Guidebook for Playa del Carmen
Food Scene
Zenzi has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors in Playa del Carmen. At night, strings of bulbs light up the palms and incredible bands hit the stage. By day, it’s a divine place to enjoy a refreshing, cold beverage as you snack on appetizers and watch the turquoise waves roll in. Located in downtown Playa del Carmen on Calle 10 and the beach, Zenzi is also known to throw one of the best salsa nights in town. Come for a lesson, have a mojito or two and dance the night away!
366 polecane przez mieszkańców
Zenzi
Zenzi has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors in Playa del Carmen. At night, strings of bulbs light up the palms and incredible bands hit the stage. By day, it’s a divine place to enjoy a refreshing, cold beverage as you snack on appetizers and watch the turquoise waves roll in. Located in downtown Playa del Carmen on Calle 10 and the beach, Zenzi is also known to throw one of the best salsa nights in town. Come for a lesson, have a mojito or two and dance the night away!
Open from 12:00p.m. - For authentic Mexican cuisine and Mariachi music, sit on the upper level of La Parilla, which overlooks the vibrant 5th Avenue and adds to the magic of your dining experience. The friendly staff serves dishes like chicken enchiladas in a mole sauce, arrachera steaks (thin, tender, grilled cuts of beef), shrimp tacos and traditional fajitas. By the time you come to the bottom of your fishbowl cocktail, you will be belting out songs right along with the mariachi!
57 polecane przez mieszkańców
La Parrilla Playa del Carmen
Open from 12:00p.m. - For authentic Mexican cuisine and Mariachi music, sit on the upper level of La Parilla, which overlooks the vibrant 5th Avenue and adds to the magic of your dining experience. The friendly staff serves dishes like chicken enchiladas in a mole sauce, arrachera steaks (thin, tender, grilled cuts of beef), shrimp tacos and traditional fajitas. By the time you come to the bottom of your fishbowl cocktail, you will be belting out songs right along with the mariachi!
Open from 4:00p.m - This little hole in the wall type Italian bistro serves some of the best handmade pasta, pizza, seafood salads and desserts in town. Since the generous portions are meticulously prepared, at times there can be a wait for the main course. We recommend a glass of chilled Prosecco and the octopus salad while you await your savory meal.
135 polecane przez mieszkańców
Romeo Trattoria Pizzeria
150 Calle 4 NteOpen from 4:00p.m - This little hole in the wall type Italian bistro serves some of the best handmade pasta, pizza, seafood salads and desserts in town. Since the generous portions are meticulously prepared, at times there can be a wait for the main course. We recommend a glass of chilled Prosecco and the octopus salad while you await your savory meal.
Open from 12:00p.m - The extensive gourmet salad bar featuring soups, a variety of salads, sushi, tuna, paella, and international cheeses is enough to satisfy a hungry patron on its own. However, we recommend you save room to sample the choice cuts of beef, lamb, buffalo, pork and quail presented on a Brazilian rotisserie sword by the jovial and attentive wait staff. Reservations are recommended and we suggest going on an empty stomach!
202 polecane przez mieszkańców
BBVA
& 25 Avenida NteOpen from 12:00p.m - The extensive gourmet salad bar featuring soups, a variety of salads, sushi, tuna, paella, and international cheeses is enough to satisfy a hungry patron on its own. However, we recommend you save room to sample the choice cuts of beef, lamb, buffalo, pork and quail presented on a Brazilian rotisserie sword by the jovial and attentive wait staff. Reservations are recommended and we suggest going on an empty stomach!
Open for breakfast until late - Dine on freshly prepared rolls, teriyaki rice bowls, an incredible seafood carpaccio, sashimi, and much more. The soft lounge music sets a chic vibe whilst taking in some delicious Asian cuisine and cool cocktails, like their fantastic cucumber, watermelon or avocado martinis
58 polecane przez mieszkańców
SUSHICLUB
S/N 10 Avenida NorteOpen for breakfast until late - Dine on freshly prepared rolls, teriyaki rice bowls, an incredible seafood carpaccio, sashimi, and much more. The soft lounge music sets a chic vibe whilst taking in some delicious Asian cuisine and cool cocktails, like their fantastic cucumber, watermelon or avocado martinis
Open at 1:00p.m - This Argentinian Steakhouse serves a vast menu from pasta (the prawn linguine is delicious) to chicken to excellent thin cuts of grilled beef. The effervescent ambience and prime location present an optimal setting for savoring a cool beverage and watching people from every nation traipse along the famous 5th Avenue.
