Once nothing more than a small beach town, Playa del Carmen is not a bustling city that is best known for La Quinta Avenida and its beaches. However, there is much more to it than that, and for me, the restaurants in Playa del Carmen were a real highlight. It is a city where locals, expats and tourist mix, so there is a restaurant that caters to every taste.
There are those restaurants that appeal mainly to tourists with booming music right on La Quinta, and charming small local restaurants only a few streets away. And then, you also have streets full of restaurants that are particularly popular amongst the digital nomads and expats that call this city their (temporary) home.
As a result of this, you will find that the restaurants in Playa del Carmen have very different price ranges, but at the end of the day, there is something for everyone. I, for one, recommend mixing it up, as everything else would mean you are missing out.
Given that I lived and worked in Playa del Carmen for a month, I had the chance to get to know the food scene of the city quite well. And let me tell you that I more than enjoyed eating at all the different Playa del Carmen restaurants for ‘research purposes’.
Aside from eating delicious food, there are plenty of things to do in Playa del Carmen. You can stroll down La Quinta, relax at great beaches like Playa Punta Esmeralda (if you are not visiting during the sargasso season), go on a self-guided street art tour, and so much more.
It is also a good place to stay if you want to go cenote diving in the cenotes near Tulum like Cenote Angelita. Additionally, you can also plan a day trip to Cozumel. Other popular day trip destinations from Playa del Carmen are Tulum, the ruins of Coba, and Chichen Itza.
Restaurants in Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue
Sonora Prime Playa del Carmen
Address: 5 Avenida Norte, esquina Calle 12 Norte
Sonora Prime might be known as a steakhouse, but this Playa del Carmen restaurant is much more than that. Given that I do not eat beef or pork, I would not have visited this restaurant in Playa del Carmen, if it had not been recommended by a local. And I can only say that I am incredibly happy that I ended up eating here.
It is hard to imagine what this restaurant is like from the outside, as you have to walk up a flight of stairs. The main restaurant is located to the left, while there is a smaller and quieter area to the right. The interior is very modern, and the music creates a comfortable atmosphere.
The food here is delicious and a real treat for your taste buds. There are many different steaks on the menu, but there is also a selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
Once you are seated and how ordered, a waiter will bring you a bowl of cheese-covered beans with tortilla chips, and a selection of sauces that range from mild to very spicy.
And while it is very tempting to stuff yourself while waiting for your food, it is best not to eat too much, as you do not want to be too full to enjoy your main course.
Recommended Dishes: Roasted Tomato Soup with Croutons and Goat Cheese
After finishing your main course, you will be presented with a selection of cakes that are just as delicious as they look. Just know that the slices are enormous.
Two of us only ordered one slice when we returned to Sonora to celebrate my birthday. And even between the two of us, it was hard to finish it.
Tip: Let the staff know if you are ordering a slice of cake on your birthday or are celebrating something else. You might just get a sparkling surprise.
Aside from the great food, Sonora also has amazing cocktails. Upon ordering, a mixologist will roll a car to your table to prepare your cocktails right in front of you. It’s a real show and makes sipping the drink afterward even more enjoyable.
While not listed on the menu, there is a 2-for-1 offer when it comes to cocktails. Be sure to let the waiter know that you want to use it when you order.
Muy Salsa
Address: 5 Avenida Norte, entre Calle 38 y 40
Muy Salsa is a small Mexican restaurant just at the end of the heavily frequented part of La Qunita. It’s a very colorful setting and there are Mexico-themed murals on most walls. Later in the evening, there is often live music and the restaurant gets busier, so it is best to arrive at 9 PM at the latest.
The food is flavorful and more than affordable for a restaurant on La Quinta. Just know that while the food at this restaurant in Playa del Carmen is great, it is not the place to go if you want to drink fancy cocktails. Order a beer alongside your meal.
Recommended Dishes: Chicken Fajita
Where to eat in Playa del Carmen on Calle 38 Norte
Given that I lived on the corner of Calle 38 and La Quinta, I decided to check out a lot of the restaurants in Playa del Carmen on the beautiful Calle 38, which happens to be my favorite street in the city. All of them are on Calle 38 Norte between La Quinta and Calle Flamingos.
Amate 38
Address: Calle 38, enter 5 Avenida Nte y C. Flamingos
Amate 38 is a restaurant that serves fresh regional food and is the place to go if you want to treat yourself to a fantastic, but not-too-expensive meal. The food here is both visually appealing and tasteful, and it is hard to go wrong when you order.
This Playa del Carmen restaurant feels like a charming cantina in the middle of nature, as it has a semi-open-air concept. There is a small waterfall area to one side, and the greenery around the sitting area creates a calming atmosphere.
The food is very flavorful and the different flavors on your plate will create a symphony in your mouth. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
As you eat, you can observe tortillas being handmade – be sure to ask for some even if you are not eating tacos.
Recommended Dishes: Charcoaled Chicken Breast (marinated in white and red recado). Be sure to also order a starter like ‘Sopa de lima”, which is a Yucatan specialty.
La Cueva del Chango
Address: Calle 38, enter 5 Avenida Nte y C. Flamingos
La Cueva del Chango is named after a spider monkey that calls this section of Calle 38 its home and is an outdoor restaurant. As you eat, you are surrounded by lush greenery, and it does not feel like you are in the middle of a city. Only a very small section of this restaurant is covered.
