Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Restaurants here vary from quirky beachside affairs with outdoor tables and palapas to more elaborate and sophisticated establishments. Dress is casual at most places, so leave your tie and jacket at home. Smaller eateries may not accept credit cards, especially in remote beach villages. Bigger ones and those in hotels normally
Restaurants here vary from quirky beachside affairs with outdoor tables and palapas to more elaborate and sophisticated establishments. Dress is casual at most places, so leave your tie and jacket at home. Smaller eateries may not accept credit cards, especially in remo
Restaurants here vary from quirky beachside affairs with outdoor tables and palapas to more elaborate and sophisticated
Restaurants here vary from quirky beachside affairs with outdoor tables and palapas to more elaborate and sophisticated establishments. Dress is casual at most places, so leave your tie and jacket at home. Smaller eateries may not accept credit cards, especially in remote beach villages. Bigger ones and those in hotels normally accept plastic. Many restaurants add propinas (tips) to the bill; look for a charge for "servicio." If tips aren’t included, a 15% gratuity is standard. It's best to order fresh local fish—grouper, dorado, red snapper, and sea bass—rather than shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and oysters, since the latter are often flown in frozen from the Gulf. Playa del Carmen has the largest selection of restaurants.
Céline's fresh-baked breads and pastries bring honor to France, especially exquisite desserts like the classic lemon tart and bold passion-fruit crème brûlée. Classic bistro fare—including quiche Lorraine and flavorful croque madames—make for a light lunch comme il faut. For a light, sweet breakfast or snack, don't miss the parfait with chia and red fruit coulis. Street-side tables on 5th Avenue are great for people-watching. Chez Céline stays open until 11 pm daily, and there's free Wi-Fi for patrons.
Av. 5 at Calle 34, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico
Enter through the massive gate and wind your way up a garden pathway through the main dining area and into the back garden where intimate four- or five-table palapas are surrounded by jungle and hung with bright white hammocks and twinkling lights. Many ingredients, as well as medicinal plants, are grown on property and the owners would be happy to cut you a piece of fresh aloe for your sunburn or brew you up some anti-food-poisoning tea. Frozen margaritas are a treat and portion sizes are ample, but the food isn't the point here. It's the jungle ambience, the healing garden, and the friendly owners that make this place special. If you're looking for an intimate tour of local ruins or cenotes, the owners also own a tour company and would be happy to book something for you on-site. A kids' play area behind one of the palapas will appeal to families, and the remote jungle location will appeal to nature lovers.
Carretera 307, Km 241, Tulum, Quintana Roo, 77780, Mexico
Photos and paintings of old Hollywood pinup models share decor space with a large stone Buddha at this Swedish-owned restaurant that serves up a surprising, tasty mix of Asian and European food. It's known for local, interesting fare cooked to order and made with only the freshest ingredients (including sauces handmade every day by the owners). If you're here for Asian cuisine, try the tom kha gai coconut soup, pad Thai with handmade noodles, or one of the popular curries, then wash it all down with a refreshing lemonade, blended with ice and mint. For something European, you can't go wrong with the Swedish meatballs (after all, the owners are Swedish). For an unusual but tasty take on egg rolls, try the goat cheese rolls dipped in passion-fruit sauce. Vegetarians will find about 80% of the menu can be made meat-free. And if you're looking for the biggest—and possibly best—daiquiris in town, you'll find them at the bar here, piled high and always made with real fruit. Low-season travelers take note: this restaurant usually closes in October.
Fernando's friendly, homey restaurant—which serves as a sort of visitors bureau—seems to change locations often but remains a Mahahual institution. The affordable menu features Mexican and Yucatecan specialties with a generous splash of gringo. Should you be in the market for a margarita, don't be shy; as the name suggests, this is the place for expert guidance on all things agave. You can even buy a bottle of Fernando's homemade tequila to go. If the indoor party scene isn't lively enough for you, head to the outside tables, where cruise passengers are known to do shots.
Plaza Martillo between Calles Coronado and Martillo, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, 77900, Mexico
It may be far from Ibiza, but this trendy beachfront spot hits the mark with food like garlic fish and vegetables wrapped in foil, pineapple stuffed with seafood, black pepper–crusted tuna, and chicken breast with panela cheese. The lunch menu is less gourmet but equally good (think tacos, fajitas, and whole fried fish). Martini and tapas options add an urban touch, as do sides like ginger-curry mashed potatoes. In true Ibiza style, you'll find leather couches and party music—the difference is the palapa roof and the fact you're in a remote location where time stands still.
Av. Principal, at end of the boardwalk, near Hotel Luna de Plata, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, 77700, Mexico
You can't get any closer to the ruins than this two-story restaurant in a palapa setting with Mexican blankets draped over wooden tables. Some of the more traditional selections include fish prepared Yucatán style, chicken in banana leaves, and cochinita pibil.
This upscale taquería is an anchor of Playa's alternative culinary scene, reimagining tacos sautéed in olive oil and topped with cucumber or strawberry-habanero salsa. Local favorites include shrimp tacos with "black gold" (beans), fish ceviche with green salsa, and fish tacos wrapped in your choice of corn tortilla, flour tortilla, or a giant leaf of Bibb lettuce. If you're not into spicy food, be careful with the house specialty aguachile. It's an in-the-know spot for lunch or dinner. You'll find another Los Aguachiles location on Avenida Constituyentes (and one in Tulum and another in Cancún).
Calle 34 at Av. 25, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico
Authentic chilaquiles, excellent, colorful fruit and veggie smoothies, and eggs Benedict (with the only real hollandaise you'll find in town) are just a few of the staples you'll find on the menu at Paloma's—a hacienda-style garden restaurant that specializes in brunch. The clean, simple restaurant interior opens onto a spacious, relaxed terrace dotted with white metal tables and chairs overlooking a large pool and sprawling garden. Brunch is the specialty here, but light lunch and dinner fare—including ceviche and quesadillas—are also on the ever-evolving menu. And if you need a place to stay in town, the connected hotel is a colorful, charming, budget-friendly spot.
Av. Tulum Mz. 39 Lt. 1, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Abutting the plaza at the beach, Pangea has it all: breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on an umbrella-shaded terrace overlooking the sea, plus live music and entertainment until late. Daily menus—all prepared with organic ingredients and without preservatives—may include grilled fresh tuna, vegetarian lasagna, or shrimp kebabs, and there's fresh ginger-lemongrass tea and pancakes for breakfast. Evening menus are themed according to the show: expect Middle Eastern food for belly-dancing night and Spanish tapas for flamenco. The owners came from Mexico City in the early 1990s and are a great source for tourist tips and local gossip.
Av. Morelos at the water, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, 77580, Mexico
Unlike most restaurants in Xcalak, this beachside eatery is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start the morning with a ham-and-cheese O'Mayaletes (omelet) served with beans and potatoes. The child-friendly lunch menu offers everything from tacos and nachos to hot dogs and quesadillas. For something a bit more gourmet, drop by at night for delectable dishes like fresh lobster, shrimp brochettes, or chicken stuffed with poblano and cheese. Dinner prices include an appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert. The open-air palapa, right on the water's edge, is a great place to spend the day.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.