8 Fantastic Restaurants for Local Eats in Playa Del Carmen You Need to Know

I’ll be diving into the best places to try local eats in Playa Del Carmen. These places are all off the tourist track and of course, off 5th avenue. I break down the cost, the best thing to order, and how to go.

Playa Del Carmen has an international reputation for cruise ships, and drinking along 5th avenue but PDC is a diverse, cultural, and thriving place. The largest town in the Riviera Maya, it’s still very walkable, laid back, and filled with young professionals, both local and international. It’s also filled with delicious food. Off the touristy track, the local eats in Playa Del Carmen were a pleasant surprise for my hungry stomach.

The best thing about PDC is the variety. You have high end restaurants, laid back joints, taco stands and food carts. The local eats of the region are showcased almost everywhere you go, with regional dishes galore.

Below I’ll break down my 8 favorite restaurants in Playa Del Carmen to try local flavors, and support family owned and off the beaten path places:

Los Hijos Del Mar Tostaderia Mazatleca

Where: 77720, 30 Avenida Nte.

Hours: 1 pm-10 pm.

Check them out here.

Hands down my favorite place in Playa Del Carmen. Only one block from our apartment, we stumbled on this and then never left. Some of the best seafood in the area, at an unbeatable price, you have to try the whole menu. While the tacos are phenomenal, don’t sleep on the tostadas- there’s a reason it’s their namesake. Try both the hot and the cold ones, and watch in awe as the chef makes each dish within eye sight.

The vibe is very casual, with artistic decor and paintings. It’s an open air restaurant, and they serve some of the best salsas on the house. Do not get this confused with a similarly named place on 5th avenue- they are not the same.

Nativo

Where: Lt 2, 30 Avenida Nte.

Hours: 7:30 am- 12 am.

Check them out here.

This juice bar meets breakfast spot is easily missed. With a juice bar downstairs, one might not even notice the upstairs dining area filled with funky art and sporting treehouse vibes. The juices are the star of Nativo, but their breakfast menu and portion size is worth writing about.

If you’re hungry- go here immediately. Just be prepared that it will be a bit packed in the mornings. Their beans and sauces are delicious. If you’re ordering one of their juices or smoothies, which you have to, just know that they are huge.

La Ceiba De La 30

Where: 30 Avenida entre Constituyentes, Calle 20 Nte.

Hours: 7 am-5 pm.

Check them out here.

While eating on Nativo’s balcony, we couldn’t help but notice the never ending line of people gathered across the street in front of a white, tented patio. It was attached to what looked like a market. Upon further research we discovered that La Ceiba was one of the best local eats in Playa Del Carmen.

This is a two for one kind of place. Not only will you get some of the best chilaquiles in town, and also in your life, but you’ll also get to enjoy the local market. It has tons of fresh produce, and goods from local farmers. Go for breakfast or lunch, and do some grocery shopping after your meal.

Aloha Raw Bar

Where: 20 Avenida entre calles 38 y 40 col. Zazil-ha.

Hours: 9 am-2 pm.

Check them out here.

Okay this isn’t exactly what most picture when they hear local eats in Playa Del Carmen, but it is delicious. As a pescatarian, and smoothie lover, I am also searching for a good smoothie bowl spot. Aloha Raw Bar is the best in town and it’s easy to miss.

If you’re looking for a trendy vibe and work space, this is your spot. If you’re looking for unique healthy, vegetarian food with creative smoothie and waffle creations- this is also your spot. Be warned- it’s a bit pricey but if this is what you seek, it’s worth the splurge.

EatBar

Where: 10 Avenida Norte LB entre calle 6 y 8.

Hours: 11 am- 11 pm.

Check them out here.

Ah, EatBar. A place I would normally walk right by but I’m so glad a friend dragged me inside. It’s open air, with only three tables inside. You order at the same counter where the owner prepares your food. Portions are huge, flavors are fantastic and it is the best falafel and hummus in town.

You have both your meat and your veggie options, with fresh baked pita, and authentic seasonings. I love this spot whenever I’m craving falafel and would go back 1000 times over. This is one of the best places to get food that isn’t traditional Mexican cuisine, but without having to pay an arm and a leg or being disappointed.

El Fogon

Where: Av. Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen.

Hours: 1 pm- 6pm.

Check them out here.

So good they have two locations. This place rocks. With incredible freshly shaved and cooked meat (well, so say my meat eating friends), 60 mxn margaritas and huge quesadillas. This is the spot to go when you land for the perfect introduction to local eats in Playa del Carmen.

Veggie options are slim pickings, but their quesadillas make up for it. This is definitely no frills, and always packs a big crowd.

Xolo Cocina Mexicana

Where: Av 40 Nte. corner calle 32.

Hours: 6 pm-12 am.

Check them out here.

If you’re looking for something with equally great ambiance and food, then this is the spot. Far away from 5th and 10th avenue, many people who dont venture this direction would miss out on this hidden gem. Great for date nights or just a nicer meal, you’ll get home cooked, traditional cuisine with a twist. They have a beautiful mural and patio, phenomenal cocktails and incredible presentation. The service is fantastic, so you’re definitely having a full experience when you dine here.

Los Tarascos

Where: 30 Avenida Nte. 354.

Hours: 2 pm-2 am.

Check them out here.

This may be the last on the local eats in Playa Del Carmen list, but that doesn’t reflect the quality, I promise. Another traditional taco joint, Los Tarascos is known for their al pastor tacos and alambre. They are also fabulous for delivery if you’re having a night in or you’re reading this during COVID times. Huge portions, appropriate prices, but expect a lot of grease with your food. In my opinion, it only makes it tastier.

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