A Foodie Guide to Playa del Carmen Restaurants

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I have spent SO much time in Playa del Carmen over the past few years. There’s been rapid development but despite growth it still has all its great street food options along with new Playa del Carmen restaurants.

It has all the things you want to make for a great sun holiday with so many things I love about Mexico. As a solo female traveler I’ve never felt unsafe in Playa.

 
I prefer Playa del Carmen over Cancun. Neither are century old towns in the Mayan Riviera like Valladolid, Merida or Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

In fact it was only a few decades ago that Playa was basically a jungle.

But the beach is beautiful so it started with clearing land for two small streets in town.

And now it’s one of the biggest tourist destinations for Canadians.

MAYAN RECIPE:
Sikil Pak

The one distinction between Cancun and Playa del Carmen is how they were formed. Cancun has a hotel zone where all of the resorts are guarded in an area specifically for tourists.

All of the restaurants, clubs and fake market are for tourists.

To get into Cancun, the city where people live, you need to take a bus. It’s not handy.

But in Playa the hotels are in town. So if you stay in a resort on the beach you just exit. Quinta Avenida (Fifth avenue) has the same tourist junk as Cancun.

But as you slowly walk farther away the more you’ll find traditional authentic Mexican food and no Guy Fieri’s or Margaritavilles

And as Playa was a city that was created in the last 5 decades you have a lot of people from all over Mexico.

That means there are Playa del Carmen restaurants featuring food from Mazatlan, Sinaloa and so many other regions.

Best Playa del Carmen Restaurants

Wondering what are the best Playa del Carmen restaurants? Skip the tourist joins, here are top picks from locals.

Below are my favourite restaurants in Playa del Carmen at a variety of price levels from budget level taco carts to more upscale options.

All of these are within walking distance in town, and with an exception of a couple they are below the highway. Because I really don’t want to drive anywhere for food!
 
 

Wondering what are the best Playa del Carmen restaurants? Skip the tourist joins, here are top picks from locals.

Los Aguachiles

This was one of the first Playa del Carmen restaurants I visited way back in 2012. It was the original location in Playa.

Today they have three locations as well as in other cities.

An open air restaurant under a large palapa, this a modern Mexican restaurant with riffs on traditional Mexican antojitos with favourites like shrimp tacos, tostadas, ceviches, cocteles and of course aguachiles.

Dishes are so colourful, light and tasty. You cannot go wrong with the shrimp tacos. And be sure to try all of the various sauces on the table.
 

 
Food prices are reasonable for food but be careful with the cocktails as it’s easy to rack up a large bill if you have more than a few.

Menus are available in both English and Spanish. Most wait staff speak excellent English.

Los Aguachiles
Calle 34 Nte Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Interior of El Fogon one of the most popular Playa del Carmen restaurants

El Fogon

My secret litmus test if I’m going to trust someone’s recommendations for Playa del Carmen restaurants is their opinion on El Fogon.

No doubt they are the most popular taco restaurant in Playa del Carmen. But I have no idea why this is.

They have three locations in Playa and they are always busy. Known for their al pastor and tourists wait in lines – long lines. Just to eat here.

So if you tell me it’s the best I’m going to assume you also think steak in Argentina is the best. Because you don’t want to admit it’s all hype.

But If there’s no line you should definitely pop in. I’ve been a few times and the pastor is fine. But it’s not even the best I’ve had in Playa. 

I thought I was crazy but I have asked a few street vendors their thoughts and everyone seems to agree that they are good but not the best.

They open at 6pm so if you eat early it’s a great spot as there is no line. But if there’s a line I have some other options for you that are just as good.

El Fogon

Av Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

 
arrachera tacos at Don Sirloin one of Playa del Carmen restaurants Don Sirloin

The other, newer taco restaurant in Playa del Carmen. People debate whether it’s the best or El Fogon. 

Like El Fogon it also has three locations. In fact, they are often a few storefronts away from each other. 

And while El Fogon specializes in al pastor, Don Sirloin specializes in arrachera. It’s a northern style skirt steak taco that is marinates so it has a deep flavour. 

But don’t worry they also have al pastor if you want to compare.

I prefer Don Sirloin. I’ve taken people from one spot to the other and everyone preferred it as well. The tipping point may be one important thing…pineapple jalapeno salsa.

It makes everything so bright and spicy…but not too spicy. 

Tacos are so cheap you can judge for yourself. If you do, let me know in the comments below which one you liked best!

Of the three locations I like the one on Calle 38 best because they have outdoor seating in the back. The others are open air concept

Don Sirloin
Av. Constituyentes, Calle 25 Nte., Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Table full of typical Mexican food in Playa del Carmen.

Taqueria Viva Mexico

I’ve eaten here for lunch more than anywhere else in Playa because it’s just good home cooking at an amazing price.

