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At this multicultural city on the south part of Mexico, where a constant growth in dimensions and visits is experienced since a few years ago, Mexican food is not the queen. Even though there are many good restaurants of local food; guacamole and tortilla soup are not what people order the most. The combination of flavors and seasonings of Thailand, Italian, Argentinean and Moroccan lands, with the peerless style of Mexico are preferred.

The great food variety in Playa del Carmen is diverse and exquisite; here you will find the freshest fish, hearty portions, all natural ingredients, and meat and pizza cooked in outside wood-fired ovens.

The taste of Playa is multicultural and eclectic, not a particular one, and its influenced by the glamour and party atmosphere of the streets, that's why many restaurants offer outdoor seating under the stars, and endless people watching.

Walking on Fifth Avenue, marimbas and mariachis will play music that reaches the kitchen of the restaurants, and the chef will put into all of its creations a little of what blows in Playa's evening atmospheres. Yaxche's culinary pleasures are enhanced by rejuvenating winds that come from the sea, this restaurant is renowned in Playa and beyond for authentic Mayan cuisine.

To start your day, there's nothing like a delicious breakfast on the path to the beach, La Cueva del Chango is located in a jungle garden setting which complements morning delights such as fresh juices, chilaquiles, and enchiladas. For early and late risers, there's Hot Baking Company serving fragrant coffee, fresh baked cinnamon rolls, and hearty breakfast entrees.

Although Playa is fulfilled by cultures from all around the world, is 100% Mexican and tacos can't be missed. For fresh Mexican fare with a contemporary twist; La Parrilla is the preferred local destination. For a quick taco or burrito break try Aca los tacos; a casual indoor-outdoor atmosphere where mouthwatering Mexican specialties are served. HC de Monterrey is favored by locals for its large portions of succulent meat and chicken, served with just ripened avocado, and your choice of oven baked onions or potatoes. For spicy marlin tostadas, melted cheese with chorizo, shrimp cocktails, and the best micheladas in town, you can't miss La Quinta Tostada.

For drinks and appetizers, savoring seafood and cuisine with a Mediterranean accent, plus outstanding hummus and Lebanese specialties try Kartabar. If you prefer a place decorated with old ovens, multi-colored chairs, and various ceiling lamps hanging from the palapa; Diablito Cha Cha Cha, across the street from Kartabar, is the perfect place for enjoying an eclectic mixture of culinary style, cannot leave without trying the Camarones de Roca, and Tuna Tataki lettuce rolls.

Due to the strong migration from Argentina to Playa del Carmen, authentic food from the pampas can be enjoyed. Tango Taco is popular for its great value and its palate pleasing dishes. At Emporio, start off with the empanadas and an excellent glass of Argentinean wine, while meat is cooked in an outdoor oven. On Quinta and Calle 30 enjoy more than just dinner at one of the newest Argentinean postings in Playa: El 10.

Asian cuisine restaurants prepare meals with fresh fish and seafood, these platters are varied and abundant, since Playa can't forget the fishermen town it was not so many years ago. Locals and visitors are attracted to Babe's Noodles and Bar, to enjoy the spiciest Thai food and coolest mojitos in town. At Sushitlan which means “the place of sushi”, you will find all of the traditional sushi styles as well as some house specialties rolled up with kiwi, mango, and strawberry.

On your way to the beach, or after a full day under the sun, a refreshing lunch is worth it. Choose 100% Natural if you feel like having a natural meal, or vegetarian dishes. Dressings and fresh salads combinations are a must at Karma Bagels, and authentic Italian sandwiches are served on panini bread at Il Panino.

Typical regional cuisine, to international gourmet platters can be enjoyed at this city full of tourists, for memorable occasions visit one of Playa's “hottest” locations: Negrosal, an atmosphere accented with glass floors, a stylish bar, and attentive service offering upscale Italian, Argentinean, and Mexican fare. For prime steaks, fresh seafood, Mexican specialties and varied daily specials try Chicago Don Jose.

Since the first Italians settled in Playa more than 20 years ago, they are an important part of Playa's cuisine delighting us with the culinary creations cooked in their kitchens, try the long time favorite Casa Mediterranea for authentic Italian food in intimate dining rooms and a relaxing courtyard, and L'Espresso for oven baked thin crust pizzas, and homemade pastas.

As you can see, the most exquisite mixes are offered at this gastronomic promenade, let's try the taste of Playa to discover that a few days are never enough to enjoy all the superb platters that this part of Mexico - with the whole world in its streets has to offer.

