Playa del Carmen  Restaurants

PUERTO AVENTURAS PLAY DEL CARMEN AKUMAL & AREA TULUM PUERTO MORELOS CANCUN	Mexican Tacos, Tostadas & Roast Chicken Mexican Seafood Coctelerias Seafood (including where to find lobster) Mayan Pizza & Italian Meat Lovers Vegetarian & Vegan Sushi Asian (including Thai, Indian & Chinese) Spanish & Portuguese French Middle Eastern (including Kosher) Cuban Coffee, Desert, Breakfast & Lunch Of Interest	I hardly know where to begin.  Restaurants come and go in Playa nearly as often as the ferry to Cozumel.  With so many new restaurants opening, moving, or closing, chefs are in high demand and many bounce around more than you would expect.  As a result what was great last month, just may not be so fabulous this.   The good news is that there are too many options to list here, it is increasing monthly, and it is easy to discover your own special place.  The tough part is deciding which one to try.  To get you started, here are a few I know about.....  Breaking restaurants into categories is difficult because many restaurants do more than 1 thing well, but a little organization will hopefully be helpful for you. NOTE: Juarez Avenida divides Playa del Carmen into Norte (north) and Sur (south).  Most restaurants are located in the Norte section.  If a restaurant is in the Sur section I will mention that in the street name.

Mexican             
ALDEA  CORAZON: $$-$$$   located  Avenida 5 between Calles 14 and 14 Bis.  Telephone 984 803-1942.     You are not going to believe that you are in downtown Playa when you enter this hidden tropical Oasis complete with cenote (natural pool).  Whether you are needing to escape the mid day heat or looking for a romantic setting for dinner.  You likely won't be disappointed with the atmosphere, food or service. 

                             AXIOTE: $$-$$$   located Calle 34 between Avenidas 5 and 10.  Telephone 984 803-1727. https://www.axiote.rest/     Contemporary Mexican in a comfortably casual setting.  Just far enough off of 5th Avenue that most of the tourists miss it.

                              CARBONCITOS: $$    located on Calle 4 between Avenidas 5 & 10. Telephone (984) 873-1382   Local tradition for tacos 'Frozen mugs, strong Margaritas, and a wide variety of Mexican fare.

                              El  SANGHA  RITO: $    located on Avenida CTM (Calle 46) between Avenidas 5 and 10.  Telephone (984) 873-1794.   This is a very reasonably priced breakfast and lunch restaurant that has quite an extensive menu full of healthy options.

                              La  CIEBA:  $  located on Avenida 30 just north of Constituyentes inside of DAC fresh fruit and veggie market.  Telephone 984 130-8532   DAC is a fresh fruit and veggie market with so much more including spices, nuts, grains, and hard to find international items.  They have little trucks running all over the area supplying restaurants and smaller markets.  This is also where you will find La Cieba restaurant.  It was originally the Nativo location (mentioned above) but for reasons unknown to me, Nativo moved across the street and La Cieba was born without loosing any of the quality or much change to the menu.  Either restaurant is a great choice for a relatively in-expensive breakfast or lunch.

                              La  COCINA: $    on corner of Avenida 45 Sur and Calle 1 Sur   Their motto is 'todo esta en al sazon'  or 'everything in season'  This is a very simple, clean breakfast and lunch restaurant that serves a very reasonably priced set menu breakfast and lunch.  3 course lunch of soup, main and desert is under $5.  In addition to the set meals, you can order off the menu. Tuesdays they have chile rellenos and lasagna every day.

                              La  CORONELA: $$    located on Calle 1 Sur between Avenida 5 & 10 telephone (984) 169-7513    Simple, reasonably priced and authentic Mexican food in an unpretentious environment.  Close to Cozumel ferry dock.

