19 Best Restaurants in Playa Del Carmen | Where to Eat in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

One of the most popular places to visit in Mexico right now is Playa del Carmen, which is located on the Caribbean coast. And when you take into account all of the wonderful things that are taking place in the city, such as producing award-winning tequila and hosting live music acts of a world-class level, it is simple to comprehend why this is the case.

Playa del Carmen should be your first and only choice for a vacation destination if you are looking for a place that is both enjoyable and relaxing. When it comes to dining out, Playa del Carmen does have a lot of options; however, there are so many delicious restaurants in the area to choose from that it can be difficult to narrow down your options.

The following is a list of the restaurants that I consider to be the best in the Playa del Carmen area.

Check out my packing list for Mexico and read this post to determine whether or not you need to purchase travel insurance for Mexico before you leave on your trip.

19 Best Restaurants in Playa Del Carmen

La Bamba Jarocha

Avenida 30 Norte Calle 34 Nte. // 01 984 803 0965

Playa del Carmen is consistently ranked as one of the top travel destinations in all of Mexico. It is a destination that draws a large number of tourists who come in search of beaches, nightlife, the ocean, and the Mayan ruins of Tulum. Not to mention some of Playa del Carmen’s most acclaimed dining establishments.

But in this tiny village of Puerto Morelos – if you can even call it a town – there is a restaurant that only a handful of tourists ever go to. It is not on Fifth Avenue and it is not near the beach; rather, it is a few blocks away from the main part of Playa del Carmen.

The restaurant in Playa del Carmen goes by the name La Bamba Jarocha, and the interior is decorated with bamboo beads on the walls. It is exactly what one would picture an informal Mexican seafood restaurant to look like.

The cazuela de Camarones is one dish that I order each and every time we visit this restaurant. The English words “shrimp soup” and “shrimp casserole” do not do justice to this dish when translated into English.

The meal is brought to the table in a clay bowl while it is still steaming and bubbling from being cooked in the oven. You can use your spoon to scoop up huge chunks of shrimp and gooey cheese that are floating in a soup-like broth and are topped with avocados. The soup has the consistency of a bisque.

You might believe that eating a bowl of hot soup in the sweltering heat of Playa del Carmen is a crazy idea, but believe us when we say that it is more than worth the beads of sweat that form on your forehead. You only need to ask for a beer that’s been kept in the freezer to feel like you’re in heaven. If you are looking for a genuine Mexican restaurant in Playa del Carmen, you should go to La Bamba Jarocha because the menu features a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes in addition to those already mentioned.

La Floresta

Calle 14 Nte. // 01 984 269 9102

At first impression, La Floresta seems to be a somewhat unassuming seafood restaurant. On the other hand, after you’ve sampled the renowned shrimp and fish tacos, you won’t ever want to eat anywhere else again. It is the type of spot where residents of the area may go and immediately feel at ease.

One of those hidden gems that you hope other people don’t find out about because you do not want it to become trendy is La Floresta, also known as “El Pescadito” (The Little Fish). La Floresta is also known as “The Little Fish.”

The menu features a selection of seafood dishes, such as tacos, ceviches, tostadas, and soups, among other options. Fans of tofu are going to go crazy with this enormous coctel de camaron. In a shot glass, you can see fried shrimp combined with tomato juice, avocado, and cucumber. On the ocean floor, it appears to be something akin to a miniature scum buster alarm that is hunting down all of the microorganisms that are responsible for spoiled seafood.

It’s one of those popular restaurants in Playa del Carmen where you can go with friends, end up hanging out all afternoon drinking beer and grazing on tostadas, ceviche, and shrimp cocktails, and then realize that you didn’t pay very much at all for all of that tasty food and drink. It’s a great place to go if you want to get the full Playa del Carmen experience.

Las Hijas de la Tostada

5ta. Av, Calle 2 Nte y, Centro  // +52 984 247 6532

Playa del Carmen is home to a variety of restaurants serving up mouthwateringly fresh seafood, but Las Hijas de la Tostada is widely regarded as one of the city’s top eateries in this category. They have a great variety of fresh seafood, which has helped them become one of the most well-known and well-liked seafood restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Fish, calamari, and shrimp are just some of the seafood options that are available here. In addition to that, they provide some delicious tacos as well.