RESTAURANTS - LOCATION.
Yaxche - Calle 10 between Quinta and Avenida 10
La Cueva del Chango - Calle 38 between Quinta and the beach
Hot Baking Company - Calle Corazon
La Parrilla - Quinta and Calle 8
Aca los Tacos - Quinta and Constituyentes
HC de Monterrey - Constituyentes and Avenida 30
La Quinta Tostada - Quinta between Calle 28 and 30
Kartabar - Calle 12 and Avenida 1
Diablito Cha Cha Cha - Calle 12 and Avenida 1
Tango Taco - Calle 10 between Avenida 10 and 15
Emporio - Calle 38 between Quinta and Avenida 10
El 10 - Quinta and Calle 30
Babe's Noodles and Bar - Calle 10 between Quinta and Avenida 10, and Quinta between Calle 28 and 30
100% Natural - Quinta between Calle 12 and 10
Karma Bagels - Quinta and Constituyentes, 2nd floor
Il Panino - Avenida 10 and Calle 12 bis
Negrosal - Calle 16 bis and Avenida 1
Chicago Don Jose - Calle 6 between Quinta and Avenida 10
Casa Mediterránea - Jardín de Marieta; Quinta between Calle 8 and 6
L'Espresso - Constituyentes between Avenida 10 and 15

A day at the beach must probably be the activity that reminds us the most about vacations. To take the sun at a chic beach-bed at the Caribbean, snorkel through reefs and sea turtles, or kiteboarding in front of the majestic ruins of Tulum; can be a great choice for a perfect day. Playa del Carmen and the beaches around are the best spot to spend your time in Mexico.

The Riviera Maya has mostly grown parallel to the sea; on your way along Highway 307, be sure to find roads leading to spectacular beaches; some so private and beautiful, that will seem to be secret. A few are located within walking distance to Playa del Carmen's downtown, and the farthest, Tulum; 45 minutes away, reachable driving south on the Carretera Federal (307), taking a van, or a bus.

Puerto Morelos- Considered the entrance to the Riviera Maya, this place is the contrast between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, it moves to a different beat; a fishermen's town with a bohemian flare. The Great Mayan Reef (the 2nd largest in the world) is just 500meters away from the beach, and it's perfect for snorkeling around algae gardens, observing numerous groups of brightly colored fish, and enormous reef walls. This easy going town serves delicious foods at the restaurants around the plaza. *30minutes drive // North of Playa del Carmen

Coco Beach- A couple of restaurants, a hotel, a local marina, and dive shops are located at this quiet and less visited part than its neighbor bay. This is the place chosen by local kiteboarders to fly over the Caribbean, and as you move north, the beach gets emptier: it's a great place to have some calmness by the sea. The reef is close to shore and snorkel can be practiced, a 10 minutes' walk south, and you'll be at the most visited beach clubs in Playa del Carmen. *CTM Avenue and the beach // In Playa del Carmen

Mamita's Beach- Since the last few years, this beach club has been a common point of reference when talking about Playa; it's where locals and tourists meet to take the sun, listen to the music the DJ is playing, or just chill out around people from many different places in the world. Mamita's and its neighbor Kool Beach Club share the bay and a European chic style; during summer, New Year's Eve, Easter, and any other time when there's a reason to celebrate, here is where the best day parties take place. *Calle 28 and the beach // In Playa del Carmen

Playacar Beach- Tranquil beaches mostly visited by the people that live, or stay at Playacar Phase I; a residential area located at the south of Playa del Carmen. At the entrance, there's a beach club and restaurant, if you are looking for more peace, some of the streets end at small bays of sparkling turquoise waters. Feel adventurous? At Playacar you'll stand firm. Because of its beauty, has been chosen by sky divers to land; some people say is the best place to try it. *South end of Playa del Carmen // Next to Paseo del Carmen Shopping Centre

Akumal- Meaning in spanish "land of turtles", be sure that when swimming here you'll find varied species of these pacific sea animals. Due to its submarine life, and the more than 200 entrances to underground caves; Akumal's bay is perfect for diving and snorkeling. Some prefer to spend the day on a hammock below a palm tree and listening to the easy waves of this bay protected by the reef. When coming to Akumal, try to visit Yalku lagoon, which is a rock formation that lets the sea come inland, and create a natural pool of very calm water (ask in Akumal how to get here). *25 minutes drive // South of Playa del Carmen

Tulum- The great pyramids built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, and the vast white sand beach, are Tulum's best appeals. The eco chic hotels and cabañas built along the road, share a charming bay that relaxes your senses, and offer a place to spend quiet nights under the stars, at rooms built in harmony with nature, where you will enjoy delightful restaurants by the sea. Tulum is preferred by bohemian souls, adventurous backpackers, and sporty kiteboarders, since it still keeps the easy going rhythm of a Mexican town by the sea. South of Tulum, on the way to Boca Paila, the dirt road goes into the jungle of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and advances through mangroves, sweet water canals and fascinating bays, where you might be the only human around. *45 minutes drive // South of Playa del Carmen

All seasons are great to enjoy in Playa, they all have different weather, different festivals, different people visiting, and so are its beaches; varied as the hues of blue and emerald green in the water, but all so beautiful that you will want to stay here forever. Some people say that once you come to Playa del Carmen you can always check out, but you will never leave.
By: Maria Azanza