If you’re on a budget in Mexico the comida casera is your best friend. 

Also called comida corrida or menu del dia. It is a set menu that usually includes a soup, agua fresca (drink) and hot plate for only a few dollars.

I can’t eat a lot at once so I bring a tupperware container with me, put the rice in, top it with the soup broth and whatever I haven’t eaten.

This chicken breast a la plancha with squash, carrots, slaw, jamaica to drink, soup to begin and a side of tortillas and soup to start was 2.75USD

You’ll see a lot of locals here, especially cab drivers on their break. I try to go early or a bit late to miss the rush.

Taqueria Viva Mexico

Manzana 121 Lote 17, Av Constituyentes, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Birria tacos at a popular restaurant in Playa del Carmen

Birria Tacos y Consome

One of my favourite Playa del Carmen restaurants serves only two things – birria and consome (clear broth soup).

It does these things so well it’s often full and locals stream in for pick-up orders.

The soup is great but I go for birria, spicy stewed beef topped with onion and cilantro. It’s a simple bub rich flavour as they stew the beef for hours.

The first time I talked to the owners about birria, as I’ve had it in Ecuador and it was goat. He confirmed that birria  was once goat in Mexico as well.

But goat are not easily found in the Yucatan Peninsula it evolved to become a beef stew.

It’s worth walking the five blocks from the main drag in Playa del Carmen as there are so many great restaurants on this strip.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Birria Tacos y Consome
30 Avenida Nte. 8, Tohoku, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Grilled fish at El Pirata restaurant in Playa del Carmen

El Pirata

Although El Pirata is just around the corner from touristy Ave Quinta it’s still known as a great seafood spot. ⁣

They sell fish wholesale and will cook it for you for 20 pesos more, which is a bargain. ⁣

The first fish they brought for us to inspect didn’t have the clearest eyes so we asked for a different one which was much less expensive and fresher eyes.⁣ Don’t be afraid to ask to see more.

Because it’s so close to Quinta there is a rotation of musicians playing for tips. Average tip is no more than 20 pesos. Some are amazing and others are aspiring karaoke singers at best.⁣

El Pirata
Calle 40 5, Zazil-ha, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

La Bomba Jarocha seafood stew called cazuela. 
La Bomba Jarocha

Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Playa del Carmen, it is always filled with locals. 

Pass through the beaded bamboo curtains and you’ll find classic Mexican seafood recipes like seafood cocktail, ceviche, and grilled seafood.
 

 
But the most well known dish is the very hearty cazuela camerones con queso (above), which is a shrimp stew with cheese. Even the small is quite large so it’s best to split and also try another lighter dish.

La Bomba Jarocha
Avenida 30 Norte, Calle 34 Nte. Bis S/N, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Classic mexican posole in a bowl from Pozolería Mi Abuelita

Pozolería Mi Abuelita

Another restaurant that specializes in just one thing – pozole.

This is one of many authentic Mexican Playa del Carmen restaurant’s that you’ll find on 30th Avenue, which is less than a ten minute walk from 5th avenue and next to the big supermarkets.

It has traditional Mexican food favourites but most people go for the red pozole, which is a hearty stew with hominy (white corn), pork or chicken, and a spicy chile broth.

It’s served with a tower of condiments – radishes, onion, cilantro, lime, tortillas. You personalize it as you see fit.

You’ll love it so much you’ll want to make pozole at home.

Pozolería Mi Abuelita
Avenida 30 between 20 and 22, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Las Quekas restaurant in Playa del Carmen, women making quesadillas
Las Quekas

If you’re craving a snack this is the best chain is the best place to go because it doesn’t feel like a chain restaurant in Playa del Carmen.

You’ll find them all over the city, Las Quekas specializes in quesadillas for about a dollar each. 

These aren’t just tortillas with cheese. You can choose chicken tinga, chorizo, beef or great vegetarian options like zucchini blossoms, mushroom or huitacoche (corn smut – sounds terrible but it’s worth it).

It’s a fantastic budget option and I often stop in for one…or two mid-afternoon when I need a snack.

Cash only.

Las Quekas
30th Avenue, Between 32nd and 34th St across from the Mega supermarket

Pin it: Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Wondering what are the best Playa del Carmen restaurants? Skip the tourist joins, here are top picks from locals.

Map: Where to Eat in Playa del Carmen

Join the Conversation

  1. Meg | One Love Meg says:

    I love Mexico’s fish tacos!! Ahhh. I miss them so.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      They are my absolute favourite, actually I am not sure if I can pick an absolute favourite.

  2. Italian Notes says:

    I want to go to Mexico. Now. All these treats look really good.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Have you ever been? Honestly I think the culinary prowess goes head to head with Italy.

