One thing Mexico isn’t known for is their quality of meat.

When people think of a good, juicy steak, their mind tends to wander to the rustic steakhouses of America or the local eateries of Argentina.

Well, be prepared for a surprise… With the ever-growing mix of cultures in Playa del Carmen, you can now find some of the best steaks in the world here.

From USDA PRIME certified cuts and stunning luxury restaurants to innovative serving techniques and charcoal grilled flavors, you’re bound to find the perfect steak and price for you.

Want to know where you can find yours? Check out this guide to the most delicious steak in Playa del Carmen.

Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar

Location: Calle 14 & 5th Avenue

Personally, I believe Harry’s is the number one steakhouse in Playa del Carmen.

This world-class restaurant is a favorite all over Mexico, and at the beginning of last year, it finally opened in Playa del Carmen.

The prices definitely aren’t ‘local’, but the quality of meat and service isn’t either.

I’ve repeatedly heard Americans say that Harry’s is even better than their favorite steakhouse back home, now that’s something.

The rich, dark decor at Harry’s creates an extremely luxurious and intimate atmosphere, while the outstandingly attentive staff take the whole experience to another level.

As soon as you are seated you will receive a warm, perfectly seasoned selection of bread and dips, and your waiter will then take your drink orders.

You will then be presented with the meat cart, showing each and every cut of prime meat available. During the presentation, your waiter will answer any questions you may have, and make recommendations based on your personal tastes and preferences.

What makes the meat at Harry’s so delicious, is that their cuts are all USDA PRIME certified.

Less than 1% of meat in the entire world has this standard of certification, so you know you’re getting the best.

Their most famous cut is their Dry-aged Rib Eye, a must try when visiting this outstanding restaurant.

Plank

Location: Calle 14 bis between 1st & 5th Avenue

Plank is well known for its 12 hour, slow cooked meats and innovative salt rock platters, but it also serves up some of the best steaks in town.

This Gourmet Grill and Patio Bar is one of the only restaurants in Playa del Carmen to hold the prestigious 5-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, and they definitely deserve it.

The owner of Plank is from New York, so he hand picks only the very best cuts of meat for his upscale restaurant.

Their Tomahawk Steak, Fillet Mignon, Porterhouse and Ribeye Steaks are all USDA PRIME certified, so you can rest assured you’re always getting the absolute best.

My personal favorite steak is the ultra succulent and gloriously fluffy Beef Wellington, which can only be found at Plank.

Prices range from $550 to $750 pesos per meat cut, and you definitely get what you pay for at this world-class steakhouse.

Read our full review of Plank Restaurant.

Sur

Location: Calle 10 & 5th Avenue

This Argentinean grill is part of the famous Azotea group and is one of their finest restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

Sur is located right in the heart of 5th Avenue, and its open frame structure allows you to enjoy a cosmopolitan dining experience like no other.

Their huge charcoal grill gives each and every prime cut of meat a full and delicious flavor, while their master chef will cook each and every dish to your specified taste.

Try out their famous Cowboy Steak or their ever popular juicy Beef Tenderloin for a truly unique taste experience.

Sur pride themselves on their world-class service and attention to detail, so every time you visit this beautiful restaurant you are ensured an exclusive and fully personalized experience.

500 Gramos Grill

Location: Calle 36 & 5th Avenue

Although 500 Gramos Grill has been around for quite some time, it’s hidden location and total refusal to do big promotions has left it somewhat unknown to the general public.

However, the outrageously delicious steaks served at this Italian influenced restaurant truly speaks for itself, leaving them absolutely no need to advertise.

Josie and Maury, the two owners of 500 Gramos Grill are always right there at the front of the house, to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

They source all of their beef from  Chihuahua and Monterrey, as the grassy plains there provide the best naturally raised cows.

500 Gramos Grill are famous for their T-Bone Steak, Filet Mignon and Ribeye Steaks.

All meat choices come with a side of fries or potatoes, and a choice of green salad of mixed grilled vegetables.

Josie and Maury wanted to keep their restaurant for the locals, and so keep their prices low and the quality of their steak high.

Prices of a complete meat dish range from around $190 to $250 pesos, much lower than that of their competitors.

Bovino’s Churrascaria

Location: Calle 12 & 10 Avenue

Bovino’s Churrascaria is the newest steakhouse to open in Playa del Carmen, and with their brave location choice and humongous open brick and wood-beamed restaurant, they are definitely making a great first impression.

This Brazilian steakhouse not only has a unique interior design, but it also runs on a truly unique concept.

At each table, you will find a round card, with one green side and one red side. When you want to be served, flip the card over to the green side, and your waiter will bring you skewers of some of the most delicious and succulent meat you’ve ever tasted in your life. When you want a break or a little time to grab some fresh salad from the buffet bar, simply turn your card to red.

When you want to be served, flip the card over to the green side, and your waiter will bring you skewers of some of the most delicious and succulent meat you’ve ever tasted in your life. When you want a break or a little time to grab some fresh salad from the buffet bar, simply turn your card to red.

When you want a break or a little time to grab some fresh salad from the buffet bar, simply turn your card to red.

At Bovino’s Churrascaria, you will have the opportunity to sample many types of meat, including short ribs, leg of lamb, pork tenderloin in parmesan, and a selection of exotic sausages, but the best cut of meat they serve is the sirloin.

This is where you want to go to town and have your waiter cut off as much as you can possibly eat.

If you aren’t already stuffed full of meat, you can try some of their amazing seafood selection, their freshly baked bread, or sample some of the delicious treats found in their all you can eat dessert buffet bar.

The Grill at 1 26

Location: Calle 26 & The Beach

This upmarket restaurant is actually part of the beautiful Grand Hyatt hotel but is open to the public in the evenings.

Following the extremely high standards of the Hyatt family, The Grill 1 26 is lavishly decorated and scattered with stunning natural and nautical elements.

However, the surroundings aren’t the only thing that will make a night in The Grill 1 26 one to remember.

This ocean view restaurant has a truly exquisite variety of prime meat cuts, which are all cooked on their specialty charcoal grill.

The Grill 1 26 have hand picked the best chefs from around the world, and each one has added a unique flare to their steak menu, ensuring a world class taste each and every time.

If you choose to visit this intimate restaurant, then you must try their signature Prime Porterhouse, T-Bone Steak or classic New York.

Prices at The Grill 1 26 can get a little pricey, with meat dishes running from $440 to a slightly jaw-dropping $820 pesos for a one person serving, but the quality and service is like no other.

You can also check out our list of steakhouses in Playa del Carmen.

Have you eaten in any of these places? Let me know what you thought of their steak in the comments below!