Whereas Playa del Carmen is known for its seashores and nightlife, there’s additionally fairly the culinary scene right here. From taco vans to advantageous eating and every thing in between, your choices are virtually limitless for consuming out right here.
On this information, we’ll check out the very best eating places in Playa del Carmen, unfold out throughout a number of completely different classes.
In the case of 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 lure restaurant consuming a soggy burrito. There are too many superb eating places right here to waste your time on these sorts of locations!
I simply completed up a 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 primarily based on proximity to superb eating places.
I additionally ate a bunch of chilaquiles, tacos, and ceviche. I did my greatest to give attention to native delicacies, as I personally consider one doesn’t journey all the best way to Mexico to eat pizza and cheeseburgers.
In case you want some consolation meals right here, although, it’s not exhausting to search out. This is among the hottest locations to go to in Mexico and so they’ve bought delicacies from everywhere in the world in Playa del Carmen. You’ll find some fairly strong locations for Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, and Thai — if that’s what you need.
One wonderful thing about going out to eat in Playa del Carmen is that it doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution.
You may get a few of the greatest tacos in the world for about $1 every. For simply $5 or so, you may get pleasure from a lunch take care of a soup, predominant course, drink, and dessert. Even a pleasant dinner in a flowery restaurant may be had for underneath $50.
On this Playa del Carmen meals information, I’ll provide you with three choices every for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & drinks, tacos, and avenue meals. I went forward and put an additional one in the dinner part. Simply be warned that your mouth could also be watering by the point you attain the tip!
This submit has been up to date 2021 to incorporate new, tasty eating places and bars!
Questioning Easy methods to Get From The Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen?
You will have 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 personal transportation booked previous to your arrival.
The quickest, most secure and most comfy possibility is to take personal transportation to Playa del Carmen. You don’t need to waste treasured vacation time ready round for buses, or being ripped off by taxis. Take a look at Cancun Airport Transportation, which presents a wide range of automobile choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
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Best Restaurants 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)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
There’s maybe no higher place to start out your day in Playa del Carmen than at La Cueva del Chango. This restaurant has an exquisite backyard setting and is a highly regarded place to go for a leisurely brunch. You could have to attend for a desk right here, however it’s effectively value it. They’ll even take your drink order whilst you wait.
Their menu is big right here and so they really serve all three meals. It’s positively the most effective eating places in Playa del Carmen, no matter what you go there for. I put it in the information as a breakfast spot just because they make the very best chilaquiles I’ve ever had right here. Pair these with considered 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: 20th Avenue & Calle 24 (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking 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 bought loads of tasty choices right here, resembling salmon eggs benedict or a wholesome vegan bowl. We prefer to get one thing filling and one thing mild and cut up them each, making for a strong breakfast that’s not too heavy.
Additionally they have an in depth espresso menu right here, from cortados to their specialty ChiChiCino with ice cream and vanilla. In case you’re a digital nomad seeking to plug in and work for some time, their sturdy espresso and WiFi make Choux Choux a strong selection. It’s additionally a bakery, so that you would possibly need to seize one thing to take house whilst you’re right here.
Nativo
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 7AM-12AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 873 0758
- Location: 30th Avenue & Calle 20 (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
In case you’re too full from all of the tacos and cervezas (which might occur very simply in Playa, consider me), then as soon as in a whilst you simply desire a mild and wholesome breakfast. Nativo is the proper place to come back for that because of their superb contemporary juices and smoothies. A big smoothie filled 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 and so they’re additionally open for lunch and dinner if you wish to come again for lunch or dinner one other time.
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen for Lunch
El Sangha-Rito
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 873 1794
- Location: CTM Avenue & 10th Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking 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 after we lived in Playa was El Sangha-Rito. It’s the most effective locations in city for a filling and fairly priced lunch because of their menu del dia.
This “menu of the day” modifications on daily basis and at all times features a soup, predominant course, dessert, and an agua fresca. For simply round $5-6, it’s a terrific discount. I additionally actually get pleasure from their trio plate, which consists of chilaquiles, eggs, and a mollete (open-faced sandwich).
La Senda
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 803 0499
- Location: 10th Avenue between Calle 10 and 12 (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
For a contemporary & wholesome lunch, look no additional than La Senda. This is among the greatest Playa del Carmen eating places for tasty vegan meals at cheap costs. Even in the event you’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, resembling their yummy jackfruit tacos. They’ve a strong drink menu right here in addition to some superb desserts, so you’ll want 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)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Not surprisingly, seafood is a well-liked selection right here. Probably the greatest eating places in Playa del Carmen for some yummy seafood is Las Hijas de la Tostada. Because the identify would suggest, their specialty right here is seafood tostadas and so they have a number of choices. They’ve bought some fairly unbelievable tacos right here as effectively.
