Whereas Playa del Carmen is legendary for its seashores and nightlife, there’s additionally fairly the culinary scene right here. From taco vans to high quality eating and every little thing in between, your choices are virtually limitless for consuming out right here.
Relating to Playa del Carmen eating places, there are such a lot of decisions that it may be a bit overwhelming. The very last thing you need is to finish up in an overpriced vacationer entice restaurant consuming a soggy burrito. There are too many wonderful eating places right here to waste your time in these sorts of locations!
On this information, we’ll check out the perfect eating places in Playa del Carmen, unfold out throughout a couple of completely different classes.
Finest Eating places in Playa del Carmen
I simply completed up a 2-month stint as a digital nomad in Playa del Carmen and I did loads of analysis for this information. And by analysis, I imply deciding the place to remain in Playa del Carmen based mostly on proximity to wonderful eating places.
I additionally ate a bunch of chilaquiles, tacos, and ceviche. I did my greatest to deal with native delicacies, as I personally imagine one doesn’t journey all the way in which to Mexico to eat pizza and cheeseburgers.
For those who want some consolation meals right here, although, it’s not arduous to seek out. This is among the most well-liked locations to go to in Mexico they usually’ve received delicacies from everywhere in the world in Playa del Carmen.
Yow will discover some fairly strong locations for Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, and Thai — if that’s what you need.
One beauty of going out to eat in Playa del Carmen is that it doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution.
You will get a few of the greatest tacos on the planet for about $1 every. For simply $5 or so, you may get pleasure from a lunch take care of a soup, foremost course, drink, and dessert. Even a pleasant dinner in a flowery restaurant might be had for underneath $50.
On this Playa del Carmen meals information, I’ll offer you three choices every for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & drinks, tacos, and road meals. I went forward and put an additional one within the dinner part. Simply be warned that your mouth could also be watering by the point you attain the top!
Questioning Methods to Get From The Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen?
You’ve gotten completely different choices for getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You’ll be able to both take the bus, lease a automotive, take a taxi, or hop in non-public transportation booked previous to your arrival.
The quickest, most secure, and most comfy possibility is to take non-public transportation to Playa del Carmen. You don’t wish to waste valuable vacation time ready round for buses or being ripped off by taxis. Take a look at Cancun Airport Transportation, which affords a wide range of car choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
Listed below are the perfect eating places in Playa del Carmen, Mexico:
Finest Eating places in Playa del Carmen for Breakfast
La Cueva del Chango
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-10:30PM, Sunday 8AM-2PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 147 0271
- Location: Calle 38 between fifth Avenue & the ocean, Zazil-Ha (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
There’s maybe no higher place to begin your day in Playa del Carmen than at La Cueva del Chango. This restaurant has a fantastic backyard setting and is a extremely popular place to go for a leisurely brunch.
You could have to attend for a desk right here, however it’s properly value it. They’ll even take your drink order whilst you wait.
Their menu is large they usually really serve all three meals. It’s positively top-of-the-line eating places in Playa del Carmen, no matter what you go there for.
I put it within the information as a breakfast spot just because they make the perfect chilaquiles I’ve ever had right here. Pair these with certainly one of their contemporary juices and a espresso and also you’re good to go.
Choux Choux Cafe
- Hours: Sunday-Monday 7AM-3PM, Tuesday-Saturday 7AM-9PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 147 2691
- Location: twentieth Avenue & Calle 24 (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Choux Choux Cafe at all times comes up on lists of the highest eating places in Playa del Carmen, particularly as a breakfast spot. They’ve received loads of tasty choices right here, comparable to salmon eggs benedict or a wholesome vegan bowl.
I wish to get one thing filling and one thing mild and break up them each, making for a strong breakfast that’s not too heavy.
