Playa del Carmen Restaurant Guide

So you love to travel to different destinations and enjoy local cuisine, fine dining or just new and exciting flavors? Read on! You may not have given Playa del Carmen a second thought when it comes to restaurants but it is a destination that has a wide range of traditional and international choices that start from local street fare to establishments that compete with the highest of international standards.

Our suggestions are based on years of local experience so do reflect our personal tastes. Be aware when asking your hotel concierges that their recommendations may be influenced by referral commissions.

BREAKFAST

Cueva del Chango
Uniquely set in a beautiful tropical nursery-type garden this is the spot for local-flavored breakfast. The Cueva del Chango is an icon amongst those who know and have lived in Playa del Carmen and is a definite favorite so make sure that you get there between 8-9am if you want to be sure to get a table. Try their famous chilaquiles and a delicious freshly-squeezed juice from the juice bar before heading down to the beach, only half a block away!

Chez Celine
A newer addition to the family Chez Celine is exactly what you would expect from a French bakery: freshly baked baguettes, croissants, pastries, sandwiches, quiches and salads. Enjoy any number of continental delights with your coffee from the highlands of Chiapas as you watch the day begin on Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue.

La Vagabunda
If you are looking for a trip down memory lane then it doesn’t get much better than La Vagabunda. Since 1996, when Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue was just a white-sand road that stretched only a few blocks away from the Cozumel ferry pier, this restaurant has been open for business! Not only has it seen the rapid development of the region from this original prime location but it has even managed to expand operations and is now open for operations in the three different places in Playa. The menu is a mixture of local Mexican and international dishes so take your pick as you watch passersby start their day in Playa del Carmen.

LUNCH

Babes
Babe’s Noodles and Bar, established in 2000, is a Swedish-owned restaurant and bar with speciality Thai noodles and an Asian European kitchen. The bar makes the best mojitos, blueberry daiquiris, margaritas, smoothies and juices. Everything is freshly prepared at the time you order. All these delicious eats, together with the funky decor featuring pin-up girls and barbie dolls, as well as personal attention from the owners, makes for a dining experience you won’t want to miss!

Kool
Set on Playa del Carmen’s world-famous Mamitas beach this restaurant forms part of the Kool Beach Club complex. Here you can enjoy the views of the turquoise blue Caribbean waters, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, relax in a lounge chair under a palapa, all the while enjoying music played by top DJ’s. It is an unbeatable lunchtime setting matched only by the ample selection of international cuisine that is prepared by one of the best chefs in the town.

Milos
Which destination would be complete without the very special Greek cuisine that we all love to enjoy?! Located only a quarter of a block away from the beach, and with a comfortable open-air terrace on which to relax while eating, this is a must if you are are looking for Greek familiarity.

DINNER

Yaxche
If you are the adventurous type and enjoy exploring what the locals have to offer, Yaxche is your dream come true. A unique blend of Maya recipes, some ancient some modern, prepared and served as award-winning culinary art, makes this a must on your list of things to do in Playa del Carmen. The setting is romantic, charming and the service quality excellent. Do try some of their interesting mezcal flavors as you watch the Fifth Avenue come alive at night.

Casa del Agua
If you are looking for fine dining, an international selection of world-class wines, then this restaurant is for you. Located in the historic area of Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue, Casa del Agua offers fusion cuisine for the more discerning client. Its birds-eye view of the Fifth Avenue from its first floor terrace and the magnificent view of the sea and Cozumel Island from its Roof Garden make it a unique venue from which to enjoy the Playa del Carmen nighttime buzz.

Casa Mediterranea
If you are a hopeless romantic and you love cozy and warm, Casa Mediterranea is the perfect restaurant in which to celebrate with someone special. Homemade pasta prepared by the Italian owner together with all your genuine Italian favorites, and of course a great selection of hand-picked wines, all served to you on a small terrace located within a private art court, ensure that you and those special to you will have a perfect evening.

Experience a sun-bathed Caribbean coastal destination graced with endless white sand beaches, turquoise blue seawater and a wide range of exciting tour activities. Please review selected highlights below and contact us to help you create an unforgettable experience in Mexico.