Playa del Carmen is a great destination for many reasons.
The great number of wonderful Playa del Carmen restaurants among them.
It’s true.
The beaches and nightlife are among our town’s most common attractions.
But the food here is incredible, too.
I’ve written about awesome breakfast restaurants as well as where to eat in Playa del Carmen off-the-beaten-path.
I’ve sung my praise to Restaurante Patanegra for their spectacular Spanish cuisine and La Cueva del Chango for their beautiful space and excellent Mexican food; I’ve even written up the best damn Playa del Carmen taco guide.
But I’ve haven’t made suggestions about the best Playa del Carmen lunch restaurants.
Until now.
The 10 Best Playa del Carmen Lunch Restaurants
I’m not putting these in any particular order, so remember to keep in mind that phrase in the Bible about the first being last and the last being first just in case it does actually apply.
Or not.
It doesn’t matter ’cause they’re all good.
#1 The Mission
Great prices and awesome food characterize this popular Mexican restaurant located on 10th Avenue. Don’t expect fancy, just some typical dishes well-served at great prices. Service here can sometimes be hit or miss, though much more the former than the latter.
Cuisine: Mexican
Lunch Price: $75 MXN for the daily lunch menu
Open: Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 10th Avenue btw. Juarez and 2nd Street
#2 El Pirata
El Pirata is probably my favorite seafood restaurant in Playa del Carmen. This unassuming but always packed eatery is old-school Playa, both in terms of the atmosphere as well as the recipes. Great seafood and large portions at decent prices with constant bands of roving musicians playing outside.
Cuisine: Seafood
Lunch Price: $120 MXN per plate on average
Open: Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Address: 40th Street btw. 5th & 10th Ave.
#3 Axiote
Axiote is one of Playa del Carmen’s top Mexican restaurants. At night, prices are more reflective of the quality of the food served up at this palapa-style restaurant. However, if you want to savor the delicious flavors served up by Axiote without the high price tag, be sure to stop by for lunch and enjoy the incredible Mexican cuisine cooked up by Chef Xavier Stone. I bet you go back for dinner.
Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican
Lunch Price: $110 MXN for the daily lunch menu
Open: Monday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Address: 34th Street btw. 5th & 10th Ave.
#4 Kaxapa Factory
Kaxapa Factory occupies a unique position in the Playa del Carmen food scene. It serves up some dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Here you’ll find delicious Venezuelan cuisine served right. Everything is good, but be sure to try a cachapa and/or patacon.
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Lunch Price: $85-105 MXN per plate
Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 10th Street btw. 15th & 20th Ave.
#5 Falafel Nessya
I love falafel. Simple yet delicious, fried yet somehow in my mind healthy. Few places get falafel right. Either the taste is wrong or the consistency is off, often times both. At Falafel Nessya, they know their falafel. And you can eat with a homemade sambal oelek sauce, hummus, pita bread, and fresh made potato chips. The perfect lunch.
Cuisine: Semite
Lunch Price: $99 MXN for a plate of falafel with hummus and chips
Open: Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Address: 4th Street btwn. 5th & 10th Ave.
#6 La Brocherie
If you conscious has yet to take chicken off your list of things you like to eat, don’t think twice and try out La Brocherie. They specialize in French Rotisserie (organic) chicken marinated overnight in fine herbs. Now this, my friends, is the true meaning of finger-licking good.
Cuisine: French
Lunch Price: $120 MXN on average per plate
Open: Monday through Saturday from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 15th Avenue btw. 4th & 6th Streets
#7 Las Hijas de la Tostada
This hipster seafood spot not only has all the good vibes, their assortment of tostadas and nothing short of incredible. And these aren’t just any tostadas; these delicious treats are topped with an array of expertly spiced seafood. My suggestion: try the carnitas, which are a cubes of tuna fish marinated in seven chilis and breaded. #OMG
Cuisine: Seafood
Lunch Price: $150 MXN on average per person
Open: Monday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Address: 5th Avenue & 38th Street
#8 La Perla Pixan
This intimate restaurant and mezcal bar always seems to make its way into my culinary content. And for good reason. La Perla Pixan not only has some incredible and authentic Mexican food like you won’t find anywhere else, the ambiance here is spot on and the nightly live music makes every night a festive occasion. During the day, you’ll be treated to a daily menu that will allow you to sample the goodness that is La Perla Pixan.
Cuisine: Pre-Hispanic/Mexican
Lunch Price: $85 MXN for daily menu
Open: Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Address: 34th Street btw. 5th & 10th Ave.
#9 Zenzi Beach Bar & Restaurant
I really like the vibe at Zenzi, particularly at night when beginning at 5:00 p.m live bands start creating the atmosphere of things to come. But the setting and views from this beachside restaurant aren’t the only thing going for it; food here is quite good as well. Plus, on Sundays they have all-you-can-eat BBQ.
Cuisine: International
Lunch Price: $90 – $225 MXN a plate
Open: Monday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Address: 8th Street & beach
#10 Ferron’s Jerk Chicken
Why don’t more places sell jerk chicken? Maybe it has to due with the lack of immigrants from Jamaica, but whatever the reason it’s a culinary sin. Jerk chicken, so sweet and spicy, grilled to perfection, is a real treat. Luckily for Playa del Carmen, we’re home to an awesome Jamaican restaurant by the name of Ferron’s. Choose from chicken or ribs, and don’t forget to try their mac & cheese, please.
Cuisine: Jamaican
Lunch Price: $145 for a 1/2 chicken with sides
Open: Monday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Address: 105th Ave. btw. 30th Biz & Constituyentes
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