                              La  CUEVA  del  CHANGO: $$$    located on Calle 38 between Avenida 3 & 5 telephone (984) 147-0271 http://www.lacuevadelchango.com/    In the year 2000 I discovered this hidden gem carved out of the jungle while bouncing down gravel trails trying to get to the beach.  I kept it a secret to all but visiting friends as long as I could.  Today it is no secret.  There are condos and paved roads all around and the bustle of 5th avenue that keeps extending northward is just around the corner.  However, this funky restaurant and one time garden shop, has retained their integrity while developing a more cultured ambiance, which is still tranquil and unique.  Natural juices, crepes, vegetarian specialties, traditional Mexican dishes and much more, using the freshest of ingredients, help make this one of the places I like to take visiting friends.  What was once a garden shop serving delicious breakfasts only.  Is now a well established restaurant with a strong reputation for serving equally delightful and wholesome lunches & dinners too.

                              La  FISHERIA: $$    located Avenida 5 between Calles 22 and 24.  Telephone 984 803-0611. http://lafisheriaplaya.mx/    This is not your typical Mexican food or your typical seafood.  Chef Aquiles Chavez Jiminez creatively takes Mexican seafood to an International level.

                              La  MISSION: $$    located Avenida 10 between Avenida Juarez and Calle 10.  Telephone 984 873-3922  Whatsapp 987 879-0032. http://www.restaurantlamissionplaya.com/     If you have ever spent time in Cozumel then you likely have eaten at one of the Mission family of restaurants.  They have now expanded to Playa del Carmen along with their guarantee "If you don't like it, You don't pay it".  Specializing in Mexican inspired meat dishes and seafood. 

                              La  PARRILLA: $$   located on the corner of Avenida 5 & Calle Constituentes.  telephone (984) 873-0687  http://www.laparrilla.com.mx/   A Mariachi band is almost guaranteed to show up at this lively, large, family oriented, touristy Mexican restaurant.  Sometimes it is not about the dining, it is about the fun so... if you have a large group or kids with you, this might be the place.  The food is not great but it is not bad either.  You don't stay in business drawing in large crowds for many years in both Cancun and Playa serving terrible food.

                              La  PERLA  PIXAN: $$    located on Calle 34 between Avenida 5 & 10 telephone (984) 120-2616   A wide variety of traditional (and some not so traditional) Mexican dishes from various parts of Mexico. 

                              La  VAGABUNDA: $$     located on Avenida 5 between Calles 24 & 26.  Telephone (984) 873-3753.  http://vagabundaplaya.com/en/home-page/    This has been a long standing breakfast stop for me.  I have been coming here since this palapa restaurant was the only thing for 2 blocks and the way in was a trail that was best negotiated with a truck in dry weather.  Daily lunch specials too.

                              Las  MACHACADOS: $    located Avenida 45 and Calle 3 Sur.  Telephone 984 148-8623.   If you want to get off the beaten track and eat like the local Mexicans do then try this little 'loncheria'  which specializes in typical 'antojitos Yucatecos' or snacks of the Yucatan.  Also try their signature drink which is made up of blended ice, fruit, sweetened milk and cinnamon.

                              NATIVO: $    located on Avenida 30 just north of Constituyentes.  Telephone (984) 873-0758.   Also located on Juarez just west of the federal highway.  Fabulous fresh fruit drinks and inexpensive Mexican style breakfast items.  A favorite for a quick breakie.

                              NO  NAME  EMPANADAS: $     located in a little strip mall on Avenida 30 between Calles 38 and 40.  I had ducked into this little strip mall around 2004 or so to grab something at the small Soriana grocery store located there.  While there I noticed a big crowd of people lined up to get into a little storefront.  I went over to see what all the fuss was about and discovered they were ordering empanadas.  I developed a strong liking for empanadas while working and living in Argentina.  What I have learned after tasting them in many different countries and restaurants,  Not all empanadas are equal.  I made note of the location and returned another day to find another crowd so this time I joined in.  WOW... this little (2 small tables inside and 2 small tables on the sidewalk) establishment was churning out hand made to order empanadas at an amazing rate.   Most of the people were getting them to go so I waited until I could sit down and was glad that I did.  They are delicious and could not be any fresher...  There is now a fresh juice bar near the entrance to the parking area so it makes a wonderful combination.

