Top Restaurants in Playa del Carmen-
Visiting a new city and having to decipher the local gastronomy scene can be overwhelming, especially in Playa del Carmen! Our dining, shopping and entertainment district, the famous 5th Avenue, is lined with hundreds of restaurants to choose from. To assist you in the decision-making process, we have put together a list of our staff favorites located on or near La Quinta (as the locals call 5th). From Italian to Asian to authentic Mexican and more, this list offers the best options for dining out in Playa.
Each eatery on the list receives our seal of approval!
If you see our badge, you can rest assured we have tested them out. Buen provecho!
La Cueva Del Chango - Breakfast/Lunch
Open daily from 8:00a.m. - 10:30p.m. Flowing through the center of the lush Monkey`s Cave is a river inhabited by turtles and koi fish. Famous for their vast selection of blended fruit juices, the breakfast menu also includes an array of traditional Mexican offerings (the chicken enchiladas with chile pasilla sauce are a personal favorite), fresh fruit, omelettes and crepes.
Location: 38th Street between 5th and the Ocean
Indigo - Breakfast
Breakfast served from 8am - 12pm - Enjoy Indigo`s famous buffet which includes coffee, fresh squeezed juice, fruit, yogurt and pastry buffet along with your choice of main breakfast entree. Situated on the cool alabaster sand, enjoy brunch with a captivating view of the glistening Caribbean Sea.
Location: 14 Street and the beach
Chez Celine - Breakfast/Lunch
Opens at 8am - A local hotspot, this authentic French bakery`s aromatic scents of fresh baked bread can be detected from blocks away. The enticing menu includes healthful options such as seasonal fruit with granola and omelettes, as well as a succulent offering of sweet works of art from tarts, pastries and of course buttery croissants. For an inventive twist on traditional lemonade, I recommend the ginger infused Limonada Celine.
Location: 5th Avenue and 34th Street
Imprevist - Breakfast/Dinner
Open at 8am - This delightful, upscale restaurant serves a gourmet menu of international fusion consisting of benedicts, omelettes and traditional Mexican cuisine. If you select the set breakfast, your choice of hot dish is accompanied with coffee or tea, a fresh fruit platter served with local honey, granola and yogurt, basket of pastries and a 100% natural juice (the jugo verde is one of the best in town). A great choice for breakfast or dinner!
Location: 1st Avenue between 14 and 16th Street
Nativo - Breakfast
Open from 7a.m - Surrounded by colorful Mayan graffiti artwork, patrons can dine under the palapa roof, on traditional favorites such as chilaquiles and juevos rancheros. Also on the menu are healthy options like fruit salads or a delicious variety of extra-large, fresh blended juice concoctions.
Location: 30th Avenue between Constituyentes and 20th Street
Como Como - Dinner
Open from 1:45 for lunch and dinner - The light Mediterranean menu boasts succulent items such as fresh oysters, sweet potato gnocchi with rabbit ragout, beef and fish fillets, as well as veal. The tranquil garden atmosphere nestled in the rear, presents the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy a romantic dinner for two or a night out with good friends and good wine!
Location: 10th Avenue between 12th and 14th Street
Bio-Natural - Breakfast/Lunch
Opens at 8am - This health food store and restaurant serves a vibrant and fresh vegetarian/vegan menu. From omelettes to quinoa salads, fruit bowls to hotcakes, their flavorful combinations please any palate.
Location: 10th Avenue in between 14th Street and Constituyentes
La Ceiba at Dac - Breakfast
Open from 7a.m. - La Ceiba is located within Playa del Carmens most famous produce market, DAC. The restaurant serves a variety of authentic Mexican favorites as well as omelettes. The seating capacity is small and wait times can be long during high season, so the best suggestion is to pick up one of their tasty, fresh blended fruit smoothies to go.
