An Unofficial Foodie Guide to Playa del Carmen
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Travel blogger Ryan Gargiulo of Pause the Moment recently spent a year as an ex-pat in Playa del Carmen. We asked him to share his insider knowledge on the best spots to eat in this bohemian Mexican city on the Caribbean Sea. Stay tuned in the coming days for more stories in Mexico.
With an average of 240 days of sunshine per year, its proximity to Cancun International Airport (CUN) and the fact that it's directly on the edge of the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean, Playa del Carmen is truly a destination that can't be missed when traveling to the Riviera Maya.
Foodies, rejoice! Some of the best places to eat (and my personal favorites) include options for every budget. From street side vendors to the best in Mexican and international cuisines, I've got you covered. While Playa has it's fair share of tourist traps and gimmicky restaurants, it also has some absolute gems. If you follow my advice on the restaurants and street stalls listed below, you'll find more than a few places to choose from to add to your list.
Best Local Authentic Mexican Restaurant: La Coronela
If you're looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant in Playa del Carmen, look no further than La Coronela. This little hole in the wall serves up some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food in town and it's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of my favorite dishes include the fajitas, burritos (chicken/steak/arrachera), the house salad with grilled chicken and the tortilla soup. Oh, and don't forget to order a side of Guacamole. It's to die for.
I consider La Coronela to be one of Playa's best kept secrets and I dine there often. Not only is the food incredible, but the owner, Gricelda, always makes her customers feel at home.
Best Restaurant for a Special Occasion: Oh Lala
Oh Lala is the #1 rated restaurant out of more than 700 restaurants in Playa del Carmen for a reason. It's that good. It's a high end restaurant in town serving up quality food, service and overall atmosphere. It's perfect for couples who want to step away from the madness of Playa and enjoy a really nice meal in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Tip: For main courses, I highly recommend the filet mignon in red wine sauce or the butter soy tuna steak.
Best Restaurant for Healthy Eats: Bio Natural
Bio Natural is a breath of fresh air when it comes to finding healthy food in Playa. The menu is fairly extensive and includes fresh salads, falafel, quinoa, cous cous, tofu, vegan lasagna, veggie pitas and a whole lot more. Vegans, vegetarians and those who enjoy eating natural, organic meals will absolutely love this place.
Tip: Bio Natural has an all natural/organic food store next door to its restaurant for those who want to grab healthy food on the go
Best Falafel: Falafel Nessya (no website, Calle 4 between 10th and 15th Ave.)
This little hole in the wall has three small tables inside and a couple of seat cushions set up on the curb for those who want to sit outside and enjoy their meal in the shade. The menu is simple and straightforward. You either order a falafel pita, which comes stuffed with fried potatoes, tahini, hummus and salad or a falafel plate served with a giant portion of falafel, hummus, veggies and pita. The pita option is plenty for one person and the plate can easily be shared by two.
The owners of Falafel Nessya always have me coming back for more. Not just because they serve up the best falafel in the Yucatan, but because they genuinely care about their customers.
Best Deep Dish Pizza: Don Chendo
Deep dish pizza in Mexico? That's right, folks. Trust me when I say that you haven't had a real deep dish pizza until you've had one at Don Chendo in Playa del Carmen. Russell, the owner, chef and culinary genius behind Don Chendo is a Playa ex-pat who was fortunate enough to learn everything he knows about pizza by a little old Italian woman in New York City.
While Don Chendo is still relatively new (opened in November 2013), the word is spreading fast across Playa's growing ex-pat scene and the restaurant has quickly become a favorite for many Americans, Canadians and other foreigners living in Mexico who yearn for a taste of home.
If deep dish pizza isn't your thing, no worries. Don Chendo isn't only about their pizza. They also serve up some of the most delicious Italian cuisine in town. I highly recommend the chicken parmesan with ziti, angel hair with shrimp and broccoli and the spaghetti with meatballs.
Tip: When it comes to deep dish pizzas at Chendo, your best bet is either the Meatball or the California.
Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken: Ferron's Jerk Chicken
Believe it or not, but the #2 rated restaurant in Playa is actually a Jamaican jerk chicken joint. At Ferron's you've got three choices: a full, half or quarter chicken, which come with a slew of sides including corn on the cob, coleslaw, bread and more. The owner, Ferron, is a native Jamaican cook, so you're guaranteed to have some of the best jerk chicken ever.
The only issue with Ferron's is that it's located on the other side of the Federal Highway, which makes it a little tough for most tourists to get to. If you're not the adventurous type or worry about getting lost, you're in luck, because Ferron's delivers.
Best Restaurant Style Burrito: Mayan Bistro
Mayan Bistro is a small restaurant connected to an amazing little boutique hotel called Aventuras Mexicana. The size of the burritos at Mayan Bistro will absolutely blow your mind. You have four choices: vegetarian, chicken, beef or shrimp. All burritos come out bulging with rice, beans, lettuce and cheese. The burritos also come with a seriously generous portion of guacamole on the side that you can toss on top of your burrito.
Best Street Tacos: El Rey del Taco (Locations: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the side of Mega at Constituyentes and 30th Ave. and in the front right corner of the Mega parking lot on 30th Ave. from 4 p.m. to midnight)
Looking for the best street tacos in town? El Rey del Taco (literally translated to "Taco King") has you covered. It's a small street vendor that sets up shop by the Mega grocery store. You'll notice the line that forms are mostly locals, which is a good thing. As I always say, if there's a line of locals, it usually means three things: it's cheap, it's authentic and it's delicious.
Chicken (pollo) and steak (arrachera) tacos go for 12 pesos each (approximately $0.92 USD). Adding cheese raises the price up to a whopping 15 pesos (approx. $1.15 USD).
Best Street Food Burritos & Tortas: Street Stall (Location: Corner of 15th Ave. and Benito Juarez through the stone archway, it's the first stall on the left)
The cheapest and greasiest burritos and tortas in Playa del Carmen can be found at a small street food stall located just inside the park on the corner of 15th Ave. and Benito Juarez. If you're hungry and you're on a budget, or you just want a quick bite on your way to the beach, this is your best bet.
Tip: Chicken and beef burritos cost a mere 25 pesos (approx $1.91 USD) in the morning hours and 30 pesos in the afternoon and evening.
Best Churros: Street Stall (Location: Corner of 25th Ave. and Benito Juarez)
If you're on the hunt for a traditional Mexican dessert, do yourself a favor and hit up one of the best churro stands in town. My favorite can be found on the corner of 25th Ave. and Benito Juarez at dusk.
Tip: If you can't find this churro cart, there's also a small street vendor that sets up shop on the corner of the park on 20th Ave. and Calle 2 Norte.
TPG Tip: When traveling abroad, make your purchases with a credit card that has no foreign transaction fee, like Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard or American Express Platinum. For an added bonus when eating out, use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card for 2x dining bonus, plus there's no foreign transaction fee.
Do you have any questions for Ryan about Playa del Carmen? Have you been to any of the spots on his list or have other suggestions for dining in Playa? Please share below.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.