Where to eat in Playa del Carmen? This is the question many Brazilians have when visiting the city. Riviera Maya. There are a multitude of restaurants in Playa del Carmen, most of them on Fifth Avenue, one of the city's main tourist attractions.
Whether you like meat, seafood, Japanese food, beautiful breakfasts or you're vegan, this guide will show you the best options for using that #foodporn on your Instagram.
So, if you don't want to limit yourself to the walls of your All Inclusive resort, which would be a crime, read this text until the end to get inspired by the tips from the Mexico Guide.
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Breakfast
Indigo Beach
Imagine having breakfast overlooking the ocean and the sand between your toes! You can do just that at Indigo Beach!
The restaurant offers a buffet or breakfast menu with Mexican and American-style options. Fresh tortillas, homemade baked goods, freshly squeezed orange juice and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Location – Calle 14 and Playa
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Chango Cave
The setting alone will enchant you, encapsulated by tropical gardens. Here they offer a wide range of healthy breakfast options, Mexican specialties and fresh fruit juices.
La Cueva is also open for lunch and dinner and also sells alcoholic beverages.
Location – Calle 38 near 1st Avenue.
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La Ceiba From The 30th
Located next to the DAC fruit and vegetable market, this cozy restaurant sources all of its produce from a neighboring producer, resulting in fresh, delicious and healthy options.
They have several vegetarian and vegan options available. In addition to the delicious food, they offer plenty of fresh juices and smoothies. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Location – – Avenida 30 with Calle 20.
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Bakeries in Playa del Carmen
Das Brot
As well as their cars, the other thing Germans always seem to get right is their bread. Thanks to the impressive expat community here in Playa, one talented German baker has decided to make this place his home.
Das Brot (which means bread in English) offers brötchen, apple cinnamon buns, German croissants, pretzels (of course) and much, much more to whet your appetite!
Location – Calle 8 between Av. 20 and 25 Plaza Mahaua
At Celine
France is synonymous with poodles, the Eiffel Tower, and of course, its pastries. The rich, complex, and sensual culture is definitely reflected in the baked goods at Chez Celine!
It's one of my favorite places in the city and even a simple baguette with butter and coffee is delicious.
However, if you do visit, be sure to try the almond croissants. Oo, la!
Location – Fifth Avenue and Calle 34.
The Pastry Shop
In my opinion, this cafe/restaurant/bakery is among the best in Playa. Mexico's culinary identity is largely based on corn and it has several uses in the kitchen.
Bread has yet to reach the same exalted heights as maizin in the region. However, La Pastelería serves delicious, high-quality baked goods.
Location – Xaman-Ha Center (near Office Max), Playacar II – Highway
Shoebox Bakery
Shoebox Bakery serves desserts and ice cream with the possibility of home (or hotel) delivery and the option of personalized boxes for special occasions.
With over ten varieties of cheesecakes, homemade bread, brownies, ice cream, cupcakes and an arsenal of delicious cakes, Shoebox Bakery has made a name for itself in Playa del Carmen, and rightly so.
Their products are baked with love, passion, high quality and natural ingredients.
Location -Av Constituyentes between Av 10 and 15 in Scotiabank Plaza.
Hours of Operation – On demand. Delivery only. Orders: 984-114-9980 or info@shoebox.mx
Lunch in Playa del Carmen
Zenzi
Who doesn’t love a restaurant with an ocean view to complement their meal? Zenzi offers delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have live bands and entertainment in the evenings. The prices are higher, but the views are totally worth it!
Location – Calle 10 and Playa
Cafe Orange
Think of it as excellent value for money. This charming café offers a menu consisting of a starter, main course and dessert for just R$40.
It's a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, tasty food and welcoming staff. Open for breakfast and lunch, closed on Mondays.
Location – Calle 30 between Avenues 25 and 30.
The Aguachiles
If you love seafood, look no further! Fresh seafood, ceviches, fish/shrimp tacos and tostadas are served daily.
It's open air and reasonably priced.
Location – – Calle 34 on the corner of Avenida 25.
Coffee shops in Playa del Carmen
Oh Cocoa
If you enjoy good coffee, even better chocolate and all sorts of tasty snacks, Ah Cacao is a favorite among locals.
There are several places in and around the city. I recommend the cheesecake which is very good and highly addictive.
3 locations on 5th Avenue. (30, 40 or Constituyentes)
American Kitchen
Mom's Bar
Here you’ll find comfort food like pork chops, burgers, and their famous and delicious pulled pork! It’s a laid-back atmosphere with super friendly staff and cheap prices.
Location – Calle 4 and Avenida 30
3XLBurgers
How does a big, juicy, tasty burger please your taste buds?