Location: 30th Avenue between Constituyentes and 20th Street
Los Aguachiles - Lunch
Open from 12p.m - The fresh ingredients, cold drinks, and vast menu of seafood dishes will tantalize your taste buds at Los Aguachiles. Try popular dishes such as the mixed ceviche (mixed seafood cured in lime and salt), fish tacos, fresh tuna lettuce wraps and tostadas. To wash it down, order a refreshing Mexican beer or their tasty micheladas (beer with lime and spices.)
Location: Calle 34 and 25th Avenue
100% Natural - Lunch
Opens at 7:00a.m. - Dine amongst a lush landscape with tropical flora and a tranquil waterfall. The restaurant uses fresh, local organic ingredients in their vast menu. Choose from authentic Mexican cuisine such as burritos and enchiladas, or flavorful salads, veggie burgers and seafood dishes. To accompany your meal, try one of their fresh blended juices, which are large enough to be a meal on their own!
Location: 5th Avenue in between 10th and 12th Street
La Piola - Lunch/Dinner
Opens at 1:00p.m - This local favorite is known for its delicious brick-oven pizzas and blended basil martinis! There is plenty of seating and a large patio area from which to enjoy drinks with friends or casual meal with the family.
Location: Calle 38 between 5th Avenue and the beach
Salade - Lunch
Opens at 9:00a.m - This quaint establishment serves a wide variety of healthful offerings from fruit plates with their homemade granola recipe, vegan energy cookies, wraps, (including an amazing salmon wrap) whole grain bagel sandwiches and delicious paninis. Build your own salad from the fresh ingredients from the salad bar or try the Philip salad (a personal favorite) with a vitamin-packed green, mint juice.
Location: 15th Avenue and 10th Street
Los Hijos del Mar - Lunch
Open from 1:00 p.m. - The beach vibe is obvious although this funky eatery is not seaside. Try the delicious Marlin Pate to start and sink your teeth into a variety of tacos or tostadas piled high with tuna, octopus and other succulent fare freshly harvested from the sea.
Location: 30th Avenue and Calle 24
Cafe L`orange - Lunch
Opens at 8:00a.m - This charming cafe made the list for its consistent offerings of fresh prepared, in-house daily specials. For lunch, your choice of main entree is served with a starter, fresh juice (el agua de sandia- watermelon juice is amazing) and a dessert sampling.
Location: 25 Avenue and 30th Street
El Jardin - Lunch
Opens at 9:00a.m. This delightful establishment sits within a tropical garden in the center of the city. The quality of the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable. The menu of the day is served with soup, choice of entree and drink for only $80 pesos! An interesting fusion of flavors from the Yucatan and the Czech Republic are integrated perfectly in every unique dish. On Friday nights, Noche de Diva takes place from 6:00 -9:00p.m. Patrons can dine and be entertained by the colorful owner, Paula.
Location: 20 Street between 10 and 15 Avenue
Kaxapa Factory - Lunch
Open from 10a.m. - Owner Jose Ramon and family own this delightful Venezuelan restaurant that has recently moved to a bigger location across from the Municipal Building. The casual menu features fresh seasonal juices such as passion fruit, sour sop, and lemon with cane juice. There are several vegetarian selections to choose from including the vegetable Kaxapa. This corn battered, Venezuelan pancake is filled with cheese, veggies and avocado and accompanied by a zesty salsa that will make your eyes water! The Patacon or green plantain toast stuffed with chicken or beans, vegetables and cheese is served over a bed of organic lettuce and is a delicious option in Playa for introducing your taste buds to new flavors!
Location: 10th Street between 15th and 20th Avenue
Loco Joe - Lunch
Open from 7a.m - 11:00p.m - This local favorite has a vast menu from popular breakfast items like chilaquiles and omelets to flank steak entrees for dinner. But this casual eatery is best known for its selection of flavorful burgers. Choose from beef, turkey, crab, salmon, chicken and vegetarian, all loaded with a variety of fresh toppings! Loco Joe also offers a Menu of the Day, which includes a main item with choice of salad or fries and juice at a very reasonable price.
