The effervescent lure of 5th Avenue, with its bounty of shops, restaurants and nightlife, possesses a dynamic appeal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Playa del Carmen or it’s your annual tropical escape, there’s always something new to see on La Quinta. While strolling along this magnetic cobblestone street, vacationers can choose from a succulent mix of native and international cuisine. However, if you’re wondering what’s beyond the main tourist hub, we highly recommend indulging in that curiosity.
Just beyond 5th Avenue, you’ll discover some of the best restaurants that contribute to the city’s superb gastronomy scene. Plus, it’s likely that you’ll gain a more rich and authentic dining experience. This list features ten top restaurants favored by locals and situated off of the bustling 5th Avenue. From traditional Mexican dishes to authentic Italian offerings to regional options with a contemporary twist, these eateries are sure to satisfy your cravings for something out of the ordinary.
1. Los Aguachiles
Located on the corner of Calle 34 and 25th Avenue
The vast menu offers endless seafood options. Besides scores of tostada choices piled high with fresh tuna and fish, you’ll find lettuce wraps and smoked fish tacos. Or delve into the saucy oyster and shrimp cocktails while sipping a michelada— a casual lunch staple in Playa. If you are a fan of spicy dishes, we dare you to dig into the ceviche-style shrimp aguachile. This popular lunch eatery known for its giant-size bottles of cold beer is open from 12-7pm.
2. Off The Vine
Located just of of 5th Avenue and Calle 40
This quaint wine bar is nestled on the quiet north end of town 5th Avenue. Featuring fantastic live musicians, you’ll love the friendly neighborhood atmosphere in their outdoor dining room. To start with, they showcase an exquisite selection of national wines and bottles from award-winning wineries world-wide. Secondly, these divine vinos are paired with scrumptious tapas and artful cheese platters. Off The Vine is open most days from 11 am to 11 pm. Therefore, enjoy sampling the artisan breads, premium cheeses, and champagne mimosas on the sunny terrace any day of the week (except for Sundays, when it’s closed.) Note that on Mondays and Saturdays the doors close early at 5 pm.
3. Romeo’s
Located near Calle 4 between 10th and 15th Avenue
Aromas of authentic Italian cooking fill the air within this charming local favorite. Besides the risottos and brick-oven pizzas, the hand-made pastas are always a delight to patrons’ tastebuds. Since all items are prepared fresh, make allowance for preparation time. While you wait, share the warm octopus salad with a glass of superb wine amidst the cheerful ambience. Due to its limited seating, it’s best to call 9841416507 for reservations.
4. Sushi Club
Located near Calle 26 and 10th Avenue
Sushi Club presents one of the best settings to enjoy sushi and saki in Playa del Carmen. The chic atmosphere is perfect for couples seeking an romantic night out. Or rather, if you’re with a groups of friends, this is a great spot for convening over samplings of sashimi, rolls, tempura and rice bowls. Open 24 hours, the Sushi Club features daily food and drink specials. Additionally, Saturday is a great time to stop by for Ladies Night.
5. Cervecería Chapultapec
Located near Calle 20 and 1st Avenue
For superb casual dining and drinks, Cervecería Chapultapec is the starting point of a memorable night out in Playa del Carmen. The Mexican style cantina offers standard traditional menu items with a contemporary flare. Famous for their affordable cocktails, ales and tacos, the place is always packed with a vibrant crowd. It’s an upbeat watering hole with a fun-loving staff and without the pretentious prices. Naturally, this makes the pub a popular place. Visit from 12 pm – 1 am daily.
6. Casa Sofia
Located in Plaza Coba on Airport Road near Playacar Fase 2
This successful Italian bistro requires reservations every night of the week for good reason! The pasta is prepared fresh daily, the wine is free flowing and the prices are very reasonable. Pizzas come loaded with savory toppings and the terrace’s decor is whimsical and romantic. The local hotspot is open 2 pm – 10 pm daily and reservations are recommended (984 166 4252.)
7. Chester
Located near Calle 4 and 40th Avenue
Specializing in pasta and single serving sizes big enough to feed an entire family, Chester presents a fun dining experience you won’t forget! Located well away from the tourist scene, you must literally read the writing on the wall, the menu wall that is, to order. In order to encourage an enjoyable, present-moment encounter, baskets on the table are for patrons to leave their phones in. In the end, you get the most out the rich food and unique dining experience. This favorite eatery is open Wednesdays to Mondays 2:00 – 10:30pm and closed on Tuesdays.
8. Como Como
Located on 10th Avenue between Calle 12 and 14
This award-winning restaurant features a menu of Mediterranean-Italian cuisine in a tranquil, intimate setting. The service, food and presentation are as divine as is the craft beer and organic wine selection. Centrally located, Como Como is open daily for breakfast 7:00am – 1:30pm and for lunch and dinner, 1:45 – 11:30pm. Opposite to the eatery is free 2 hour parking in the Tendenza building. As it can get busy in the evenings, reservations are recommended.
