The 7 Best Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: Reviews and Ratings
Playa del Carmen is not just a paradise for sun-seekers, but also a gastronomic hub for those craving authentic Italian fare. Explore the heart of Riviera Maya and find a charming blend of beach life and culinary delight. Here’s a curated list of the top 7 Italian restaurants that you must visit when in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen boasts authentic Italian eateries like La Famiglia known for its homemade pasta, and Rey David with a beautiful tropical garden setting.
Playa del Carmen’s Top 7 Italian Restaurants
Rey David
Rey David Italian Restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a great spot for some truly delicious Italian fare. The atmosphere here is cozy and warm, which makes it a nice place to eat.
The menu consists of all the classic Italian dishes, like pizza, pasta, lasagna, and risotto. The portion sizes are generous, and the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. All the dishes are cooked to perfection with hints of fresh herbs and spices that give them an extra kick.
The service is fast and friendly, and their waitstaff will treat you like family! The servers can also make custom orders if you don’t find what you’re looking for on the menu. At Rey David, they strive to make each visit special by paying close attention to detail in order to create an unforgettable dining experience.
If you’re ever in Playa del Carmen looking for some authentic Italian cuisine, then do yourself a favor and visit Rey David! You won’t regret it!
Rey David Ristorante in Playa del Carmen is located at 10 Av. Nte. S/N 77712 and operates between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Rating: 9/10
Rolandi’s
For those looking for delicious, traditional Italian food in Playa del Carmen, look no further than Rolandi’s! Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant is easy to find and provides an inviting atmosphere for all diners. The staff is nice and helpful, and it’s clear right away that customer service is a top priority.
The menu is made up of various Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, steak, and seafood. There is something on the menu to satisfy everyone’s taste buds! While some of the dishes do not contain gluten-free ingredients, there are plenty of options for those who prefer gluten-free options.
The food at Rolandi’s is made with only high-quality ingredients sourced from local vendors. Each dish has its own unique flavor profile, which makes it stand out. Every meal is cooked with masterful attention to detail in order to present each dish perfectly as it comes to your table.
Overall, we had an amazing experience at Rolandi’s Italian restaurant in Playa del Carmen! The food was superb, and the service was excellent. It is definitely worth checking out if you ever find yourself in town!
Rating: 8/10
Casa Sofia
Casa Sofia Italian Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is a delightful dining experience. The menu includes traditional Italian dishes prepared with organic ingredients and a focus on freshness. I had the pleasure of trying out their ricotta ravioli, which was cooked to perfection and tasted delicious with the tomato cream sauce.
It was served alongside some freshly made focaccia bread, which was perfectly crusty outside yet still chewy inside—enough so that it had great texture but didn’t feel hard to bite into. The wait staff were friendly and attentive throughout my meal, too.
Overall, my dining experience at Casa Sofia’s Italian restaurant was truly enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an authentic Italian meal while they’re visiting Playa del Carmen. The unbeatable combination of flavors from the home-cooked dishes plus quality service make this restaurant stand out from the crowd, so do check them out if you’re in town!
Casa Sofia in Playa del Carmen is located at Av. Aviación S/N 77723, open from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
Rating: 8/10
Trattoria Del Centro
Perched gracefully at the heart of Playa del Carmen, Trattoria Del Centro beckons with its unassuming charm and the promise of authentic Italian flavors. As you step inside, the cozy ambiance wraps around you like a warm Italian embrace, instantly evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. The soft glow of the overhead lanterns casts a comforting light on the quaint, rustic decor, creating a serene haven amidst the urban rush.
At the heart of Trattoria Del Centro’s appeal is its time-honored approach to Italian cuisine, epitomized by its tantalizing array of pizzas. The symphony of flavors begins with the dough, meticulously crafted and left to rise, embodying the true essence of patience and perfection. As the dough is rolled out into a thin crust, it forms the perfect canvas for the vibrant medley of toppings that await.
Each pizza at Trattoria Del Centro is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Italy. The freshness of the ingredients shines through, with ripe tomatoes, lush mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of golden olive oil coming together in a beautiful melody of flavors. The pizzas are then lovingly baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, their crusts achieving that elusive blend of crunch and chew, each bite transporting you to the cobbled streets of Napoli.
But the journey doesn’t end at pizzas; the menu is a delightful exploration of Italy’s diverse culinary landscape. From creamy risottos to hearty pastas and an array of delectable antipasti, each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, embodying the rich, comforting flavors Italy is celebrated for.
As you sip on a glass of finely curated wine, the harmonious blend of food, ambiance, and warm hospitality makes Trattoria Del Centro a cherished Italian retreat in the bustling heart of Playa. The essence of ‘La Dolce Vita’ or the sweet life, is palpable here, offering both locals and travelers a slice of Italy’s unrivaled culinary tradition, right at the epicenter of Playa del Carmen.
Trattoria Del Centro in Playa del Carmen is located on 26th St between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue and is open from Monday to Saturday, 11:00am to 11:30pm, closed on Sundays
Rating: 7/10
La Famiglia
If you are looking for a place to experience quality Italian cuisine in Playa del Carmen, look no further than La Famiglia Italian restaurant. Locals and tourists alike give this restaurant high marks for its hearty food and friendly service.
The tantalizing aromas of freshly made pasta and the homely atmosphere will welcome you as soon as you enter La Famiglia’s doors. Inside, there are brightly colored walls, rustic furniture, and beautiful views over the patio that give the room an authentic Italian feel.
Start your meal with some delicious appetizers, such as the bruschetta or seafood salad alla caprese. For the main course, I recommend their classic homemade pizza Margherita or the ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms and doused in mouth-watering tomato sauce. Finish off your meal with a renowned tiramisu or some delectable gelato. All desserts are freshly made in house on a daily basis, so trust me when I say they will take your breath away!
On top of excellent food, La Famiglia also offers an extensive wine list, which includes wines from Italy, Spain, and other countries around the world. The knowledgeable waitstaff will be happy to give recommendations to make sure you get the perfect pairing for any dish that you order. You can be sure that your visit to this lovely restaurant will be truly memorable!
Address: 10 Avenida Nte., Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Rating: 8/10
Cheester
If you’re looking for Italian food in Playa del Carmen, Cheester Italian Restaurant should be at the top of your list. This cozy restaurant is on a quiet side street near hotels by the beach. It serves authentic Italian food, like delicious homemade pastas and pizzas.
The atmosphere is inviting and cozy, with brick walls and wooden tables providing a homey feel. The staff are friendly and helpful, offering great recommendations if you’re unsure what to order. We were especially impressed by their attention to detail in plating and presentation.
We tried the Rigatoni Alla Bolognese—homemade rigatoni pasta with slow-cooked ragu sauce—which was heavenly! The pasta was cooked al dente and had just the right amount of bite; the sauce was flavorful but not overly heavy or rich. We also enjoyed their Margherita pizza, which had just enough crunch from the crust and a nicely balanced blend of cheese, tomato, and basil.
What really sets Cheester apart is their generous portions without sacrificing quality or taste; you definitely get more than your money’s worth here! Prices are reasonable too, so it won’t break the bank to enjoy a good meal here.
Overall, Cheester Italian Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is a great place to go for a delicious meal that won’t let you down.
Cheester in Playa del Carmen is located at 40 AVE. entre CALLES 4 Y 4bis and is open from 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM from Monday, Wednesday to Sunday.
Rating: 7/10
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café
As you wander through the eclectic culinary landscape of Playa del Carmen, Ah Cacao Chocolate Café presents a sweet diversion that beckons the dessert aficionado in you. While not a traditional Italian eatery, this charming café pays a delightful homage to Italian dessert craftsmanship amidst its rich chocolate-centric menu. With an ambiance that’s as sweet and warm as the delicacies it serves, Ah Cacao is a must-visit for those looking to satiate their sweet tooth with a touch of Italian flair.
The pièce de résistance among the Italian-inspired offerings is the Tiramisu. Ah Cacao’s rendition of this classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser, drawing patrons in with its promise of a sweet, creamy escape. As you delve into a slice, the luscious layers of mascarpone cheese intertwined with coffee-soaked ladyfingers transport you to a quaint café in the heart of Rome. The delicate dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a touch of bittersweet elegance, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that dance gracefully on the palate.
Beyond the Tiramisu, Ah Cacao extends its Italian indulgence to a range of other sweet delights. The Panna Cotta, with its velvety texture and delicate vanilla essence, is a gentle nod to Italy’s prowess in crafting simple yet sophisticated desserts. Each spoonful is a silky smooth journey through the essence of Italian sweetness.
The café’s ambiance complements the dessert experience beautifully. The cozy seating, soft lighting, and the gentle hum of content patrons create a tranquil setting, ideal for savoring the sweet offerings at a leisurely pace. The display of decadent chocolates and desserts is a visual treat, adding to the allure of the sweet escape that Ah Cacao offers.
The staff at Ah Cacao exude a warm, welcoming vibe, ensuring that your dessert expedition is a pleasant and memorable one. Their knowledge of the desserts, paired with a genuine enthusiasm for sharing the sweet joys of Italian-inspired treats, adds a personal touch to the experience.
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café is a sweet haven where Italian dessert traditions find a delightful expression. Whether you’re rounding off an Italian food expedition or simply seeking a sweet retreat, Ah Cacao offers a slice of Italian indulgence that leaves a lingering sweet note, making your Playa del Carmen culinary journey a truly fulfilling one.
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café in Playa del Carmen is located at 5ta Avenida esquina Constituyentes, 77710. It operates from 7:15 AM to 11:30 PM every day of the week.
Rating: 7/10
Additional Resources and Information
Websites:
- TripAdvisor – THE 10 BEST Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen (Updated 2023) | Link
- Yelp – THE BEST 10 Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Link
- Playa del Carmen – 7 Authentic Italian Restaurants In Playa del Carmen That Will Make Your Tummy Rumble | Link
- TripAdvisor – The 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen | Link
- TripAdvisor – THE 10 BEST Cheap Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen | Link
- Wanderlog – The 39 best Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen | Link
- TripAdvisor – THE 10 BEST Italian Restaurants for Lunch in Playa del Carmen | Link
- Playa del Carmen – Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen | Link
- TripAdvisor – THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Playa del Carmen (Updated July 2023) | Link
- Viva La Travelista – 25 BEST Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Mexico to Try in 2023 | Link
