By Stephanie Mojica
Playa del Carmen is a popular
resort destination in the Yucatan Peninsula of
Mexico, and the restaurants in this community reflect both the fresh seafood and authentic Mayan and Mexican flavors available. Those visiting Playa del Carmen can enjoy some of the most authentic Mexican food available, with or without the use of the fresh fish and shrimp that are widely available at this spot.
Yaxche Maya Cuisine
Yaxche Maya Cuisine offers some of the most authentic Mayan cuisine at Playa del Carmen, as well as an extensive wine list. This spot also intentionally adds a bit of American and European flavor to their dishes in hopes of making the dishes more appealing to tourists. One of the tastiest dishes is arrachera, a grilled flank steak with charcoal chile. Visitors might also want to sample shrimp quesadillas and the ancient Mayan specialty salbutes, which is a soft fried tortilla with turkey and red onions.
Yaxche Maya Cuisine
Calle 8 entre Avenida 5a y 10
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Phone: 984-873-2502
Ajua Maya Restaurant
Ajua Maya Restaurant offers traditional steak and seafood dining along with Mexican and Mayan specialties in a five-star atmosphere. There is also live Latin music each night and a host of Mayan culinary demonstrations and special holiday celebrations. Guests can also enjoy an extensive wine menu. Dishes at Ajua Maya Restaurant range from wild Mayan lobster to USDA Angus steaks. Diners can also enjoy samplings from 1800s Mayan culture, such as flambéed quail with red wine and brandy. Those seeking more traditional Mexican fare will not be disappointed by items such as their chile relleno.
Ajua Maya Restaurant
Calle 4 just off La Quinta (5th Ave.)
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Phone: 984-873-2523
Senor Frog's
Senor Frog's is a restaurant and bar open each day from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., and it offers quality food and drink to visitors and residents alike. Fresh ingredients and unique spices are used for their dishes, which include shrimp tostadas, chicken wing appetizers, peel and eat shrimp, and shrimp sautéed with melted cheese, chorizo, and tequila. A number of soups, salads, and sandwiches are also available. Liquor choices include ice-cold beer, and those seeking dessert can sample chocolate mousse, crepes, and a half-pound brownie stuffed with ice cream and served with more ice cream on the side.
Senor Frog's
Centro Comercial Playa Marina
loc. 17, 37, 38 y 44, C.P. 77550
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Phone: 984-873-0930
Babe's Noodles and Bar
Babe's Noodles and Bar offers two locations for Playa del Carmen visitors and residents seeking something other than Mexican food. Their cuisine is a blend of European and Thai, and offers vegetarian, seafood, and meat choices for customers. There are a number of spring rools and egg rolls, some fried, as well as seven kinds of Thai soup, which are available as appetizers. Entrees include noodle and curry dishes with both Vietnamese and Thai inspiration, and a variety of chicken, salmon, and beef burgers. Lighter fare such as salads is also on the menu at Babe's Noodles and Bar.
Babe's Noodles and Bar
5th Avenue between Calle 28 and 30
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Phone: 984-803-0056
Babe's Noodles and Bar
Calle 10 between 5th and 10 Avenue
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Phone: 984-120-2592
About the Author:
Stephanie Mojica has been a journalist since 1997. Her articles have appeared in newspapers such as "The Philadelphia Inquirer" and "The Virginian-Pilot," as well as several online publications. Mojica earned a Bachelor of General Studies, Arts and Science degree from Athabasca University in 2005 and is a certified weight-loss coach.