94 polecane przez mieszkańców
El Diez Playa del Carmen
Calle 30 NorteOpen at 1:00p.m - This Argentinian Steakhouse serves a vast menu from pasta (the prawn linguine is delicious) to chicken to excellent thin cuts of grilled beef. The effervescent ambience and prime location present an optimal setting for savoring a cool beverage and watching people from every nation traipse along the famous 5th Avenue.
Opens at 9:00a.m. - This delightful establishment sits within a tropical garden in the center of the city. The quality of the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable. The menu of the day is served with soup, choice of entre and drink for only $80 pesos! An interesting fusion of flavors from the Yucatan and the Czech Republic are integrated perfectly in every unique dish. On Friday nights, Noche de Diva takes place from 6:00 -9:00p.m. Patrons can dine and be entertained by the colorful owner, Paula.
28 polecane przez mieszkańców
El Jardin
LB Calle 20 NteOpens at 9:00a.m. - This delightful establishment sits within a tropical garden in the center of the city. The quality of the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable. The menu of the day is served with soup, choice of entre and drink for only $80 pesos! An interesting fusion of flavors from the Yucatan and the Czech Republic are integrated perfectly in every unique dish. On Friday nights, Noche de Diva takes place from 6:00 -9:00p.m. Patrons can dine and be entertained by the colorful owner, Paula.
Opens at 8:00a.m - This charming caf made the list for its consistent offerings of fresh prepared, in-house daily specials. For lunch, your choice of main entre is served with a starter, fresh juice (el agua de sandia- watermelon juice is amazing) and a dessert sampling.
55 polecane przez mieszkańców
Cafe Orange
30 Av. SurOpens at 8:00a.m - This charming caf made the list for its consistent offerings of fresh prepared, in-house daily specials. For lunch, your choice of main entre is served with a starter, fresh juice (el agua de sandia- watermelon juice is amazing) and a dessert sampling.
Opens at 1:00p.m - This local favorite is known for its delicious brick-oven pizzas and blended basil martinis! There is plenty of seating and a large patio area from which to enjoy drinks with friends or casual meal with the family.
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Piola
lt 2 Calle 38 Nte.Opens at 1:00p.m - This local favorite is known for its delicious brick-oven pizzas and blended basil martinis! There is plenty of seating and a large patio area from which to enjoy drinks with friends or casual meal with the family.
Opens at 7:00a.m. - Dine amongst a lush landscape with tropical flora and a tranquil waterfall. The restaurant uses fresh, local organic ingredients in their vast menu. Choose from authentic Mexican cuisine such as burritos and enchiladas, or flavorful salads, veggie burgers and seafood dishes. To accompany your meal, try one of their fresh blended juices, which are large enough to be a meal on their own!
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100% Natural Playa del Carmen
Opens at 7:00a.m. - Dine amongst a lush landscape with tropical flora and a tranquil waterfall. The restaurant uses fresh, local organic ingredients in their vast menu. Choose from authentic Mexican cuisine such as burritos and enchiladas, or flavorful salads, veggie burgers and seafood dishes. To accompany your meal, try one of their fresh blended juices, which are large enough to be a meal on their own!
Open from 12p.m - The fresh ingredients, cold drinks, and vast menu of seafood dishes will tantalize your taste buds at Los Aguachiles. Try popular dishes such as the mixed ceviche (mixed seafood cured in lime and salt), fish tacos, fresh tuna lettuce wraps and tostadas. To wash it down, order a refreshing Mexican beer or their tasty micheladas (beer with lime and spices.)