Location: Northwest corner of Constituyentes and 30 Avenue
Papa Charly Pasta Factory - Lunch/Dinner
We love the vast menu which includes fish, salads, falafel and fresh, handmade pastas. Each day, they feature a special menu served with juice, choice of main dish, soup or salad and coffee or dessert.The carrot cake is divine, so definitely take the dessert!
Location: Calle 30 between 25th and 30th Avenue
Nau - Dinner
Open from 1:00p.m. to 12:00a.m. - The sophisticated decor at this Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Playa del Carmen matches the service and its menu. The savory dishes at Nau consist of seafood offerings such as daily catches of the day (fish and lobster) from the Puerto Morelos fish market, mussels and grilled octopus. If cuisine from the ocean is not your thing, they also offer rich chicken and pork entrees. The white sangria is the perfect cocktail to sip on while you await your meal. The plate of chocolate creations including a rich truffle and velvety chocolate mousse a sweet ending to a heavenly dinner.
Location: Corner of 8th Street & 15th Avenue
Casa Sofia - Dinner
Open from 12:00p.m - This casual Italian eatery charms its guests with an intimate atmosphere and menu of fresh homemade pastas and sauces. The bread is served warm while the beer and sangria come ice cold. They offer vegan, seafood and an array of robust, authentic Italian dishes at a very reasonable price. Reservations are recommended.
Location: Plaza Coba, near Playacar Fase 2 entrance on Aviacion Rd
El Diez - Dinner
Open at 1:00p.m - This Argentinian Steakhouse serves a vast menu from pasta (the prawn linguine is delicious) to chicken to excellent thin cuts of grilled beef. The effervescent ambience and prime location present an optimal setting for savoring a cool beverage and watching people from every nation traipse along the famous 5th Avenue.
Location: 5th Avenue and 30th Street
The Sushi Club - Dinner
Open for breakfast until late - Dine on freshly prepared rolls, teriyaki rice bowls, an incredible seafood carpaccio, sashimi, and much more. The soft lounge music sets a chic vibe whilst taking in some delicious Asian cuisine and cool cocktails, like their fantastic cucumber, watermelon or avocado martinis.
Location: 10th Avenue and 26th Street
Bovino`s - Dinner
Open from 12:00p.m - The extensive gourmet salad bar featuring soups, a variety of salads, sushi, tuna, paella, and international cheeses is enough to satisfy a hungry patron on its own. However, we recommend you save room to sample the choice cuts of beef, lamb, buffalo, pork and quail presented on a Brazilian rotisserie sword by the jovial and attentive wait staff. Reservations are recommended and we suggest going on an empty stomach!
Location: 10th Avenue and 12th Street
Romeo`s - Dinner
Open from 4:00p.m - This little hole in the wall type Italian bistro serves some of the best handmade pasta, pizza, seafood salads and desserts in town. Since the generous portions are meticulously prepared, at times there can be a wait for the main course. We recommend a glass of chilled Prosecco and the octopus salad while you await your savory meal.
Location: 4th Street in between 10th and 15th Avenue
Madre Tierra - Dinner
Open from 12:00p.m - located on If exceptional food and service is what you are looking for in Playa del Carmen, we suggest you choose to dine under the palapa roof at Madre Tierra. Sip on the best in local and international wines while enjoying samplings of tuna tartar, lobster ceviche, grilled steak and poultry, stuffed salmon fillet or the sinfully good homemade walnut brownie drizzled in caramel.
Location: 5th Avenue and 14th Street
Casa Del Agua - Dinner
Open from 4:00p.m. - This fine dining establishment and wine bar overlooks the effervescent 5th Avenue and offers an extensive wine list coupled with a vast menu of seafood and international specialties. Start with the fig salad or lobster bisque, then choose form a selection of culinary sensations such as the seafood risotto, braised duck, lamb shank with couscous or a tender grilled steak. Visit their webpage to for more information on their weekend wine tasting schedule.
