Divot in Puerto Aventuras
Located across the street from the touristy center of Puerto Aventuras, on the golf course, is a hidden gem of a restaurant, The Divot - div-OT for Spanish speakers and DIV-ot for golfing gringos. This is where we choose to go when we aren’t looking to be around the noise and crowds and want a relaxing, delicious meal. The owners, a husband-and-wife team - she is from Cuba, and he is from Spain - work the front of the house and kitchen in complete harmony! With its open kitchen right there, as you enter the restaurant, you immediately get a sense for what makes this place special. The palapa setting is up one flight so it catches the gentle breezes off the golf course. At night with the lights on this place has a magic ambiance.
The food is what sets this place apart, the chef is so creative, and his plating is exquisite. You can choose from amazing appetizers, salads, and entrees, which include a wide variety of options. To choose one that we like the most is impossible! Though I will go out on a limb and say I love the arugula salad, the beef and tuna carpaccios are wonderful. The fish is always fresh and tasty, the steaks tender and cooked as you like, but if you are starving for something you won’t find most places, go for the knuckle braised to perfection and served with cactus and onions.
They are also open for breakfast and lunch and offer wonderful options for both. And if you love Paella, be sure to check them out on Saturday afternoons. I can’t eat squid or octopus so I have yet to have the pleasure of tasting it, but have heard nothing but rave reviews. We tend to go there in the evening for date night or with special friends, the entertainment is always wonderful. We have heard some of the best Cuban/Latin Music which will have you on the dance floor, as well as some lovely acoustic musicians.
For many who are on vacation they may find they are overlook this gem thinking they want the view and to be on the water, but for us we like to splurge and go for the atmosphere, food and wonderful service. Kudos also to Annara, who is always going above and beyond to help give back to this community.