My Favorite Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen

These are only restaurants that I think are good enough to return to (in no particular order).

1. Rolandi's in Paseo Del Carmen for yummy brick oven style pizzas and pasta. The puffed bread brushed with garlic butter appetizer is a great way to start your meal. Omar provides great service. He's been working there for years.
2. El Tarraya - On the beach not far from the ferry dock for the ambiance....Palm Trees and feet in the sand owned by local fishermen. Super cheap food. The salsa is hotter than hot!
3. El Fogon on Avenida 30 and Calle 6 - Very local place with authentic Mexican food (expecially the Tacos El Pastor and the Chorizo Queso Fundido).
4. Ajua Maya (for the flaming desserts and entertaining waiters)
5. La Cueva Del Chango (in front of Shangri-La hotel) for their breakfast and yogurt drinks called Lassies. It's worth the long walk. Cutest garden-like atmosphere, and the freshest food.
6. Nativo - Where the locals go for breakfast. Very cute place (like you would see in Hawaii) serving Chillaquiles and super-sized Smoothies for under $2.00. Try the Chocolate, Banana, yogurt or the Strawberry, Banana, Orange, and Pineapple, yogurt for some Vitamin C!
7. HC de Monterrey (On Constituyentes between Avenida 25 y 30) - A Butcher shop/Restaurant where all of the locals go for a complete Arracherra dinner for around $8.00 U.S.
8. Palapa Hemingway on 5th Avenue (especially for the salad with goat cheese and Blueberry vinaigrette).
9. Mandarina's - Great atmosphere with a piano player located on 5th Avenue and Calle 12.
10. Gelato Factory - On 5th Avenue...this is the only authentic Gelato store. The others are just imitations. They have some made with a milk base and some made with a water base.
11. Blue Parrot Beach Club - Great little place on the beach with good food. It's somewhat Americanized, but I still like it. The atmosphere and ocean breeze makes this restaurant a place to visit.
12. La Cocina - On Avenida 45 near the Chedraui. Very fresh authentic Mexican food at very good prices. It's off the beaten path, but if in the area, I highly recommend it. I enjoyed the Vegetable Quesadillas. They also give you a cookie, which is a nice touch.
13. The Frida Lounge at the Hotel Playa Del Karma - Cute atmosphere located upstairs in the hotel overlooking the gardens. Loved the Banana Pancakes. They were so moist and delicious with bananas inside and also on top.
14. The Garden of Eating (on Calle 20 between Avenida 10 y 15) - Thai/Indian inspired restaurant with a setting similar to La Cueva Del Chango's. Would return for the toast made from homemade swirl bread (with Mantequilla & Fresa Jam) and the Chai Milkshake.
15. El Patio at La Tortuga hotel on Avenida 10. - Great steak at great prices! Needs to improve on their service, or I wouldn't return.