Location: 5th Avenue and 2nd Street
Almirante Pech - Dinner
Open from 6:00p.m - This is where the trendy resident and visitor crowd of Playa del Carmen go for a posh night out. Patrons will be impressed with exquisite menu items, which include beets with goat cheese and roasted ceviche starters, gourmet Yucatan panuchos, barbecued lamb, grilled fish with lentils, or slow roasted pork. The full bar presents the most sophisticated selection of tequilas, mezcals and wines.
Location: 5th Avenue and 30 Street
La Parrilla - Dinner
Open from 12:00p.m. - For authentic Mexican cuisine and Mariachi music, sit on the upper level of La Parilla, which overlooks the vibrant 5th Avenue and adds to the magic of your dining experience. The friendly staff serves dishes like chicken enchiladas in a mole sauce, arrachera steaks (thin, tender, grilled cuts of beef), shrimp tacos and traditional fajitas. By the time you come to the bottom of your fishbowl cocktail, you will be belting out songs right along with the mariachi!
Location: 5th Avenue and Constituyentes
Oh La La - Dinner
Open from 6:30p.m. - 11:00p.m - Oh La La is a hidden gem with much sophistication and charm. Chef George gives personalized service and offers artful creations such as vibrant papaya salads, spicy curries, fresh lobster dishes and filet mignon. The refined wine list is as impressive as the superb dishes in which they accompany. This intimate bistro will lure you back time and time again with its savory flovors and impeccable service. Reservations recommended.
Location: 14 bis north between 10th and 15th Avenue (Closed Sundays)
Sur Steakhouse - Dinner
Open from 12:00p.m. - 1:00a.m - Dining at this elegant steakhouse in the heart of the city, patrons can select from choice grades of meat as well as a variety of poultry and seafood options such as a grilled octopus or seared tuna presented as culinary works of art. The attention to detail is demonstrated not only in the food, but in the excellent level of service as well. The polished yet relaxed alfresco dining environment is a highly pleasurable way to pass a romantic evening for two, or a night out with a group.
Location: 5th Avenue and 10th Street
Caguameria de Esquina - Dinner
Open from 2:00p.m. - 1:00a.m - This trendy, 2 level, pub-style restaurant features a fresh and hip vibe, alfresco dining and a casual menu replete with delicious pub fare. The stacked burgers, flavorful flatbread pizzas, and beet salads are arguably the best in town. Their combination of house prepared sauces, cocktail blends and jovial service staff will draw you back to Caguameria time and time again!
Location: 1st Avenue and 20th Street
Axiote - Dinner
Open from 1:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. This wonderful dining establishment scores a 10 all around for excellent service and a fantastic menu featuring traditional Mexican dishes with a contemporary twist. Try the bone marrow Tuetanos or the delicious tortilla soup for an authentic taste of Mexico or visit Axiote for lunch and choose from their incredible Menu del Dia.
Location: Calle 34 between 5th and 10th Avenue
Yum Yum By George - Dinner
Open 1 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - This is the second Playa del Carmen eatery by Chef George and it too made our list! The Asian-inspired menu features mouthwatering Thai curries, Pho soups and a sweet pork dish served in a carved out pineapple. Everything from the service to the cocktails down to the entrees is superb. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation because this intimate restaurant fills up fast.
Location: 10th Avenue and Calle 6
Rey David - Lunch/Dinner
This is a charming and intimate Italian restaurant just around the corner from Bric Hotel and Spa. The menu is extensive and offers classic plates robust in flavour. There is a cream sauce with truffle and asparagus, an assortment of pesto and traditional bruschetta, lasagna and pizzas that take you on an delectable gastronomy tour through Italy. Chef David has been tantalizing tastebuds in Playa del Carmen for a decade.
Location: 10th Avenue between Calle 28 and 30