                              PEZ  VELLA: $$   located on corner of Avenida 5 and Calle 2.   telephone 984 873-0999.  http://www.pezvela.com/     You do not get to brag that you are the longest running restaurant and bar on Avenida 5 (since 1990) unless you are doing something right. 

                              SENIOR  ACAVERA: $    located on the Avenida Arco Vial (115 Avenida) between Juarez and Calle 2 Norte .  There are a number of parts stores and smaller workshops that I visit frequently in this part of town.  I kept noticing a lot of people at this little roadside food stand so around 2007 I stopped and ordered some food.  I have been a regular customer ever since.  The reputation of Sr Acavera has grown over the years and so has his little stand which only had a couple of plastic tables sitting in the dirt when I fist ate here but is now a real restaurant with concrete floor and a tin roof overhead.  Delicious tortas and so much more chased down with a fresh fruit drink.
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  Tacos,  Tostados  &  Roast  Chicken    
ASADERO  el  POLLO: $    on corner of Avenida 20 and Calle 2.  Telephone 984 176-3414 http://asadero-el-pollo.restaurantwebexperts.com/   A long time standard for roast chicken done on a wood fired grill.  Very simple, inexpensive, restaurant popular with locals.

                              EL  FOGON: $-$$   various locations around town but the first and most popular is located Avenida Constituentes & Avenidas 25 and 30. Telephone 984 803-0885  After a night of drinking and the munchies take over, this is the taqueria where the locals head for tacos de pastor and other Mexican staples.  If you are really hungry order the arrachera steak. 

                              EL  GRAN  TACO: $    on Calle 39 Sur on the corner with Diagonal 70.   Very simple taco stand with a large selection of tacos and much more.  Located right across from Centro Maya shopping center.

                              EL  OASIS  MARISCOS: $$     2 locations: the original and best ... is located on the highway between Constituentes & Juarez. Telephone 984 803-2676  Also located in the center on Calle 12 between Avenida 5 and 10. Telephone 984 803-5326  Delicious shrimp tacos, plus all manner of Mexican style seafood dishes.  Very good and very popular with the locals.

                              LA  FLORESTA: $-$$     on the west side of the highway and calle 14. Telephone 984 593-3169  http://lafloresta.mx/  A few plastic tables under a palapa with a soccer game on the TV summarizes the atmosphere.  HOWEVER, just ask anyone who has lived here for a while where to get the best shrimp tacos and they will tell you "La Floresta."  They are only open for lunch and only serve shrimp tacos, fish tacos, seafood cocktails, ceviche and cold drinks.  You have to try at least one shrimp and one fish. 

                              Los  AGUAS  CHILES: $$   2 locations: the original on the corner of Calle 34 and Avenida 25  Telephone 984 859-1442 and now on Constituentes between Calles 1 and 5 Telephone 984 873-0862  http://www.losaguachiles.mx/   Not your average Taco stand.  Designer fish and seafood tacos with a delicious assortment of sauces.  I love the chipotle and cilantro.

                              Los  HIJOS  de  la  TOSTADA: $$   located on Avenida 5 at Calle 38 .  Telephone 984 803-0823.  What started as a small restaurant serving innovative seafood tostadas has quickly grown into a popular 5th avenue 'must try'. 

                             SABOR  A  LENA  PARRILLADA  &  GRILL: $-$$     on  Avenida 15 Sur  between Calles 1 Sur and 1 Bis Sur.    Roast chicken done on the rotisserie over wood charcoal is their specialty but they also have numerous other wood fire grilled meats on the menu.  Very reasonable price

                             TACONTENADOR: $     located on Constituentes between Avenida 5 and 10.  Telephone 984 212-0079.  Just off hectic 5th Avenue this shipping container turned kitchen turns out delicious tacos and other Mexican street fare and cold drinks, at very reasonable prices.
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Seafood  (including  where  to  find  lobster)          Of course being on the ocean.  Seafood is quite common here (even though most of it is caught on the Gulf side of the peninsula) and available at many restaurants.   In fact a great number of the restaurants listed under other categories serve seafood as an integral part of their menus.  However, not so many serve lobster so I have listed a couple here if that is what you are looking for in particular.  
 
