A Foodies Guide to Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Curated By
Cecily Hedge
SHARE
![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-copy-url.9b3e4dc0.svg?w=16&q=90){kind=icon}
![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-check.1bfe605d.svg?w=15&q=90){kind=icon}
Playa del Carmen
Food & Wine
Beaches
Family Travel
Mexico
Beach Town
Gourmet
Foodie
Curator’s statement
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is often missed by the resort-goers who do not explore the surrounding towns. I spent over a month living and working in Playa del Carmen and it is not to be missed. The main tourist street is 5th ave, but if you venture even a street away you will find some great local cuisine.
The Fora Difference
Book with Cecily to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-travel-perks.9512b274.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-recommendations.3b21b22c.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-inside-knowledge.1cb7ecbe.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Unlock perks by contacting Cecily to book your trip.
Things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
There are many food tours of the city, I highly recommend doing one! It took us to places we would have never thought to try or would have found on our own. Eating with Carmen is the company I used!
Places to eat & drink in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Don Sirloin: Multiple locations, must go to grab a taco, famous in town, super cheap and very casual.
El Fogon: Multiple locations, another must go to grab a taco, famous for their al pastor tacos, cheap and casual.
Mu Burgerhouse: Seriously some of the best burgers I have ever had. Very creative and different burgers. Very cool/cute place.
Los Aguachiles: Multiple locations. Great seafood especially their tostadas topped with fresh fish.
El Pirata: Local favorite, super fresh fish, ceviche is amazing.
Alux: Dinner in a cave. Very cool experience. It's a little farther out of town. Much more expensive than any other restaurant in Playa. Wine cellar is really fun in here to go pick your bottle. Ask to walk around the cave after dinner!
Zitla: Fun outside patio with live music. Food is good.
Pik Nik: Good food, small place, nice to go here on a more casual night out.
La Perla: Come here to try local Yucatan cuisine.
Amate 38: Jungle setting with regional Yucatan food.
La Cueva de Changa: Great for brunch. Jungle-like terrace. There can be a long wait for breakfast. Chilaquiles are amazing.
Madrez Cafe: Cash-only hole in the wall. Best breakfast gorditas.
Mercado: They opened this to try to get tourists to try local foods. It did not work and is now just where locals eat in the middle of the city. Features many different stalls within this market and all have amazing food, super cheap, quesadilla place was amazing, must go!
Las Quekas: Multiple locations, good quesadillas and sopes, super cheap, easy to pick up for lunch.
MI KFÉ Sabor Venezolano: Venezuelan restaurant, arepas were good, very cheap and good to grab to go for lunch.
Need to Know
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Romantic Weekend in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Travel Advisor
Cecily Hedge
Get in touch with Cecily
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Cecily within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico.