Short guide to 30 of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Short guide to 30 of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Short guide to 30 of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen

By 16.5 min read3264 words

Playa del Carmen… aaah. In few places I have eaten that delicious – and that much. If you are lucky enough to visit this beautiful place, then you should bring as much hunger as possible. You will need it if you want to taste all the delicacies you will come across there.

The best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You’ll find everything that Mexico has to offer – from great street food to award-winning chefs. The restaurants in Playa del Carmen not only serve delicious food. Many of them are also beautifully designed and give rise to a feeling like the land of milk and honey. Here are some great locations for you.

Gourmet | $$$$

  • Porfirio’s | Mexican cuisine

    Porfirio’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Located directly on the famous pedestrian street Quinta Avenida, the location convinces with chic ambience and friendly service. From the terrace you can watch the lively hustle and bustle of Quinta Avenida, while you will be pampered. On weekends, live music from mariachis accompanies you through the evening between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. The restaurant also has a smoking area.

    Address: Quinta Avenida, corner Calle 12, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 1:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

    Phone: +52 984 110 7798

    Website: https://porfirios.com.mx/restaurante-mexicano-en-playa-del-carmen

  • Harry’s | Steakhouse & Raw Bar

    Also located on 5th Avenue, Harry’s is one of the first addresses in Playa del Carmen if you want to eat exquisite steaks. You can choose between Japanese Kobe Beef, Australian Black Onyx Beef or USDA Prime Beef from the United States. The service at Harry’s Restaurant is excellent and the wine list is well sorted. Just perfect for a special evening.

    Address: Calle Corazón Lt 8B, Nivel 1, on Quinta Avenida between Calle 12 and Calle 14

    Opening hours: Daily 1:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

    Phone: +52 984 803 2021

    Website: https://harrys.com.mx/

  • Oh lala! By George | International cuisine

    Beautiful restaurant in Playa del Carmen with a very unique ambience. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and French cuisine. Good wine list and excellent service. The restaurant is very small and has only a few tables. Every dish is an absolute feast for the eyes. A visit to the “Oh lala!” promises great enjoyment for all the senses.

    Address: Calle 14 Nte Bis, between Avenida 10 and Avenida 15

    Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

    Phone: +52 1 984 127 4844

    Website: https://www.grupobygeorge.com/oh-lala-by-george

Medium price range | $$ – $$$

  • Evass – El Pecado Culinario | Fusion, Mexican cuisine

    The Evass is a unique surprise in the scene of the restaurants in Playa del Carmen. It is not located in the tourist part of town between the beach and Carretera 307, but beyond the highway. In the neighborhood where the locals live. If you are looking for an extraordinary, beautiful restaurant far away from the beaten tourist track – here you are in good hands. A unique, delicious cuisine awaits you. All in a first-class ambience and with super nice service. A place for connoisseurs. The restaurant also operates a delivery service.

    Address: Av. Diag. 70. Y Esq. Calle 13 Sur, Colonia Ejidal, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 8593 680

    Website: https://evassrestaurante.com/

  • Luma Taverna del Mar | Mediterranean Seafood Fusion

    Very cozy Italian restaurant right next to the beach of Playa del Carmen. The restaurant is located a little apart from the tourist hustle and bustle and is ideal for a quiet, intimate evening for two. Owner and chef Stefano is working real wonders in his refuge. The dishes are not only exquisite, but also a real feast for the eyes. A reservation is strongly recommended. Ideal after dessert – a walk on the beach.

    Address: Calle 38 between Albatros and Calle Flamingo, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 803 5020

    Website: https://lumaplaya.mx/

  • Hola Bangkok | Thai cuisine

    Hola Bangkok is another highlight among the restaurants on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Nevertheless, a pleasantly quiet location in a courtyard. The Thai chef throws together very seductive delicacies. It’s hard to decide whether to just look at the plate or eat it. In addition, a very friendly service is offered. The restaurant also operates a delicious Thai truck for street food in Mi Ranchito Playero at Avenida 50.

    Address: Quinta Avenida between Calle 34 and 38, Plaza San Pedro, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 147 7031

    Website: http://www.holabangkok.mx/

  • Zitla | Mexican cuisine

    Cozy restaurant a little apart from traditional tourist paths in Playa del Carmen. Completely relaxed beach bar ambience with pleasant music – often even live. The restaurant is fully committed to the right holiday feeling and scores very well whit that. Delicious food and friendly service. A good choice to enjoy your time in the Caribbean.

    Address: Calle 12 between Avenida 15 and 20, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 873 3315

    Website: http://www.zitla.mx/

  • UNO Japanese Noodles pdc | Japanese cuisine

    Super tasty Japanese restaurant in Playa del Carmen. Fascinating creative sushi, but also all other dishes are exquisite – for the eyes and the taste buds. Delicious Pokes, great Ramen, and much more. In addition, there are fine Mexican drinks and great cocktails without alcohol. The service is extremely friendly. A visit is worthwhile if you love Japanese cuisine.

    Address: Avenida Constituyentes corner Avenida 15, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 178 4220

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/UNOpdc

Budget Restaurants | $

  • El Chuletón | Mexican cuisine

    Very tasty tacos al carbón off the beaten track. Just a typical Mexican restaurant in Playa del Carmen. Very familiar atmosphere and extremely friendly service. It’s best to get through the different varieties of tacos. In addition, there are extremely tasty fresh juices, especially recommended is Agua de Maracuja. A Mexican traditional restaurant just as you might imagine it.

    Address: Avenida 20 Corner Constituyentes, Plaza las Perlas, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 879 4799

    Website: http://www.elchuleton.com.mx/

  • Mariscos el Viril | Seafood

    Mariscos el Viril is a restaurant in Playa del Carmen that is not easy to find. It is located on the other side of the highway that divides the town into two parts – in the district where the locals live. Therefore, the restaurant is designed in purely Mexican tradition for local guests. A simple Marísquera  (a street bar) with delicious seafood. Here you can try tacos, tostadas, ceviches and Mexican seafood cocktails. In a great variety. The prices are extremely fair – even if you add the price of a taxi. And the food is simply delicious.

    Address: Avenida 115 mz 32 lote 7 Ejidal, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 151 6552

    Website: https://mariscos-el-viril.negocio.site/

  • El Fogón | Mexican cuisine

    El Fogón is a taco restaurant in Playa del Carmen. And it’s kind of an insider tip among the locals. So much so that you can expect a queue at the door in the evening. The tacos are so delicious that no one complains about the waiting time. This restaurant specializes on Tacos al Pastor. And for them: the later the evening, the more delicious the meat for the tacos. The restaurant has two floors, upstairs there is often loud music and fun ambience. A table in the lower area is better suited for personal conversations. No table reservations will be accepted.

    Address: Calle 6 Norte to corner Avenida 30 N, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily noon – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 803 0885

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/ElFogonPDC/

Seafood Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

  • Ictio Fish House | $$ – $$$

    Ictio Fish House is located in the center of Playa del Carmen, close to the beach. The restaurant has a very relaxed ambience and a totally friendly service. And well – the food is such a delicious thing. In addition, the plates are so beautifully arranged that you get a bad conscience before you start eating. However, the pricks of conscience disappear immediately as soon as the first delicious bite is melting on your tongue. A good choice if you love seafood.

    Address: 1ra Avenida Norte Corner Calle 22, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 163 5647

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/ictiofishhouse/

  • Cassa Ceviche by José Luis Chavez | $$ – $$$

    And just another of these divine restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Cassa Ceviche spoils you with Peruvian cuisine at its finest. Especially with Ceviches and fish. The fresh daily catch of local fishermen is immediately transformed into a delicious treat by the chef. And into a beautiful feast for the eyes. An absolute must for connoisseurs!

    Address: Calle 24 Norte between Avenida 25 and 30, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Monday closed, all other days starting at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Sunday until 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday until 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 2315119

    Website: https://cassaceviche.com/

  • <h3″>Los Murales | $$$$

    Los Murales stands out among the restaurants in Playa del Carmen for its beautiful decoration. The walls are decorated with mosaics, designed by the famous Cuban painter Arturo Mototo. The restaurant has a unique ambience. But the whole thing is only a noble setting for a wonderful gourmet cuisine. The restaurant specializes on seafood and fish. The perfect location for a special evening.

    Address: Mza. 70 Lt. 2 Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km 289+10, Centro Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 998 881 0100

    Website: http://www.losmurales.com/

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  • Los Aguachiles | $$ – $$$

    Los Aguachiles has several restaurants in Playa del Carmen. And is very well known for extremely tasty seafood and super friendly service. We will introduce the branch in call 34 here – you can find the other addresses on the homepage. So, if you’re looking for shrimp, ceviche, octopus and more, then you should stop by here. Delicious margaritas complete the offer in a delicious way.

    Address: Calle 34 Mza. 41 Lte.1, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 12:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 859 1442

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/LosAguachilesRM/

International Cuisine

  • Rockas Jamaican Kitchen | Jamaican cuisine $$ – $$$

    The Rockas is somehow an insider tip among the restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The small, cozy restaurant is a family business and is known for its super nice service. And then there’s the great Caribbean cuisine from Jamaica.… and of course, the super tasty drinks! Definitely a place to come back.

    Address: Avenida 1 between Calle 26 and 28, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Tuesday closed, otherwise daily 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 277 9119

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/RockasJAM/

  • Trattoria del Centro | Italian Cuisine $$ – $$$

    Trattoria del Centro is a good Italian restaurant in Playa del Carmen and known for first-class pizzas. But, also handmade pasta and a very tasty selection of Italian dishes make this place a popular place for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. In the evening a reservation might make sense, as the restaurant is very popular.

    Address: Calle 26 between Avenida 5 and 10, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Tuesday closed, otherwise daily 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 1 984 147 2294

    Website: https://trattoriaplaya.wixsite.com/trattoria

  • Belmonte – by George | Portuguese cuisine $$ – $$$

    The Belmonte is a super chic restaurant in Playa del Carmen downtown. The Portuguese cuisine is exquisite and the service really very friendly. No, more than that. Whether you prefer meat or seafood, the Belmonte will probably make you very happy. There are also very fine Portuguese wines.

    Address: Avenida 10 between Calle 4 and 6, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Monday closed, otherwise daily 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 148 2074

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/Belmontebygeorge/

  • Fuku Cocina de Precisión | Asian cuisine $$ – $$$

    Fuku is an absolute gem among the restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The culinary experience ranges from sushi and Japanese cuisine to Thai dishes across Asia. The plates are beautifully decorated and an absolute feast for the eyes. The service by the owners is super friendly. Therefore – absolutely recommended.

    Address: Calle 1 sur between Avenida 20 and 25, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily noon – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 147 2288

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Restaurant/Fuku-782463941950093/

Vegan Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

  • The Pitted Date | $$ – $$$

    Delicious vegan restaurant in Playa del Carmen. The dishes are not only very tasty, but also a real feast for the eyes. Even meat lovers become fans of vegan cuisine here. Nice service and really great smoothies.

    Address: Avenida CTM between Avenida 1 and Avenida Cozumel, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 803 3917

    Website: http://thepitteddate.com/

  • Bio-Orgánicos | $$ – $$$

    A little apart from the tourist hustle and bustle is Bio-Orgánicos, one of the great vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen. You will find super delicious dishes and drinks here. Simply a very healthy diet. You will enjoy a nice little restaurant with a relaxed ambience and super friendly service.

    Address: Calle 26 nte between Avenida 5 and 10, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sunday only until 3:30 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 803 2881

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/Bio-Org%C3%A1nicos-Playa-del-Carmen-1496627560623160

  • Clorofila Green & Vegan | $$- $$$

    You will find really healthy food and a super nice service in the restaurant Clorofila in Playa del Carmen. The dishes just taste as if the ingredients were still in the garden a moment ago. There are also great smoothies and juices. In their own small shop you can also enjoy shopping for organic cuisine.

    Address: Calle 20 Corner Avenida 30, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Sunday closed, otherwise daily 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 879 4552

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/clorofila.vegan/

Kosher Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

  • Falafel Nessya | $

    Kosher and vegetarian at once – at Falafel Nessya you will find delicious snacks of oriental cuisine made from purely plant-based ingredients. Even vegans or vegetarians with an appetite for a quick bite will feel very comfortable here. Small restaurant with few tables, but you can also sit outside. The service is very friendly, the portions are great. All this at very fair prices.

    Address: Calle 6 between Avenida 10 and 15, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Wednesday closed, otherwise daily 1:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 149 1533

    Website: https://falafel-nessya.negocio.site/

  • Yala Middle Eastern Cuisine | $

    If you would like to eat Kosher or Halal, Yala is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen for you. The nice family business offers delicious oriental cuisine at very reasonable prices. The service is super nice, the restaurant is also very child friendly.

    Address: Calle 10 between Avenida 5 and 10, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – midnight

    Phone: +52 984 803 2989

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/YALA-Middle-Eastern-Cuisine-in-Playa-del-Carmen-297343967059071/?bookmark_t=page

Breakfast & Cafes

  • Lara & Luca | $$ -$$$

    French & Fusion Café in Playa del Carmen with incredibly good snacks to pamper you. The extremely tasty gourmet breakfast at Lara & Luca is well known, so there’s always a lot going on in this small restaurant. The perfect place for a good start into the day.

    Address: Avenida Aviación, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 176 3305

    Website: https://www.larayluca.com/

  • Pik Nik Playa | $$ – $$$

    Pretty little restaurant with holiday feeling and very tasty Mexican cuisine. Many healthy dishes and rewarding menu packages. Options for vegans and vegetarians are also offered. Very friendly service. The Pik Nik restaurant is a popular meeting point for those who want to start the day with the right culinary delights at breakfast.

    Address: Avenida 10 between Calle 24 and 26, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 212 1250

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/piknikplaya/

  • Café Orange | $

    Very tasty Mexican breakfast and good coffee await you at Café Orange. The servings are large but cheap. Very friendly service is added. So, if you would like to start your day with a feast of delicacies of Mexican cuisine prepared with love, then you will probably feel very comfortable here. The restaurant also offers a delivery service.

    Address: Calle 30 between Avenida 25 and 30, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Sunday closed, otherwise daily 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 803 0389

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/el.orange.de.playa/

  • La Cueva del Chango | $$ – $$$

    La Cueva del Chango is probably one of the most famous restaurants in Playa del Carmen. And that’s not only because of the delicious food made from fresh local ingredients. The location is quite unique, a large courtyard with a tropical garden for sitting. As soon as you cross the doorstep, you feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle. Just incredibly beautiful.

    Address: Calle 38 between Avenida 5 and the beach

    Opening hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Sunday only until 2:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 147 0271

    Website: https://www.lacuevadelchango.com/en/

Streetfood in Playa del Carmen

  • Il Cartoccio Street Food Mar y Tierra | $

    Once you’re in the Caribbean and you want street food, why not try seafood as street food? Especially if it is as delicious as the dishes of Il Cartoccio? Shrimp, calamari, mussels, tuna… aaah. There are even voices who say that the dishes are like made by a gourmet Italian chef, just to take away.

    Address: Calle 6 between Avenida 10 and 15, Playa del Carmen

    Opening hours: Daily noon – midnight

    Phone: +52 984 147 8020

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/IlCartoccioPDC

  • Xquitelicious Esquites | $

    Esquites is actually corn. And corn is the main food source of Mexico. But if you’re not Mexican by chance, you certainly can’t imagine what delicacies you can conjure up from it at all! Xquitelicous is a casual place where you can try many delicious combinations. Vegetarian, beef, shrimp – there is something for everyone. In addition, there is a wide selection of sauces and super nice service. You should try it! Of course, you can also have yourself pampered by their delivery service.

    Address: Avenida 28 de Julio M9 SM70 #27 Local 1, Residencial La Toscana, Playa del Carmen (beyond the highway)

    Opening hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday also 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Phone: +52 984 804 8027

    Website: https://www.facebook.com/Xquitelicious/?ref=page_internal

What to watch out for in Playa del Carmen’s restaurants

  • In upscale gastronomy, you should reserve a table in advance and check if there is a dress code.

  • Especially in smaller restaurants it can happen very easily that there is only a menu in Spanish. In this case, you can simply ask the waiter to explain the offers to you.

  • If you are in Mexico for the first time, you shouldn’t get a price shock when checking the menu. In Mexico, the prices are quoted with the $ sign. But these are not American dollars, it is Mexican pesos.

  • You don’t want to give up alcoholic beverages? In Mexico, not all restaurants have a license to sell alcohol. Ask in advance, especially in small restaurants.

  • Would you like to pay with credit cards? This should not be a problem in upscale gastronomy. But you should carry your passport in the original (not a copy), as some restaurants want to check it when paying with a credit card. In smaller restaurants ask in advance about credit cards, or better take Mexican pesos with you.

  • Tipping: In Mexico, 10-20% are common in restaurants. Sometimes the tip is included in the bill. Anyway, staff is grateful for a few pesos extra left back on the table. If a bar tender mixes you great drinks, leave about 20 pesos per drink.

Conclusion

I have to admit – every time I write an article about delicious restaurants, my mouth starts watering and I could die from hunger. We hope you were able to try some of our tips and that it tasted incredibly good!

 

#magicblueplanet #mexico #quitanaroo #playadelcarmen #mexicotravel #visitmexico

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