With over 900 restaurants in Playa del Carmen, it is can be hard to decide where to eat. Though we don’t live in Playa del Carmen, our home base in the Riviera Maya is Akumal, we do regularly go to Playa to enjoy some favorite restaurants, restaurants that we feel are worthy of the 30 minute drive.
So why do locals love these particular restaurants? In many cases it is the price, great food for a good price. Ambiance, location, service are some of our other considerations. We also make sure we frequent restaurants owned by locals, people who live here, not just chain restaurants that decide to open on 5th Avenue As they think it is a profitable business endeavor.
Not only do we frequent these restaurants but they come recommended by other restaurant owners who love to eat here on their days off. Our list continues to grow but these are our go-to-places for something to eat in Playa del Carmen.
Local Places to Eat in Playa del Carmen
La Pirata – Ceviche and whole fried fish are the favorite dishes at this hole in the wall restaurant. Located between 5th and 10th Avenue right by the beach on 40th street this is a great place to visit in the late afternoon. get ready for plastic chairs and tables, and beach attire is the dress code!
Restaurante Patanegra – Spanish Paella, or a whole bunch of tapas is how we love to enjoy our evening at this little side street restaurant. Service is excellent, reservations are recommended and great ready for a long pour if you are ordering a vodka and tonic or some great wines by the glass. Casual, great food, and true Spanish flavors. Located on 24th Street between 10th and 15th Avenue.
Tarraya – This beach restaurant hidden beneath a palm grove is perfect day or night. They close early at 9pm so have dinner first then head out to 5th Avenue. This restaurant has been in Playa forever, since 1968! Ceviche and fresh fish are the best menu items. Plastic chairs and tables, sand floor, and most of the tables are directly on the beach. Nothing fancy, cheap for what you get, and service is just adequate. But you cannot beat the ambiance! You really can’t. They just don’t make them like this anymore. Located on 2nd Street and the beach.
Taco Park – This taco area has about 10 different taco carts in one park. Located on the corner of 15th Avenue and Avenida Juarez (just up from the Cozumel Ferry pier) you will love the prices, the food, and the people. Cochinita Pibil tacos, hand made empanadas cooked as you wait, or cochinita tortas. Take your pick as you really can’t choose a bad cart. They are all good. Park benches are your seating, and there is no dress code!!
Taco Carts at 40th Street and 30th Avenue – On the corner of these cross streets right by the Aki Supermarket, you will see six food carts. The morning carts are different from the afternoon carts so you can visit twice a day and have different food each time. Note these food carts are not just taco carts. Each cart serves tacos but also has a regional specialty dishbthey serve as well. Note: the regional specialties are not on their signs so ask each person what they have. Cheap, cheerful, standing room only, but some of the best regional food you will have in Playa.
We love these places in Playa del Carmen and love that our local friends also love them :)