BLUE  LOBSTER: $$$   located on Calle 12 and Avenida 5.  telephone (984) 873-1360.  http://www.bluelobster.com.mx/menu.html   I don't enjoy lobster (It was served to me too often while living in Oman) so although this restaurant has a diverse menu of seafood items.  The name and touristy vibe spearheaded by touts working the street to get you to come in, has kept me from trying it.  However, it has been here for a very long time and so that says something. 

                              HARRY'S  STEAKHOUSE  &  RAW BAR: $$$$  in Calle Corazon on Avenida 5 between Calles 12 and 14.  Telephone 984 803-2021. http://harrys.com.mx/   This is a very upscale fine dining experience.  In addition to choice cuts of meat, the seafood selection and preparation is top notch.

OH  LALA: $$$$   on Calle 14 Norte Bis between Avenida 10 and 15.  Telephone 984 127-4844 http://www.ohlalabygeorge.com/   This upscale, award winning restaurant has an inspired, fresh, ever changing menu created by chef/owner Jorge Garcia, that leans heavily to seafood dishes including lobster.  With only 9 tables and a strong reputation, it is highly recommended to make a reservation.
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Mayan               
EL  FAISAN  y  EL  VENADO: $$    located on the Cancun - Tulum highway slip road and Calle 2 Norte. telephone (984) 873-0533.    This is one of the original restaurants in Playa del Carmen.  That it has survived all of the change the city has gone through speaks for the consistent food and family friendly atmosphere.

                             MAYAN BISTRO: $$   located in the Aventura Mexicana hotel on the corner of Avenida 10 and Calle 22   . telephone (984) 873-1876. http://aventuramexicana.com/bistro.html      Just off of busy 5th avenue in a quiet relaxing atmosphere.  In addition to a few typical Mayan and Mexican dishes, the menu includes seafood and Italian fare including pizza.

                             RINCON  YUCATECO: $-$$    located on Avenida CTM (Calle 46)  between and Avenidas 10 and 15.   telephone (984) 859-1612.   Simple and authentic Mayan/Yucateco cuisine at very reasonable prices.  Cochinita Pibil is one of my favorites.
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 Pizza  &  Italian   
CASA  MEDITERRANEA: $$-$$$   located on Avenida 5 between Calle 6 and 8.  located in a courtyard off the street down a narrow walk way.  telephone (984) 806-4679    A quiet restaurant in a small courtyard with excellent Italian dishes and an intimate atmosphere.  There are a number of interesting art galleries in the courtyard too.

                             CASA  SOFIA: $$-$$$     located on Avenida Aviacion which is the south road paralleling the air strip.  Telephone 984 166 4252 https://www.casasofia.com.mx/   Delicious Italian food including wood fired oven pizza and hand made pasta, all at reasonable prices.

                             CENACOLO: $$$$     on Avenida 5 at Calle 28.   (984) 803-5705 https://cenacolo.com.mx/en/     A great choice for a romantic Italian dinner.  Good service and delicious genuine Italian fare.

                             DON  CHENDO  ITALIAN - AMERICAN  HOME-STYLE  KITCHEN: $-$$     located on corner of Avenida 30 between Calles 24 & 26.  Telephone 984 803 8595  Whatsapp 984 213 2196  http://www.don-chendo.com/   If you are a fan of Chicago style deep dish pizza... this is the place in Playa.

                             La  FAMIGLIA: $$-$$$  on Avenida 10 at Calle 10.   (984) 803-5350   https://lafamiglia.mx/  It may not look like much from the street but step inside and treat yourself to some delicious fresh Italian pastas and pizza at a reasonable price.  NOTE: try to sit upstairs.

