Foodies paradise: our top pick restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Traditional food
Gusto Gourmet
Back in home (we're from Brazil), burrito is one of the main dishes sold by the Mexican restaurants and we were so surprised when we found out that actually it's not really that common in Mexico.
BUT if you really enjoy a delicious burrito, you HAVE to pay Gusto Gourmet a visit.
I thought we had good burritos in Brazil, but wow... the one from Gusto Gourmet is another level! It's juicy, cheesy, the ingredients are fresh and they even have an option where the tortilla is covered with cheese and grilled.
Besides being amazing, it's also in the best location ever: just a block away from the main square in Playa del Carmen (Parque Los Fundadores), so it's almost impossible you won't be near anytime during your trip.
🏆 Our recommendation: chicken burrito with grilled cheesy tortilla!
💰 Average price: 150-200 pesos.
El Fogón
That burritos aren't really the thing in Mexico, we've already told you. So what's the thing then?
TACOS, of course!!!
Welcome to El Fogón, one of the most famous and delicious tradicional Mexican tacos. There are a few locations in town, but this one was our favorite since it was bigger and a bit less crowded.
Tacos are most common to be sold as street food, but sometimes it's good to have a restaurant that offers the same good food. In El Fogón, you can see the meat being prepared in the trompo and get fresh and super quick to your table, alonside with the typical super tasty salsas picantes (be careful with them!).
We've tried the tacos, the tortas and the gorditas and they're all amazing!
🏆 Our recommendation: tacos al pastor and a refreshing horchata (drink made from rice, sweet and usually paired with cinnamon, my favorite!)
💰 Average price: 25 pesos per taco
El Doctorcito
Imagine fresh seafood. Multiply it by 1000 and add a Mexican taste to it and you'll have the masterpiece that it is El Doctorcito's dishes!
So tasty, so fresh, delicious!
🏆 Our recommendation: ceviche tostada paired with a refreshing michelada (beer with salt and salsas, and yes it's a little strange at first, but I swear it grows on you!) - OMG, I still dream about it sometimes.
💰 Average price: 80 pesos
AY TACO!
As we said above, tacos are usually ate as a street food and that's how AY TACO! has born! Of course, when we first went there, they were a little more stable with a secured spot and some tables, but hey, the essence is still the same!
They offer super tasty tacos and a humongous burrito, which was our second best ever - it doesn't overcomes Gusto Gourmet, but still a good competitor!
🏆 Our recommendation: burrito al pastor
💰 Average price: 110 pesos
El Ñero
Very similar to El Fogón but a little bit less crowded!
Their taco is very tasty and traditional, besides having some super well located locations!
🏆 Our recommendation: tacos campechanos
💰 Average price: 19 pesos
La Jungla de La Riviera
This one has a special place in our hearts because it was one of the first meals we have had in Mexico!
La Jungla de La Riviera is a small restaurant, close to Playa 88 (which we super recommend visiting!). People there were so kind and everything we ordered was just super well done and tasty!
🏆 Our recommendation: chuleta and chicken tacos. Also, don't miss the juices! They're amazingly fresh!
💰 Average price: 20 pesos
International besties
Mexican food is great, but during your trip maybe you want to variate a little bit or even try what the Mexican people can bring to the table when talking about other cuisines.
Mu. Burgerhouse
If you're vibing for a good hamburger, we got you covered!
Mu. Burgerhouse is one of the best burgers we've tried (not only in Mexico), the hamburger was cooked to perfection and they had good combinations, like our favorite with blue cheese and other fancy stuff.
Also, they have two units in Playa, and the one indicated here is our favorite!
🏆 Our recommendation: La Lolita
💰 Average price: 185 pesos
Choux Choux Cafe
Who doesn't love a good brunch, right?
When we were in that place back in our Playa days, we didn't think twice other than heading to Choux Choux Cafe!
They have an amazing selection of brunch foods and fancy pastries, besides the place is very well decorated. Our benedict eggs and avocado toast were amazing there!
🏆 Our recommendation: avocado toast
💰 Average price: 90 pesos
Coral Vegan Pizza
At first we weren't giving Coral Vegan Pizza that much expectations, but man we were wrong!
Firstly: don't expect this pizza to taste exactly the same as the non-vegan that we're used to, try to be open minded and I promise you'll enjoy much more.
The pizza we tried there was very very good, the flavors would join perfectly and we ended up totally surprised. Besides, the place is super cute and the attendants are so nice and friendly!
🏆 Our recommendation: half Mar and half Sun Dried Cozumel
💰 Average price: 230 pesos
Chelatto
This is for my sweet tooth people out there!
If you're craving a good gelato, you MUST get a bite at Chelatto! First of all: they have such awesome ice cream flavors like tres leches and dulce de leche, the gelato is homemade AND the owners are just the best people we've crossed in our time in Playa del Carmen (it's really impossible not to like them!).
🏆 Our recommendation: tres leches and dulce de leche.
💰 Average price: 140 pesos (three scoops).
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