Additionally they have an intensive espresso menu right here, from cortados to their specialty ChiChiCino with ice cream and vanilla. For those who’re a digital nomad seeking to plug in and work for some time, their sturdy espresso and WiFi make Choux Choux a strong alternative. It’s additionally a bakery, so that you may wish to seize one thing to take residence whilst you’re right here.
Nativo
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 7AM-12AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 873 0758
- Location: thirtieth Avenue & Calle 20 (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
For those who’re too full from all of the tacos and cervezas (which may occur very simply in Playa, imagine me), then on occasion you simply desire a mild and wholesome breakfast.
Nativo is among the high locations to eat brunch in Playa del Carmen because of their wonderful contemporary juices and smoothies. An enormous smoothie stuffed with fruit solely prices round $3!
You’ll be able to simply order up a drink to go right here, or you may sit down upstairs and order off the menu. They’ve some nice breakfast choices they usually’re additionally open for lunch and dinner if you wish to come again for lunch or dinner one other time.
Finest Eating places in Playa del Carmen for Lunch
El Sangha-Rito
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 873 1794
- Location: CTM Avenue & tenth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
There are such a lot of Playa del Carmen eating places to select from that it may be a bit overwhelming. One spot that was at all times my go-to for lunch once we lived in Playa was El Sangha-Rito. It’s top-of-the-line locations to eat lunch in Playa del Carmen because of their menu del dia.
This “menu of the day” adjustments each day and at all times features a soup, foremost course, dessert, and an agua fresca. For simply round $5-6, it’s an awesome discount. I additionally actually get pleasure from their trio plate, which consists of chilaquiles, eggs, and a mollete (open-faced sandwich).
The Pitted Date
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-8PM
- Telephone #: 52 984 803 3917
- Location: CTM Avenue between 1st Ave and Cozumel St (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
For a contemporary & wholesome lunch, look no additional than The Pitted Date. This is among the greatest Playa del Carmen eating places for tasty vegan meals at affordable costs. Even if you happen to’re not vegan, I extremely suggest giving this place a attempt.
Whereas they’re open all day, I normally come right here for lunch to get pleasure from their salads, pitas, and bowls. Additionally they make vegan variations of Mexican classics, comparable to their avocado tostadas. They’ve a strong drink menu right here in addition to some wonderful desserts, so remember to avoid wasting room!
Las Hijas de la Tostada
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 11AM-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 998 803 0232
- Location: Calle 2 and fifth Avenue (click on right here for instructions); Calle 38 and fifth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Probably the greatest eating places in Playa del Carmen for some yummy seafood is Las Hijas de la Tostada. Not surprisingly, seafood is a well-liked alternative right here.
Because the identify would indicate, their specialty right here is seafood tostadas they usually have a number of choices. They’ve received some fairly unbelievable tacos right here as properly.
They’ve two places on the bustling fifth Avenue so that you can select from. The one on Calle 2 has seating above the road, so you may get pleasure from some nice individuals watching. Their different location on Calle 38 has a pleasant out of doors seating space. Whichever one you go together with, your style buds are in for a deal with!
Finest Eating places in Playa del Carmen for Dinner
Zitla
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 873 3315
- Location: Calle 12 between fifteenth and twentieth (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 5/5
For those who’re seeking to get off the vacationer path a bit and take a look at a extra native spot, then Zitla is a wonderful alternative. It’s particularly enjoyable to come back right here for dinner on the weekend, as they normally have dwell music. Plus it’s only a good place to hang around, with some cool murals on the wall and even a swing.
They’ve received an enormous menu at Zitla with loads of decisions for tacos, burgers, ceviches, and far more. Additionally they have a full bar right here they usually whip up some fairly wonderful cocktails. It’s not solely top-of-the-line locations to eat dinner in Playa del Carmen, but additionally an awesome place to sit back with a well-made drink.
All that at a fraction of the value you’ll pay at touristy spots on fifth Avenue! That simply earns it a spot on this listing of the highest Playa del Carmen eating places.