During my time in Playa del Carmen, almost every single taco that I had included some kind of seafood filling, ranging from shrimp and scallops to octopus and octopus tentacles. The restaurant and bar known as Las Hijas de la Tostada can be found in the little hamlet of Soberania, which is just a short distance away from the popular tourist destination of Playa del Carmen.

If you feel like taking a stroll, you can get there on foot from the central business district.

You have the option of going to one of their two stores that are situated on the lively 5th Avenue. The one on Calle 2 is elevated above the street and offers seats there, so you can look down on the bustling crowd below. Their second location, which is on Calle 38, has a pleasant dining space outside.

Your hunger will be sated regardless of the option you choose to go with!

Zitla

Calle 12 Norte, Entre Av. 15 y 20, Centro // +52 98 48 73 3315

If you find yourself in Playa del Carmen, you should make a reservation at Zitla, a restaurant that is not only a favorite among residents but also one of the most tranquil spots in the city. The fact that it has been around since 2004 and has a solid reputation among locals does not mean that it is widely known among people from other countries. They serve delicious food and drinks and maintain a laid-back atmosphere, both of which contribute to the venue’s desirability as a location in which to unwind or even take a short break from your vacation for an hour or two.

In addition to that, there is a lot of graffiti art on the walls. Zitla is the Mayan word for “beach,” but in this area of Playa del Carmen, you won’t find the picture-perfect white sand beach that you see on postcards; instead, you’ll find a beach with black volcanic sand.

They provide an extensive menu that is packed with a variety of delicious dishes at very low prices. On 5th Avenue, you won’t find very many full bars, but Zitla has one, and the drinks served there are among the best that you’ll find anywhere in Playa del Carmen.

Because of this, I believe that they are an absolute must for both visitors and residents to visit. At this fantastic Playa del Carmen restaurant, not only will you get a genuine taste of the Mexican experience, but you’ll also have your taste buds satisfied.

La Cueva del Chango

Calle 38/5th Ave. // 984 147 02 71

It was imperative that I eat at one of the most well-known restaurants in Playa del Carmen in order to verify whether or not it lived up to the hype generated by its online reviews. However, because it is not a short walk and driving down the road leading to La Cueva del Chango can be risky, I would strongly recommend using Uber or some other form of transportation.

In order to reach this restaurant, you will need to first make your way through the town, and then you will need to turn around and head back toward the beach. It is not like the majority of the restaurants in that region, which are located in open areas. It is hidden away and has a private atmosphere.

I can confidently say that their chilaquiles de mole are the best I’ve had anywhere, and I enjoyed them a great deal. They were out of this world! You have the option of having a breakfast that is very traditional or one that is very creative, such as strawberry pancakes, when you stay at La Cueva del Chango. If you are on a diet, you do not have to deprive yourself of the foods that you enjoy eating because they also offer diet-friendly alternatives.

In addition to cappuccinos, the menu features items such as empanadas, crepes, and molletes, which are similar to sandwiches made with melted cheese. In addition, lunch and dinner are offered, and after your meal, you can peruse their wine list, which is exclusively Mexican. This is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen to go to if you want to eat traditional Mexican food, particularly during breakfast.

Porfirio’s

5a avenida con esquina, Calle 12 Nte // +52 98 41 10 7798

When you think of restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Porfirio’s is probably going to come to mind as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Not only does this restaurant offer a wide selection of food and drinks, but it also has breathtaking views of 5th Avenue.

Despite the fact that 10th Avenue and 5th Avenue have the same name, the two streets couldn’t be more dissimilar: On the 5th Avenue, everything revolves around nightclubs, bars, and drinking, while on the 10th Avenue, everything revolves around seafood.

You’re going to fall in love with this establishment if you’re a fan of both seafood and meat dishes. There are a variety of appetizers available, such as crunchy chicharron and tuna carnitas. For the main course, you can choose between lobster tamales and green enchiladas with chicken.

Your hunger will most certainly be sated no matter what you decide to eat. In Playa del Carmen, this restaurant is an excellent option for a romantic evening out or a night out for fine dining.

