Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants and gastronomic experiences in Playa del Carmen, as well as our nightlife recommendations!
Top 5 Luxury Gastronomic experiences:
SONORA GRILL - steakhouse, great cuts - music and cocktail bar
THE CATCH - a restaurant on a rooftop. You can enjoy the view of Playa. Specialize in fish and contemporary sushi.
LA MAREA -(inside Viceroy Hotel) - fine international dining in a very quiet resort just a few minutes away from Playa Center.
ALUX - located inside a dry cavern cenote and serves Mexican contemporary cuisine
AMBASCIATA D’ITALIA - Italian cuisine right on 5th avenue (Playa del Carmen nightlife)
Top 5 Authentic Playa Lifestyle Gastronomic Experiences: (not necessarily luxury service, but a great experience none the less!):
TRUJILLOS - beautifully located inside the jungle on the way to the beach - mostly grill
LAS HIJAS DE LAS TOSTADAS - best fish tacos and fish tostadas. It is a franchise but quite pleasant and authentic.
MU BURGER HOUSE - not a great website, but a beautiful little restaurant which serves only gourmet burgers.
LA CUEVA DEL CHANGO - traditional Mexican cuisine
CASA SOFIA - Italian homemade pasta and pizza, excellent quality . No website, but a FB page
Top 5 Nightlife spots:
COCO BONGO - disco with live shows
THE THOMPSON ROOFTOP BAR
MANDALA - PALAZZO -LA VAQUITA - all crazy nightclubs located on the same road in Playa (calle 12)
ZENZI - beach bar and live music every day
TEQUILA BARREL - tequila bar right in the middle of 5th avenue