                             PIOLA: $$    on Calle 38 between Avenida 5 and the beach.   (984) 803-4229  https://piola.com.mx/    A good choice for pizza and a drink close to the beach.

                             RISTORANTE  AMBASCIATA  D' ITALIA: $$$     located on corner of Avenida 5 and Calle 24. Telephone 984 873-3621  http://www.ambasciataditalia.com/en   Good Italian food, nice atmosphere and the street side tables are pleasant.  This restaurant is in what is commonly called the 'Italian section' of Playa.

                              ROLANDIS: $$       located in Paseo del Carmen pedestrian mall between Avenida 10 & the ferry.  telephone (984) 803-4121    This Cancun tradition with a deserved reputation for good Italian fare is now well established in Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres.

                             ROMA  SPAGHETTI: $-$$     located on Avenida CTM (Calle 46) between Avenidas 5 & 10.  Telephone 984 196 7952  You might just walk on past this small restaurant without giving it a second thought.  Don't.. Here you will find home made Italian food lovingly prepared by owner/chef Enzo who really is from Rome.

                              ROMEO  TRATTORIA  PIZZERIA: $$     located on Calle 4 between Avenidas 10 & 15.  Telephone 984 141 6507  This small Italian restaurant has been popular with locals for a long time (in spite of poor service) because of the consistently good food.  However during recent visits the service has improved immensely so maybe that reputation has changed.  Wide variety of Italian dishes served included thin crust pizza.  Can be very crowded so a reservation is recommended.

                             SALENTO: $$   on Avenida CTM (Calle 46) and Avenida 1.   (984) 147-2362  100% Italian food, charm and coziness... a little off the beaten path, which means you should not be bothered by the stumbling, mumbling drunk crowd that is often on Quinta Avenida.

                             ULA  GULA: $$$   on Avenida 5 & corner of Calle 12.   (984) 803-1054  In the never ending changes to the restaurant scene in Playa.  This long time staple of Quinta Avenida dining closed but then re-opened taking over the great sidewalk location of Da Bruna in the heart of Quinta avenue.  The menu is Italian based with an International flair leaning heavily on hand made pastas, rich sauces and fresh seafood.  A bit on the pricey side but the excellent location and tasty food make it worth while.
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Meat  Lovers     
500  GRAMOS  GRILL: $$-$$$  located in Plaza San Pedro on Avenida 5 between Calles 36 and 38.  telephone (984) 157-0216.  Owners Josie and Maury have created a quiet local following for offering friendly personal service and mouth watering steaks from northern Mexico at very reasonable prices.  For those in your group who are not meat eaters, they also offer pasta and other vegetarian options.  Tucked away in a small plaza on 5th avenue helps keep this little gem from being discovered by the masses strolling Avenida Quinta.

                              BOVINOS  CHURRASCARIA:$$$$   located on Avenida 10 and Calle 12.  telephone (984) 875-1234.  http://www.bovinoschurrascaria.com/    Argentineans & Texans are not the only ones who know how to grill.  The Brazilians are equally skilled.  I lived there and can say that this churrascaria is the real deal.   Loosen your belt, sit down, and let the waiters start rolling in with their swords of delicious coal roasted meats.  A true carnivores delight.

                              HARRY'S  STEAKHOUSE  &  RAW  BAR: $$$$    in Calle Corazon on Avenida 5 between Calles 12 and 14.  Telephone 984 803-2021. http://harrys.com.mx/  This is a very upscale fine dining experience.  In addition to choice cuts of meat, the seafood selection and preparation is top notch.

                              HC  CARNES  de  MONTERREY: $$     located on Calle 1 Sur between Avenidas 20 & 25  Telephone 984 803-4727    This very simple restaurant is a local favorite for good, inexpensive steaks.  Simply the best arachera steak in Playa.  Try the special of steak, baked potato, beans, soft drink or beer.  Eat in or take away or if you want to grill at home, stop by and purchase the uncooked steaks.

                              IPANEMA's  GRILL: $$$    located on Avenida 10 at the corner to Calle 10.  Telephone (984) 803-5313.   https://ipanemasgrill.com.mx/    Another good choice if looking for a real Brazilian steak house.  The meat keeps coming until you surrender the flag.

                              La CARBONERIA MEXICAN GRILL: $$-$$$   located on Calle 38 between Avenida 1 and Flamingo Calle.  telephone (984) 802-7281.     Opened in 2019 for lunch and dinner, this somewhat out of the way restaurant will not stay that way for long.  Delicious meat dishes and much more.  Also good spot for watching both kinds of football.

                             PARRILLA  MUCHO  GUSTO: $$   located on Avenida 25 between Calles 28 and 30.  Telephone 984 806-4504.    Located away from the chaos and high prices of 5th Avenue, this Argentinean restaurant serves delicious Argentinean style grilled meats at reasonable prices in a casual setting.

                              PLANK: $$$$    located on Calle 14 Bis between Avenidas 1 and 5.  Telephone 984 803-0108.  https://www.plank.mx/   Chef Juan Diego Solombrino prepares and serves many of the dishes on cedar planks and Himalayan salt blocks.  The menu at this fine dining restaurant is varied including USDA grade meats, fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, Kosher dishes and meal pairings.   Also not to be missed is their Sunday brunch.

                              SUR: $$$$     located on Avenida 5 and the corner of Calle 10.  telephone (984) 803-2995  Another great choice for an upscale dining experience which includes delicious food, attentive service and a good wine list.

                             SONORA  GRILL  PRIME: $$$$    located upstairs on Avenida 5 and the corner of Calle 12.  telephone (984) 803-0663.  http://sonoragrillprime.com/    Following their success in Mexico City.  The Sonora Grill has opened in Playa with the same fine dining experience.

                              THE  GRILL  at  1  26: $$$$    located inside of the Grand Hyatt hotel on the corner of Avenida 1 and Calle 26 (hence the name).  telephone (984) 803-2995 https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/grand-hyatt-playa-del-carmen-resort/cunpc/dining   As one would expect when dining at a signature restaurant at the Hyatt.  This is not inexpensive.  However, the quality of the food, service, decor and setting do justify the price.  With an ocean view, this may be the perfect place for that special evening.
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Sushi  &  Japanese        I absolutely LOVE sushi and although there are now quite a few sushi restaurants in Playa, I am very disappointed that I have not discovered one that I would go back to.  Thank heaven for Yamimoto in Cancun!  Mexicans love cream cheese in their maki rolls so watch out for this.  In most places you must order 'sin queso'.  Here is a list of what others would consider the best sushi options are in Playa.  For now... I am still driving to Cancun for my sushi fix.

                              NIKKORI: $$   located on Calle 32 and Avenida 10.  telephone (984) 803-1736.  http://nikkoriplaya.com/

                              SENSEI: $$  located near Plaza las Americas on the Avenida Kantenah just north of Avenida CTM. http://www.sensei.com.mx/   telephone 984 109-1745. 

                                        SUSHI  'n'  RAW BAR: $$$$  located inside of the Grand Hyatt hotel on the corner of Avenida 1 and Calle 26.  telephone (984) 803-2995 https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/grand-hyatt-playa-del-carmen-resort/cunpc/dining     I must admit that I have not yet tried this restaurant so I am hoping they are the exception to the rule of Playa sushi restaurants.    

                              SUSHI  ROLL: $$  located in the Calle Corazon shopping mall on Avenida 5 and Calle 12.  telephone (984) 803-0148.  http://www.sushiroll.com.mx/ 

                                        UNO JAPANESE NOODLES: $$-$$$  located on corner of Constituentes & Avenida 15.  telephone (984) 178-4220  Raman in Carmen.  Delicious uno noodles, sushi and sashimi.
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Spanish & Portuguese                
BELMONTE INTERNATIONAL: $$$    located on Calle 10 between Avenidas 4 and 6.  Telephone 984 148-2074. https://www.grupobygeorge.com/     The owner of the popular Oh Lala and Yum Yum restaurants, has opened a new addition to this collection.  Specializing in Portuguese cuisine and seafood.  Farm to table fresh, inspired meals in a more upscale atmosphere than the average Playa restaurant. 

EL  TAPAS  &  COMPANY: $$    located on Calle 10 between Avenidas 15 and 20.  Telephone 984 187-7421.  Nice atmosphere, pleasant service and delicious tapas, paella and much more.  As close to a real Spanish restaurant as you will find in Playa del Carmen. 

                              EL  QUIJOTE  TAPAS  &  VINO: $$    located off of the Tulum - Cancun highway in Plaza Xaman-Ha Sur  just across from Centro Maya mall and just between Hospiten and Sam's Club.  Telephone 984 879-4283.  Nice atmosphere, service and tapas.

                              PATANEGRA: $$$     located on the corner of Calle 26 and Avenida 10.  Telephone 984 147-3956.  https://restaurante-patanegra.negocio.site/    Tortilla Espanola, paella, papas bravas, croquettes, pulpo a la gaellega and jamon iberica are just some of the traditional Spanish dishes you will be treated to here.
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 Cuban                   
La  BODEGUITA  del  MEDIO: $$     located on Avenida 5 at corner of Calle 34.  telephone (984) 803-3950.  la Bodeguita del Medio  OK anyone who has been to Cuba knows the best Cuban food is served in Miami.... but the best known place to eat Cuban food in Havana is at La BODEGUITA del MEDIO.  That Cuban icon has franchised to now include Playa del Carmen.  Don't forget to have a Mojito.  Get your salsa on at night  with live bands and Latin crowd. 
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Coffee,  Dessert,  Breakfast  &  Lunch    
AH  CACAO  CHOCOLATE  CAFE: $     3 locations:  located on Constituyentes and the corner of Avenida 5.  AND on Avenida 5 and Calle 30  AND on Avenida 5 between Calles 38 and 40.   https://ahcacao.com/   If you like chocolate then don't miss this.  Delicious coffees and chocolate deserts.  Try the Mayan hot chocolate. 

                              CAFECITO  CORAZON: $       located on Avenida 10 between Avenida Constituentes and Calle 20.    Serving and selling beans and brewed coffee from Chiapas.

C-GRILL  at  THOMPSON  BEACH  HOUSE: $$$    located on the beach and Calle 8.  telephone (984) 206-4800.  https://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/mexico/playa-del-carmen/thompson-playa-del-carmen/eat-and-drink/cgrill   This is the Thompson's hotel beach property so you know the service and food will be spot on.  What makes this really special is the waterfront location.  Consider it for lunch or breakfast including the Sunday Brunch

                              CHEZ  CELINE: $$     located on Avenida 5 at the corner of Calle 34.  Telephone (984) 803 3480. http://www.chezceline.com.mx/      A real French style bakery with delicious croissants, sweets, breads, crepes and breakfasts.  This has become a local favorite.

                              CHOUX  CHOUX  CAFE: $$      located on Calle 8 between beach and Avenida 5.  Telephone 984 214-3030.    Good choice for healthy breakfast or brunch.

                             'HOT'  BAKING  COMPANY: $   located in Centro Maya Mall.  http://www.thehotbakingcompany.com/     Has gone downhill a little from its origins in the central area, but if you are at the mall or in that area, this is still a far better choice than the other options at the food court. 

                              LABRIOCHE: $$     located on Avenida 5 at the corner of Calle 38.  Telephone (984) 147-0409.      Enjoy a cafe, breakfast or light lunch when you stop in to pick up your fresh breads and decadent sweets at this French bakery.

                              La  CIEBA: $    located on Avenida 30 just north of Constituyentes inside of DAC fresh fruit and veggie market.  Telephone 984 130-8532   DAC is a fresh fruit and veggie market with so much more including spices, nuts, grains, and hard to find international items.  They have little trucks running all over the area supplying restaurants and smaller markets.  This is also where you will find La Cieba restaurant.  It was originally the Nativo location (mentioned above) but for reasons unknown to me, Nativo moved across the street and La Cieba was born without loosing any of the quality or much change to the menu.  Either restaurant is a great choice for a relatively in-expensive breakfast or lunch.

                              La  CUEVA  del  CHANGO: $$$  located on Calle 38 between Avenida 3 & 5 telephone (984) 147-0271 http://www.lacuevadelchango.com/    In the year 2000 I discovered this hidden gem carved out of the jungle while bouncing down gravel trails trying to get to the beach.  I kept it a secret to all but visiting friends as long as I could.  Today it is no secret.  There are condos and paved roads all around and the bustle of 5th avenue that keeps extending northward is just around the corner.  However, this funky restaurant and one time garden shop, has retained their integrity while developing a more cultured ambiance, which is still tranquil and unique.  Natural juices, crepes, vegetarian specialties, traditional Mexican dishes and much more, using the freshest of ingredients, help make this one of the places I like to take visiting friends.  What was once a garden shop serving delicious breakfasts only.  Is now a well established restaurant with a strong reputation for serving equally delightful and wholesome lunches & dinners too.                              

                             LARA  &  LUCA: $-$$     located on Avenida Avion Sur between the Tulum - Cancun highway and Avenida 15 Sur.  telephone (984) 176-3305.  https://www.larayluca.com/     Great choice for breakfast any day but Sunday is special.  Also delicious deserts, as well as tasty lunch and dinner. Restaurant on one side, deli on the other.

                              La  VAGABUNDA: $-$$    located on Avenida 5 between Calles 24 & 26.  Telephone (984) 873-3753.  http://vagabundaplaya.com/en/home-page/    This has been a long standing breakfast stop for me.  I have been coming here since this palapa restaurant was the only thing for 2 blocks and the way in was a trail that was best negotiated with a truck in dry weather.  Daily lunch specials too.

                             MADREZ  CAFE: $    located on Avenida 20 and Calle 24.  Telephone 984 147-2691.   WAFFLES !!! 

                                       MAMITAS  BEACH  CLUB: $$$     located on the beach and Calle 28. Telephone 984 803-2867. http://www.mamitasbeachclub.com/en/   What could be a better way to start your day then enjoying breakfast on the beach.

                             NATIVO: $     located on Avenida 30 just north of Constituyentes.  Telephone (984) 873-0758.   Also located on Juarez just west of the federal highway.  Fabulous fresh fruit drinks and inexpensive Mexican style breakfast items.  A favorite for a quick breakie.

                             MARLEY  COFFEE: $     located on Avenida 10 and Calle 2 in the Fives Hotel.  Telephone 984 206-5500.     Delicious coffee and a Bob Marley vibe going on.  You can also pick up fresh beans to take home with you.

                             PAPA  CHARLY: $      located on Avenida 30 and Calle 32.  telephone (984) 134-7919.   You would not think of a pasta joint as a good choice for breakfast, but then you would be missing out on a hearty American style breakfast.  Try the French toast.

                             PLANK: $$$-$$$$  located on Calle 14 Bis between Avenidas 1 and 5.  Telephone 984 803-0108.  https://www.plank.mx/   Not to be missed is their Sunday brunch.

                   
SENIOR  ACAVERA: $  located on the Avenida Arco Vial (115 Avenida) between Juarez and Calle 2 Norte .  There are a number of parts stores and smaller workshops that I visit frequently in this part of town.  I kept noticing a lot of people at this little roadside food stand so around 2007 I stopped and ordered some food.  I have been a regular customer ever since.  The reputation of Sr Acavera has grown over the years and so has his little stand which only had a couple of plastic tables sitting in the dirt when I fist ate here but is now a real restaurant with concrete floor and a tin roof overhead.  Delicious tortas and so much more chased down with a fresh fruit drink.   
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