The Pitted Date

Avenida CTM Mz 174 Lote 1,2 y 3 Local 6 // 01 984 803 3917

If you are looking for a restaurant in Playa del Carmen that serves breakfast or lunch, you should go to the local establishment known as The Pitted Date. It is without a doubt the establishment in town that offers the most delicious breakfast and brunch options. If you are looking for vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen, this is a great place to stop by and check out the options.

The Pitted Date is one of the few restaurants in Playa del Carmen that serves vegan food that is truly authentic, and this is especially true given the atmosphere it provides.

The lunch menu at The Pitted Date features an expanding selection of salads, soups, dishes that are appropriate for children, and sandwiches. The baked fries topped with cashew cheese sauce are consistently voted as one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. On their menu, a number of different dishes feature this sauce in various capacities.

In addition, for lunch they offer a variety of Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and nachos, and they also have a juice bar where fresh juices are made to order and served with fresh juice options.

Try out this restaurant in Playa del Carmen for a hearty breakfast or brunch, as well as a wide variety of options that are suitable for vegans and children.

Don Sirloin

MZA 122 LTE 3 10 Avenida Norte // +52 98 41 48 0424

Although there is a great deal of information available on the internet regarding the best tacos in Playa, very few establishments have received as many reviews as Don Sirloin has. There is a reason why this restaurant is mentioned on multiple lists as having some of the best tacos in the city: the reviews are nothing short of glowing. Visit this restaurant in Playa del Carmen if you really want to know what all the fuss is about and find out for yourself why everyone is raving about it.

One of the most well-known establishments serving street food in Playa del Carmen is called Tacos Don Sirloin. The fact that each taco costs only one dollar is the primary factor behind the restaurant’s enormous level of success. When you consider that every taco tastes great and has a nice juicy filling, this deal is a steal. You have the option of getting tacos made with sirloin steak, tacos made with al pastor, or tacos made with chicken.

La Perla Pixan

Calle 38 Norte Entre 5ta y la playa // +52 984 120 2616

La Perla Pixan is without a doubt one of the most hip and happening restaurants that I’ve been to in Playa del Carmen. Although it is only a few steps away from 5th Avenue, it has a completely different vibe from the tourist traps that can be found on that street. In addition to being a restaurant, it is also a mezcal store, so if you want to bring some of Mexico’s famous liquor back with you, you can do so here. Instead, what I liked best about the restaurant was the fact that it had a neighborhood atmosphere. Since their prices are fair, even those of you who are living paycheck to paycheck will be able to enjoy a meal here.

This restaurant in Playa del Carmen is ideal for a romantic evening out to dinner because it features a palapa roof, an extensive menu that includes both traditional and creative dishes, and an impressive selection of mezcal.

Whatever you order, be sure to save some room for dessert! Delicious churros and cheesecake flavored with mezcal can be found at this establishment.

Nativo

Lt 2, 30 Avenida Nte. Mz 26 // +52 984 593 1414

If you are thinking about taking a trip to Playa, one of the most important things you should do is call ahead and make a reservation for breakfast at Nativo. There is no other location in Playa that offers juices and smoothies of such exceptional quality at such an affordable price.

They serve meals in the morning, during lunch, and in the evening. It has a laid-back vibe and an open-air ambiance, both of which give the impression that you are sitting in your own living room. You are going to have a wonderful time here, and we believe that you should feel free to sit down and order some food at any point during the day.

Chez Céline

Calle Quinta Avenida // 01 984 803 3480

There are many reasons why I consider Chez Céline to be one of my favorite places to hang out. To begin, it is mouthwateringly good in its most basic form. Their meal is prepared with only the freshest ingredients, and each and every one of their pastries is created in-house. Although Chez Céline has numerous locations, the one in Playa del Carmen on Quinta Avenida is the one that we like the most.

Not only does the atmosphere feel precisely like what you would anticipate from a French bakery, but they provide both sweet and savory crepes for customers to choose from. That ensures that no matter how your day is going to play out, you will always have the opportunity to purchase anything.

Their specialties of the night begin at four in the afternoon and include savory-filled puff pastries, charcuterie platters, and dips and spreads that would go well with a glass of wine from their extensive wine selection! This Playa bakery is one that you should check out if you have a penchant for delicious baked goodies.

