If you’re interested in finding the best food spots in Playa del Carmen, then you’ve come to the right place! Most travelers stop down 5th Avenue, but I recommend getting off this street and experiencing fine dining in other areas for the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen is a coastal town located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a diverse and lively place with coral reefs, beautiful palm-tree-lined beaches, electric nightlife, and incredible food. Pair this Playa del Carmen best restaurant guide with my PDC travel guide to make your vacation complete.
El Chuleton
Av. 20 entre Constituyentes y, C. 16 Nte. Bis, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
For one of the best restaurants and the cheapest tacos in Playa del Carmen, check out El Chuleton! My personal favorite is the Al Pastor, but you can’t go wrong with any of their offerings. It’s a local place that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
La Cochi Loka
Calle 10 Nte 27, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
If you’re looking for the best Cochinita Pibil in Playa del Carmen, La Cochi Loka is the place to go. There are two locations, and while I love both, I find the one on Avenida 30 to be less greasy and more filled with locals. My go-to order is the tortas, and my husband orders the tacos.
Birria de la 30
30 Avenida Nte. 4, Tohoku, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Birria is a Mexican dish and a must-have while in the country. Birria de la 30 has the best birria that I have ever had in Playa del Carmen, with amazing prices. It’s a small spot that’s a bit out of the way on 30th avenue, but it’s worth the effort.
El Fogon
Av. Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
El Fogon is recommended a lot as one of the top restaurants in Playa de Carmen, which means that it is always crowded with locals and tourists. There are three restaurants, all off 5th Ave, and just a few blocks away from the main tourist street. El Fogon has the cheapest guacamole and decently priced drinks as well.
Los Aguachiles
Calle 34 Nte Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Los Aguachiles has a few locations in Playa del Carmen, but I recommend getting away from 5th Avenue and heading to the one on Calle 34. Their tuna tostada is terrific and they offer a large selection of cocktails, beers and more!
Luma Taverna del Mar
Calle 38 Nte. entre Albatros y Calle Flamingo, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
At the top of my list is Luma Tavena del Mar, an incredible Mediterranean restaurant not too far from the beach. If you love seafood and Italian cuisine, then this is the restaurant for you. This is one of my favorite spots in Play del Carmen and I’ve gone here many times, with each time being better than the last.
Trattoria del Centro
Calle 26, entre avenida 10 y avenida 5, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
If you are craving a pizza or handmade pasta, then Trattoria del Centro should be at the top of your list. The dough they use for their pizza is fresh and they cook them in a wood-oven fired in Neapolitan style. They also have outdoor seating and live music to make your experience more enjoyable.
Patanegra
Calle 26 Nte, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
For traditional Spanish cuisine, such as Iberian ham and paella, you have to check out Patanegra. They offer a selection of tapas and sangrias at a reasonable price. Sometimes, they even have live music with flamenco dancers.
Mu. Burgerhouse Av
40 Avenida Nte. 11, entre calles 4 y 6, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
For a hearty meal of burgers, fries, and beers, head over to Mu. Burgerhouse Av. There are two locations for this burger place; one on Ave 10 and Ave 40. If you want to sit down and have a more chill experience, the one on Ave 40 would suit you best.
Amate 38
Calle 38 Norte entre, 5 Av. Nte. y, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
At Amate 38 you can eat under the tropical shade of Yucatan trees and be close to the beach. If you’re wondering what to order, the empanadas here are amazing! Just keep in mind that they only accept cash. So, you’ll need to come prepared.
Flama Wood Fired Cuisine
10 Avenida Nte. 254, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Flama Wood Fired Cuisine serves the best pizza in Playa del Carmen. The dough is in a class of its own, and you will not be disappointed. The atomosphere here is very chill with outdoor and indoor dining options.
Primo
Avenida 10, C. 14 Nte esquina, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Primo is the sister restaurant to Flama, but you’ll need a reservation to eat here. It’s a pricier option, with a price rating of $$$$ on Trip Advisor. Regardless, the food and service are fantastic, so it is definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you have space in your budget.
