Where To Eat? Your Ultimate Guide To Different Cuisines In Playa Del Carmen (2024)

Are you new to Playa del Carmen? I’m sure you’re aware of its beauty but when it comes to restaurants, we will be your personal travel guide. Today, we’ll look at some of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen for you to choose from.

Like its residents, many of whom are ex-pats from other countries, Playa del Carmen’s cuisine is international and full of diversified eateries. They serve tempting creations from all over the globe which has earned them international recognition.

List Of Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen

Be it brunch with family or dinner with your date, we’ve got you covered. We’ve talked about the most exquisite restaurants in Playa del Carmen with extensive details about ambiance, pricing, etc. The list is down here, see ya!

The Pocket-Friendly Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen

Falafel is yet another one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. This hip little “hole in the wall” eatery is owned by an Israeli woman. There are three main menu options but they are fresh and economical which automatically gives it an edge over other restaurants. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available and it doesn’t serve alcohol. It is extremely reasonable and should definitely be one of your go-to restaurants.

  • Budget : $10-$17 approx.
  • Timings : 2 pm- 9 pm.
  • Must try : Fish Tacos, Churros, Ceviche.
  • Visit here : ICTIO
  • Ratings : 4.3/5

Lara & Luca is a mid-range restaurant that specializes in French and other International cuisines. In fact, it’s one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen for breakfast. They offer vegan and other gluten-free options to the customers just like any other good restaurant. They serve simple tasty food, with the best quality of ingredients. You can also find them at their Deli store with a variety of pastries, cakes, and great food to take home.

  • Budget : $5- $20 approx.
  • Timings : 7:30am- 10:30 pm
  • Must Try : cazuela, huevos, almond croissant.
  • Visit here : LARA&LUCA
  • Ratings : 4.8/5

El Chuleton is also one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Their main creativity in fast homemade food can be enjoyed from more than ten soups such as beef broth, a delicious meat juice with five hours of slow cooking. Cheese Fundidos’ selection of three kinds of cheese with the meat is mouth-watering. They also serve natural fruit juices such as maracuya and guanabana. All their food and drink preparations are mainly made with garrafon water.

  • Budget : $3- $8 approx.
  • Timings : 9am- 12 am
  • Must Try : beans soup with nopales, queso fundido, tortillas.
  • Visit Here : The Chuleton
  • Ratings : 4.8/5

Rockas Jamaican Kitchen is again, one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The restaurant is rustic & far from fancy. It gives off a bikers’ cafe vibe which automatically attracts people in search of comfort. Everything they do is inspired by the Chefs’ experience & life in Jamaica. This translates to authentic home-style cooking, where every bite is infused with the warmth and vibrancy of Jamaica’s culture and people.

  • Budget : $3- $15 approx.
  • Timings : 4pm- 10pm
  • Must Try : Authentic jerk chicken, patties and traditional Jamaican dishes served in a true island-style setting.
  • Visit here : Rockas Jamaican Kitchen
  • Ratings : 4.8/5

El Oasis Mariscos

El Oasis Mariscos is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen that specializes in seafood. It was even mentioned in the “top 10 best things to do in Playa del Carmen” article by TimeOut. If you’re craving ceviche and want to try some of Playa’s freshest seafood, head to El Oasis Mariscos. The menu is Mexican-Peruvian and it’s been going strong for years. The seafood paella is also top-notch.

  • Budget : $4- $14 approx.
  • Timings : 11am- 7:30pm (Mon- Fri), 11am- 7:30pm (Sat- Sun)
  • Must Try : Mixed Ceviche, aguachile, coconut shrimp.
  • Visit here : El Oasis
  • Ratings : 4.9/5

Breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner on the beach? Lido Beach Club has got you covered. Ranging from live music and a great staff to yummy food and drinks at good prices, everything is top-notch. It’s one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. It offers different specials each day and buckets of ice-cold Cerveza. This mid-range restaurant specializes in Mexican and Caribbean cuisines.

  • Budget : $6- $14 approx.
  • Timings : 8am- 8:30 pm
  • Must-Try : Shrimp tacos, tuna tostadas, flank steak quesadilla, and drinks served in real coconuts.
  • Visit here : Lido Beach
  • Ratings : 4.5/5

Tropical Playa del Carmen is one of the best Playa del Carmen restaurants for Non-Vegetarian dishes. It specializes in Mexican, Caribbean and Latin cuisines. It is known for excellent service and ambience. It also specializes in Spanish and Central American delicacies other than the ones mentioned above. Although it’s mainly known for its non-veg specialties, it has room for vegetarians and gluten-free preferences too.

