Playa del Carmen has one of the best food scenes on the Riviera Maya. Fifth Avenue and the side streets around Calle 12 to Calle 38 are packed with Mexican, seafood, Italian and international restaurants, while the streets a few blocks inland have cheaper local taquerías.
At a glance
- In this guide: 6 restaurants, each checked in October 2026.
- From Cancun Airport: 45–60 minutes; private transfer from 89 USD per vehicle (Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen).
- Also see: Bars in Playa del Carmen and Playa del Carmen travel guide.
Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Alux Restaurant
Upscale Mexican restaurant in a cave · Av. Benito Juárez · $$$$
Contemporary Mexican dinner served inside a natural underground cavern; reservations needed and a minimum spend applies.
Chez Celine
French bakery and café · 5th Ave & Calle 34 · $$
French bakery-café on northern 5th Avenue known for croissants, macarons, breakfast and brunch on its outdoor patio.
El Fogon
Taquería · Av. Constituyentes · $
Busy, no-frills local taquería famous for tacos al pastor carved off the trompo, with cheap prices and plenty of salsas.
La Cueva Del Chango
Mexican breakfast and garden restaurant · Calle 38 Norte · $$
Leafy jungle-garden spot near the beach, best known for Mexican breakfasts like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.
Los Aguachiles
Sinaloan seafood · Av. 25 & Calle 34 · $
Casual Sinaloa-style seafood spot for aguachiles and seafood tacos, mostly a lunch stop popular with locals.
Porfirio’s Restaurant
Contemporary Mexican restaurant · 5th Ave & Calle 12 · $$$
Lively contemporary Mexican restaurant on Quinta Avenida with creative cocktails and live mariachi on weekend nights.
We checked every place on this page in October 2026. Restaurants and bars open, close and change hours often, so confirm with the venue before you go.
Tips for eating out in Playa del Carmen
- Book ahead for dinner in high season (mid-December to April), especially at waterfront and fine-dining places.
- A 10–15% tip is customary; check the bill first, as some places add a service charge.
- Carry some Mexican pesos – small taquerías and cafés may be cash only, and paying in pesos is usually cheaper than dollars.
- Drink bottled or filtered water; reputable restaurants use purified ice.
- Opening days change with the season, so confirm hours on the venue’s social media or Google listing before you go.
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport
Playa del Carmen is 45–60 minutes from Cancun Airport. A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest way to arrive with luggage: from 89 USD one way or 165 USD round trip per vehicle for up to 8 people, with the driver waiting at the terminal. See Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Book your transfer to Playa del Carmen
Planning your stay? See the Playa del Carmen travel guide and Playa del Carmen hotels.
FAQ
Where are the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen?
Popular choices include Alux Restaurant, Chez Celine and El Fogon. All the places on this page were checked in October 2026.
Do I need a reservation?
For dinner at popular or upscale restaurants in high season (December to April), yes. Casual taquerías and cafés take walk-ins.
How do I get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport?
Playa del Carmen is 45–60 minutes from the airport. A private transfer costs from 89 USD one way per vehicle for up to 8 people.