La Perla Pixan Cuisine
Calle 38 Norte Entre 5ta y la playa, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
La Perla Pixan Cuisine is a lively restaurant with great vibes, incredible food, and live music and performances. If you are traveling to Mexico for a birthday or other celebration, then this would be one of the top restaurants in Playa del Carmen to enjoy. There is nothing better than a plate of eggs or chilaquiles to awaken your senses. They even offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Axiote Cocina de Mexico
Calle 34 Nte #128, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
The ambiance of Axiote Cocina de Mexico in Playa del Carmen feels fresh and cozy. The food served here is very fresh and the staff is very knowledgeable. The head chef and owner opened this restaurant to support both national and local food suppliers.
Best Brunch + Breakfast Spots in Playa del Carmen
Choux Choux Cafe
Av. 20 Calle 24 Norte con, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Choux Choux Cafe is the absolute best brunch spot! They have great food options and a cute outdoor seating area with swings and a vibrant mural. It’s very aesthetic and would be a great option for your next Instagram-worthy location, but expect a bit of a wait at peak meal hours.
Que Huevos
Calle Quinta Avenida, Calle 48 Nte Esquina, Luis Donaldo Colosio, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Que Huevos is a great breakfast sandwiches spot; however, be prepared that there is always a wait if you want eat there. If you aren’t in a rush, then it is worth the wait. The restaurant is located away from the touristy Quinta Avenue and their menu is huge, so there are a ton of delicious options for everyone.
Basic Foodie
5 Avenida Nte entre Calle 26 y calle 28N, Hollywood, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Basic Foodie is one of my personal favorites. For their breakfast and brunch options, I recommend their molletes, specifically the mollete Olivia. It’s out of this world and super cheap! They also have really good pastries and outdoor seating.
Bajo Cafe
Calle 30 Nte LB, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
If you’re working and traveling around Playa del Carmen, Bajo Cafe is a great coworking space. It’s quaint and comfortable, with an open air environment. They have good avocado toast, kombucha, and other healthy choices like acai bowls.
Best Playa del Carmen Restaurants with Great Drinks
Plank Gourmet Grill & Patio Bar
Primera Norte Mz 16 Lt 1, Local 22A, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Plank Gourmet Grill & Patio Bar is a more expensive option, but well worth the cost! It’s definitely a romantic spot, so this would make a great choice to dine in for a special occasion. It’s upscale, sophisticated and best known for their seafood.
Trujillos Cantina de Selva
Av 38 Mz 200 Lt 03 Entre 1 era y, Calle Flamingo, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
You can’t enjoy the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen without having a taste of their quintessential cantina venues. If you are looking for a place that has great cocktails, music, and nightlife vibes, go to Trujillos Cantina de Selva. Their guacamole and chicharron are chef’s kiss, amazing and their cocktails are swanky. When looking for trendy Mexican food, this is definitely one of the best places to eat in Playa del Carmen.
Caruso Hostaria Pizzeria
Calle 26 Nte, entre Quinta avenida Avenida 10, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Caruso Hostaria Pizzeria has a limited food menu, but great drink specials beyond the happy hour time. It’s small, cute, and on a lively street that plays jazzy music.
Chela de Playa
Calle 38 entre 1A, Calle Flamingo, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Chela de Playa is a spot to grab a beer (Chela is Mexican slang for beer). This spot is a chill lounge with unique outdoor seating.
Unique Dining Experiences in Playa del Carmen
Alux Restaurante & Lounge
Av Benito Juárez Mz 217 Lt2, Ejidal, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
For the best cave restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Alux is unbeatable. Out of all of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, this is the most unique dining experience. Here, you can dine in a cave that is more than 10,000 years old. Make sure to reserve a table a few days in advance and plan to take a taxi if you want to snag a dinner spot.
Mamita’s Beach Club
Mza, Calle 28 Nte. 8-10, Lote, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
If you want to dine at a chic beach club by the ocean, then go to Mamita’s Beach Club. You pay for the location and modern luxe, with the prices being significantly higher than the other restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
My Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
With so many different options for where to eat and drink in Playa del Carmen, the choices can be overwhelming.
The culinary scene here is incredible, with something for every mood and every craving, whether it be fine dining inside of a cave restaurant or a simple taco truck. Eating at Playa del Carmen’s best restaurants doesn’t have to break the bank; there are lots of budget-friendly options in this list and beyond.
Playa del Carmen is a gem of Central America and well worth the visit. There is never a dull moment from its stunning beaches, incredible gastronomic scene, and Mayan ruins.
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