  • Budget : $6- $26 approx.
  • Timings : 7 am- 11:45 pm
  • Must Try : Enchiladas, Margaritas, Salsa.
  • Visit here : TROPICAL RESTAURANT
  • Ratings : 4.4/5

Casa Rivieras is another mid-range restaurant that specializes in Mexican cuisine along with Italian Pizza and the taste of the Mediterranean. It’s one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen for lunch. Here, you’ll find a delicious fusion of cultures and flavors of the Mexican and European Rivieras that will delight your palate with homemade dishes with a Gourmet touch.

  • Budget : $7- $19 approx.
  • Timings : 7:30am- 11pm
  • Must-Try : Fettuccine with parmesan Chicken, linguine with clams, creme brulee.
  • Visit here : Casa Rivieras
  • Ratings : 4.7/5

Enjoy the best Sushi in Playa del Carmen. It is also one of the best restaurants with a view. Sushi “n” Raw Bar is a unique oceanfront terrace concept combining the perfection of the traditional Japanese dish with a light touch of the Caribbean. It specializes in creating an explosion of flavors by putting the freshest ingredients together. Their Bar has the best drinks and cocktails menu in the area as well

  • Budget : $7- $17 approx.
  • Timings : 1pm- 11pm
  • Must Try : Mango & Lobster, Mixology Master.
  • Visit here : RAW BAR
  • Ratings : 4.1/5

Do you love to fish? If yes, this is the right place for you. This is a mid-range restaurant that specializes in seafood. Their talent and passion for Caribbean food are what motivate them to be better every day. The quality of their food involves the best ingredients in the region, proportionately put together. They improvise cuisines, offer the best aroma and taste, and take care of customers’ preferences too.

  • Budget : $10-$17 approx.
  • Timings : 2 pm- 9 pm.
  • Must try : Fish Tacos, Churros, Ceviche.
  • Visit here : ICTIO
  • Ratings : 4.8/5

Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants  In Playa Del Carmen

An emblematic place on Fifth Avenue, the Fah Restaurant Bar offers its open-air dining room which preserves harmony with the Caribbean vegetation. It’s a mid range restaurant that specializes in Mexican cuisine. They also have an international menu proposal with Mexican specialties and vegetarian dishes, as well as a wide variety of Caribbean specialties. It’s one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen when it comes to seafood.

  • Budget : $10- $25 approx.
  • Timings : 7 am- 11:45 pm
  • Must Try : Mixed Ceviche, aguachile, coconut shrimp.
  • Visit here : Restaurant Bar Fah
  • Ratings : 4.7/5

Oh Lala is one of the best high-end restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The cuisine here is refreshingly different from that of other restaurants. Guests are treated like good old friends in a relaxing atmosphere coupled with personalized service and good food. They offer personalized experiences for its guests and make sure that every visit to Oh Lala is unique and delicious. You’ll be happy to know that it’s one of the most romantic restaurants in Playa del Carmen as well.

  • Budget : $15-$24 approx.
  • Timings : 6 PM- 10:30 pm
  • Must try : Wine, mussels, Cheesecake.
  • Visit here : GEORGE AND MIKAELA
  • Ratings : 4.1

For an authentic Mexican experience, stop by this mid-range restaurant, La Perla Pixan Cuisine & Mezcal Store. Adored by the locals, it incorporates flavors from all over Mexico and serves them with their own special twist. They also sell bottles of many different types of mezcal and pulque. The palapa roof, open kitchen, funky interior, and live music make this one of the coolest restaurants in Playa.

Don Chendo is a mid-range restaurant that serves Playa del Carmen’s only Chicago-style deep dish pizza which is delicious. They also serve spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, and a killer Antipasto salad. Adult beverages include beer, wine, and spirits, and are all served in chilled glasses. The decor is simple and neat. Don Chendo is the famous Playa del Carmen restaurant for Vegetarian people.

  • Budget : $10- $20 approx.
  • Timings : 2 pm- 9:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday.
  • Must-Try : Chicago-style pizza, Chicken Parmesan, Antipasto salad.
  • Visit here : Don Chendo
  • Ratings : 4.5

La Cueva del Chango is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen for breakfast. Its cave-like style actually makes you feel like you’re picnicking at a secluded jungle spot. It has a natural setting with waterfalls, fishponds, exotic birds, etc. The restaurant makes all of its own bread, salsas, and tortillas. Dinner faves include shrimp spiced with cinnamon and tuna fish tostadas. Be sure to sample one of the Mexican wines on the menu.

  • Budget : $10- $15 approx.
  • Timings : 8 am- 10:30 pm (Mon-Sat) 8am- 2pm (Sun)
  • Must-Try : freshly ground coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, huevos (eggs) rancheros or divorciados, shrimp tacos.
  • Visit here : La Cueva del Chango
  • Ratings : 4.6

SushiClub is located on 26th Street between 5th Avenue & 10th Avenue and specializes in Sushi. With an upscale, romantic, chic ambiance and a DJ, patrons can settle in and enjoy rolls, sashimi, edamame, wok dishes, cocktails and mocktails. Sushi Club offers some interesting specials like all-you-can-eat and discounts on some days. They also deliver and serve breakfast.

