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Disclaimer: The restaurant and business information represented here is provided as a helpful guide. As businesses change names, move locations, or close entirely, customers should call ahead when possible to confirm that an establishment is still in operation. Sol Maya Vacation Rentals hopes you find this information helpful and realizes that opinions and tastes differ. Enjoy!
** NOTE** Playa del Carmen has over 800 restaurants; this is only a sampling of what is available. We suggest talking with other visitors and locals while in the area for additional ideas or options. Please also be advised that many establishments only accept cash.
Tacos and Cheap Eats
Asadero el Pollo Estillo Sinaloa – MEXICAN $-$$
20th Ave. at 2nd Street. Also a new location on 30th Avenida and the CTM (46th Street).
Closes early, often before 5:00.
Serves one of the best Roasted Chickens. Eat in or take out. Cash only
CH Butcher Shop – MEXICAN $-$$
Located on Calle 1 Sur (This is on the Playacar side of Ave. Juarez) between 20th and 25th Avenues.
This is a real butcher shop with excellent meats to take home and cook. It also has excellent and inexpensive cooked Arrachera and steak lunch and dinners. This place gets rave reviews from locals and deserves it. The menu is limited, mostly to Arrachera and meats by the kilo to take out (para llevar). Cash Only
Chicharroneria y Carnitas Teresita – MEXICAN $-$$
1st Avenue SUR between 20th and 25th Avenues.
Maybe it should be called Little Terry’s Pork Place. This little hole-in-the-wall has a few tables and sells meat by the kilo to go. It has Chicharrones (fried pork skin), Kastakan (fried pork skin and meat), Buche (fried pig stomach) and Maciza (lean soft pork meat) and more. Prices are low and the people are friendly. Cash only
Dona Juanita - MEXICAN $-$$
Constituyentes between 45th street and Highway 307.
Really lovely, little place that serves breakfast and “comida del dia” (lunch) at low prices. Great service, clean and food is presented on Talavera pottery. A little off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. Cash only
Dona Mary - MEXICAN $-$$
30th Avenue and 28th Street.
Only open for dinner. 7pm-12am
This is a good place for a cheap Mexican dinner. The women only speak Spanish and most of the food choices are made with chicken. If the food looks a bit strange, it is because it is the real deal. Authentic Yucatecan light fare. If something looks good on the next table, just point and say how many you want. Cash only
El Fogon - MEXICAN $
2 locations: 30th Ave and 6th Street and 30th Ave near 32nd Street.
Tacos al pastor. Fantastic!! Makes everyone’s favorite list for legitimate Mexican food at a good price. Everything here is excellent, the beers are cold and the Frijoles Charros (bean soup) is something to dream about. You might have to wait for a table, but it is worth it. Cash Only
El Faisan y el Venado - MEXICAN/YUCATECAN $-$$
On highway 307, north of Juarez, east side.
Lots of locals eat here, especially for lunch. You will find many of the Yucatecan specialties here that are served at Yaxche, but much less expensive. Recommended are the soups, Carne Ahumada and the Panuchos Cochinita. This is a large and clean place with excellent service. Visa/MC/Cash
El Jurado (Mixiotes y Huaraches) – MEXICAN $-$$
across from the Mega on Constituyentes, east of 30th and next door to the new branch of El Fogon
El Jurado is best spotted from their orange awning noting “Mixiotes y Huaraches”. Serves excellent huaraches, which is a thick tortilla, about a foot long and 5” wide, served open with a choice of toppings, usually cheese and meat. An excellent, inexpensive meal. Frosty cold beers! Cash Only
El Pastorcito – MEXICAN $-$$
30th Avenida and 28th Street. Grilled meats, tacos al pastor and Arrachera. One of the best!! Wonderful Frijoles Charros (red bean soup). The mixed grill for two will feed 4 normal people. Not open until 5 P.M., it attracts a regular local crowd. Cash Only
Food Carts at the Zocalo – MEXICAN $
5th Avenue and 2nd by the park across from the bus station.
These carts are there in the morning and leave when they are sold out, usually before 11:00 A.M. Tacos and sandwiches (tortas) of pork, chicken, beef and shrimp, with great hot sauces. Go to the cart with the biggest crowd, telling you which is the best. Great breakfast for $2 to $3. Amazing fresh squeezed orange as well. Cash Only
Makech – MEXICAN $-$
This joint is on 1st Street SOUTH (which is on the Playacar side of Juarez) near 10th Avenue. Good, cheap, real Mexican lunches as well as fresh juices and aguas. Cash Only
Pizza Pazza – PIZZA $-$
Located next to El Oasis. 12th St. between 5th and 10th Ave.