La Perla Pixan
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:30AM-12AM
- Telephone #: 044 984 120 2616
- Location: Calle 34 & fifth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
La Perla Pixan is a good possibility for conventional eating places in Playa del Carmen.
That is positively one of many coolest Playa del Carmen eating places. It’s simply off fifth Avenue however feels worlds aside from a few of the kitschy locations you’ll discover there. It’s not solely a restaurant but additionally a mezcal retailer if you wish to take residence a few of Mexico’s well-known liquor.
With a palapa roof, an unlimited menu that’s each conventional and progressive, and a powerful number of mezcal, that is the right place for a pleasant dinner out. No matter you order, remember to avoid wasting room for dessert! They’ve scrumptious churros right here in addition to cheesecake with mezcal.
Zenzi
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-2AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 803 5738
- Location: On the seashore on the finish of Calle 10 (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 5/5
Seeing as how that is Playa del Carmen, I needed to embody at the least one restaurant that’s really on the seashore. My private favourite positively goes to Zenzi, particularly for dinner as they’ve some fairly superior dwell music each night time of the week. There are two completely different bands every night time, one at 5pm and the following at 9pm.
So far as their menu goes, Zenzi has some nice sharing bites like their “muchos nachos” or fried calamari. Seafood is unquestionably the star of the present right here, particularly their sesame crusted tuna filet. Dig your toes into the sand and dig right into a scrumptious meal right here earlier than tearing it up on the dance flooring.
Porfirio’s
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 1PM-1AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 110 7805
- Location: Calle 12 and fifth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 5/5
The individuals have spoken, they usually have chosen Porfirio’s to high the listing of the perfect eating places in Playa del Carmen. It’s greater than only a restaurant, really — it’s a full gastronomic expertise! Folks rave about their service, drinks, ambiance, music, and naturally, the meals.
For those who’re a fan of surf & turf, then you definitely’re going to like this place. Appetizers embody tuna carnitas and crunchy chicharron, whereas mains vary from lobster tamales to inexperienced enchiladas with rooster. No matter you select, you’ll certainly get pleasure from your dinner right here as you watch the crowds on fifth Avenue cross by.
Replace: One other nice possibility for Mexican meals for dinner is Amate 38.
SEE ALSO: Exploring The Culinary Facet of Guanajuato — A Meals Tour
Finest Playa del Carmen Bars for Snacks and Drinks
Cerveceria Chapultepec
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 1PM-2AM
- Telephone #: 56 1845 7394
- Location: Calle 8 & fifth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 3.5/5
Whenever you’re simply in search of a drink and a few easy bar meals, Cerveceria Chapultepec is the place to go. Most objects on the menu of this well-liked chain are solely 21 pesos (about $1.25), so you may have a couple of drinks and snacks right here with out burning a gap in your pockets.
Their location is within the central a part of Playa and is bumping each night time of the week. Shock, shock – everybody likes low cost beers and tacos!
La Taberna
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 10AM-2AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 803 0448
- Location: Calle 4 & tenth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4/5
La Taberna is a no-frills sports activities bar that’s well-liked with locals. They’ve a full bar and a strong menu of Tex-Mex and conventional Mexican dishes. Their nachos are large and ideal for sharing with associates.
They’ve 2-for-1 draft beer specials from 6-8PM, however you’ll must order a snack to benefit from the deal. This can be a good place to come back watch the sport or simply shoot some pool, making it one of many high Playa del Carmen bars.
Membership de la Cerveza
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 4:30PM-2AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 147 0635
- Location: fifth Avenue between Calle 34 & 38 (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Corona and Pacifico are high quality, however on occasion you simply want one thing a bit extra fascinating. Cue Membership de la Cerveza, which has essentially the most spectacular number of craft beer in all of Playa del Carmen.
Right here you may pattern craft brews from Mexico, the US, Belgium, England, and extra. Additionally they have some strong bar meals to associate with the beers, together with a unbelievable blue cheese cheeseburger.