376 polecane przez mieszkańców
Los Aguachiles
Centro Calle 34 NteOpen from 12p.m - The fresh ingredients, cold drinks, and vast menu of seafood dishes will tantalize your taste buds at Los Aguachiles. Try popular dishes such as the mixed ceviche (mixed seafood cured in lime and salt), fish tacos, fresh tuna lettuce wraps and tostadas. To wash it down, order a refreshing Mexican beer or their tasty micheladas (beer with lime and spices.)
Opens at 8am - This health food store and restaurant serves a vibrant and fresh vegetarian/vegan menu. From omelettes to quinoa salads, fruit bowls to hotcakes, their flavorful combinations please any palate.
112 polecane przez mieszkańców
Bionatural
10 Avenida NorteOpens at 8am - This health food store and restaurant serves a vibrant and fresh vegetarian/vegan menu. From omelettes to quinoa salads, fruit bowls to hotcakes, their flavorful combinations please any palate.
Open from 1:45 for lunch and dinner - The light Mediterranean menu boasts succulent items such as fresh oysters, sweet potato gnocchi with rabbit ragout, beef and fish fillets, as well as veal. The tranquil garden atmosphere nestled in the rear, presents the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy a romantic dinner for two or a night out with good friends and good wine!
46 polecane przez mieszkańców
Como Como
Open from 1:45 for lunch and dinner - The light Mediterranean menu boasts succulent items such as fresh oysters, sweet potato gnocchi with rabbit ragout, beef and fish fillets, as well as veal. The tranquil garden atmosphere nestled in the rear, presents the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy a romantic dinner for two or a night out with good friends and good wine!
Open from 7a.m - Surrounded by colorful Mayan graffiti artwork, patrons can dine under the palapa roof, on traditional favorites such as chilaquiles and juevos rancheros. Also on the menu are healthy options like fruit salads or a delicious variety of extra-large, fresh blended juice concoctions.
169 polecane przez mieszkańców
Restaurante Nativo
Mz 26 30 Avenida Nte.Open from 7a.m - Surrounded by colorful Mayan graffiti artwork, patrons can dine under the palapa roof, on traditional favorites such as chilaquiles and juevos rancheros. Also on the menu are healthy options like fruit salads or a delicious variety of extra-large, fresh blended juice concoctions.
Open at 8am - This delightful, upscale restaurant serves a gourmet menu of international fusion consisting of benedicts, omelettes and traditional Mexican cuisine. If you select the set breakfast, your choice of hot dish is accompanied with coffee or tea, a fresh fruit platter served with local honey, granola and yogurt, basket of pastries and a 100% natural juice (the jugo verde is one of the best in town). A great choice for breakfast or dinner!
129 polecane przez mieszkańców
Imprevist
1 Avenida NorteOpen at 8am - This delightful, upscale restaurant serves a gourmet menu of international fusion consisting of benedicts, omelettes and traditional Mexican cuisine. If you select the set breakfast, your choice of hot dish is accompanied with coffee or tea, a fresh fruit platter served with local honey, granola and yogurt, basket of pastries and a 100% natural juice (the jugo verde is one of the best in town). A great choice for breakfast or dinner!
Breakfast served from 8am - 12pm - Enjoy Indigo's famous buffet which includes coffee, fresh squeezed juice, fruit, yogurt and pastry buffet along with your choice of main breakfast entree. Situated on the cool alabaster sand, enjoy brunch with a captivating view of the glistening Caribbean Sea.
107 polecane przez mieszkańców
Indigo Beach Club
Breakfast served from 8am - 12pm - Enjoy Indigo's famous buffet which includes coffee, fresh squeezed juice, fruit, yogurt and pastry buffet along with your choice of main breakfast entree. Situated on the cool alabaster sand, enjoy brunch with a captivating view of the glistening Caribbean Sea.
Open daily from 8:00a.m. 10:30p.m. Flowing through the center of the lush Monkey's Cave" is a river inhabited by turtles and koi fish. Famous for their vast selection of blended fruit juices, the breakfast menu also includes an array of traditional Mexican offerings (the chicken enchiladas with chile pasilla sauce are a personal favorite), fresh fruit, omelettes and crepes.