3XL serves an incredible burger in a variety of delicious sizes. With a well-stocked cold cuts and condiments table, you’ll transform this tasty burger into a monument of culinary excellence.
Location – – Calle 8 between avenues 25 and 30
Asian Cuisine
Babe's Noodle and Bar
Babe’s is the locals’ favorite Thai restaurant in Playa del Carmen, offering a variety of curries and plenty of noodles. This place has been open since 2000, making it one of the original and unique restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
It has stood the test of time because it always serves delicious food at great prices. The welcoming staff, funky decor and famous daiquiris are just a few of the reasons to visit.
Location – Calle 10 between Avenues 5 and 10
Sushi Club
This modern restaurant is located in the Be Playa hotel.
Extensive sushi and sashimi options. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sushi Club has weekly specials and you can even enjoy food from the rooftop bar at Be Playa. Fantastic!
Location – Calle 26 and Avenue 10.
Po Thai
Outside of Thailand, many places try to imitate the rich and intricate flavors of Thai food. Few succeed.
Luckily, Playa del Carmen is home to one of the best Thai restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. Po Thai is located behind the Quinta Alegria shopping mall on 10th Street, don’t miss it!
Steakhouses in Playa del Carmen
Madre Tierra
Madre Tierra Seafood & Steakhouse is a chic Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue. Featuring a tempting menu of land and sea. Perfect for a romantic date night or a splurge on upscale Mexican cuisine.
No matter what you order, it's guaranteed to be delicious, and don't forget to pair it with one of Mexico's famous wines.
Location – Fifth Avenue, corner of Calle 14
The Gaucho Cow
Argentines are known for many things, and at the top of that list, alongside football and tango, is the quality of their cuts of meat.
While you might not necessarily think of Argentine food when you travel to the Mexican Caribbean, the region is actually home to a significant expat population. The result is excellent cuts of meat served with plenty of chimichurri. Delicious!
Location – Fifth Avenue, corner of Calle 24
Bovino's Steakhouse
If you’re looking for a Brazilian steakhouse, look no further. This place has it all. Expect samba dancing into the night after you’ve enjoyed your delicious meal.
This place is the perfect place to satisfy your hunger. Don't worry if you don't eat meat, this place also has plenty of salads, seafood and many other options.
Location – Calle 12 with Avenida 10.
French kitchen
La Brocherie
Take a short walk down bustling Fifth Avenue and voila! La Brocherie brings a bit of French flavor to a cozy setting on the city’s busiest avenue.
Their specialty is roast chicken, which is delicious on its own, but they also serve a wonderful beef bourguignon and other delightful French appetizers. Enjoy!
Location – Avenida 10 between Calles 4 and 6
And there you have it
Et Voilà specializes in made-to-order sandwiches with cold cuts. Choose from cheeses and fresh vegetables on French bread or croissants.
They also offer fresh juice, smoothies or coffee. This place serves food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Location – Calle 10 between Playa and Quinta Avenida
International Cuisine
NAU
If you love Mediterranean food, you’re in luck! You don’t have to take a long trip to Spain or Portugal to enjoy the rich and intricate flavors of this cuisine. Nau has perfected the art for us!
You will be spoilt for choice and once you sample some of the culinary delights, you will definitely want to come back for more.
Location – Avenida 15 and Calle 8 in Plaza Pelicanos.
Oh, la, la
There’s a reason this urban restaurant owned and operated by Chef George and Mikaela is a favorite of travelers who vote on Tripadvisor.
As if paying homage to Playa del Carmen and the diversity of its people, Oh Lala! serves some of the best international cuisine you’ll find anywhere. However, with only 9 tables, you’ll enjoy an intimate dining experience. RSVP.
Location – Calle 14 bis between avenues 10 and 15
Water House
Perfect for a special occasion, Casa del Agua is the best option for the meals you crave on your vacation. Here they serve gourmet food and have a wine cellar with over 300 labels from around the world.
This is the perfect setting for a special occasion or a fancy meal.
Location – Fifth Avenue and Calle 2
Italian cuisine
Don Chendo
The best Chicago-style pizzeria I’ve ever tried. With a variety of tempting, deep-dish delights to choose from, it won’t be long before you realize why this place is a favorite of Italian expats living in Playa!
If you’re not feeling hungry for pizza, we suggest you try the delicious chicken parmesan. Either way, you’ll be well fed and leave feeling very happy.
Location – Avenida 30 with Calle 24
Aphrodisiac
A restaurant as graceful as its name, Afrodisiako offers a creative menu of Italian/Mediterranean specialties that are off the charts. The restaurant makes its pasta by hand, uses plenty of organic produce when preparing its meals, and makes exotic cocktails.
Location – Calle 26 between avenues 5 and 10.
