The 9 Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: My Top Food Spots 2025

Playa del Carmen Mexico is easily one of my favorite destinations in Mexico (or at least the Yucatán) when it comes to food.

What I love about Playa del Carmen, and something I’ve really come to appreciate over time is how well it balances authentic local spots with more international, tourist-friendly restaurants. Unlike the Tulum hotel zone, which is almost entirely tourist-driven, Playa has a much better mix.

I personally enjoy a bit of both. I love a good upscale dinner or a solid pizza night (yes, even in Mexico I occasionally crave one), but I also adore Mexican food, probably more than any other cuisine, so most of my meals here end up being local dishes.

Since there are about a million places to eat in Playa del Carmen, I figured I’d narrow it down for you. These are some of my absolute favorite cafes and restaurants in Playa del Carmen that I’ve personally tried, loved, and would happily go back to. Let’s dive in.

Restaurants in Playa del Carmen – My Experience

Over the past five years or so, I’ve been to Playa del Carmen quite a few times, I somehow always end up here whenever I’m in the Yucatán. I usually spend a weekend or so enjoying the busy nightlife and great food scene before heading somewhere quieter along the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, or Bacalar.

Those visits have given me plenty of opportunities to eat my way around Playa del Carmen. Obviously, I haven’t tried every restaurant (that would take a lifetime and an iron stomach), so this isn’t some Michelin-style list. It’s simply my personal favorites and the spots I keep going back to whenever I’m in town.

I’m someone who loves variety when it comes to food. I’m obsessed with authentic Mexican dishes like mole, aguachiles, ceviche, and street tacos, but I also really appreciate fresh seafood and yes, sometimes I’ll even go for a pizza or a burger. Just because I’m in Mexico doesn’t mean I need to eat tacos three times a day, right?

So I’ve put together a list that reflects exactly that, a mix of everything. From $1 street tacos to beachside date-night spots, this guide has a bit of both worlds.

And before we dive into the rest, I have to give a quick shoutout to El Fogón. I know it’s not a hidden gem (it’s probably the most famous taco spot in Playa), but I still go every single time I’m here. Their tacos are incredible, especially the chorizo ones, which might just be some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.

1. La Cueva del Chango // Best Mexican Food in Playa del Carmen

Opening Hours: 8am-10:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

My all-time favorite restaurant in Playa del Carmen has to be La Cueva del Chango. I’ve been coming here for years, my first visit was about five years ago, and of course, I went back on my most recent trip too.

It’s a beautiful, authentic Mexican restaurant with mostly outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery. Every time I sit down here, it feels like I’m having breakfast in someone’s tropical garden and that’s definitely part of why I like it here so much.

I’ve only ever come here for breakfast (they open at 8 a.m.), and trust me, it pays to get there early because the line can get super busy. The food is absolutely worth it though. I can’t vouch for their lunch or dinner menu because I never manage to order anything but their chilaquiles, which are easily the best I’ve ever had.

I always go for the salsa verde version with cheese and a fried egg on top, and oh my god, it’s perfection. Crispy, saucy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. Definitely my number one spot in Playa del Carmen, and one I never skip, no matter how short my visit.

2. El Fogon // Best Tacos in Playa del Carmen Mexico

Opening Hours: 12pm-3am
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

El Fogón easily has the best tacos in Playa del Carmen and honestly, I don’t think that’s up for debate. I’ve been here so many times I’ve lost count. It’s one of the most popular taco spots in town, and for good reason.

I’ve tried a bit of everything on their menu, the quesadillas are great, the tortas are pretty solid, and the alambres (a mix of meats, onions, and peppers served with tortillas) are incredible. But truthfully, I always come back for the tacos.

Their al pastor are fantastic, but their chorizo tacos? Those are next level. Juicy, slightly spicy, and just perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever had better anywhere in Mexico and that’s saying something.

3. Primo // Amazing Fine Dining in Playa del Carmen

Opening Hours: 5pm-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I’ve become a big fan of Primo Playa del Carmen recently. I’d never heard of it before my last trip, but I absolutely loved it. Primo is a Mexican restaurant, but I’d call it upscale Mexican. 

When people think of Mexican food, they often picture tacos and burritos, but there’s a whole refined, elevated side to it, something I first noticed when I spent time in Mexico City, where there are some amazing fine dining restaurants serving authentic Mexican flavors.

Primo fits perfectly into that category. It’s still very much Mexican at heart, but with an elegant touch, from the décor to the plating. I went there for a date night, and it was exactly the right setting for that kind of evening.

We ordered the grilled octopus, the brisket, and their guacamole to start, followed by a dessert I frustratingly forgot the name of, but it was amazing. Everything was cooked perfectly, the service was great, and the atmosphere was spot on. It’s a little pricier than most places in Playa, but worth every peso for a nice night out.

4. Ictio Fish House // My Favorite Seafood in Playa del Carmen

Opening Hours: 12pm-9:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

I’m a huge fan of seafood, and honestly, Mexico just does it so well. Between all the ceviches, aguachiles, and fish tacos I’ve had over the years, Ictio Fish House still stands out as one of the best seafood spots I’ve tried in Playa del Carmen.

I first came here a while back, then returned on my most recent trip and wow, it’s just as good as I remembered. The restaurant itself is simple, nothing overly fancy, but the food is outstanding. I’d say it’s the perfect spot when you want top-quality seafood without the whole “fine dining” production.

We tried a bit of everything, we had the octopus tacos (incredible), we tried the oysters (fresh and perfectly served), and some ceviche that I still think about weeks later. Oh, and don’t skip their spicy margaritas, they’re easily some of the best in Playa.

5. Trattoria del Centro // Best Pizza in Playa del Carmen

Opening Hours: 15pm-11pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Alright, don’t come for me for adding Italian food to a Mexico list, ok? Like I said earlier, I love a bit of variety. When I’m in Mexico for two weeks, I’m not eating tacos three times a day every single day, as much as I love them. Sometimes, I just need a little change, and when that craving hits, it’s almost always for pizza.

The best pizza (and Italian food in general) I’ve had in Playa del Carmen was at Trattoria del Centro. I’ve only been once, but the atmosphere was incredible, beautifully decorated, a big open-air terrace, and when we went at night, the fairy lights made it feel super chic and a little romantic.

We just ordered pizza and wine that evening, but I did eye the table next to us and they had mussel linguine and a steak that looked very good. Anyway, the pizza was fantastic, more Neapolitan-style (which is exactly how I like it), and overall the vibe was great. Definitely my top pick for Italian food in Playa del Carmen.

6. Laura No Esta // My Favorite Hidden Gem

Opening Hours: 8am-7pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

A lot of the places on this list are pretty well-known and not exactly hidden gems. So I really want to give a proper shoutout to a small, family-run spot that absolutely deserves more love: Laura No Está.

I went here twice on my recent trip to Playa del Carmen, once for breakfast and once for lunch, and both times were fantastic. It’s a small place, but the staff (and the owner!) were incredibly friendly, gave great recommendations, and even explained some of the dishes, which I thought was such a sweet touch.

For breakfast, I had the chilaquiles with salsa verde and chicken which was a huge portion and easily shareable, and one of their fresh juices. I loved it so much that I came back for lunch later that weekend and tried the chile relleno and tamales, both excellent.

I always try to highlight small, locally owned places that really get it right and Laura No Está definitely does. Go support them if you’re in town, you won’t regret it.

7. Lido Cocina de Playa

Opening Hours: 8am-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

My favorite beachfront restaurant in Playa del Carmen is hands down Lido Cocina de Playa and when I say beachfront, I mean literally on the sand. 

It’s part of Casa Colibri, which is honestly one of the best hotels in central Playa (and still high on my list to stay at next time). If you’re hotel-hunting, check out my guide to where to stay in Playa del Carmen for more recommendations.

Now, back to the food — because Lido is so good. The seafood is fresh and flavorful, the cocktails are spot on, and the vibe is exactly what you want from a beachside spot: relaxed but still a little polished. I’ve been a few times now, and it’s become one of my go-tos for dinner and drinks by the water.

Even though the sun doesn’t set over the ocean on this side of Mexico, it’s still one of my favorite places to sit back, sip a margarita, and watch the sky turn gold.

8. Los Aguachiles

Opening Hours: 12:30pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

If you love seafood, Los Aguachiles is a must. It’s easily my favorite place for aguachiles in Playa del Carmen. I’ve been a few times now and it never disappoints.

If you’re not familiar, aguachiles are a bit like ceviche’s bolder cousin: raw shrimp marinated in lime juice, chili, and spices, usually served with cucumber, onion, and avocado. It’s fresh, spicy, and perfectly balanced, basically everything I want on a hot day by the beach. 

Pair it with an ice-cold beer or a michelada and you’ll be in heaven.

9. Mu Burgerhouse

Opening Hours: 1:30pm-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

When I’m craving something unapologetically indulgent, Mu Burgerhouse is where I go. These burgers are juicy, messy, and absolutely delicious so definitely not the “healthy” kind, but 100% worth it.

The vibe is casual and fun, the fries are perfectly crispy, and they’ve got a great craft beer selection to wash it all down. Sometimes you just need a break from tacos and ceviche, and when that mood hits, this is the spot.

FAQs About The Best Food in Playa del Carmen Mexico

Where can I get the best tacos in Playa del Carmen?

El Fogón definitely has the best tacos in Playa del Carmen. It’s one of the most famous taco spots in the area, and for good reason. Their al pastor tacos are incredible, and the chorizo ones might actually be the best I’ve ever had. Juicy, flavorful, and just perfect.

Where can I get the best food in Playa del Carmen?

I’m a huge fan of La Cueva del Chango. I’ve been there a few times now, and they have the best chilaquiles I’ve ever had. The version with salsa verde, cheese, and a fried egg on top is honestly my dream breakfast.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?

100%. I love Playa del Carmen, it’s so much fun, with an amazing food scene, great nightlife, a free public beach, and loads of activities. You can stay right in town (Playa del Carmen Centro) or pick one of the beachfront resorts on the outskirts.

Are there good coffee shops in Playa del Carmen?

Yes, absolutely. There are some fantastic cafés in Playa del Carmen, and my favorite is Quadra Café. They make the best latte, cappuccino, and flat white in town. I’ve tried many, and nothing compares.

What are the best bars in Playa del Carmen?

I’m not the biggest nightlife person, but I do love Bar Loco. It’s always a good time, they play reggaeton, have cheap drinks, and it’s a fun mix of locals and tourists.

Final Thoughts on Playa del Carmen Restaurants

All in all, Playa del Carmen has such a great food scene because of its mix of authentic Mexican spots and international restaurants. Compared to somewhere like Tulum, the variety here is way better. I love both sides of it, like the little family-run Mexican restaurants with plastic chairs and handmade tortillas and the upscale seafood spots with a view.

So yes, Playa del Carmen really is for everyone. I hope this guide to the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen helps you find some great food while you’re here. Happy travels (and happy eating)!

Check Out My Other Playa del Carmen Travel Guides

How to Get to Playa del Carmen: My Playa Transportation Guide

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen Mexico: My Top Areas & Hotels

Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen: A Season by Season Guide

Check Out My Other Mexico Guides

Is Mexico Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Places to Visit in Mexico: My 11 Top Mexico Destinations