Playa del Carmen Restaurant Recommendations

People always ask us where we like to go. The following are some of our favorites. We’re also known to do a progressive dinner: bruschetta and wine at one place, ceasar salad at another, etc.

Avenues go north and south. Calle’s go east and west. Avenue numbers aren’t what you expect, it goes 5th, 10th, 15th, then 30th. Calle’s are even numbers only. El Taj Ocean is located at 1st Ave. and Calle 16, This would be the heart of everything, including beaches, restaurants, ferries, shops, etc.

5th Ave. is the pedestrian only street and extends about 2 miles. It runs north and south, parallel to the beach. It is filled with open air restaurants and shops. At night, it is where all the people walk.

Constituyentes is a major east/west street. It is 1 block north of Porto Playa Condo Hotel. Most of the restaurants, shops and action are south of Constitutiyante. On 5th Ave, north of Constitutiyante is Little Italy. Ten years ago there was almost nothing here. It is really developing and there are new restaurants every time we come here. Restaurants here are a few dollars less than restaurants south of Constituyentes

The following restaurants are all on Fifth Ave. unless otherwise noted. Many business cards are in guest book in our unit. Sometimes there are discount cards in the lobby. You can get a grilled fish fillet and a beer for $10 or less at several of these.

Our Favorite Restaurants are  Casa Mediterranea,  Da Gigi,  Piola’s, Origines, and Las Aguachile

Romance and great food at Casa Mediterranea

Casa Mediterranea is between Calle 6 and 8 on east side alley off of 5th with art galleries. The best bruschetta, although all the food is great. Some of the best homemade Italian cooking in town. Owners and operators, Maurizio and Maria will make you feel at home. It is in the heart of Playa del Carmen located on Ave 5 between Calle 6 and 8. It is a romantic place, tucked away in a little courtyard off of 5th avenueacross from Lunata Hotel.  It is surrounded by small shops and art galleries.

Their speciialty is any and all pasta dishes on the menu, all are hand made daily. Maurizio also loves to fish and very often fishes during the day for the nights fresh catch.   The food is distinctly northern Italian and prices tend to be quite reasonable. This place is a real gem.  You don’t need reservations except during Holidays.  For a reservation call 044-984-8763926. Click here for website

Da Gigi on 5th and Calle 32  Owner and operator Gigi and his master chefs have been serving up delicious Italian food and pizzas for over a decade. They make a point to personally check on diners and socialize with them, making the dining experience more personalized. It has become the place to see and be seen as many local politicians and celebrities dine here as well. The 5th Avenue location has both outdoor and indoor dining options. If you choose outdoors make sure to pay a visit inside to see the amazing restaurant decor and layout personally designed by GiGi.

Il Pescatore on 10th Ave at the corner of Calle 24, just a little northwest of 5th AVe. and Constituyentes. Email is elpescadorplaya@hotmail.com and phone number is 873-3795. Bon Appetit!  BEWARE:  There is another Pescatore at Porto Real on First Avenue and Constituyentes.  Don’t go to that one

Ileana greets you at the door and welcomes you to her restaurant. She's charming.

Although we eat at many places on 5th Ave., we love getting off the 5th for quainter, more charming restaurants and this is now at the top of my list.

The vibes and visuals were pure Italian. Mama Ileana greeted us with typical Itaian, “so glad you are here” charm. There is inside and outdoor seating and Mama Ileana runs the place.

The menu included pastas, seafood, meat and chicken dishes, but Ileana also has nightly specials. Everything was delicious, one of the best in Playa!

Whereas many restaurants offer you bread or chips, Il Pescatore brings freshly made bruschetta to all the tables. We also ordered the calamari fries for an appetizer. It is simple fried calamari, but the batter was unique and very tasty.

We had coffee, latte, and cappuchino with, of course, Zambucca straight up with 3 vanilla beans for good luck. Most menu items were under $20, and the wine was reasonably priced.

Read Trip Advisor Reviews - they rank it #15 of all restaurants in Playa.

Pioloa‘s is just off 5th Ave at Calle 38, which is a big of a walk north of Constituyentes, but we always enjoy Piola’s and the walk.  You won’t believe it, but this is a restaurant chain with locations in Brazil, Toronto, Italy, Chile, and Honduras!  The pizza is what everyone comes for, but it also has a very hip bar and other food.

