SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travel is also experienced through gastronomy. Today, travelers seek experiences that go beyond accommodation and allow them to connect with the culture, traditions, and essence of each destination. In this context, cuisine has become one of the most authentic ways to explore a place, while hotel restaurants are gaining prominence for culinary offerings that appeal to guests and food lovers alike. Through local ingredients, seasonal products, and innovative concepts, these spaces turn every meal into an opportunity to discover new flavors and traditions.

This evolution is also reflected in the international recognition earned by the region’s culinary offerings. In the 2026 edition of the World Culinary Awards, several restaurants at Marriott International hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America were recognized for the quality and uniqueness of their culinary experiences, reaffirming the role of gastronomy as a key element of hospitality. From concepts that reinterpret traditional cuisine to contemporary venues that explore new flavors, the company’s restaurants bring together the talent of renowned chefs, locally sourced ingredients, and settings that reflect the identity of each destination. Below is a selection of must-visit venues for food lovers, where creativity, culture, and culinary excellence come together to create memorable experiences.

Interactive Gastronomy – Costa Rica

Located within W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal, Latitud 10° Norte invites diners to discover the culinary richness of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast through a concept that celebrates local ingredients and culinary creativity. Its menu pairs fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and seasonal vegetables with contemporary techniques, bringing to life dishes that capture the essence of the destination. This concept was recognized at the World Culinary Awards 2026, where Latitud 10° Norte was named a winner, cementing its position as a culinary benchmark in Costa Rica. In a sophisticated yet relaxed setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of Reserva Conchal, the restaurant offers an experience in which every detail, from the presentation of each dish to the surrounding views, turns every meal into a true immersion in the flavors of Costa Rica.

At Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén, foodies will find some of the best culinary experiences and classes, including cooking classes, one of which focuses on 100% Costa Rican cuisine. This activity, available to hotel guests, is led by chefs with an in-depth knowledge of the roots of Costa Rican cooking, who share with guests the best-kept secrets of the country’s gastronomy. Between tortillas and ceviches, guests can discover, taste, and cook authentic Costa Rican fare firsthand, rich in time-honored flavors. 

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is known for offering unique culinary experiences to its guests and visitors. One of them, and the newest option to open to the public, is La Panga Food Truck: a space designed to recreate the street flavors of Latin America and offer a taste of regional cuisine to all hotel guests and patrons. With Argentine, Venezuelan, and Mexican flavors, La Panga Food Truck brings these iconic Latin American tastes to life through snacks and beverages unique to each country. Specifically, the menu features tacos al pastor, choripanes, arepas, and traditional sweets.

Culinary Tradition and Innovation – Colombia

Facing the beaches of Playa Dormida, Cayeye, the signature restaurant of Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida, invites guests to discover the culinary richness of the Colombian Caribbean through a concept that pays tribute to the region’s ingredients, flavors, and traditions. Its name refers to the iconic Santa Marta dish made with green bananas, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to celebrating local culinary identity. With a menu that pairs fresh fish and seafood, seasonal products, and Caribbean-inspired recipes with contemporary techniques, Cayeye offers an authentic experience in which every dish tells the story of the destination. Framed by ocean views and a sophisticated ambiance, the restaurant has become a must-visit for food lovers seeking to savor the essence of Santa Marta.

At The Brown, Autograph Collection, gastronomy is one of the pillars of the experience. The property features two concepts that invite guests to discover the destination from different perspectives: Pismo, its contemporary restaurant, where local ingredients are reimagined through a modern lens in an elegant yet relaxed setting; and Praia Beach Club, a waterfront space on the reservoir that pairs a vibrant atmosphere with wood-fired cuisine, signature cocktails, and dishes designed for sharing. Both venues were created as culinary destinations for guests and visitors alike and have become a go-to for those seeking memorable culinary experiences in Guatapé.

Flavors with a Panamanian Soul – Panama

High above the city, at the JW Marriott Panama, ALMA offers an intimate and sophisticated cocktail experience, where every drink becomes a ritual that celebrates time, place, and sensibility. Its approach begins with carefully selected local ingredients, transforming them into balanced, subtle compositions where technique and detail meet natural elegance. ALMA’s menu features low-ABV signature cocktails, reimagined classics, light spritzes, and an alcohol-free Zero collection, designed to deliver the same complexity and character. 

At Lila, the signature restaurant of Renaissance Panama City Hotel, dining becomes an invitation to discover the essence of Panama through a contemporary concept that pays tribute to the country’s culinary richness. Guided by the philosophy “Comida con Alma Panameña” (Food with a Panamanian Soul), its menu reinterprets traditional recipes with creativity and technique, using ingredients from different regions, from the Darién to the highlands of Chiriquí. More than 90% of its ingredients are sourced from local producers, reflecting a strong commitment to national talent and Panama’s culinary diversity. Inspired by the pillars Native, Local, and Intriguing, Lila offers a culinary experience that connects diners with the stories, flavors, and ingredients that make Panama a unique destination, establishing itself as a must-visit for lovers of fine food.

For cheese lovers, every Wednesday Mestizo restaurant, located at The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City, transforms into a space dedicated to the art of cheese with its exclusive offering, The Cheese Market. This experience invites diners to explore and enjoy a selection of up to 35 different types of cheese, carefully curated and served on boards designed for sharing. It goes beyond a simple tasting: the boards are accompanied by nuts, house-made artisanal jams, and fresh, crusty breads baked by the hotel’s pastry team, achieving a harmony of textures, aromas, and flavors. Every element is designed to highlight the qualities of the cheese and deliver a complete sensory experience.

Peruvian Haute Cuisine – Peru

In Peru, ENTRAÑABLE, located at Humano, Lima, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, celebrates the richness of Peruvian gastronomy through a concept that combines tradition, creativity, and a contemporary take on local flavors. Its cuisine seeks to highlight the country’s culinary identity through carefully selected ingredients and preparations that evoke the customs and diversity of its regions, reinterpreted with modern techniques and a presentation that attends to every detail. This philosophy turns every visit into an experience that connects diners with the essence of Lima and its renowned culinary culture. This year, ENTRAÑABLE was named a winner at the World Culinary Awards, a recognition that highlights the quality of its offering and the work of its team, establishing it as a culinary benchmark within Marriott International’s portfolio in the region.

Located at The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, Maras Restaurant has established itself as one of the leading culinary landmarks of the Peruvian capital, offering a concept that celebrates the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and culinary richness. Inspired by Peru’s traditional flavors, its menu combines locally sourced ingredients with contemporary techniques to create dishes that highlight the identity of each region. In an elegant and sophisticated setting, Maras invites guests on a journey through the coast, the highlands, and the rainforest by way of a culinary experience in which creativity, excellence, and respect for ingredients take center stage. Renowned for its impeccable service and constant innovation, the restaurant is a must-visit for foodies eager to discover why Peruvian cuisine is among the most admired in the world.

Another great option is located on the second floor of JW Marriott Hotel Lima, in the Miraflores district, where JW Lounge offers a contemporary dining experience that celebrates the fusion of Japanese traditions with the richness of Peruvian ingredients through its Nikkei cuisine. Under the direction of Chef Rafael Casín, its menu stands out for the freshness of its seafood, with a selection of sushi, rolls, ceviches, and other dishes that combine Japanese techniques with local flavors. The experience is complemented by signature cocktails inspired by Peruvian ingredients and spirits, creating the ideal pairing for an evening overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, JW Lounge invites guests and visitors to discover a modern interpretation of Peruvian gastronomy, where creativity, product quality, and local identity come together in every detail.

Flavors with an Ecuadorian Identity – Ecuador

With seven dining concepts spanning Ecuadorian, Brazilian, Japanese, and international cuisine, JW Marriott Quito has established itself as one of the capital’s premier culinary destinations. From the haute cuisine of Raíces Fine Cuisine and Botánica’s concept inspired by Ecuador’s biodiversity, to the traditional Brazilian churrasco of Fogo de Chão, the sushi at Kaori, the signature mixology of The Exchange Bar, the casual fare at Meet Gourmet, and the open-air atmosphere of Latitud Cero Tap Room, the hotel offers experiences for every moment of the day. As a testament to its culinary excellence, Raíces Fine Cuisine was named a winner at the World Culinary Awards 2026, an accolade that highlights the quality and creativity of its gastronomic concept. Combining local ingredients, global flavors, and exceptional service, JW Marriott Quito invites guests and visitors to discover gastronomy as an essential part of the travel experience.

International Flavors by the Atlantic – Guyana

At Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown, Terra Mare Restaurant offers a dining concept that combines international flavors, fresh ingredients, and a selection of dishes designed to satisfy a variety of palates, in keeping with Georgetown’s multicultural character. Its cuisine brings together diverse influences in a contemporary and sophisticated setting, where ingredient quality and attention to detail are an essential part of the experience. With an offering that invites guests to explore different culinary traditions, the restaurant has established itself as one of the standout dining venues in the Guyanese capital. In 2026, Terra Mare was recognized at the World Culinary Awards as Guyana’s Best Hotel Restaurant.

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SOURCE Marriott International