Replace 2023: For those who’re in search of craft beer in Playa del Carmen, try Chela de Playa and Colectivo Mexicano Cervecero. For a cute wine bar with platters of meat and cheese, and wine on the market by the bottle, don’t miss Off the Vine.
SEE ALSO: Culinary Mayhem: A Avenue Meals Tour in Mexico Metropolis
Finest Locations for Tacos in Playa del Carmen
El Fogon
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 1-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 803 0885
- Location: Constituyentes Avenue & thirtieth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Whenever you carry up the subject of “greatest locations to eat tacos in Playa del Carmen,” El Fogon at all times comes up. This place is so well-liked that there’s nearly at all times a line right here, however it strikes quick and it’s properly definitely worth the wait.
The star of the present right here is unquestionably their tacos al pastor. Having tried tacos al pastor everywhere in the nation, I can actually say these are a few of the greatest round.
They’ve received an enormous menu with loads of different decisions as properly and every little thing could be very fairly priced. I like to recommend the queso fundido dip with chorizo. My mouth is watering simply fascinated with this one!
Chac Pel Tacos de Mariscos
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-8PM
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: tenth Avenue between Calle 1 & Benito Juarez (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: N/A
Whereas tacos al pastor are at all times nice, you’ve additionally received to feast on seafood tacos when in Playa del Carmen. Chac Pel Tacos de Mariscos cooks up some fairly wonderful fish tacos they usually even have some actually good ceviche.
Regardless of being proper within the coronary heart of Centro, this place stays a hidden gem. It’s not even on Journey Advisor but! For those who’re in search of some high quality seafood tacos at an awesome worth, remember to add Chac Pel to your listing of Playa del Carmen eating places to attempt.
Don Sirloin
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 2PM-6AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 148 0424
- Location: tenth Avenue between Calle 12 & 14 (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4/5
Don Sirloin is unquestionably one of many high eating places in Playa del Carmen for tacos. It’s so well-liked that they’ve received 4 completely different places within the metropolis. I listed the one on tenth Avenue because it’s essentially the most central, however you may test their web site for the others.
They normally have two spits going directly right here — one for al pastor and one for sirloin. You can too get arrachera, rooster, or chorizo tacos right here. With tacos costing round $1 every, why not attempt all of them? That is the right spot to come back after an enormous night time out in Playa del Carmen as they keep open till 6AM.
Replace: Don’t miss La Cochi Loka if you happen to like cochinita pibil tacos! It could not seem like a lot, however these are a few of the greatest tacos we’ve had in Playa del Carmen. Discover it right here on the map. For those who love birria tacos (stewed beef), then you definitely received’t wish to miss Birria Tacos – the tacos listed below are excellent.
SEE ALSO: Tasting The City in Puerto Vallarta — A Day With Vallarta Meals Excursions
Finest Avenue Meals Distributors in Playa del Carmen
Taqueria El Gato
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: CTM Avenue & tenth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: N/A
For those who’re in search of some genuine Mexican road meals, Taqueria El Gato is the place to be. This traditional road meals stand is positioned just some blocks from the seashore however it is vitally a lot an area joint. They even keep open 24/7 so you may come right here any time you want.
I’m a bit biased towards this place as we lived across the nook from it. They make scrumptious tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and extra right here, and every little thing is tremendous low cost. You’ll be able to simply refill for lower than $5 right here, leaving you extra pesos for vital issues like margaritas on the seashore.
Distributors within the Park
- Hours: All day
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: Within the park between Benito Juarez & Calle 2 on fifteenth Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Score on TripAdvisor: N/A
Probably the greatest locations to pattern road meals in Playa del Carmen is within the park on fifteenth Avenue. There are all kinds of choices right here, together with tortas and burritos in addition to Yucatan classics like salbutes and panuchos.
