Playa del Carmen
Mexico

Playa del Carmen Recommendations

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Discover trusted local favorites from the community

14 recommendations in Restaurants & Cafés

Recommendations in Playa del Carmen

Restaurants & Cafés •manu_ortegamanu_ortega

Lost Tiki is a great place for a relaxed atmosphere and good food and drinks. It's a spot worth visiting while you're in Playa! For drinks and food, Lost Tiki is a top pick, with a unique atmosphere and great food and drinks. The owners are good friends of some locals, who visit each other's restaurants to try each other's food.

Restaurants & CafésPlaya del Carmen •Carlos Eduardo Martinez

Cantina Don PP is a must-visit for its authentic Mexican experience. It's a 100% Mexican concept that takes you back to the old times. As a local guide, this is the place to go for traditional Mexican dishes, and it's located in Playa del Carmen.

Restaurants & Cafésempty string •Daniela

One of the best restaurants in town, in the opinion of locals. Everything on the menu is good, and the ambiance is excellent. It's a little pricey but worth it, with apps ranging from $9 to $16 USD, entrees from $15 to $20 USD, and sides for $8 USD. Drinks are $12 USD. You can expect to spend around $50 USD per person without tip.

Restaurants & CafésCalle 8 •patriciapatricia

Ay Taco is a must-visit for its delicious tacos. Located on Calle 8, near the old Palacio Municipal, this spot is worth visiting entirely. It seems to offer great deals on Rappi regularly.

Restaurants & Cafésnear downtown Playa del Carmen •Lorena N

Recommended for its delicious tacos de cochinita, a local place that serves excellent food. Located near the highway, not far from downtown Playa del Carmen, making it easily accessible.

Restaurants & Cafés •PabloPablo

DejaVu Taqueria is a fantastic vegan taco cart that is good enough to make your meat eating self happy. It was one of our favorite places we ate in PDC, the night after our tour.

Restaurants & Cafés •SergioSergio

Tacos El Nero is a great place to try for delicious tacos. It's one of the recommended options by a local. With so many options available, you can try different types of tacos and see which ones you like best. The tacos are also relatively affordable, making it a great value for the price.

Restaurants & CafésPlayacar •CarlosCarlos

The Riu Palace Mexico has completely transformed into an adults-only sanctuary with a new 'White Palace' aesthetic and enhanced all-inclusive offerings. This strict demographic shift eliminates the noise and chaos of family resorts, offering a tranquil, sophisticated Caribbean experience. The introduction of the Elite Club by RIU further elevates the experience with private pool access, exclusive dining, and premium spirits. For those seeking a refined, adults-only retreat, the Riu Palace Mexico is a spot. Starting September 19, 2026, the resort will operate as a strictly 18-and-over property, with all guestrooms and suites gutted and rebuilt to feature sleek, stark white facades and warm contemporary wood accents. The Elite Club provides private pool areas, exclusive dining, and top-shelf spirits, making it an unparalleled all-inclusive experience. The new restaurant and bar offerings ensure that gastronomic and beverage options are always available, regardless of the time of day.

Restaurants & Cafés •FalcoFalco

A very nice roasted chicken place by ave 30 and calle 64. 180 pesos for a full chicken.

Restaurants & Cafés •FalcoFalco

I'd recommend Lu: she's anicely dressed and has such a cute, well-decorated scooter that you notice right away. She delivers homemade chicken sandwiches and pasta salad to local businesses and homes, and everything feels thoughtfully done. She's friendly, professional, and brings good energy along with the food. A really pleasant person to order from. 📞 52 5636 555555

Restaurants & Cafés •MichelaMichela

I love fresh, local, organic coconut water, but in most fruterías in Playa del Carmen it's often mixed with water or, even worse, not fresh, and I end up throwing it away even when the bottle is still full (after paying at least 70–75 pesos). This is the only place where I always find 100% pure coconut water, freshly made the same day. It's 80 pesos per liter, but totally worth it! It's a tiny little shop that basically sells only coconuts and coconut water. They also sell fresh coconut meat, which is delicious. The owner is a really kind man, and his 'Agua de la Vida' is honestly the best in Playa!

Restaurants & Cafés •JimmyJimmy

If you're missing a real, American-style burrito while you're in Playa, Burritos Queen totally hits the spot. These are the big, filling kind: beans, rice, creamy guacamole, and tons of flavor all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Everything tastes fresh, the portions are generous, and you actually feel full when you're done (which isn't always a given 😅). You can build it how you like, whether you're into meat or keeping it veggie, and the balance of rice, beans, and toppings is on point. It's an easy, no-frills place that's perfect when you just want something satisfying and familiar. If you're craving a proper burrito in Playa del Carmen, this is a solid go-to.

Restaurants & Cafés •JimmyJimmy

El Buffet De La 10 is one of those low-key gems that does exactly what it promises. They start serving around 11:30am and cook different menus every day , so there's always something new. For about 150 pesos , you can put together a solid, satisfying meal that feels like real home cooking. I've been coming here for years, and part of what keeps me coming back is the people—they're genuinely kind and welcoming. This isn't a fancy spot, and it's not trying to be. It's down-to-earth, good Mexican food , cooked by a family that clearly takes pride in what they do. There's a nice place to sit down , plus an unlimited salad bar and chips , which is a great bonus. If you want an honest, affordable meal that fills you up and feels authentic, El Buffet De La 10 delivers every time.