Best Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen
There are a LOT of fantastic restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Whether you want a fancy meal, try some street food, find some kids-friendly restaurant in Playa del Carmen I can sned you in the right direction.
I have lived in Playa del Carmen for years full-time and these days I’m there on and off spending months at the place every year (and why I can update this post when another cool place opens up).
The best restaurants in Playa del Carmen split into touristy and more local. Some might argue that the touristy ones on the 5th Av aren’t good, but I have to admit that it depends on the place. F
or this post, I’ll introduce you to 15 different restaurants, but for example – where to find the best tacos in Playa del Carmen deserves another separate post.
Food Delivery in Playa del Carmen
If you don’t feel like going on after a long day or your kids aren’t cooperating, don’t worry! There are several Playa del Carmen food delivery services available now.
Uber Eats and Rappi are leading services. If you’re in a hotel or apartment complex just make sure to have your phone on because some drivers want to meet in the lobby.
Various restaurants will also have their WhatsApp number written so you can pre-order directly from them and either pick it up or get it delivered. This option is quicker than other delivery service.
1. El Fogon – Best Tacos in Playa del Carmen
El Fogon is a super basic yet authentic taco joint. They have 3 locations and we visit them or order from them frequently.
Most people love their Al Pastor tacos the most and while they’re good I’m also a big fan of their chorizo. If you’re coming with kids you can order quesadillas, beans, or some guac (we usually get two orders of guacs for everyone) so it’s not an issue for picky eaters. Their giant margaritas or pinacoladas are also great!
It gets busy during the weekend evenings and they don’t take reservations, so I recommend going early or being prepared to wait in line.
El Fogon locations:
- Avenida Constituyentes between calle Av. 30 & 25 (in front of Mega supermarket),
- 30th Avenida & Calle 32
- 30th Avenida & Calle 6 Bis
2. La Perla Pixan – Best Authentic Food
Right off 5th Av on Calle 38 La Perla Pixan is a hidden gem, because at first it looks very unappealing like a shack among trees, but it’s a pretty fancy place.
The restaurant serves simple dishes along with traditional Mayan things like pulque (alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant), chapulines, escamoles (edible larvae and pupae of ants) and chinicuiles. When I revisited the place with kids they were happy to accommodate everyone as well, so I will say it’s a place for any occasion.
They have a great bar with very talented mixologists who can make anything you want. Dance shows happen there frequently.
La Perla Pixan Address: Calle 38 between 5th Avenue & Av. Flamingo
3. Chiltepin Marisquillos – Best Steaks in Playa del Carmen
Chiltepin is a casual eatery with the most incredible sauces in Playa. As a starter and for your meal you get a bunch of different dipping sauces and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
We’ve been going for years, especially when we used to live right next to it. They have the best portion of steaks I have had in the area and THE most amazing burgers, especially the shrimp one. Camaronada is something my husband always orders – michelada with shrimp.
Their guacamole and sopa de tortilla are awesome in my opinion. They have traditional kids menu options like fish fingers or chicken tenders which my kids always enjoy.
Chiltepin Marisquillos Address: Calle 34 & Avenida 20th
4. Plank Gourmet Grill & Patio Bar
To make things clear, another good spot for steaks is Plank Gourmet Grill & Patio Bar and some people might say this place is better, but it isn’t cheap.
It’s a very fancy place next to expensive hotels so while their food is amazing I’m not 100% if I’d say it’s worth the price but if you have the funds then why not.
5. Los Aguachiles – Best Seafood in Playa del Carmen
If you’re looking for some awesome seafood dishes, head to Los Aguachiles. Their ceviche is spot on and they have some tasty tostadas as well. It’s not a fancy place but the food is spot on.
It’s a place we visit often and love their Popeye tacos and crunchy coconut shrimp, along with guacamole. My kids always order the cheese sticks as well and I usually steal some too.
The service is super friendly, quick, and because many tourists and expats might prefer something fancy I always find it ironic that there’s never a line to enter and at Chiltepin across the street, the line starts early evening.