Also on 5th Avenue at 14th.
This place has awesome slices of pizza and seems to be popping up outlets all over town. Cash Only
Pozoleria Mi Abuelita – MEXICAN $-$
Avenida 30 between 20th and 22nd Streets. This small and friendly Posole house has a small menu but specializes in pork and Chicken Posole, which is quite tasty. It is accompanied by a three-tiered plate of chips and chiles and additions, and for $50 Pesos, is a very good bargain. Cash Only
Breakfast and Sandwich Shops
La Cueva Del Chango - MEXICAN/INTERNATIONAL $-$$
38th Street, 1 block east of 10th Avenue, up one block from Shangri-La.
This place is a little out of the way but well worth it. Generally regarded as Playa’s standout breakfast destination. Homemade Granola served with fresh fruit and yogurt. Eggs with cheese and Chaya, served with homemade tortillas. Excellent Chilaquiles. Fresh squeezed juices and great coffee. They are also open for lunch and dinner. Hand-built by the owners with great funky style. A Perfect way to start the day. Also open for excellent lunches and dinners. Visa/MC/Cash
La Ceiba – MEXICAN
Constituyentes and 30th.
Local place with excellent Chilaquiles, egg dishes and Tortas. Huge smoothies and large portions at excellent prices. Well recommended by locals. After lunch or breakfast, visit DAC, the excellent fruits and vegetables, specialty items and artisan breads. Try buying some of the local goat cheese, it rivals French Chevre. Restaurant - Cash $-$ , DAC - Visa/MC/Cash
Tropical - MEXICAN $-$$
5TH Avenue at 12th Street.
Wonderful Chiapas pressed coffee, some of the best we have had. Fruit plates, killer fresh/healthy juice drinks, eggs and Mexican plates. Good service, great people watching. Also open for lunch and dinner. Visa/MC/Cash
Tortas Alejandra - MEXICAN $-$
Constituyentes between 30th and 35th, south side.
Small place that makes the BEST Tortas (sandwiches) we have ever had. They are huge and the rolls are super soft to absorb all the great flavors. Great for the beach, day trips or the plane flight home, you won’t be disappointed. 20 combinations and fresh juices/sodas available. Cash Only
Restaurants
Ah Cacao - COFFEE/DESSERT
5th Ave and Constituyentes.
Coffee, chocolate and ice cream, what more does one need in life? Air conditioned indoor seating as well as patio tables. Truly the best brownies ever!
Babes Noodle Bar - ASIAN $$-$$
10th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues, and
5th Avenue between 28th and 30th.
Many regulars swear by this Thai/Swedish influenced noodle bar. Great spring rolls, meatballs, Pad Thai, cold beer and good tropical drinks. Visa/MC/Cash
Byblos - FRENCH $$$-$$$$
Calle Corazon and 5th Avenue.
At night, this adorable French Bistro is decorated in white with little white lights and candlelight. Highlights include starters such as garlicky Escargot and French Onion Soup. The menu is rotating so expect different offerings for entrees such as grilled Grouper, Veal Chop with wild mushrooms or seared Tuna. Wine list, cocktails and delicious desserts. If you go, jump in and don't hold back. Open for pre-fix, inexpensive lunch as well. Visa/MC/Cash
Carboncitos - MEXICAN $-$$
4th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues.
American owned but run by local Mexicans. Tacos al pastor, grilled meats, shrimp. Excellent service, great drinks, small but good wine list. In the tourist zone but cool. Good for families and groups of friends. They also have a finished roof top area that is great for receptions. Highly recommended. Visa/MC/Cash
Cocteleria El Pirata – SEAFOOD $-$$
40th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues.
The restaurant closes at 6:00 P.M
This is another Pescaderia where the fish comes in fresh every day and it fills up around one in the afternoon. All seafood, the Ceviche is the best in town as is the whole fried fish. Walk next door to pick out the fish you want from large chest coolers. The house specialty is Salpicon, a fish stew full of shrimp, scallops and squid in a delicious red sauce. Reasonable prices and a true local flavor. Some waiters can speak English. Very cold beer. Beware of the vinegary Habaneros. Cash Only
El Asador de Manolo – ARGENTINIAN $$-$$$
5th Avenue and 32nd Street.