  3. I’m always up for the multiple meal lunch. I haven’t tried these ones in PDC yet so I’m excited to get back there!!! I LOVE me some taquitos!!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Alas I am up for the multiple meal lunch far too much!

  4. You may have missed the awesome puerco pibil at the hacienda, but those aguachido and camaron ensabanado tostadas look absolutely divine!

    And then we all returned to the hotel only to go back out again for another huge meal…was afraid to get on the scale after that one 🙂

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I still have not recovered from eating. I don’t know how you guys do it in Oaxaca.

  5. Matthew Karsten says:

    Perfect timing. Thanks to you, I’ll be checking out Los Aguachiles today.

    Looks delicious! 😀

  6. I agree. Those tostadas look almost too perfect to eat!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I love it when a plate arrives and you almost feel guilty for eating it.

  7. Camels & Chocolate says:

    That’s how I felt about my trip to Savannah earlier this month: I came home a few pounds heavier, but it was totally worth it!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I really want to go to Savannah, it seems like another world.

  8. Courtney Mroch says:

    Oh man, I’m HUNGRY now! (Should not have read at lunchtime before I had eaten!) I love the pic of the Creature from the Black Lagoon two-fisting the beer. Hilarious! Also, the name of your blog is GREAT!!!!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Is that the creature of the Black Lagoon? I just thought it was hilarious.

  9. dtravelsround says:

    Only two pounds? That’s not bad at all!! That food looks amazing.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Oh bless you D, because 2 lbs looks like 10 on me.

      Luckily I don’t care, I would rather have a life filled with great food than a great number on the scale.

  10. Those tostadas are so pretty and colorful – I can only imagine how fresh they must’ve tasted. 🙂

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I am so picky about seafood but they were really fresh.

  11. I really miss chile relleno tacos… I really miss MEXICAN food. I want to go back!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      There’s nothing like it. I really love Mexico.

  12. What a treat – I would have loved to taste each one!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Jeanette you would have loved Agua Chiles, you could tell everything was so fresh.

  13. So glad I have already eaten dinner! Your pictures and descriptions are fabulous. I’m not crazy about this part of Mexico, but it’s been a while – may have to go back sometime!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Have you been to Merida or Campeche? They are also really lovely.

  14. Emily in Chile says:

    It all looks so good – I would have had three lunches too 🙂

  15. Annette | Bucket List Journey says:

    Damn, damn, damn! I wish I would have read this before I went to Tulum. My lunch didn’t look nearly as yummy.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      There’s always a second trip 🙂

  16. Stephanie - The Travel Chica says:

    Who puts a scale in a resort?!!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      You know I thought it was weird too but I was too curious not to step on it.

  17. Great post and photos! Brings back memories of tacos de rajas y queso at El Fogon in the late hours. It’s been years. Craving now.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I need to go back and try the tacos at El Fogon.

  18. Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says:

    2 pounds is oh so worth it!!!!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Totally agree Andi!

  19. Planning my visit now…and never eating Tex Mex again.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      You won’t regret it!

  20. Hmmm….this info would have been good to know when I was there. We ended up eating at all the tourist hot spots. Uggh! Your choices look MUCH better.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      You know what is interesting when I asked about the good restaurants a lot of people said 5th Avenue, despite looking like a tourist street was where a lot of locals ate too. I heard this from a lot of people which is so perplexing but really speaks to the integration of the city.

  21. I’m sure it was just water weight:) I have no problem gaining weight from good food that you can’t find elsewhere either.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Love your take on things Laurel.

  22. Raymond @ Man On The Lam says:

    Just how DO you make every ounce of food look so good?

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Never shoot brown food my friend 🙂

  23. Eric @ Trans-Americas Journey says:

    Makes me HUNGRY! Too bad you didn’t get to try the Pastor at El Fagon, best we had south of DF,and their steak tacos rock as well. though it doesn’t look like you fared too badly.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Not at all. But I so want to go to DF to eat, if only to eat.

  24. Man, I want to head there to eat now. There’s not really any good Mexican food in Berlin and I miss it so much.

    Nice photos!

  25. I was excited to find your blog because I am planning a trip to Tulum. I will bring your food suggestions for PDC and have already looked into the Cozumel food tour. Thank you!

  26. Pingback: 33 Foods Worth Traveling Across the World Just to Eat
  27. Los Augachiles is my favorite place in Playa. We spent 4 months there, and ate at Los Augachiles at least twice a week. I still dream about their fish tacos. Mmmmmmmmmm….

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It’s definitely some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.

  28. what is the name of the taco stand where you had the Chile Relenos?

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Unfortunately there’s no specific name, everyone simply knows it as the stand next to the Red Cross.

  29. Patrick Abbott says:

    The Guacomole Grill on Tenth Avenue is my favourite. The food is fantastic and cheap.

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