We list what we believe to be the 10 best restaurants currently in Playa Del Carmen. We are locals who have done the research so you don't have to. Simple.
LIST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2026
1
Mezcla is a bold, flavour-driven celebration of modern Mexican cooking, built for sharing and discovering. Led by chef Ismaeel Razavi, the menu reimagines classic Mexican ingredients through a refined, contemporary lens. Every dish feels intentional, creative, and alive with contrast, making Mezcla a go-to for food lovers who appreciate craft, confidence, and a dining experience that’s as social as it is memorable.
Mezcla
2
Santo Bohemio, under the creative command of Chef Rod Balbiani from Uruguay, delivers dishes that feel rustic yet refined, soulful & adventurous from a wood-fired kitchen. Every plate feels like a celebration of instinctive flavor, bold textures, and unrestrained culinary imagination. Santo Bohemio is more than a meal — it’s a wood-smoked adventure shared around the table.
Santo Bohemio
3
Alux
One of the most unforgettable dining experiences in the Riviera Maya. A sophisticated fusion of haute cuisine and immersive atmosphere set deep within a 10,000-year-old natural cave. As you descend into this breathtaking subterranean world, stalactites and stalagmites bathed in soft lighting create a magical, almost mystical environment that transforms dinner into an event. The menu highlights contemporary Mexican and international dishes paired with expertly curated cocktails and wines.
4
Anafre
A hidden dining destination where the art of wood-fired cooking and a curated wine experience come together to create a deeply flavorful and memorable meal. The location of this completely hidden gem invites an "if you know, you know" vibe amongst its repeat customers, offering a relaxed yet refined setting that’s perfect for intimate dinners, special celebrations or evenings with friends and family. At its heart is a kitchen driven by wood fire and smoke, infusing seafood, grilled meats and contemporary dishes with rich, smoky depth and character that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
5
India Jones
A vibrant, sensory dining experience in the heart of Playa del Carmen, curated by Chef Sanat Patel, where traditional Indian flavours meet contemporary presentation and atmosphere. Drawing on classic regional recipes and time-honoured techniques, the menu showcases beautifully balanced dishes, from rich, aromatic curries and fragrant biryanis to freshly baked naan and expertly spiced vegetarian specialties, all crafted with high-quality, traditional ingredients.
6
INKA
A standout culinary gem in Playa del Carmen from the mind of chef Sandra Ubillus Rivera, INKA brings the vibrant, bold flavours of authentic Peruvian cuisine right to the heart of the Riviera Maya. With a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the soul of Peru, INKA offers beautifully crafted dishes that celebrate tradition, from impeccably fresh ceviches and hearty lomo saltado to inventive seafood creations and signature cocktails like the classic pisco sour.
7
Lara & Luca
Lara & Luca has become one of Playa del Carmen’s most beloved culinary destinations, especially known as a go-to breakfast and brunch spot with a charming, relaxed ambience and standout quality that keeps locals and travelers coming back again and again. Beyond breakfast, Lara & Luca also delivers a memorable dinner experience with a varied menu that carries the same commitment to fresh ingredients and flavourful execution into the evening.
8
CRIOLLO RESTO
Criollo Restó is a standout Argentine-style grill that brings the bold, smoky flavors of traditional parrilla cooking to Playa del Carmen’s vibrant dining scene. Found outside the main tourist avenues, in what seems to be a new zone for culinary excellence, this inviting outdoor dining venue draws guests with generous cuts of fire-grilled beef, expertly prepared ribs, empanadas and robust sides — dishes that celebrate quality ingredients and grill mastery.
9
La Perla Pixan
Located on what is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing street in all of Playa Del Carmen, La Perla Pixan is a refined celebration of contemporary Mexican cuisine, where tradition meets creativity in a warm, elegant setting. Known for its thoughtful use of regional ingredients, the menu elevates classic flavors through modern techniques, resulting in dishes that feel both comforting and inventive. With beautifully presented plates, a strong mezcal and cocktail program, and an atmosphere that’s intimate yet lively, La Perla Pixan delivers a dining experience that feels authentically Mexican while remaining effortlessly sophisticated.
