What Food To Try in Playa Del Carmen and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Playa Del Carmen for 2025.
National currency: Mexican Peso, symbol — M$ (international currency code MXN).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Playa Del Carmen cafes and restaurants
$4.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.73
$26.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $15.98
$5.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.79
What to Try in Playa Del Carmen
Must-try Dishes
Chilaquiles - Chilaquiles (breakfast dish) - Fried corn tortillas are lightly soaked in a spicy salsa verde and topped with eggs and cheese. Locals often enjoy this dish for breakfast, usually paired with a side of refried beans.Tacos al Pastor - Tacos al Pastor (street food) - These are marinated pork tacos, usually served with pineapple and onions, all wrapped in a warm corn tortilla. You’ll find locals flocking to taco stands in the evenings, often enjoying them with a splash of lime.
Cochinita Pibil - Cochinita Pibil (main course) - This slow-roasted pork is marinated in achiote and citrus juice, wrapped in banana leaves for a smoky flavor. Served at family gatherings and celebrations, it’s a true labor of love best enjoyed during lunch.
Panuchos - Panuchos (local specialty) - These are tortillas stuffed with black beans, then topped with pulled chicken, lettuce, and avocado. Found primarily at local markets, panuchos are often a Saturday afternoon staple, enjoyed with friends and family.
Quesadillas de Pollo - Quesadillas de Pollo (surprising combination) - Grilled chicken is enveloped in a crispy tortilla and laden with a generous amount of cheese. Most people might expect them to be simple, but locals love them loaded with radishes and salsa for an extra kick.
Sopes de Pibil - Sopes de Pibil (seasonal variation) - Corn masa formed into thick discs and topped with shredded cochinita pibil and fresh garnishes. A popular choice during family gatherings or local festivities, they highlight the richness of Yucatecan cuisine during the holiday season.
Rajas Poblanas - Rajas Poblanas (vegetable comfort food) - Strips of poblano peppers sautéed with onions and cream, served warmly on a plate. Often paired with corn tortillas, it’s a common dish eaten during lunch, celebrating the local produce in a simple yet satisfying way.
Desserts & Drinks
Mexican Hot Chocolate - Chocolate Caliente (rich spiced drink) - A creamy blend of dark chocolate, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, sometimes enhanced with chili for a kick. Locals often savor this warm elixir in the morning or during cool evenings at beachside cafés. Agua de Jamaica - Hibiscus Water (refreshing cold drink) - A bright red beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water, served chilled over ice. It's a common sight at family gatherings and is especially popular in the sweltering summer months—look out for sweet variations made with pineapple!
Margarita - Margarita (classic cocktail) - Made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, this tangy delight typically served in a salt-rimmed glass is a beachfront favorite, particularly during sunset happy hours. Just remember, locals prefer theirs with fresh lime juice—don't go for the pre-mixed options!
Churros - Churros (crispy pastry) - These fried dough pastries, coated in cinnamon sugar, often come paired with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping. Best enjoyed in the afternoon as a sweet treat while strolling down Quinta Avenida, offering the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness!
Paletas - Paletas (frozen fruit pops) - These artisanal popsicles are made from real fruit and come in a variety of flavors, like coconut and mango. Sold from colorful carts throughout town, they are a favorite among locals, especially on hot afternoons—don't skip the spicy chili powder topping for an extra kick!
Food and Groceries in Playa Del Carmen
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.31 |
| Oranges | $1.27 |
| Potatoes | $1.19 |
| Apples | $2 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.44 |
| Imported Beer | $1.95 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.19 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.05 |
| Cigarettes | $2.91 |
| Rice | $1.07 |
| Local Cheese | $6.08 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the bustling streets of Playa Del Carmen, it’s not unusual to see locals gathering for breakfast as early as 7:00 AM. Morning meals often consist of panuchos, a Yucatecan specialty made from fried corn tortillas filled with black beans, topped with shredded turkey or chicken, and served with pickled onions. Many locals skip the sit-down style in favor of street vendors where a hearty breakfast costs between 50 to 70 MXN.
One common misconception visitors have is that dining starts late, but meals here rhythmically sync with the rising sun. Lunch often spills into the afternoon, typically served from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you find yourself hungry during these hours, expect to pay around 80 to 150 MXN at a casual eatery. Dinner begins around 7:00 PM and goes until 10:00 PM. However, I strongly recommend steering clear of peak dinner time, especially on weekends when popular spots get packed.
Dining areas like Quinta Avenida and the surrounding one-way streets fill up quickly around these dinner hours, to the point where you might lose patience waiting for a table. Those who know the best times to go often arrive by 6:00 PM to secure a spot with less hassle.
When it comes to payment, cash is typically king, especially at street vendors, but you'll find most restaurants also accepting cards. Just be aware of possible surcharges for using them. Locals prefer to tip around 10% to 15%, and I’ve learned that leaving a bit extra when service is exceptional goes a long way in that establishment’s good graces for your next visit.
An interesting local habit is the “comida corrida” or quick meal during lunch hours. Many restaurants offer a fixed-price menu that includes an appetizer, main course, and sometimes a drink, often priced between 80 to 120 MXN.
Visitors sometimes make the mistake of not reserving at popular restaurants. It can be frustrating to show up and find long waits or no tables available, especially in the high season. I’ve seen that a simple call ahead can save hours of waiting.
In Playa Del Carmen, you'll notice that dining trends are being influenced by the wave of younger locals embracing new culinary concepts while also respecting traditional cooking. The fusion of international flavors with local cuisine is becoming increasingly prevalent, making every meal feel like a new adventure.
One common misconception visitors have is that dining starts late, but meals here rhythmically sync with the rising sun. Lunch often spills into the afternoon, typically served from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you find yourself hungry during these hours, expect to pay around 80 to 150 MXN at a casual eatery. Dinner begins around 7:00 PM and goes until 10:00 PM. However, I strongly recommend steering clear of peak dinner time, especially on weekends when popular spots get packed.
Dining areas like Quinta Avenida and the surrounding one-way streets fill up quickly around these dinner hours, to the point where you might lose patience waiting for a table. Those who know the best times to go often arrive by 6:00 PM to secure a spot with less hassle.
When it comes to payment, cash is typically king, especially at street vendors, but you'll find most restaurants also accepting cards. Just be aware of possible surcharges for using them. Locals prefer to tip around 10% to 15%, and I’ve learned that leaving a bit extra when service is exceptional goes a long way in that establishment’s good graces for your next visit.
An interesting local habit is the “comida corrida” or quick meal during lunch hours. Many restaurants offer a fixed-price menu that includes an appetizer, main course, and sometimes a drink, often priced between 80 to 120 MXN.
Visitors sometimes make the mistake of not reserving at popular restaurants. It can be frustrating to show up and find long waits or no tables available, especially in the high season. I’ve seen that a simple call ahead can save hours of waiting.
In Playa Del Carmen, you'll notice that dining trends are being influenced by the wave of younger locals embracing new culinary concepts while also respecting traditional cooking. The fusion of international flavors with local cuisine is becoming increasingly prevalent, making every meal feel like a new adventure.