9. Cueva del Chango
Located on Calle 38 between 5th Avenue and the sea
Due to its array of tropical blended juices, crepes, and a host of traditional Mexican breakfasts, La Cueva del Chango has been a longtime favorite brunch joint. Likewise, delicious dinners are prepared with authentic regional ingredients within the lush, natural setting. Youngsters enjoy spotting the inconspicuous monkeys hanging throughout “The Monkey’s Cave.” Even more so, the turtles and Koi fish in the central pond are a hit with the kids. Cueva is open 8:00am – 10:30pm and is an absolute must when dining in Playa del Carmen.
10. El Fogon
Located on Calle 6 bis and 30th Avenue diagonally across from Walmart
The list would not be complete without a nod to a genuine Mexican taqueria! There are several El Fogon locations in downtown Playa, but we’ll highlight this one for its size and open-air upper dining room. Without a doubt, for a truly genuine taco experience, the tacos al pastor are a must. Warm corn tortillas are tpped with delicious shavings of spit-roasted pork, a slice of pineapple, cilantro and onions. Granted, you’ll need to have an icy piña colada or a cold beer on hand because the spicy salsas tend to set your mouth of fire. Be warned, but don’t pass them up. A zesty salsa is an essential finishing touch to these mouth-watering Mexican specialties.
When you are visiting a new city, it’s helpful to do your due diligence and gather useful information so that when you arrive at your destination, everything runs a little smoother. With travel tips, you can minimize the unknowns and be more prepared when you find yourself in unfamiliar territory.
Tips such as where to find top-notch authentic cuisine, or the best way to get from point A to point B, can help to enhance your overall experience, especially when these recommendations come from locals who know the city well.
Aligning with our mission to provide the most exceptional vacation experiences possible for our clients, we have created this list of Playa del Carmen’s 10 Bests. Based on customers’ frequently asked questions, our Bric staff was given a survey. Of the hundreds of incredible dining experiences to be had in the city, it was very difficult to narrow the choices to just three per category. We’re sharing the winning votes so that when you come to Playa del Carmen, you know where to go to enjoy the city’s best!
1. Best Margarita In Town
Gold: La Piola
(Calle 38 between 1st & 5th Ave)
La Piola has been around for years and has a big local following. Besides great margaritas, they are famous for basil martinis and delicious brick oven pizzas.
You’ll love the Playa-esque setting with light bulbs strung through the trees. Some nights, it is the place to gather to watch the game, while on other evenings, you can enjoy incredible live music while you sip your icy margarita.
Silver: Casa Sofia (Plaza Paseo Coba on Aviation Road)
Bronze: Tiny Tiki Hut (20th Ave between Calle 6 & 4)
2. Best Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Gold: La Cueva Del Chango
(Calle 38 between 1st & 5th Ave)
La Cueva Del Chango (meaning The Monkey’s Cave) is a longstanding favorite in Playa del Carmen. You can choose a seat outside in the lush garden or under the thatched palapa at one of the tables surrounding the Koi fish and turtle pond.
Here you can expect some of the best service in town for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The owners are proud to support local farmers and the freshness is evident in each delicious dish.
Silver: Doña Mary (30th Ave & Calle 28)
Bronze: Axiote (Calle 34 in between 5th & 10th Ave)
3. Best Fine Dining
Gold: Harry’s Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar
(5th Avenue between Calle 12 & 14)
Harry’s prides itself on offering only 100% fresh cuts of the top three best meats in the world; USDA PRIME, Australian Black Onyx pure Black Angus Beef, and Japanese Kobe.
Patrons tout the upscale Playa del Carmen restaurant as ‘fine dining at its best.’ Featuring a superior wine selection, ice cream made right at the table, the biggest lobster tails you have ever seen and steaks so tender they melt in your mouth, it’s best to make reservations if you’re planning a special night out.
Silver: Imprevist (1st Avenue between Calle 14 & 16)
Bronze: Sonora Grill (5th Ave & Calle 12)
4. Best Breakfast
Gold: La Cueva Del Chango
(Calle 38 between 5th & 1st Ave)
La Cueva Del Chango takes home the gold once again for best breakfast place in town. The enchiladas are some of the best in town, however you can try other great local flavors in their fresh, blended house juices, as well as the empanada, crepe, chilaquile, and omelette dishes.
The menus are in English and Spanish, the prices are fair and you can always count on service with a smile.
Silver: Chez Celine (5th Ave & Calle 34)
Bronze: Lara and Luca (Aviation Road)
5. Best Tour
Gold: Xel Ha Park
The Xcaret Experiencias Group has six (plus the soon-to-open, Xavage) remarkable ecoparks under their belt. But if we had to pick our favorite, it would be Xel Ha. Although you would undoubtedly have an unforgettable day or evening at any of their parks, travellers of all ages have a blast exploring the phenomenal nature at Xel Ha.