Trattoria del Centro

Calle 26, entre avenida 10 y avenida 5 // +52 98 41 47 2294

Try to picture what an authentic Italian trattoria would look like and what it would serve. You probably have in your mind a picture of a dimly lit, intimate eatery with candles and soft instrumental music playing in the background, right?

The atmosphere at Trattoria del Centro is exactly as you had pictured it to be: a warm and inviting restaurant with an authentic Italian touch provided by the use of real wood in the interior decor and very subdued lighting.

If you find yourself in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and you have a hankering for pizza or genuine Italian cuisine, Trattoria del Centro is the restaurant you should go to satisfy your cravings.

They serve what is arguably the best pizza in the area, which tastes incredible and comes with a selection of toppings from which to choose. My favorite pizza is the Bianco, which comes topped with prosciutto, ricotta, and a few tomato slices. It imparts a delightfully satisfying chewiness to the otherwise smooth dough. All claps and applause! Make a reservation at this Italian restaurant in Playa del Carmen if you want to get a taste of Italy while you’re in Mexico.

Lara & Luca

Diagonal Aeropuerto MZ 29 LT 4 // 044 984 157 3525

If you are going to be in Playa del Carmen for a few days, you should take advantage of the tasting menus that are offered for lunch and dinner. At Lara & Luca, the vegetarian tasting is one of our most popular options, and it also includes some particularly interesting dishes, such as Mahi Mahi served with plantain cake and papaya salsa.

The steak tasting menu is an excellent option for those who enjoy eating a variety of cuts of meat, as it includes a selection of various cuts of meat, such as the Spicy Pork Tenderloin or Sirloin Steak.

Each tasting menu can be purchased for $45 USD per person and comes complete with a soup or salad as well as a dessert.

Pasta dishes, such as pumpkin ravioli, deep-fried shrimp rolls, skewers of chicken satay, and even salmon carpaccio might be on the menu for lunch and dinner. You can expect to find these dishes on the menu.

The chic restaurant is well-known not only for the impressive plates it serves but also for the excellent service it provides. In Playa del Carmen, if you want to have a memorable dining experience, you should go to.

Primo

Avenida 10, C. 14 Nte esquina // +52 984 873 2571

Primo is one of the many options for fine dining restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area, and it is likely to be on your list if you are looking for popular places to eat there. You’ll find the staff to be welcoming and helpful, and the menu will present you with the challenging decision of determining which of their options sounds the most appealing to you.

A good friend of mine recommended that I check out the tasting menu offered by this outstanding chef… Everything I tried there, from the appetizers to the desserts, was excellently prepared and tasted wonderful. This is an excellent choice for a restaurant in Playa del Carmen due to its extensive menu options.

Axiote Cocina De México

Calle 34 Nte #128, Gonzalo Guerrero // +52 98 48 03 1727

Axiote is a nice restaurant to dine in Playa del Carmen. You will feel right at home thanks to the furnishings and the rest of the environment. They take pride in both the preparation and presentation of their delectable food. In addition to that, they offer a variety of excellent tequilas.

Axiote has a delectable selection of dishes available in a comprehensive menu. They use fresh, homemade tortillas to make their tacos, which makes them ideal for eating outside with your hands. However, if you’d rather have them served on a plate, that option is available as well. The tacos are enormous and made with ingredients of the utmost freshness and quality.

Fresh ingredients such as wild shrimp, octopus, beef, chicken, and pork are served in a restaurant that has open air dining next to the Caribbean Sea. Other fresh ingredients include pork and chicken. Excellent ambiance, as well as excellent cuisine. If you are looking for a restaurant in Playa del Carmen, you should try Axiote.

Romeo Trattoria Pizzeria

Calle 4 Nte 150, Centro // +52 98 41 41 6507

The Romeo Trattoria Pizzeria is a restaurant that is known for both its delicious food and its welcoming atmosphere. Playa del Carmen is home to some of the city’s most delicious pizzas. It is regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen, and in addition to that, it serves excellent pizzas that are vegetarian and vegan.

The restaurant has a lot of space both inside and outside. Although it is not as close to the beach as some of the other restaurants in the area, it does have some really nice tables outside on the balcony, and it is located very close to Fifth Avenue.