That is additionally an awesome place to attempt the favored native snack referred to as marquesitas. These are crispy crepes which can be rolled up and stuffed with shredded cheese and different toppings of your alternative. These embody Nutella, jam, chocolate sauce, or caramel. I’m not massive into sweets however these items are scrumptious.
Taco Vans Close to Mega
- Hours: Daytime (round 8AM-3PM)
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: Calle 14 North/thirtieth Avenue
- Score on TripAdvisor: N/A
For those who’re in search of some low cost and engaging tacos, simply head to the parking zone of the Mega grocery store. It’s by no means good to go grocery purchasing hungry, so smash a couple of tacos out right here earlier than you head into the shop.
Through the day, there are normally a number of vans cooking up some mouth-watering tacos right here.
To be trustworthy, of all of the instances I ate right here, I by no means even observed a reputation on a truck. My technique is to only stroll as much as whichever one smells good and see what they’re making.
After doing a little bit of analysis, although, one identify that comes up is El Rey del Taco (the King of Tacos). With a reputation like that, you’d higher be making some fairly superior tacos to again it up!
Finest Eating places in Playa del Carmen for Worldwide Meals
Had your fill of tacos, ceviche and guacamole? Don’t fear, there are some high eating places in Playa del Carmen that may fulfill your cravings.
Take a look at Trattoria del Centro and Osteria de Roma for Italian, Sakura for ramen and gyoza, Kebab Home for Turkish, Po Thai for Thai, Yum Yum by George for Indian/Thai, Mu for the perfect burgers, and Primo for extra upscale eating.
There are such a lot of nice locations to eat in Playa del Carmen and for essentially the most half, the eating places above serve fairly genuine variations of the delicacies.
We now have but to seek out a tremendous Indian restaurant right here or constantly good sushi. The very best sushi we’ve had up to now was at Sushi Membership.
FAQs About The place to Eat in Playa del Carmen
Beneath are solutions to some regularly requested questions on the perfect locations to eat in Playa del Carmen.
In contrast to close by Cancun with its huge all-inclusive resorts, Playa del Carmen is a compact, walkable city proper on the seashore. It has an awesome culinary scene and a variety of small, usually family-run lodges for each finances.
The preferred neighborhood is centro with its pedestrian-only fifth Avenue, which follows the seashore. That is the place you’ll discover the place to eat in Playa del Carmen. One other good neighborhood is Playacar, a gated neighborhood simply south of centro.
Positively! Playa del Carmen has a protracted white-sand seashore and is surrounded by many different locations of curiosity comparable to Mayan ruins and cenotes. Plus, there’s no scarcity of nice locations to eat in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen is on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, which is usually very calm and clear. It’s nice for swimming.
December to March have the perfect climate in Playa del Carmen, though it’s a good suggestion to keep away from Mexican high-season for touring, which happens between Christmas and New 12 months’s, and through Semana Santa (the week earlier than Easter). It’s more durable to discover a lodge, and lots of locations to eat in Playa del Carmen might be crowded.
Though there have been some disturbing but remoted incidents lately, basically Playa del Carmen stays fairly protected. Nonetheless, vacationers ought to at all times pay attention to their environment when strolling, particularly at night time.
Able to Benefit from the Finest Playa del Carmen Eating places?
¿Tienes hambre? (Are you hungry?) I’m certain after studying this information you’re able to drop no matter you’re doing, e-book a flight all the way down to Mexico, and stuff your face with tacos.
You’re already outfitted with a strong listing of a few of the high eating places in Playa del Carmen to get you began.
For those who’re planning a visit down there, remember to try this jam-packed information on the perfect issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
It’s far more than simply sitting on the seashore right here, as you may discover Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, hit rooftop pool events, and a lot extra. Playa del Carmen is the right base to discover all that the Riviera Maya affords.
Have you ever been to Playa del Carmen? When you’ve got a superb restaurant you’d wish to suggest, please depart a remark under and tell us about it!
Some photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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