Even though lunch and dinner may be included in your hotel price, you should still go out and savor the world food that Playa del Carmen has to offer.
The population in this touristic city located about 50 minutes from Cancun, right in the Riviera Maya, has arrived from every corner in the world and contributed to create a unique and exceptional culinary experience. You can pretty much find every type of food there is!
We have compiled a few options for you on this list, but I’m sure you can still discover many more!
Argentinean Food
Argentinean Restaurant – photo by El Asador de Manolo
If you have a craving for some yummy empanadas you can try some of these two restaurants. Word is they serve some really delicious meals!
Don Tomato: 10 Av, between Calle 24 & 26. Tel: (984) 147-0767
El Asador de Manolo: 5 Av and Calle 32.
Cuban Food
La Bodeguita del Medio: 5 Av and Calle 34. Tel: (984) 803-3951
This Cuban restaurant franchise was originally founded in 1942 in La Habana, so it carries a lot of the island’s flavor, music, charisma, and fun. Don’t hesitate to drop by, and tell us how it went!
Spanish Food
Tierra España: Av Constituyentes, between Calle 15 & 20. Tel: (984) 803-0122
For a Spanish ambiance, some tapas, and a traditional paella valenciana, you can go to Tierra España. This restaurant even offers live music and dancing on week-ends.
French Food
This French restaurant combines delicious french cuisine with contemporary art, creating a truly stimulating experience for all senses. It sure has many positive reviews, so it now is at the top of my restaurant-to-do list!
Pre-Hispanic, Mexican, and International Food
Alux: Av. Juarez entre Calle 65 y 70. Tel. 984 206 2589
This is a unique restaurant located inside a natural cavern. They serve traditional dishes from the Mexican and Maya cuisines as well as many international creations, satisfying most palates. If not for the food, at least for the dinner-in-a-cavern experience, it is worth to try this restaurant in Playa del Carmen!
Italian Food
Cenacolo: 5 Av. y Calle 28. Tel. 984 803 5705
Rolandi’s: Paseo del Carmen. Tel. 984 803 4121
You will also find Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen, such as these two, which serve delicious dishes in a comfortable, yet elegant atmosphere. If you wish to eat a genuine Italian pizza, these are definitely good choices for you!
Healthy Food
100% Natural: 5 Av, between Calle 10 & 12 Norte. Tel: (984) 873-2242
La Cueva del Chango: Calle 38, between 5 Av & the beach. Tel: (984) 147-0271
Natural surroundings and healthy food are some of the things you will find in these refreshing restaurants. There are plenty of options for both breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Thai Food
Babe’s Noodles and Bar: Calle 10, between 5 Av & 10 Av. Tel: (984) 879-3569
This Thai restaurant is Swedish-owned, which already makes for an interesting combination. Apparently, their specialty are Thai noodles and Asian-European dishes, plus they claim to make the best mojitos, blueberry daiquiris, and margaritas in the area. Aaand, they have a funky decor with pin-up girls and barbie dolls to top it all off. Sounds appealing enough to add it to the list, don’t you think?
Seafood
La Casa del Agua: 5 Av and Calle 2. Tel: (984) 803-0232
This international restaurant, apart from serving seafood, some Mexican dishes, and an extensive wine list, is surely a sight for sore eyes. I’ve walked past it several times in my trips to Playa del Carmen and I’ve always wanted to go!
Oceanside Restaurant
Blue Parrot: Calle 12 and the beach. Tel: (984) 206-3350
For most of us who live near this Riviera Maya city, when thinking “party in Playa del Carmen” the name of this restaurant automatically pops-up. This American-owned establishment has been part of the picture since 1984, one of the most famous beach clubs and restaurants in the area. Another must!
Café
- 5 Av and Av Constituyentes. Tel: (984) 803-5748
- 5 Av and Calle 30. Tel: (984) 879-4179
If you want to find some really good coffee embellished with latte art, as well as yummy chocolate, search no more! This coffee shop in Playa del Carmen is right in the famous 5th Avenue and close to the beach. Drop by and tell us which was your favorite drink!
These are just some of the options I thought were worth my while mentioning to you. I hope you visit and like them, but most importantly: tell us how it was!
The information and views set out in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of Amstar dmc, who may not be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained herein.