Origines is also on Calle 38, but it’s closer to the beach.  Excellent food, with higher prices.  You’ll be serenaded by classical guitarists, and the service is very high class.
Las Quesadillas is on the beach and Calle 14, across from El Taj Ocean.  Great Quesadillas for 15 pesos!

Wicky’s is a restaurant that opened at El Faro’s, right on the beach.  Terrific ambience, fabulous steaks ($30-$35), too pricey wine (California wine is $16 a glass), beach band during the day.  More than one person has told us it’s the best steak they’ve had in their lives.  Folks that run Wicky’s are from Colorado and they ship in their own beef.  Great place to have a drink and sun bathe during the day.

El Faro condos and Wicky's Restaurant

Il Baretto is Italian also and located on 5th and Calle 26. Good food

Glass Bar is a favorite of our adult children. Use to be on 5th Ave. and Calle 12, but as of September, 2008, it has moved to 10th, closer to the beach

Play Asia is also a favorite of our adult children. It’s between Calle’s 10 and 12 and is owned by the Blue Parrot.

Las Mananitas The grilled fish is the deal of the day. Comes with a beer for $10 or less. Between Calle 4 and 6.

La Parilla is a favorite of everyone else we talk to. It’s on Calle 8 and has it’s own Mexican Mariachís every night (about 12 or more members, very lively)

Mosquito Blue is  owned by the Mosquito Hotel people, and run by the same chefs as Indigo Beach Club in El Taj Ocean. That translates to chic atmosphere ($500 chairs), good and very different food, and pricey.

Tango Taco is about 1.5 blocks west of 5th Ave. on Calle 8. Arruchero beef tacos are their specialty.

Yaxche is authentic Mayan cuisine and is on 5th at Calle 22.  It has won the 5 Star Diamond Award and is unique. Authentic Mexican food, ambiance is great.

Yaxche

Lunch
Lunch on the beach can be more expensive than dinner, but it’s wonderful to sit on the beach in the sand and nibble all day long. Great lunch places include:

Los Aguachiles is located on the corner of Avenida 25 and Calle 34.  Hands down the best taco place in the Mayan Riviera.  It’s fresh, healthy, and where the well-to-do locals go.  It closes around 5 and don’t be surprised if there’s a short wait for a table – it’s worth it!   Tacos are all made with fresh ingredients that have either been sauteed in olive oil or cooked ceviche style in fresh lime juice. Each taco is served piled high with grated cucumber, pickled onion, cilantro and purple cabbage and your choice of corn or flour totillas as well as crispy tostadas and bib lettuce. There are a selection of delicious salsas, several of which are mayonaisse based, with which to adorn your taco. Choose from creamy cilantro, chipotle, jalepeno, strawberry, habanero or tamarindo.

Best Waiter in Playa:  Edwin.  Ask for him and grilled grouper sandwiches at Coco Maya, next to Blue Parrot

Fusion on the beach is south of Porto Playa a couple of blocks and has great bruschetta and ceviche. It’s great for lunch and beautiful for dinner on the beach. The menu is limited, but grilled fish, and calamari are good. They put torches in the sand and if it’s a nice night you can see the lights at Cozumel.

The Blue Parrot is on the beach and has a fire show on Friday nights, about 11 pm, that draws a big crowd. Food is good, ask for Julio. This use to be the big beach bar during the day.

Mayan Coffee is a great way to end a night. Many restaurants serve it and the show is terrific. They flame a variety of liquors and the waiters create a waterfall of flames.

Other
If you want to cook, WalMart and Mega have the best, freshest seafood, fruit, etc. and is at Calle 8 and 30th Ave, about 6 blocks west of 5th Ave. They also seem to have the best prices on liquor, although the liquor store on the corner by the condo has wine if you don’t feel like walking. Mega currently has a better wine selection than WalMart.

Mega is the Mexican version of Wal Mart and is on the same street (30th) as WalMart. They have a great coffee shop.

Restaurants recommended by Friends on Facebook

Babe’s Noodles and Bar,  just off 5th Ave. between Calle 5 and 10 is open for lunch and dinner. 

Babes Noodles and Bar in Playa del Carmen

Babe’s is a Swedish owned Restaurant and Bar with speciality Thai noodles and an Asian European kitchen. The bar makes the best mojitos, blueberry daiquiris, margaritas, smoothies and juices. Everthing is freshly prepared at the time you order.

Combined with delicious eats, the funky decor featuring pin-up girls and barbie dolls.  Submitted by Bonnie Taylor

That’s Amore had delicious pizza! submitted on Facebook by Antoinette Aramouni Nahal