Top 15 Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: A Must-Eat Guide

Playa del Carmen’s food scene is as vibrant as its turquoise waters — whether you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine, fine dining in a magical setting, or international fare, this Caribbean town truly delivers. Here are twelve restaurants you shouldn’t miss when visiting.

1. India Jones

An award-winning Indian restaurant right on 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) at Calle 30 Norte.
Founded by four master chefs from India, it offers both classic and modern Indian dishes.
Highly rated: guests praise its authentic flavors, friendly service, and warm ambiance.
Menu highlights: traditional curries, tandoori dishes, vegetarian options, and creative small plates.
Dining options: a stylish interior, plus a terrace overlooking 5th Avenue — open daily from 4pm to 10pm.
Website: https://www.india-jones.com/
Ubicación: Quinta Avenida entre Calle 30 Norte, Centro, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

2. Mezcla

What makes it special: Menu rotates frequently based on seasonal produce, keeping things fresh and creative.
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired tapas, meant for sharing.
Atmosphere: modern, intimate, creative — described by diners as cozy but upscale.
Why go: incredible food, creative dishes and a chill but high-quality dining spot.
Website: https://mezclapdc.com/
Ubicación: C. 3 Sur between Av. 40 & Av. 45 Norte.

3. Osteria de Roma

What makes it special: Fantastic Italian food, friendly owner
Menu: Traditional Italian fare — pizzas, pastas, and classic Italian entrees.
Ambiance: Cozy, warm, with a neighborhood trattoria feel.
Website: https://osteriaderoma.shop/
Ubicación: Calle 6 Nte entre avenida 20, Calle 6 Nte y 25, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

4. Ictio Fish House

What makes it special: A go-to seafood spot with delicious seafood
Dishes: Fresh fish, ceviches, and local seafood preparations.
Why go: For a true taste of the coast — excellent for lunch or dinner in a relaxed seaside-style setting.
Website: https://ictiofishhouse.com/
Ubicación: 1era. Av. esquina con, Calle 22 Nte, Centro, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

5. Primo

What makes it special: A go-to seafood spot with delicious seafood
Dishes: Fresh fish, ceviches, and local seafood preparations.
Why go: For a true taste of the coast — excellent for lunch or dinner in a relaxed seaside-style setting.
Website: https://primoplaya.com/
Ubicación: Av. Constituyentes entre 5ta avenida y 10 avenida, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

6. Trattoria del Centro

What makes it special: The best pizza in town, and some of the best Italian food as well
Vibe: Often with live music late at night, vibrant, right near 5th Avenue
Why go: To experience some of the best Italian food in town. Reservations are recommended as the place fills up in the evenings
Website: https://trattoriaplaya.wixsite.com/trattoria
Ubicación: Calle 26, entre avenida 10 y avenida 5, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

7. Don PP Cantina

What makes it special: Authentic Mexican food, a hidden gem in a more local neighborhood
Dishes: Fresh Mexican food and beverages
Why go: A hidden gem
Website: https://www.facebook.com/100055228672121/photos/
Ubicación: C. 14 Nte. Bis, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

8. Axiote Cocina de México

What makes it special: A modern, chef-driven take on traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Xavier Pérez Stone, and it has earned a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.
Atmosphere: Relaxed yet sophisticated, with a warm palapa-style space.
Recommended dishes: Tostadas de maíz azul, birria de cordero, and creative salsas.
Value: Offers excellent quality at a relatively moderate price for gourmet Mexican.
Website: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/quintana-roo/playa-del-carmen_2068368/restaurant/axiote-cocina-de-mexico
Ubicación: Calle 34 Norte, #128, Lote 11-065, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

9. La Perla Pixan Cuisine & Mezcal Store

What makes it special: A local favorite featured in dining guides and by reviewers on TripAdvisor.
Vibe: Authentic Mexican cuisine with a cultural twist, and an onsite mezcal store to sample.
Why go: Great for both food and drink — especially if you want to dive deeper into Mexican spirits.
Website: https://laperlacarboneria.com/
Ubicación: Calle 38 Norte Entre 5ta y la playa, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

10. El Fogon

What makes it special: One of Playa del Carmen’s most popular and inexpensive eateries with delicious food. They even won a Michelin Star.
Atmosphere: Casual, a little loud and almost always packed
Cuisine: Arrachera steak, tacos, mostly all meat dishes
Website: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/quintana-roo/playa-del-carmen_2068368/restaurant/el-fogon
Ubicación: There are various locations around town, including these: https://www.google.com/maps/search/el+fogon+playa+del+carmen/@20.6327818,-87.0739549,14z?entry=s&sa=X&ved=1t%3A199789

11. ‘Ha

What makes it special: This is one of Playa del Carmen’s most refined dining experiences. Located in Hotel Xcaret México, HA’ is a Michelin-starred restaurant under the direction of Chef Carlos Gaytán. X
Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican — blending French technique with deeply rooted Mexican flavors.
Atmosphere: Elegant, sensory, and architectural — the restaurant’s design is inspired by water, with cascading features and a fluid, sophisticated feel.
Menu Highlights:
- 9-course tasting menu
- Dishes like Wagyu A5 tartar, Tetela de escamoles, Beignet de hongos with truffle, and a “Mole Rosa.”
Price / Dress Code: High-end; OpenTable notes “más de MXN 500” per person, and a formal dress code is suggested.
Why go: A dining temple — perfect for a special occasion, food lovers, and anyone wanting a world-class Mexican fine-dining experience.
Website: https://www.hotelxcaretmexico.com/en/ha-restaurant/
Ubicación: Av Benito Juárez Mz 217 Lt2, Ejidal, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

12. Ojo del Agua

What makes it special: Healthy food, fantastic sandwiches, a variety of fresh juices and smoothies
Atmosphere: Casual
Cuisine: Healthy, organic, and nature-oriented. It’s designed to give you a calm “in harmony with nature” experience.
When to go: Breakfast and lunch.
Website: https://grupoojodeagua.com.mx/#menu
Ubicación: Avenida CTM 20, Zazil-Ha, Playa del Carmen, Q.R., 77720

13. Romeo

What makes it special: Some of the best Italian food in Playa, including pastas and pizza.
Atmosphere: Casual
Cuisine: Authentic Italian.
When to go: Dinner or take out
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Romeo-100063641075154/
Ubicación: Calle 4 Nte 150, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

14. Sakura Ramen

What makes it special: The best ramen in Playa.
Atmosphere: Casual
Cuisine: Japanese ramen
When to go: Lunch and dinner
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063454096910#
Ubicación: calle 8 entre av 20 y 25 local 1 manzana20 plaza mahaual, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

15. Moshe Cube

What makes it special: Tucked in a quieter street in Playa del Carmen, Moshe Cube (משה קובה) is a standout for anyone looking for kosher cuisine with real Mediterranean heart. Whether you’re traveling kosher, love Middle-Eastern flavors, or just want something different from typical Caribbean fare, Moshe Cube delivers.
Atmosphere: Cozy and relaxed, with a sidewalk seating option. According to visitor reviews, it’s clean and ambient.
Cuisine: Moshe Cube is a kosher restaurant serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes
When to go: Lunch and dinner
Ubicación: Calle 38 Nte entre av. 10 y av. 20 norte, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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