The restaurants along 5th Avenue feature Italian, Mexican, American, Latin American, Asian and international flavors.

There are nearly 75 restaurants in Playa, with foods of every type and price range. There are also various pizza stands with prices ranging from $10-20, most of them remain open up to 6 AM when bars begin to close. As is the case in much of Mexico, the street food is not to be missed. Simply walk south down fifth avenue until you reach the pier and taxi stand. There are generally five or six carts there serving tacos of various types. Every seafood taco is generally outstanding, along with the carnitas, pollo, and chorizo. Also, try the stuffed poblano tacos. Tacos are typically in the US $2-3 range. For the best and freshest tacos arrive mid-morning before the lunch rush as the carts are setting up.

Indigo Beach – 14th & the beach at El Taj Condos.

Imagine having breakfast with a view of the ocean and the sand between your toes! You can do that at Indigo Beach!  There is a buffet or breakfast menu available with Mexican and American style breakfast choices. Fresh tortillas, home baked goods, freshly squeezed orange juice and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

La Ceiba De La 30 – 30th Avenue corner 20th Street.

Tucked in next to the DAC fruits and vegetable market is this cozy restaurant.  All their produce is provided by the neighboring farmer’s market so the result is fresh, delicious and healthy choices.

They have quite a few vegetarian and vegan options available. In addition to the yummy food, they have fresh juices and smoothies galore. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Chez Celine – 5th Avenue and 34th Street

France is synonymous with poodles, the Eiffel Tower, and of course, their pastries. The rich, complex, and sultry culture is definitely reflected in the baked goods at Chez Celine!  If you do visit, be sure to try their almond croissants.

La Pasteleteria – Xaman-Ha Center (next to Office Max), Playacar II – Highway

In my opinion, this café/restaurant/bakery is among the best in Playa.  Mexico’s culinary identity is largely based on corn and it’s multiple uses in the kitchen.  Bread has not yet reached the same exalted heights as maizin in the region. However, La Pastelería serves up baked goods that are as delicious as they are high quality.

Zenzi – Beach and 10th St.

Whether you are looking for a light lunch, a sandwich or a full on meal, here are some of the best spots for lunch in Playa del Carmen.  Who doesn’t love an ocean view to compliment their meal? Zenzi boasts delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have live bands and entertainment in the evenings. Prices are very reasonable and you definitely can’t beat the view!  My favorite place!!!

Los Aguachiles – 34th street on the corner of 25th Avenue.

If you love seafood, look no further! Fresh seafood, ceviches, fish/shrimp tacos, and tostadas are served up daily.

Lido Club de Playa -  Av. 1era. Norte Bis, Mz. 22, Lote 3, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Lidos food is SO good! It’s affordable and is in a beautiful location.  This is a cool ocean side hotel/restaurant with excellent food and music. This place feels like a sleepy Mexican town restaurant Live music also and yes pet friendly in some areas.  We stopped by the Lido one afternoon to hear the band "Toy Box" and we were glad we did. We only had drinks, but being a group of six it was nice to find a place that sold buckets of six cervesas instead of the normal five. We tried the drink of the day, pina coladas, and they were excellent.

Babe’s Noodles and Bar - 10th St. between 5th and 10th Ave, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

One of Playa del Carmen’s original restaurants, Babes has been serving up delicious Thai noodles and Asian European fusion since 2000.

Swedish owners Per and Lena is one of Playa’s pioneers who arrived at that moment that the small fishing village was entering an exponential growth phase. Their first attempt was moderately successful but once they rebranded and changed the menu, the restaurant became an instant success, both for locals and visitors alike.

And for the last 17 years then specialty dishes like the Swedish meatballs, cashew noodles, Thai chicken and the red curry arrachera with basmati rice are all dishes that have pleased many palates from all over the world.

Our staff favorite is without a doubt the Thai chicken accompanied by some deliciously fresh mojitos.

Madre Tierra -Fifth Avenue and corner of 14th Street

Madre Tierra Seafood & Steakhouse is a chic Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue.

For all you meat lover out there. Thanks to the huge Argentinian expat community here in Playa we guarantee you some great cuts and delicious flavors…

Boasting a tantalizing menu from both land and sea. Perfect for a romantic night out or a splurge on some upscale Mexican cuisine. It doesn’t matter what you order is guaranteed to be good and be sure to pair it with one of the famous Mexican wines.

La Vaca Gaucha – Fifth Avenue and corner of 24th

Argentinians are known for many things, and high up on that list next to football/soccer and tango is the quality of their cuts of beef.  While you wouldn’t necessarily think of Argentinian food when traveling to the Mexican Caribbean, the region is actually home to a significant expat population. The result? At La Vaca Gaucha.

Oh, la, la – 14th bis street between 10th and 15th Ave.  Voted the #1 restaurant in Playa del Carmen on TripAdvisor, Oh Lala!

There’s a reason why this urban eatery owned and managed by Chef George and Mikaela is such a fan favorite.

As if a tribute to Playa del Carmen and the diversity of its people, Oh Lala! serves up some of the best international cuisines you’ll find just about anywhere. However, with just 9 tables you’ll enjoy an intimate experience so be sure to RSVP.

Don Chendo  – Avenida 30 con Calle 24 y 26

The best Chicago-style pizzeria I have EVER tried. With an array of tantalizing deep dish delights to choose from it won’t be long until you realize why this place is an expat favorite!

If you’re not hungry for pizza, we suggest you give the delicious chicken parmesan a try. Either way, you’ll be well fed and happy.

Casa Sofia – Av. Aviacion s/n, Playacar

Casa Sofia has made a good niche for itself among the plethora of quality Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Here you can expect fresh-made pasta at affordable prices. The restaurant itself boasts a great atmosphere and is pet-friendly. It’s quaint and romantic, not solely reliant on its food for its great reputation.

El Gran Taco – Location: Calle 41 Sur and the corner of Diagonal 70 (right in front of Centro Maya)

Tacos are an art.

They are at the heart of Mexico’s culinary identity, so it’s only right that when you’re here you sample some of the very best.

Serving up to 15 different stews a day, which can also be eaten as a quesadilla or gordita, El Gran Taco is a true taco (and flauta) heaven.

On the weekends you can also order some Mexican barbacoa, paella or even Xcatic (pronounced ISH-ka-teek), which are mild chili peppers stuffed with creamy shrimp.

Aldea Corazon –  5th Avenue between 14th and 14 bis.

Dine in a lush garden setting around a beautiful cenote. The ambiance is simply wonderful and the gourmet delicious Mexcian food is even better.  Try the jicama tacos. They are open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

La Mission –10 Ave. between Juarez and Calle 2 North

This restaurant offers up generous portions of the freshest seafood at reasonable prices.  Try the specialty Mission shrimp or a fish ceviche. The menu has a wide variety of choices and the drinks are as tasty as the food. They also have a location in Cozumel.

Blue Lobster – Located on 12th street between 1st and 5th avenues.  Lobster, seafood feasts, surf ‘n turf and more. The Blue Lobster in Playa del Carmen is known for delicious seafood and great service. This elegant restaurant is an excellent choice for a special occasion. They do have 2 floors with air conditioning or outdoor seating.