  • Budget : $10- $50 approx.
  • Timings : 12 pm- 11pm
  • Must-Try : Cuban (with plantain), Balaam, Beach or Buenos Aires rolls, Chocolate Lust.
  • Visit here : sushiclub
  • Ratings : 4

This fun restaurant is decorated with a retro 40s and 50s hipster motif. Thai fusion food is the center of gravity, but that doesn’t stop the chef from experimenting with other international favorites occasionally. Vegetarians love this spot for its creative dishes like homemade bread and the spring rolls in peanut sauce are other delicacies. It’s a mid-range restaurant that specializes in Asian and Thai (mainly). Smoking is not permitted at Babe’s, not even in the outdoor seating section. Hence, it promotes healthy habits.

  • Budget : $10- $24 approx.
  • Timings : 2pm- 11:45 pm
  • Must try : Salads and meatless stir fry seasoned with lime, ginger, and curry.
  • Visit here : babesnoodlesandbar
  • Ratings : 4.2/5

Exotic Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen

Restaurante Ha’ is a high-end restaurant which is one of the most famous Michelin star restaurants in Playa del Carmen. It is also regarded as one of the best restaurants here. Their services are extremely smooth and quick, especially because of the presence of Chef Gaytan himself. It specializes in all kinds of Mexican cuisines and is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen for dinner.

  • Budget : $80- $200 approx.
  • Timings : 6 pm- 12:30am
  • Must Try : flash-fried Artichoke Amuse, Liquid Nitrogen-frozen Huitlacoche, King Crab.
  • Visit here : GASTRONOMY IN MEXICO
  • Ratings : 4.8/5

The Traveler’s table is yet another high-end Michelin star restaurant and also one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen with a view. Their menu by Eva Millan (Masterchef) takes your taste buds on a roll, incorporating multiple flavors and techniques from the Mayan empire to the present day. You get to learn and taste the influences of Spain, Middle East, with deliciously paired wines and mezcals from all over the world.

  • Budget : $39- $139 approx.
  • Timings : 6pm- 10pm (Mon and Thurs)
  • Must-Try : Mayan Mojito, black bean soup, cocktails.
  • Visit here : THE TRAVELER’S TABLE
  • Ratings : 4.5

Porfirio’s honors the best of Mexico by transforming its traditional flavors, textures and aromas into the most polished dishes of the country’s haute cuisine. It is immersed into an environment that challenges the concept of tradition. Here, you will witness the way in which classic ingredients become gracefully mixed until the ideal balance is found. They use flavors that tickle even the most selective palates, bringing all forms of cuisines together.

  • Budget : $36- $48 approx.
  • Timings : 1pm- 12 am
  • Must Try : Guacamole, Shrimp, Churros, Enchiladas.
  • Visit here : PLAYA DEL CARMEN
  • Ratings : 5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are there any Michelin star restaurants in Playa del Carmen?
A1. When it comes to good restaurants in Playa del Carmen, the list just goes on and on. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten Restaurante Ha’ and Oh Lala as these are one of the best Michelin star restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Starting from the decor to the dining experience even at the oddest hour of the day, they provide top-class services.

Besides that, we also have other gorgeous restaurants in Playa Del Carmen like The Traveler’s table are also equally good.

Q2. Does Playa del Carmen have good restaurants?
A2.
Looking for good restaurants in Playa del Carmen? We have an entire list shortlisted for you:

  • Don Chendo
  • La Cueva del Chango
  • Blue Lobster
  • Sushi Club
  • Lido Beach Club
  • Falafel Nessya
  • Imprevist

Q3. What is the most famous restaurant in Mexico?
A3.
When it comes to top restaurants in Mexico, it’s really hard to name one. This list might help you find what you’re looking for:

  • Pujol in Mexico City
  • El Mural de los Poblanos in Puebla City
  • Quintonil in Mexico City
  • Los Toneles in San Luis Potosí
  • El Jardín de los Milagros in Guanajuato
  • Casa Oaxaca in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
  • K’u’uk in Mérinda, Yucatán

Q4. How much does the food cost in Playa del Carmen?
A4. Most restaurants start plates around 100 pesos and go to 200 pesos. Drinks cost 30-40 pesos each unless you have a cocktail or glass of wine. A basic lunch with a nonalcoholic drink will cost about 150 pesos and a decent sit-down meal around 280 pesos per person.

To Summarize

We know the gravity of selecting the appropriate restaurants according to your preferred cuisine and other categories like pricing (considering your budget) and ambiance (based on your plan for the day, who you plan to go with). With the help of this article, you can shortlist your favorite restaurants and club them under different categories according to your need. That’s it and you’re ready for the day, go decide your outfit and enjoy!

Read More- 15 Best Dive Shops In Cozumel

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