In January of 2015, an Italian family who also owns several restaurants in Italy and now also can be found in Mexico opened this restaurant. The family originally hails from Italy.

Trujillos Cantina De Selva

Av 38 Mz 200 Lt 03 Entre 1 era y // +52 98 46 88 8207

Trujillos Cantina de Selva is a very homey restaurant that can be found in the center of Playa del Carmen. It is known for serving excellent authentic Mexican cuisine and has great service. The staff there is very warm and welcoming to customers, and they are experts at providing excellent service to those patrons. Trujillos is a restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine, so you can go there knowing that the quality of the food will live up to your expectations. If you eat there, you won’t be disappointed.

The chef extends an invitation to you to sample the gastronomic marvels that are Mexican dishes. Additionally, it features an outdoor terrace that can accommodate up to eighty guests.

The restaurant is situated in a very attractive area, and it provides a wide selection of Mexican cuisine to all of its clients, including, among other things, soups, vegetables, dishes inspired by the beach, and seafood dishes. You’ll also be able to get a variety of Yucatan cuisine’s most famous dishes here. There are also dishes from other countries available.

If you go there with the intention of eating or drinking, you won’t be sorry about your decision. Consuming food there is more of an experience than merely consuming breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you decide to eat at this restaurant in Playa del Carmen, you are going to love every single bite and the unique flavors of each dish they serve you.

Don Chendo

30 Avenida Nte, C24 Nte &, Gonzalo Guerro, Playa del Carmen, Q.R, Mexico //+529848035950

Authentic Mexican neighborhood décor, very nice and helpful staff, and outstanding cuisine. I would give this restaurant a very high recommendation.

They serve Italian food, and the restaurant’s special Mozzarella en Carrozza is the best appetizer I’ve ever had. Plus, it’s on the specials menu. Their pizzas made in the Chicago style are flavorful and packed with a variety of toppings. We ordered the Chendo pizza, which comes topped with peppers, onions, homemade Italian sausage, mozzarella, and onions, and is baked to a golden brown perfection.

The spaghetti with meatballs has a flavor that makes one think it was made in Italy. These succulent meatballs have been cooked thoroughly and are topped with parmesan cheese before being simmered for six hours in a mixture of Italian plum tomatoes and blended tomatoes.

Although it may be a bit pricey for a pizza restaurant, the experience is certainly one that is well worth the investment. They serve in a manner that is both fresh and excellent, and the ambiance is pleasant.

Oh Lala

C14 Nte. Bis 147-MZA 147, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico //+5219841274844

Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen is a pleasant restaurant that has even more outstanding staff members and a fantastic environment. The interior design is up to date and minimalist, with certain elements that are historical. Costly restaurant, but it’s all pricy in Playa del Carmen.

After calling ahead and making reservations, a kind woman welcomed us as we entered the restaurant, and we were seated right away. Believe me when I say that the cuisine is up to par with the upscale atmosphere of this restaurant. Skellers prepared with lemon-garlic shrimp and scallops came first on the order.

Then, the server gave me his advice, which was to order the butter soy tuna steak. He said that all of the tastes are superb, rich and buttery, and that the tuna steak is perfectly seared. After finishing the bottle of excellent Argentinian wine that we had chosen, we ordered several drinks, all of which were outstanding in flavor.

Their service is impeccable, but you must call ahead to make a reservation since the restaurant is almost always completely booked for supper.

If you are thinking about taking a vacation in Mexico, make it a point to go through our comprehensive list to the Must-Try Restaurants in Tulum before you go.

It could be difficult for you to decide where to eat in Playa del Carmen since there are so many excellent restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine in the area. Consume food at each one of them. During the course of your visit, you should go on a number of taco crawls to locate the establishments that serve the city’s finest tortillas stuffed with carne asada and carnitas.

Visitors to Playa del Carmen won’t have any trouble finding mouthwatering dishes that will make their teeth smile with delight while they’re there.

How to get to Playa del Carmen, Mexico from the airport?

The most effective method is to go the luxurious route! To joke about it, but if you want to go with a luxury service that is reserved just for you and your company of up to six people in brand new luxury SUVs, it’s definitely worth it.

You also have the option of taking a private transfer if you are traveling in a large group, or booking directly down below: