Top 10 Playa del Carmen Restaurants to Try in 2026

A Fresh Look at the City’s Evolving Food Scene

Playa del Carmen continues to shine as one of the Riviera Maya’s most dynamic culinary destinations. As your local experts and providers of private custom tours in Playa del Carmen, we are always exploring new neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the city’s evolving flavors. From long-established favorites to innovative newcomers, 2026 brings an exciting mix of dining experiences for travelers looking to enjoy the best of Playa del Carmen.

Whether you’re here for a beach vacation, cultural adventure, or one of our Playa del Carmen private tours, these local restaurants offer memorable meals that pair perfectly with your time in the Riviera Maya.

Here are our Top 10 Restaurants in Playa del Carmen for 2026.

Let’s start with an authentic Mexican local gem:

1. Cantina Don PP

Cantina Don PP is a traditional Mexican cantina in Playa del Carmen known for its local atmosphere and authentic Mexican food, rather than a tourist-focused experience. With incredibly friendly service, classic dishes made with love, and an authentic cantina atmosphere, it’s a top stop for anyone wanting a real taste of Mexico. Guests are welcomed with the soup of the day and a tableside salsa experience that feels both local and special. Their slow-cooked chamorro paired with a mezcalita or margarita is one of the city’s best comfort food moments. If you are looking for good Mole this is also the perfect spot! Recommended for travelers seeking local experiences in Playa del Carmen off the typical tourist path. 

Now, lets continue with another local’s favorite away from 5th Avenue:

2. Anafre Cocina

The restaurant specializes in “cocina a la leña” (wood-fired cooking), which is central to its gourmet experience. Their renewed menu offers bold flavors (especially the standout bone marrow tacos, grilled ribeye steak and grilled octopus) and the cocktails are mixed to perfection. This modern underground spot delivers consistency, quality, and creativity. Anafre also offers a selection of fine Mexican wines to complement the wood-fired dishes. 

Now let’s get closer to the tourist district:

3. Ictio Fish House

A seafood restaurant that serves Caribbean and Mexican-inspired dishes using high-quality ingredients. It is known for its fresh seafood options, such as fish tacos, ceviche, oysters, and grilled octopus. The restaurant is praised for its talented staff and inviting, relaxed atmosphere. Their oysters Rockefeller, grilled prawns, whole fish, and smoky grilled Caesar salad showcase technique and freshness. The service is excellent, and the cocktail list is surprisingly refined. A hidden gem worth discovering, especially if you enjoy exploring around the tourist district in Playa del Carmen close the Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen (used to be the Hilton PDC) and Devossion by Live Aqua (used to be the Grand Hyatt).

Now back to El Ejido neighborhood:

4. Mezcla

This trendy restaurant serves a fusion of Mexican, Latin, and Spanish cuisine, specializing in small plates: tapas and cocktails. The restaurant is known for its unique dishes such as lamb tacos and smoked tomato bruschetta, in a cool, hip atmosphere. Their creative small plates have made this restaurant a favorite among locals and returning visitors alike. A top choice to recommend to guests joining our custom tours in the Riviera Maya who want a chic night out. 

Staying away from the touristy area and looking for the perfect grill experience?

5. Bendita Costilla

Bendita Costilla is an Argentinian parrilla (grill) restaurant, known for its grilled steaks and wine, especially ribs, empanadas, milanesas, pizzas, and salads, and a laid-back, open-air atmosphere. It is praised for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and good service. 

Now, here comes a Playa’s Classic for breakfast, lunch and dinner:

6. La Cueva del Chango

The Monkey’s Cave is a unique restaurant known for its natural setting amongst abundant vegetation, and its natural Mexican cuisine. Located on Calle 38 between 5th Avenue and the beach, it serves natural Mexican food made with high-quality products in a lush, jungle-like atmosphere with a small stream running through it. Our favorite treats are the fresh squeezed fruit juices and the Crepas Poblanas, you can’t go wrong with the Chilaquiles verdes or rojos. 

This Italian restaurant is another classic in town:

7. Romeo Trattoria Pizzeria

Romeo remains one of Playa’s most beloved Italian spots. Inside this cozy pasta house, you’ll find homemade pastas, pizzas, and delicious traditional dishes prepared with care like their Spinach Ravioli with Truffle Sauce. It’s a small place with big flavor, always busy, always consistent, and always worth a visit. 

Sushi is a big favorite in town but hard to find the authentic deal:

8. Sushi Nokkai

Sushi Nokkai has raised the bar for Japanese cuisine in Playa del Carmen. Try the spicy tuna with crispy rice, the 3.1416 roll, and the dumplings, all prepared with freshness and technique. Their drink menu is full of unusual, well-crafted cocktails that pair beautifully with the minimalist atmosphere. A perfect stop if you love discovering unique things to do in Playa del Carmen, including great dining outside the usual options.

Another Italian classic in town:

9. Osteria de Roma

A romantic Italian bistro that consistently delivers. The cacio e pepe is outstanding, the gnocchi is handmade perfection, and the pizzas are excellent. The tiramisu is a standout dessert, making this restaurant a favorite for date nights or relaxed evenings after a personalized tour of Playa del Carmen.

A Fifth Avenue local’s favorite:

10. India Jones

India Jones continues to impress with rich, aromatic Indian dishes and attentive service. Their consistency over the years has made them a staple of Playa’s dining scene. Even as our #10 pick for 2026, it remains one of the city’s most reliable and flavorful restaurants, ideal for guests seeking diverse cuisine during their stay.

Honorable Mentions for 2026:

Chela de Playa (local craft beer from the tap and great snacks), Trujillo’s Cantina de Selva (great for dinner and cocktails), Trattoria del Centro (another great Italian), Casa Emilia (Italian Chef cooking experience), Muelle 115 (best for fresh wahoo sashimi), Luma (fabulous dinner), Primo (great local food), Sakura Ramen (authentic Japaneese), Chez Celine (french pastries and coffee), Ah Cacao (Mexican coffe and chocolate) and many more continue to deliver fantastic meals across Playa del Carmen. Exploring these spots is one of the best ways to experience local culture and food in the Riviera Maya.

check our 2025 list of recommended restaurants

Enhance Your Trip With a Private Custom Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Playa del Carmen, exploring the local food scene is the perfect complement to one of our private custom tours in Playa del Carmen. As a trusted provider of personalized tours, private excursions, and custom travel experiences across the Riviera Maya, our team loves helping guests discover authentic neighborhoods, hidden gems, and places most travelers never get to see.

Discover Playa del Carmen with comfort, safety, and flexibility, just the way a private tour should be.

Leave your valuable comments below and help us discover new local restaurants and bars.