Given that it opens early, it is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen if you want a delicious breakfast or brunch. Order some chilaquiles and enjoy a relaxed start to the day.
It is also a great place to eat for lunch and dinner. Just know, that it closes at 10:30 PM, which is earlier than many other restaurants in Playa del Carmen. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
La Perla Pixan Cuisine
Address: Calle 38, enter 5 Avenida Nte y C. Flamingos
La Perla Pixan Cuisine is both a restaurant and a mezcal store, so it should not surprise that it is the Playa del Carmen restaurant to visit if you want to try different mezcals. The bar has a wide selection and the bartenders are happy to recommend a mezcal based on your preferences. Your mezcal is served on a wooden tablet alongside slices of lime, orange, and cricket powder.
The main area of this restaurant is under a big palapa, and the atmosphere is great. There is live music, and sometimes dancers in traditional clothes perform.
Merely looking at the food here will make water pool in your mouth, so expect a delicious meal. Aside from great food, they also have good cocktails. The bartenders put on a show when making the drinks, which is quite entertaining.
Non-Touristic Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
When I first started writing this guide, I was planning to recommend specific restaurants on 30 Avenida. However, my favorite one ‘Las Ollas Calientes‘ has been closed permanently in the few months since my visit.
And sadly this amazing restaurant in Playa del Carmen is not the only one on 30 Avenida that closed for good. Therefore, I will not be listing a specific restaurant on this street for now.
However, I still highly encourage you to walk to 30 Avenida if you are looking for non-touristic restaurants in Playa del Carmen that are beloved by locals. On this street, only a short walk away from La Quinta, you will find many great small restaurants that serve flavorful food for very little money.
If you visit a restaurant that is popular among locals, you might want to give ordering your food in Spanish a try. If so, these Mexican food phrases will be useful to you.
International Restaurants in Valladolid
Mexican food is amazing, but once in a while, you might want to eat international food. Especially, if you are spending a few weeks in the country. The restaurants in Playa del Carmen below are great options if you want to eat non-Mexican food.
Sushi Roll
Address: 5 Avenida Norte, entre Calle 12 y 14
Sushi Roll is a restaurant chain, and one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen if you want to eat Japanese food. Located inside a mall-like complex, this restaurant has both an outdoor and indoor sitting area. Given that it is quite popular, you might have to wait in line before you get a table, but you never have to wait too long.
The food there is great and you can choose from a wide selection of authentic Japanese food. So brush up on your chopstick skills and enjoy a great meal!
If you do not eat fish, you will be happy to know that they also have a selection of fish-free options. I tried two different sushis with chicken and absolutely loved them. Aside from food, they also have great cocktails.
From Monday to Wednesday, there is a ‘Sushi Nights’ promotion where you get two sushis for the price of one. It is possible to order different ones, and you will only have to pay for the most expensive sushi. The promotion starts at 6 PM.
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What to know about Playa del Carmen
Where to stay in Playa
Playa del Carmen is a resort city, so there is no shortage of places to stay. However, some hotels and other accommodations are better than others.
Should you want a hotel with a rooftop pool that happens to be one of the few good sunset spots in the city, you will love the Fives Downtown Hotel. It is a stylish Hilton property and only a short walk away from the beach and La Quinta.
If you are looking to stay in a fully equipped apartment, I recommend the Luxury Condo Boutique. It is the apartment complex I lived in for a month, and I loved the pool and jacuzzis. The complex has a door guard, which makes it ideal if you have any safety concerns. (However, I do not think you should worry about safety, as Playa is considered a rather safe destination in Mexico.)
Should you be looking for vegan-friendly accommodation, Palmaïa is great. It is one of the best vegan-friendly resorts in Mexico.
Booking.comHow to get to Playa del Carmen
Getting to Playa del Carmen is rather easy, as this city is well-connected. You can either opt to take the ADO bus there right from Cancun Airport or catch a bus there from other popular destinations of the Rivera Maya like Tulum. Alternatively, you can also arrange a private transfer there, which is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi.
In case you have little luggage, it is also possible to get there by Colectivo. That is unless you are traveling to Playa del Carmen right from the airport, which would first require a bus ride to Downtown Cancun.
Planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my own adventures.
Roundup: Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Mexico is one of the best foodie destinations in the world, so it is no surprise that there are many great restaurants in Playa del Carmen. As you can see, there are both local and international options, which makes this city ideal for foodies that are planning to stay a while.
If you eat closer to the main area of La Quinta, the food will very likely be more expensive. Therefore, it is best to venture all the way to Avenida 30 if you want to eat fantastic Mexican food for a smaller budget. In addition to that, you will also find some less expensive and yet touristic restaurants in Playa del Carmen, if you walk along La Quinta north of Calle 38 Norte.
If you are a lover of seafood, you might want to jump over to Cozumel. After all, there are plenty of great restaurants in Cozumel, in addition to all the other things you can do while there. It is only a short ferry ride, so you do not have to worry about how to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
More about Mexico
If you are planning a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you might also be interested in these travel guides about Mexico:
Restaurants in Valladolid
Hidden Gems in Mexico
Which of these Playa del Carmen restaurants will you eat at?
Let me know in the comments!
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