They’ve two places on the bustling fifth Avenue for you to select from. The one on Calle 2 has seating above the road, so you may get pleasure from some nice folks 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!
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen for Dinner
Zitla
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 873 3315
- Location: Calle 12 between 15th and 20th (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 5/5
In case you’re seeking to get off the vacationer path a bit and take a look at a extra native spot, then Zitla is a superb selection. It’s particularly enjoyable to come back right here for dinner on the weekend, as they normally have stay music. Plus it’s only a good place to hang around, with some cool murals on the wall and even a swing.
They’ve bought an enormous menu at Zitla with loads of decisions for tacos, burgers, ceviches, and far more. Additionally they have a full bar right here and so they whip up some fairly superb cocktails. All that at a fraction of the worth you’ll pay at touristy spots on fifth Avenue! That simply earns it a spot on this record 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)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
That is positively one of many coolest Playa del Carmen eating places. It’s simply off fifth Avenue however feels worlds other than a few of the kitschy locations you’ll discover there. It’s not solely a restaurant but in addition a mezcal retailer if you wish to take house a few of Mexico’s well-known liquor.
With a palapa roof, an enormous menu that’s each conventional and revolutionary, and a formidable number of mezcal, that is the proper place for a pleasant dinner out. No matter you order, you’ll want 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)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 5/5
Seeing as how that is Playa del Carmen, I needed to embrace 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 stay music each evening of the week. There are two completely different bands every evening, 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 certainly 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)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 5/5
The folks have spoken, and so they have chosen Porfirio’s to prime the record of the very best eating places in Playa del Carmen. It’s greater than only a restaurant, really — it’s a full gastronomic expertise! Individuals rave about their service, drinks, ambiance, music, and naturally, the meals.
In case you’re a fan of surf & turf, then you definately’re going to like this place. Appetizers embrace tuna carnitas and crunchy chicharron, whereas mains vary from lobster tamales to inexperienced enchiladas with rooster. No matter you select, you’ll absolutely get pleasure from your dinner right here as you watch the crowds on fifth Avenue go by.
Replace 2021: One other nice possibility for Mexican meals for dinner is Amate 38.
SEE ALSO: Exploring The Culinary Facet of Guanajuato — A Meals Tour
Best Playa del Carmen Bars For Snacks and Drinks
Cerveceria Chapultepec
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 1PM-2AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 321 9756
- Location: Calle 20 & 1st Avenue (click on right here for instructions), Calle 14 & 10th Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 3.5/5
Whenever you’re simply trying for a drink and a few easy bar meals, this in style chain is the place to go. Most objects on the menu are solely 21 pesos (about $1.25), so you may have a number of drinks and snacks right here with out burning a gap in your pockets.
They’ve bought two places in the central a part of Playa and each are bumping each evening of the week. Shock, shock – everybody likes low-cost beers and tacos! I want the one on 1st Avenue as a result of they’ve bought a cool rooftop that looks like a treehouse.
La Taberna
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 10AM-2AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 803 0448
- Location: Calle 4 & 10th Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4/5
La Taberna is a no-frills sports activities bar that’s in style with locals. They’ve a full bar and a strong menu of Tex-Mex and conventional Mexican dishes. Their nachos are big and ideal for sharing with mates.
They’ve 2-for-1 draft beer specials from 6-8PM, however you’ll must order a snack to make the most of the deal. This can be a good place to come back watch the sport or simply shoot some pool, making it one of many prime Playa del Carmen bars.
Membership de la Cervesa
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 4:30PM-2AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 147 0635
- Location: fifth Avenue between Calle 34 & 38 (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Corona and Pacifico are advantageous, however as soon as in a whilst you simply want one thing a bit extra fascinating. Cue Membership de la Cervesa, 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 go together with the beers, together with a unbelievable blue cheese burger.
Replace 2021: In case you’re trying for craft beer in Playa del Carmen, take a look at Chela de Playa and Colectivo Mexicano Cervecero. For a cute wine bar with platters of meat and cheese, and wine for sale by the bottle, don’t miss Off The Vine.
SEE ALSO: Culinary Mayhem: A Avenue Meals Tour in Mexico Metropolis
Best Locations for Tacos in Playa del Carmen
El Fogon
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 1-11PM
- Telephone #: 01 984 803 0885
- Location: Constituyentes Avenue & 30th Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Whenever you carry up the subject of “greatest tacos in Playa del Carmen,” El Fogon at all times comes up. This place is so in style that there’s virtually at all times a line right here, however it strikes quick and it’s effectively well worth the wait.