Sofia House
Casa Sofia has carved out a nice niche for itself among the plethora of quality Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Here you can expect fresh pasta at affordable prices.
The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and is pet-friendly. It is quaint and romantic, and doesn't just rely on its food for its great reputation.
Location – Av. Aviacion s/n, Playacar
Mexican cuisine
El Gran Taco
Tacos are an art.
They are at the heart of Mexico's culinary identity, so it's only right that when you're here you sample some of the best.
Serving up to 15 different stews a day, which can also be eaten as a quesadilla or gordita, El Gran Taco is a true taco (and flauta) paradise.
On the weekends, you can also order some Mexican barbacoa, paella or even Xcatic (pronounced ISH-ka-teek), which are mild peppers stuffed with creamy shrimp.
Location – Calle 41 in front of Centro Maya
La Perla Pixan Cusine & Mezcal
Few people outside of Mexico are aware of the incredible variety of dishes and flavors that exist in this country, much less the incredible variety of native ingredients. La Perla Pixan specializes in authentic Mexican food.
Experience the tantalizing flavors of this wonderful cuisine and don't forget to wash it down with some mezcal or pulque!
Location – Calle 34 between Avenues 5 and 10
Aldea Corazón
Dine in a lush garden setting surrounding a beautiful cenote. The ambiance is simply wonderful and the delicious Mexican food is even better. Try the jicama tacos!
Location – Fifth Avenue between Calle 14 and Calle 14 Bis
Alux Restaurant & Lounge
Alux is the famous cave restaurant in Playa del Carmen, or so I’ve heard. It’s located inside a natural cave, created by nature millions of years ago in the Yucatan Peninsula. Like all natural caves, it has a magical power, offering the feeling of dining while being in direct contact with nature, surrounded by strange and whimsical stalagmites formed thousands of years ago.
Dining at Alux is an unforgettable experience! Enjoying Mexican and international cuisine specializing in seafood on the edge of a Mayan cenote is something you have to experience. Whether in the restaurant or at the bar, Alux offers high-quality service to enjoy with your family, partner or friends.
Location – Av Benito Juárez Mz 217 Lt2
Seafood in Playa del Carmen
The mission
This restaurant offers generous portions of fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Try the Mission Shrimp or a fish ceviche.
The menu has a wide variety of options and the drinks are as tasty as the food. They also have a restaurant in Cozumel.
Location – Avenida 10 between Juárez and Calle 2 Norte
El Pirata Marasqueria e Pescaderia
I was next door to this traditional Playa del Carmen restaurant and I sorely miss this delicious old school, home-cooked goodness whose popularity spans generations.
El Pirata is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Playa del Carmen and has managed to maintain its charm and flavors. Be prepared to wait in line to get a table while listening to the local street musicians who make El Pirata a must-see on your circuit.
Location – Calle 40 between Avenues 5 and 10
Blue Lobster Playa del Carmen
Lobster, seafood feasts and more. Blue Lobster in Playa del Carmen is known for delicious seafood and great service.
This elegant restaurant is a great option for a special occasion. They have 2 floors with air conditioning or outdoor seating.
Location – Calle 12 between playa and fifth avenue.
Vegan cuisine in Playa del Carmen
Bio Natural
Offering vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, Bio Natural has to be one of our favorite restaurants in Playa del Carmen. All of the produce is fresh and provides a healthy feel and great flavor.
Location – 10th Avenue between 16th and Constituyentes
La Senda Vegana
100% vegan restaurant. Tamales, tacos, burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches, all without animal ingredients. Come experience the great vibe, great vegan food and great prices.
Location – Avenida 10 between Calles 10 and 10 Bis
Chlorophyll Green & Vegan
Even the name makes you feel healthy, and that’s before you even get to enjoy the excellent natural food products that Clorofila has to offer. From sushi and ceviche, to gluten-free pizzas and some amazing desserts, Clorofila leaves you happy, satisfied and guilt-free from the delicious food you just ate.
Location – Calle 20 and Avenue 30
Vegetarian Cuisine in Playa del Carmen
The mushroom
A community center/restaurant/art gallery/whatever you want.
El Hongo is an off-the-beaten-path gem that provides food for the eyes, soul and belly. The friendly folks at El Hongo also work hard with the local children.
So if you are looking to donate children’s toys and books, this is a great place to do so. Plus, the food is as good as the location itself. (Note: Some non-vegetarian items are also on the menu).
Location – Calle 19 sur between avenues 80 and 85.
As you've probably already noticed, Playa del Carmen is a restaurant paradise and I hope this guide helps you a lot on your culinary expedition through the Riviera Maya.
If you want more tips on restaurants in Playa del Carmen, leave your comment or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
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