It serves Mexican and Argentinean specialties, delicious grilled meats, and Empanadas. The prices are reasonable and the service is good. Great steaks, short ribs, and the fish filet in Chile sauce is excellent. Visa/MC/Cash
El Bistro - INTERNATIONAL $$-$$$
2 locations, one at: La Tortuga Hotel, 10th Avenue and 14th Street,
2nd location at:
5th Avenue and 24th Street.
The Tortuga location is excellent and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wine list. Please see their website for additional information and menus. Visa/MC/Cash
Fusion – CONTINENTAL/MEXICAN $$-$$$
8th Street and the Beach
Wonderful spot overlooking the ocean. The food is always very good, and the staff very friendly. The beach tables have been expanded since the beach was enlarged, and they have good (but not too loud) music every night. Very romantic, dining and dancing on a candle-lit beach. Visa/MC/Cash
Glass Bar – INTERNATIONAL $$$-$$$$
10th Street between La Quinta and the beach.
This is a white tablecloth fairly expensive restaurant that is worth the price. Great for people watching and the octopus Ceviche is to die for. Very extensive wine cellar for oenophiles. Visa/MC/Cash
La Kalaka - ITALIAN/MEXICAN $$-$$$
4th Street between 15th and 20th Avenues.
Opened in 2008, good service, great food, wine list. The menu varies, but Everything is always excellent. Small, only eight tables. Visa/MC/Cash
La Pummarola - ITALIAN $$-$$$
5th Avenue and 26th Street
Wood fired pizzas, excellent salads, pasta dishes, specials and rotating wine list. This is a real bit of Italy in Playa, and after 9 P.M., you may hear only Italian being spoken. A great family place for dinner or an intimate table for two. **NOTE** The pasta tends to be very al dente, you might want to ask for a little extra cooking time. Visa/MC/Cash
La Tarraya – MEXICAN/SEAFOOD $-$
on the beach between 2nd and 4th Streets.
Overlooking the beach, the location is a great and the restaurant is a throw back to the old days of Playa. Traditional Mexican fare with an emphasis on Seafood. Cold beers, strong Margaritas and rock bottom low prices will leave you pleasantly surprised. Wine available as well. Cash Only
Las Cazuelas - SPANISH $$-$$$
26th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues, across the street from Luna Blue Hotel.
Four tables and a chalk board menu, but do not be deceived. Miguel is from Spain, and he makes the best Paella in Playa, and he is also one of those lovable characters that make casual dining an adventure of the spirit. Various Spanish tapas in the evening and a varied menu that changes with what is available in the markets. The seafood is always fresh and done impeccably. Reasonable and friendly, this rates 4 stars for the Paella alone. Cash Only
Los Aguaschiles - MEXICAN (HEALTHY) $-$$
34th Street and Avenida 25.
Open from 11:30 until 8:00 Monday through Saturday.
Inexpensive Seafood tacos of high quality, cooked healthfully (not fried). Choice of corn or flour tortillas as well as crispy tostadas and bib lettuce (healthy wrap). Newly expanded and freshened up, this open air place has some of the most interesting seafood in town. Cold beer available. Cash Only
Manne’s Biergarten – GERMAN $$-$$$
4th Street between 10th and 15th Avenues.
More than just a German pub. Wednesday night is rib night and Friday’s is pork roast. Closed Tuesdays.. A full menu of Mexican and German favorites, Manne’s has been a favorite of the Playa regulars for years. Newly instituted and very popular is their carved roast beef dinners served on Sunday nights. Watch out for the house made Tequila! Visa/MC/Cash
Sur - ARGENTINIAN $$$-$$$$
5th Avenue, at Calle Corozon (12th to 14th Streets).
Another fine Argentine grill right on 5th Avenue, this is a beautiful place with a nice bar. Good food, extensive wine list with street side dining and upstairs as well. Good for people watching. Visa/MC/Cash
Tango Taco – ARGENTINIAN $$-$$$
10th Street between 10th and 15th Avenues.
Much more than tacos. This Argentine grill has tasty grilled meats served many ways. Tacos and empanadas are great, but so are the dinner platters. Try the Sweetbreads and the Arrachera Steak. Wine list/cocktails/beer. Visa/MC/Cash
Wicky’s - INTERNATIONAL $$$-$$$$
on the beach at 10th Street.
During the day this is a great place for lunch at the beach club, with terrific hamburgers and a solid menu. In the evening, the inside is accessed through 10th Street for an upscale dining room and elaborate menu of steaks and continental cuisine. The food is excellent and the staff well trained. One of the few Playa restaurants with a really nice bar to dine at. Website for more information http://www.wickysplayadelcarmen.com/. Visa/MC/Cash
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