A Foodie’s Guide to Playa del Carmen
A Foodie’s Guide to Playa del Carmen: From Street Tacos to Jungle Dining
Playa del Carmen has a large number of dining options, from street vendors for a quick bite to fine dining to celebrate a special anniversary or event. Whether you are craving fresh Caribbean seafood, authentic Mexican street corn, or a slice of pizza that rivals New York’s best, Playa has a table waiting for you.
To help you navigate the culinary landscape, I’ve broken down my absolute favorites by location and vibe.
Key to the Kitchen:
🌮 Mexican / Authentic
🐟 Seafood
🍷 Fine Dining / Upscale
🍝 Italian / Pizza
🍳 Breakfast / Brunch
📍 Close to Aldea Thai (Quick Favorites)
If you are staying near Mamitas Beach or the Aldea Thai complex, you don’t have to travel far for a great meal.
El Patio De La Milanesa Restaurante Argentino 🌮
This is a go-to for comfort food. I absolutely love their empanadas! The best part? They offer service to the swim-up bar at the complex, so you don’t even have to leave the pool to grab a bite.
Roots Jamaican Kitchen 🐟
Located just one street up on 1st Ave from Calle 28 (turn left, just past The Reef 28). While they are famous for their fried chicken, I personally love the fish tacos. It’s a great spot for bold, Caribbean flavors without the fuss.
🍳 Breakfast & Brunch
Fuel up for a day of exploring (or beach lounging) at these top spots.
Bistro Playa 🍳
Location: Next to Root’s
Only open in the morning, this is the perfect spot for a fresh, healthy start. Their Acai bowl is a must-try.
Chez Céline 🍳
Location: 5th Ave, past Calle 32
A slice of France in Mexico. They serve amazing breakfast and lunch. The pastries here are legendary—grab a croissant (or three).
Capitán Sandwich 🍳
Location: Just past CTM and before Calle 50, on 5th Ave
If you have a sweet tooth in the morning, look no further. They serve some of the best pancakes and waffles anywhere in town.
50 Brunch 🍳
Location: On the corner of Calle 50
A bit further north on 5th, but worth the walk for a trendy, delicious brunch atmosphere.
Somos Crisol 🍳
Location: Past Calle 56
Another favorite that takes you a bit further out of the tourist center. It’s quiet, artisanal, and the coffee is fantastic.
🍽️ Lunch & Dinner Classics
Local staples and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.
Aldea Corazon 🌮 🍷
Location: 5th Ave near Calle 14
Don’t be fooled by the small storefront. This place hides a massive, beautiful interior built over a dry cenote and lush gardens. It is perfect for photos and a romantic dinner.
Ictio Fish House 🐟
Location: Calle 22
A true Caribbean seafood restaurant, and in my opinion, probably the best in Playa del Carmen. The seafood is incredibly fresh and the preparation is top-tier.
El Fogón 🌮
Location: 30th Ave (multiple locations)
You can’t write a food blog about Playa without mentioning El Fogón. It is a massive local favorite. It’s loud, busy, and serves some of the best al pastor tacos in the world.
Don Mario 🍝
Location: 10th Ave and Calle 8
One of my absolute favorite places for Italian food—a must-visit! It has a homey, traditional vibe that feels very authentic.
La Vagabunda 🌮 🐟
Location: 5th Ave & Calle 26 / Calle 38 & Beach
A reliable local favorite with a massive menu—they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. I am always happy with our meal here. Best of all, they have a great music scene at night. My personal favorite is the location on Calle 38 by the beach however, I often go to the one near Aldea Thai just for the music and drinks.
🌴 The Famous Calle 38
Calle 38 is arguably the most beautiful street in Playa, retaining the “jungle vibe” with trees preserved right in the middle of the restaurants. You really can’t go wrong at any spot on this street.
Amate 38 🌮
A stunning example of Yucatecan cuisine with an artistic flair. The setting is pure jungle magic, and the regional dishes are packed with flavor.
La Perla Pixan Cuisine & La Carboneria 🌮
If you want to dive into mezcal culture, this is the place. They focus on traditional dishes and offer a fantastic selection of mezcal, usually accompanied by live music.
Papaya Slice 🍝
Big claim alert: This is my favorite pizza in the world. It is NY style that beats a pizza I had the chance to compare to the very next day in Long Island, NY! Do not skip this if you crave a slice.
Taquería Sánchez 🌮
It’s not hard to find a Mexican restaurant in Mexico, but this one stands out. It focuses on the art of making great Mexican dishes and amazing drinks. High quality and great vibes.
Xoila 🌮 🍷
A brand new restaurant that focuses on “cooking with fire.” While the food is smoky and delicious, the drinks are even better.
🌽 Street Vendor Locations (The “Real” Playa)
If you want to eat like a local and save some pesos, hit the streets.
Plaza 28 de Julio (The Weekend Hotspot) 🌮 Location: Avenida 20 & Calle 8/10 (in front of the Palacio Municipal) This is the place to be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The plaza transforms into a vibrant market filled with families and food stalls. You will find everything here: Marquesitas (crispy rolled crepes with Edam cheese and Nutella), Esquites (Mexican corn in a cup), and countless taco stands. It’s authentic, lively, and the best way to spend a weekend evening.
The “Mega” Carts on 30th 🌮 Location: 30th Avenue, next to the Mega Soriana Supermarket On 30th Avenue, right next to the massive Mega Soriana (near Calle 30), you will find a legendary cluster of street food carts. This area is famous for Tacos de Canasta (basket tacos) during the day and hearty tacos and tortas late at night. One of the stars here is often El Rey del Taco, known for delicious flank steak (arrachera) and chorizo. If you want a quick, inexpensive, and incredibly tasty meal, this is the section to hit.
The Collectivo Area Avenida Juárez & 15th Ave🌮
If you venture toward the collectivo vans on Juarez, you will find carts selling Tamales and Tacos de Canasta (basket tacos). These are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
What are your favorite spots in Playa del Carmen? Let me know in the comments if I missed your go-to taco stand!