The star of the present right here is certainly their tacos al pastor. Having tried tacos al pastor everywhere in the nation, I can truthfully say these are a few of the greatest round. They’ve bought an enormous menu with loads of different decisions as effectively and every thing may be very fairly priced. I like to recommend the queso fundido dip with chorizo. My mouth is watering simply fascinated by this one!
Chac Pel Tacos de Mariscos
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-8PM
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: 10th Avenue between Calle 1 & Benito Juarez (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: N/A
Whereas tacos al pastor are at all times nice, you’ve additionally bought to feast on seafood tacos when in Playa del Carmen. Chac Pel Tacos de Mariscos cooks up some fairly superb fish tacos and so they even have some actually good ceviche.
Regardless of being proper in the center of Centro, this place stays a hidden gem. It’s not even on Journey Advisor but! In case you’re trying for some high quality seafood tacos at a terrific worth, you’ll want to add Chac Pel to your record of Playa del Carmen eating places to attempt.
Don Sirloin
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 2PM-6AM
- Telephone #: 01 984 148 0424
- Location: 10th Avenue between Calle 12 & 14 (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: 4/5
Don Sirloin is certainly one of many prime eating places in Playa del Carmen for tacos. It’s so in style that they’ve bought 4 completely different places in the town. I listed the one on 10th Avenue because it’s essentially the most central, however you may verify 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 even get arrachera, rooster, or chorizo tacos right here. With tacos costing round $1 every, why not attempt all of them? That is the proper spot to come back after an enormous evening out in Playa del Carmen as they keep open till 6AM.
Replace 2021: Don’t miss La Cochi Loka in the event you like cochinita pibil tacos! It might not appear 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. In case you love birria tacos (stewed beef), then you definately received’t need to miss Birria Tacos – the tacos listed here are excellent.
SEE ALSO: Tasting The City in Puerto Vallarta — A Day With Vallarta Meals Excursions
Best Avenue Meals Distributors in Playa del Carmen
Taqueria El Gato
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: CTM Avenue & 10th Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: N/A
In case you’re trying for some genuine Mexican avenue meals, Taqueria El Gato is the place to be. This basic avenue meals stand is positioned only a few 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 to this place as we lived across the nook from it. They make scrumptious tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and extra right here, and every thing is tremendous low-cost. You’ll be able to simply replenish for lower than $5 right here, leaving you extra pesos for vital issues like margaritas on the seashore.
Distributors in the Park
- Hours: All day
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: Within the park between Benito Juarez & Calle 2 on 15th Avenue (click on right here for instructions)
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: N/A
Probably the greatest locations to pattern avenue meals in Playa del Carmen is in the park on 15th 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 a terrific place to attempt the favored native snack generally known as marquesitas. These are crispy crepes which might be rolled up and stuffed with shredded cheese and different toppings of your selection. These embrace Nutella, jam, chocolate sauce, or caramel. I’m not huge into sweets however this stuff are scrumptious.
Taco Vans Close to Mega
- Hours: Daytime (round 8AM-3PM)
- Telephone #: N/A
- Location: Calle 14 North/30th Avenue
- Ranking on TripAdvisor: N/A
In case you’re trying for some low-cost and attractive 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 number 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 seen a reputation on a truck. My technique is to simply 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!
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen for Worldwide Meals
Had your fill of tacos, ceviche and guacamole? Don’t fear, there are some prime eating places in Playa del Carmen that can fulfill your cravings.
Take a look at Trattoria del Centro for Italian, Sakura for ramen and gyoza, Estambul Kebab for Turkish, Po Thai for Thai, Yum Yum by George for Indian/Thai, Mu for the very best 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 have now but to search out a tremendous Indian restaurant right here or persistently good sushi. One of the best sushi we’ve had up to now was at Sushi Membership.
Able to Benefit from the Best Playa del Carmen Restaurants?
¿Tienes hambre? (Are you hungry?) I’m positive after studying this information you’re able to drop no matter you’re doing, ebook a flight all the way down to Mexico, and stuff your face with tacos. You’re already geared up with a strong record of a few of the prime eating places in Playa del Carmen to get you began.
In case you’re planning a visit down there, you’ll want to take a look at this jam-packed information on the very best 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 proper base to discover all that the Riviera Maya presents.
Have you ever been to Playa del Carmen? When you have a superb restaurant you’d prefer to suggest, please go away a remark under and tell us about it!
Some photographs in this text are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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