Among some of the thrilling features within the expansive park are modest zip lines, The Cliff of Courage (for confronting your fear of heights), Children’s World with slides leading into the turquoise waters, snorkelling bays, cenotes and the Lighthouse. This newer addition towers over the park and presents a magnificent 360-degree view.
You can also take a mini expedition into caves, traverse over jungle paths on a bike and float along a picturesque river enclosed by mangroves. Xel Ha is all-inclusive, which means you can leave your dinero in the lockers and eat and drink to your heart’s content.
Silver: Rio Secreto
Bronze: Coba Archaeological Site & Cenote
6. Best Beach Club
Gold: Zenzi
(Calle 10 & the beach)
For over a decade, Zenzi Beach Bar has been a fixture on Playa del Carmen’s picturesque coastline. A perfect place to “Eat Drink and Chill” with your toes in the sand, Zenzi attracts visitors and locals alike, showcasing incredible live local talent on their main stage.
Zenzi offers one of the best locations in the city to partake in salsa classes (every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 9pm.) On other evenings, you can enjoy the amazing fire or acro yoga shows that never fail as crowd pleasers. The beloved beach club also serves as an excellent venue for events such as art expositions.
Silver: Kool Beach Club (Calle 28 & the beach)
Bronze: Lido (Between Calle 10 & 12 and the beach)
7. Best Romantic Restaurant
Gold: Alux
(Avenida Juarez between 60th & 70th Ave)
This underground cave dining experience is truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine sampling creative plates highlighting the unique tastes of the region as the light from candles and chandeliers reflects against centuries-old stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Alux features an impressive wine cellar for tasting, a main dining area, a lounge and bar area, as well as a handful of private tables tucked away in hidden crevices, creating the ultimate romantic atmosphere.
Silver: Aldea Corozon (5th Ave between Calle 14 & 14bis)
Bronze: Sundowner Yacht Club (Plaza Paseo Coba on Aviation Road)
8. Best Island Daytrip
Gold: El Cielo
Although technically El Cielo is on the island of Cozumel, (our runner-up) it is a full-day tour in and of itself. Your boat captain makes stops at two vibrant reefs, bursting with a rainbow of colourful coral and fish on route to El Cielo. This stunningly beautiful bay area is only accessible by boat, which means on most days, your group will be able to enjoy the strikingly clear waters to yourselves, with the exception of maybe one or two other boats.
Stingrays frequent the heavenly spot, plus you’re likely to encounter starfish, sea turtles and grouper in the shallow waters, which resemble a pristine pool.
Silver: Cozumel
Bronze: Isla Mujeres
9. Best Pub For Cheap Beer
Gold: Cervecería Chapultapec
(Multiple Locations)
This popular pub seems to be popping up on a new corner every month in Playa del Carmen. People love the concept of offering each menu item – from cocktails and beer to tacos and burgers – at one price! What first peeked our curiosity about La Cervecería Chapultapec were the crowds that filled the space on a nightly basis. With so much competition, it is not an easy feat for a Playa restaurant and bar to pack the house on any given night.
But, what really blew us away when we finally had the opportunity to visit La Cervecería was the value you get for your money. After receiving the bill, we had to check twice to see if the server had forgotten to charge for something. We could not believe that three of us could eat and drink for under $400 pesos!
There are two central locations (10th Avenue and Calle 14 or 1st Avenue and Calle 22) to choose from. The lively pub atmosphere is the ideal place for a casual night out in Playa del Carmen.
Silver: Tiny Tiki Hut (20th Ave between Calle 6 & 4)
Bronze: La Verbena (Calle 34 between 5th & 10th Ave)
10. Best Tacos
Gold: El Fogon
(Multiple Locations)
Of all things Mexican, there is nothing more authentic than the taco as far as food goes. That’s why a visit to a taquería is a must and El Fogon sits at the top of our list for best tacos in Playa del Carmen.
Whether you’re taking the family for tacos al pastor (a vertical spit-roasted marinated pork) after a day at the beach, or need some late-night grub after a few beers at the club, tacos are a good idea any time of day!
Currently, this well-liked eatery has three downtown locations. There is one on Constituyentes between 25th and 30th Avenue. Another sits on 30th Avenue at Calle 32 and the third is on 30th Avenue and Calle 8 kitty-corner to the Wal-Mart.
Silver: El Gran Taco (Across from Centro Maya Mall on Calle 41 Sur)
Bronze: Los Hijos Del Mar (30th Ave between Calle 24 & 26)
The number of dining establishments can make choosing seem overwhelming. But this list of Playa del Carmen’s best offers a perfect start point to discovering the city’s phenomenal gastronomy scene. For more suggestions on local cuisine, our BRIC Vacation Rentals ambassadors are happy to share more of their favorites!