723 polecane przez mieszkańców
La Cueva del Chango
Mz. 4 Calle 38 Nte.Open daily from 8:00a.m. 10:30p.m. Flowing through the center of the lush Monkey's Cave" is a river inhabited by turtles and koi fish. Famous for their vast selection of blended fruit juices, the breakfast menu also includes an array of traditional Mexican offerings (the chicken enchiladas with chile pasilla sauce are a personal favorite), fresh fruit, omelettes and crepes.
Coffee and delectable chocolate pastry from one of Playa’s favorite gathering spots - “Ah Cacoa”
416 polecane przez mieszkańców
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café
Calle 30 NorteCoffee and delectable chocolate pastry from one of Playa’s favorite gathering spots - “Ah Cacoa”
A local hotspot, this authentic French bakery’s aromatic scents of fresh baked bread can be detected from blocks away. The enticing menu includes healthful options such as seasonal fruit with granola and omelettes, as well as a succulent offering of sweet works of art from tarts, pastries and of course buttery croissants. For an inventive twist on traditional lemonade, I recommend the ginger infused Limonada Celine.
984 polecane przez mieszkańców
Chez Céline
Esquina Calle 34 NteA local hotspot, this authentic French bakery’s aromatic scents of fresh baked bread can be detected from blocks away. The enticing menu includes healthful options such as seasonal fruit with granola and omelettes, as well as a succulent offering of sweet works of art from tarts, pastries and of course buttery croissants. For an inventive twist on traditional lemonade, I recommend the ginger infused Limonada Celine.
This beach bar on the sand at Calle 2 is a beloved hangout for locals and expats in Playa del Carmen. The personable management team is always smiling and they offer the most reasonable drink specials in town, as well as free lounge chairs on the beach! Live bands play all week long belting out classic rock renditions and lighter beats leaving you with a feel-good attitude as you sink your toes into the sand with a cold Corona! Wah Wah serves great brick-oven pizzas and an extensive menu of pub-style treats. There is a Sunday pig-roast buffet and you can count on watching major sporting events on the biggest projector screen in the city.
35 polecane przez mieszkańców
Wah Wah Beach Bar
Calle 2 Nte. Mz 1 Lt 1This beach bar on the sand at Calle 2 is a beloved hangout for locals and expats in Playa del Carmen. The personable management team is always smiling and they offer the most reasonable drink specials in town, as well as free lounge chairs on the beach! Live bands play all week long belting out classic rock renditions and lighter beats leaving you with a feel-good attitude as you sink your toes into the sand with a cold Corona! Wah Wah serves great brick-oven pizzas and an extensive menu of pub-style treats. There is a Sunday pig-roast buffet and you can count on watching major sporting events on the biggest projector screen in the city.
Drinks & Nightlife
Coco Bongo
The best night party in town!!
The first time I entered Le Lotus Rouge, a.k.a. Art World, I was a bit taken aback by the multitude of images, circus figurines, sculptures and feathered boas that covered every square inch of the place.
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Le lotus rouge
824 Calle 2 NteThe first time I entered Le Lotus Rouge, a.k.a. Art World, I was a bit taken aback by the multitude of images, circus figurines, sculptures and feathered boas that covered every square inch of the place.
Open from 2:00p.m. 1:00a.m - This trendy, 2 level, pub-style restaurant features a fresh and hip vibe, alfresco dining and a casual menu replete with delicious pub fare. The stacked burgers, flavorful flatbread pizzas, and beet salads are arguably the best in town. Their combination of house prepared sauces, cocktail blends and jovial service staff will draw you back to Caguameria time and time again!
16 polecane przez mieszkańców
La Finísima Caguamería de Esquina
Mz 63 1 Avenida NorteOpen from 2:00p.m. 1:00a.m - This trendy, 2 level, pub-style restaurant features a fresh and hip vibe, alfresco dining and a casual menu replete with delicious pub fare. The stacked burgers, flavorful flatbread pizzas, and beet salads are arguably the best in town. Their combination of house prepared sauces, cocktail blends and jovial service staff will draw you back to Caguameria time and time again!
This is where the trendy resident and visitor crowd of Playa del Carmen go for a posh night out. Patrons will be impressed with exquisite menu items, which include beets with goat cheese and roasted ceviche starters, gourmet Yucatan panuchos, barbecued lamb, grilled fish with lentils, or slow roasted pork. The full bar presents the most sophisticated selection of tequilas, mezcals and wines.
214 polecane przez mieszkańców
ALMIRANTE PECH
This is where the trendy resident and visitor crowd of Playa del Carmen go for a posh night out. Patrons will be impressed with exquisite menu items, which include beets with goat cheese and roasted ceviche starters, gourmet Yucatan panuchos, barbecued lamb, grilled fish with lentils, or slow roasted pork. The full bar presents the most sophisticated selection of tequilas, mezcals and wines.
Sightseeing
Playa del Carmen’s main dining, shopping and entertainment district is located on the vibrant, pedestrian-only 5th Avenue. At the South end of this charming, cobblestone street is a central square in which visitors can view various free performances throughout the day. The ‘Voladores de Papantla,’ (Mayan Flying Men) climb an 80-foot pole and play traditional Mayan music with flutes and a drum. Four of the five men, spiral slowly downward, suspended upside down by their feet with a rope, which is attached to a rotating platform at the top of the pole. The 5th remains at the top to play the music while the others descend down, flying in a circular motion.
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Parque Los Fundadores
Avenida Benito JuárezPlaya del Carmen’s main dining, shopping and entertainment district is located on the vibrant, pedestrian-only 5th Avenue. At the South end of this charming, cobblestone street is a central square in which visitors can view various free performances throughout the day. The ‘Voladores de Papantla,’ (Mayan Flying Men) climb an 80-foot pole and play traditional Mayan music with flutes and a drum. Four of the five men, spiral slowly downward, suspended upside down by their feet with a rope, which is attached to a rotating platform at the top of the pole. The 5th remains at the top to play the music while the others descend down, flying in a circular motion.
Parks & Nature
A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka'an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, which is why the region became a designated Biosphere Reserve in 1986. A year later, Sian Ka'an was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and it remains the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Possibly the most astonishing part of the Yucatan peninsula, it is located 2 hours south of Cancun near the small town of Tulum. When you are travelling to the Riviera Maya, especially to Tulum. Tulum has two great attractions, one being the Tulum Ruins and one is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sian Ka'an, still not very known, but when visiting Tulum or the Riviera Maya, you should not
316 polecane przez mieszkańców
Sian Ka'an
A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka'an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, which is why the region became a designated Biosphere Reserve in 1986. A year later, Sian Ka'an was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and it remains the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Possibly the most astonishing part of the Yucatan peninsula, it is located 2 hours south of Cancun near the small town of Tulum. When you are travelling to the Riviera Maya, especially to Tulum. Tulum has two great attractions, one being the Tulum Ruins and one is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sian Ka'an, still not very known, but when visiting Tulum or the Riviera Maya, you should not
Everything Else
Adapted from the original Xochimilco outside of Mexico City, passengers are guided through a series of canals on trajineras. A captain gently propels the flat-bottomed boat through the shallow waters with a long pole. Along the way, guests are treated to a culinary and musical adventure. Various bands of different genres are stationed on the banks of the canals or playing on anchored trajineras. A host serves 4 courses of traditional Mexican food. As visitors try dishes such as Huitlacoche dip (made from an edible corn fungus considered to be a Mayan delicacy,) nopal (cactus) salad, chicken in mole sauce and an assortment of desserts (including a delicious flan,) the gondola-like trajinera
189 polecane przez mieszkańców
Xoximilco Cancun
ChetumalAdapted from the original Xochimilco outside of Mexico City, passengers are guided through a series of canals on trajineras. A captain gently propels the flat-bottomed boat through the shallow waters with a long pole. Along the way, guests are treated to a culinary and musical adventure. Various bands of different genres are stationed on the banks of the canals or playing on anchored trajineras. A host serves 4 courses of traditional Mexican food. As visitors try dishes such as Huitlacoche dip (made from an edible corn fungus considered to be a Mayan delicacy,) nopal (cactus) salad, chicken in mole sauce and an assortment of desserts (including a delicious flan,) the gondola-like trajinera