreative
AmbianceGrand Class
AGE & ATTIREChildren over 12 years old are welcome. Smart casual. Flip-flops, shorts, gym, or beach clothes are not allowed. The dress code applies to teens 16 and over.
Hours6:00 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Restaurants operating hours and days may vary. Please check with your Concierge.
Phone1 877 418 2963
POLICIES

Resort guests: No deposit; $850 MXN per person fee for no-shows. Cancel up to 48 hours before without penalty.
Non-resort guests: $2,250 MXN per person deposit; non-refundable for no-shows. Cancel up to 72 hours before without penalty.
Waitlist: Join waitlist; notified if space available. Unresponsive after 24 hours releases slot.
Changes: Resort guests need 48 hours notice; non-resort guests need 72 hours.

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Menus
The distinctive menu takes you on an incomparable culinary journey. Enjoy playful dishes like Jack the crab, an intriguing bone marrow and caviar mix, brassicae or pork under falling leaves & the fresh and tasty honey.
Create an unique experience at Cocina de Autor beside our talented Chef. Bon appétit.
  • Nahúm Velasco

    Meet the Chef

    Nahúm Velasco

    Originally from Mexico City, cuisine has always held a special place in Nahúm's heart since childhood. All significant events unfolded in the kitchen of his home, which is why, at the age of 17, he decided to pursue a career as a chef. He later formalized his training at the Ambrosia Culinary Center, which served as his gateway to Spain.

    Several years later, he found himself in Playa del Carmen, working at the restaurant Cocina de Autor of Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort under the guidance of Xavier Pérez Stone. This restaurant marked a pivotal moment in both his personal and professional life.

    Driven by his thirst for knowledge, he ventured to Copenhagen, where he joined chef Rasmus Kofoed at his renowned restaurant, Geranium. After immersing himself in the Nordic culinary scene, he returned to Playa del Carmen to work at Martín Berasategui's restaurant, Passion. It was there that he received an invitation from Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza to help lead Cocina de Autor, where he currently works under their mentorship.
     

    In 2024, he ascended to the role of Executive Chef at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. With the arrival of the Michelin Guide to Mexico in the same year, Cocina de Autor was honored with 1 Michelin star.

    At Cocina de Autor, Nahúm strives to uphold the values of evolution and creativity while maintaining respect for the ingredients, refining techniques, and, above all, demonstrating passion for his craft.

  • Mikel Alonso

    Meet the Chef

    Mikel Alonso

    French by birth, Spanish by heritage, Basque at heart, and Mexican by choice, chef Mikel Alonso embodies a unique culinary philosophy: "To be a great chef, you must first be a good person."

    In his first eight years in Mexico, Mikel worked as the Executive Chef at Tezka (CDMX) alongside chef Bruno Oteiza and under the guidance of Juan Mari Arzak, renowned for his three Michelin-starred restaurant Arzak in San Sebastián, Spain. During this time, Tezka earned a spot at number 75 on S. Pellegrino's "100 Best Restaurants in the World 2004" list.

    Later, Mikel and his partner Bruno launched a new culinary venture called Biko (CDMX), which secured a place on S. Pellegrino's "World's 50 Best Restaurants" list for ten consecutive years.

    Currently, Mikel is a chef at Cocina de Autor, along with chefs Bruno Oteiza and Nahúm Velasco, located in the prestigious Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort. The restaurant has been awarded 5 Diamonds by the American Automobile Association (AAA) since 2013 and earned a Michelin Star in 2024.

    Today, Mikel is part of TGF (The Good Fellows) with Rodrigo Quintanilla and Jonatán Gomez Luna Torres, a group dedicated to innovating in the hotel and culinary sectors of Mexico and the United States. Among their latest projects is the opening of the Culinary Institute by Southwest University in El Paso, Texas, aimed at passing on their culinary knowledge to future generations. Another notable project is Mexta in Austin, Texas, a restaurant that blends traditional Mexican craftsmanship with modern culinary techniques to immerse diners in the essence of Mexico, enhanced by cocktails crafted in the style of Mica Rousseau.

    Mikel also designs the menu for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' World Business Class and Premium Comfort cabin on the Mexico-Amsterdam route. 

    Building on this success, he created MAG (Mikel Alonso Gastro), a concept for culinary events and consulting, continuing to share his passion for gastronomy.

    In addition to being a chef, Mikel is an entrepreneur, advisor, speaker, host, judge, and educator; all this has been part of his successful career spanning over 20 years.
     

  • Bruno Oteiza

    Meet the Chef

    Bruno Oteiza

    Bruno Oteiza (San Sebastián, 1970) is a renowned chef in Spain and a television personality. His cuisine, developed through experiences in various Spanish and French restaurants, is rooted in local ingredients. While maintaining a clear traditional base, Oteiza experiments in the kitchen with notable success in his dishes.

    He worked at Tezka restaurant in Mexico City, guided by Juan Mari Arzak, whom he considers his mentor, friend, and the best chef in the world. He owns Biko restaurant in Mexico City, ranked among the "World's 50 Best Restaurants" by the prestigious S. Pellegrino list. He is also a member of the Académie Culinaire de France, one of the most important institutions in the haute cuisine industry.

     

    Bruno is a partner in the D.O. chain in Mexico and one of the creators of Cocina de Autor, a gourmet restaurant at Grand Velas Riviera Maya that holds 1 Michelin Star; it was the first restaurant in an All-Inclusive resort to win the AAA 5 Diamonds, where creative cuisine is celebrated while incorporating flavors from various regions of Mexico, especially the Riviera Maya.
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