5 Riviera Maya Restaurants Offering Seaside Tables With Stunning Caribbean Views
12-02-2023
While visiting the buzzworthy beach towns of the Riviera Maya, you’ll find there is no shortage of excellent dining options. But if you’re in the mood for seaside dining and captivating Caribbean views , this list is for you! Here are 5 restaurant gems along the sublime, white-sand coastline of the Mexican Caribbean.
Fuego Restaurante y Cantina at Mahekal Beach Resort
Photo courtesy of Fuego Restaurante y Cantina
Located at the beach end of Calle 38, one of Playa del Carmen’s most enchanting streets, Fuego offers a decadent seaside dining experience. Serving exquisite world cuisine with a Mexican flare, Fuego has established itself as a go-to for an upscale meal or a special occasion.
Indeed there is a stellar option for every palette. Choose from top-shelf Wagyu cuts to Mexican specialties to vegan-friendly items including risottos and brick-oven pizzas. In addition, you can opt for divine seafare such as oysters or grilled octopus. Furthermore, on Fridays, the chef serves an extraordinary 4-course lobster dinner.
It is important to note that in the winter months, sunset is around 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the warmer months. For this reason, you may want to book a reservation during one of their breakfast or lunch seatings for the dynamic views. That being said, the romance factor remains elevated for evening diners under the whimsically lit beach palapa. In combination with the five star service staff and sounds of crashing waves on the shore just steps away, Fuego is bound to be a memorable dining experience.
There are 3 seating schedules: Breakfast is from 7-11 a.m, lunch from 12-5 p.m. and dinner from 7-10 p.m. Reservations can be made through Open Table.
La Buena Vida
Without a doubt, after snorkeling in Akumal Bay and observing turtles munching on the seagrass, you’ll be wanting to eat as well. While there are restaurants along this bay area, we recommend one of our favorite Riviera Maya seaside spots— La Buena Vida. Living up to its name, this restaurant and beach club does well to emanate every aspect of the Mexican Caribbean “Good Life.”
Hammocks are strung to coconut palms along the beach. The sand floor dining area and swing bar are occupied by happy patrons, and upbeat music sets the easy-breezy tone. Attentive and cheerful wait staff serve some of the best piña coladas and tangy margaritas in the Riviera Maya.
The menu is replete with generous portions of Mexican-style pub food. For example, select casual plates from zesty mango shrimp ceviches to burgers to tacos. Moreover, entrees include options like whole fried fish, pastas, ribs, and tender arrachera flank steaks. In fact, many local ingredients such as chaya and typical Mayan spices are incorporated into the dishes and represent an authentic taste of regional flavors.
La Buena Vida is an ideal choice if you’re traveling with kids as it has a pool and a beach, perfect for collecting shells. Also, you can snorkel from the beach here in Half Moon Bay. However, water shoes are recommended as the shoreline is quite rocky.
To get to La Buena Vida, you can catch a taxi from the arches at the entrance just off the Federal 307 Highway. Or if you are snorkeling at Akumal Bay, the walk is about 1 km following the main road past residential homes heading north. Better yet, if you have your own vehicle, there is plenty of free parking.
La Tarraya
Photo courtesy of Tarraya Playa del Carmen
One of the OGs of the Playa del Carmen restaurant scene, La Tarraya has been around since 1968. Situated on the white sand at Calle 2, this Playa icon with its idyllic Caribbean setting is a top choice after a day in the sun and surf.
The charming servers have been around for years and are pros at providing efficient and friendly service. On the menu, you’ll discover a long list of seafood favorites from fish tacos to shrimp cocktail to ceviche. Beyond casual choices, you can also order breaded fish, octopus, and lobster. Just outside the entrance, local fishermen are often seen filleting their catches of the day for the Tarraya kitchen crew. Plus, the bartenders serve up an excellent array of cocktails and Mexican beer to sip on as you savor the view. Despite that luxurious view, the prices remain reasonable.
Be sure to go inside to view the photos of Playa del Carmen back in the day. It’s a wonderful nod to the vibrant beach town’s history. La Tarraya is open everyday from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Mezzanine Thai Restaurant & Bar
Perched overlooking a 180° turquoise vista of Tulum’s legendary beaches, Mezzanine was recently awarded with a 2023 Traveler’s Choice from TripAdvisor. The southeastern-Asian-inspired menu highlights Thai cuisine staples such as dumplings, pad thai, and curries.
In short, the 2 for 1 cocktail specials, combined with the outstanding food, service, and jaw-dropping Caribbean views make Mezzanine a winner in our books too! It’s a highly recommended late lunch spot after a day of exploring the nearby ruins and cenotes.
To get to Mezzanine from the Federal Highway in Tulum, take Coba road heading east. When you come to a fork in the road, turn left on the Boca Paila road towards the stretch of public beaches. Mezzanine is a short drive from here just past Diamante K.
The C-Grill at The Thompson Beach House
Photo courtesy of C-Grill
In the heart of Playa del Carmen on Calle 8, C-Grill offers panoramic ocean views and a luxurious Caribbean atmosphere. Of course, being oceanfront, the menu showcases delectable sea fare, as well as grilled meats including kabobs and steaks.
The covered, open-air dining area can accommodate larger groups or is optimal for a romantic dinner out. What’s more, C-Grill has an exceptional brunch on Sundays. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a side of beach with your coffee!
Besides a table with a view, day passes are available for visitors. Spend the entire day sipping and dipping on one of the world’s most glorious beaches.
We hope this list of seaside dining options in the Riviera Maya will come in handy on your next vacation. For more options like this or additional things to do and see in the Mexican Caribbean, contact our team of local experts at Bric Vacation Rentals at information@bricrental.com.