I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Trattoria del Centro during my early days as an expat in Playa del Carmen. My husband Steve and I were out exploring downtown when the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil lured us into this little Italian haven tucked away on Avenida 10. From the moment we stepped inside, I knew this would become one of our regular haunts.
An Authentic Slice of Italy in Mexico at Trattoria del Centro
The cozy interior instantly transported me across the Atlantic to a trattoria along the back streets of Rome or Venice. Black and white checkered floors, strings of grapevines, and murals depicting Tuscan vineyards set the scene. The place was buzzing with patrons chatting away happily in Spanish, English, and I even picked up bits of Italian from a nearby table.
We grabbed one of the few remaining tables just as a server appeared, smiling brightly and greeting us in melodic Italian before switching seamlessly to English. Her name was Margherita and her warmth matched the rich aroma of pizza baking in the wood-fired oven behind her.
Steve and I poured over the menu filled with familiar, yet exotic-sounding dishes like gnocchi, ravioli, risotto, and linguine tossed with shrimp scampi or clams in white wine. I noticed several regular pasta dishes had a unique Mexican twist as well, substituting ingredients like roasted poblano peppers instead of traditional spinach. We started with a bottle of Montepulciano and a platter of bruschetta while awaiting our meals. With each bite, I was more convinced this was the most authentic Italian food I’d ever tasted outside of Italy.
Tip: Make reservations, especially for weekend dining when tables book up quickly.
A Memorable Anniversary Dinner at Trattoria del Centro
A few months later, Steve surprised me with reservations at Trattoria del Centro for our anniversary. This time, the manager Luca welcomed us personally with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. The small details made the night feel special – a fresh rose, candlelit table, and personalized menu with a printed “Happy Anniversary” message across the top. We indulged in a decadent four-course meal.
Creamy burrata for an appetizer, followed by homemade pappardelle with a rich bolognese meat sauce. Steve ordered the signature wood-fired pizza with prosciutto, arugula, shaved parmesan and balsamic glaze. I savored every morsel of my sea bass fillet in lemon caper butter sauce.
To end the evening on the sweetest note, they surprised us with a slice of tiramisu complete with a sparkler candle. It was hands down our best anniversary dinner yet.
Challenge: Finding parking downtown on weekends
Tip: Use rideshares or taxi services to avoid parking headaches
A Hub for Expats and Locals Alike at Trattoria del Centro
It wasn’t long before Trattoria Del Centro became our regular weekend dinner spot and a place to bring visitors from back home. The vibrant expat community here means we’re always running into a familiar face. At the same time, locals clearly love this place too based on the lively Spanish conversations and groups of Mexican families around us. The multicultural vibe is part of what makes this restaurant so special.
We’ve befriended several of the servers over time, like Diego, who gives us comical history lessons on Italian cuisine in between taking orders. And the ever-helpful manager Luca, who now greets us like family. They even let me practice my clumsy Italian, patiently correcting my pronunciation of dishes like caprese salad and tiramisu.
Tip: Practice some basic Italian phrases to delight the staff
Phrases to try:
Ciao (Hello/Goodbye)
Per favore (Please)
Grazie (Thank you) Delizioso! (Delicious!)
Celebrating Mexican Holidays at Trattoria del Centro
Another thing I love about Trattoria del Centro is their enthusiasm for Mexican culture and holidays. During the Day of the Dead season, the entire restaurant is decked out in colorful papel picado banners, flowers, and displays of sweet pan de muerto bread. For Christmas and New Year’s parties, they infuse Italian dishes with local flavors like cayenne pepper, tomatillos or corn.
Steve and I joined a few friends here last Cinco de Mayo for a boisterous fiesta feast. To start, we gorged on platters of nachos layered in melted Oaxaca cheese, shredded pork carnitas, pico de gallo, guacamole and jalapeños. Margherita whipped up a round of margaritas, enthusiastically shouting “Salud!” as we clinked our salty-rimmed glasses.
Our main courses arrived – sizzling fajita skillets of seasoned arrachera steak, onions and peppers served with warm corn tortillas. After the final bites were devoured, Diego appeared with shots of smoky mezcal for everyone, completing our celebration on a deliciously authentic note.
Challenge: Getting reservations around Mexican holidays – book well in advance!
Tip: Ask about holiday specials not listed on the menu
A Memorable Italian Experience in Mexico at Trattoria del Centro
Nearly two years later, Trattoria del Centro remains an culinary oasis for me and Steve. Whenever the craving for a taste of Italy strikes, we know exactly where to find steaming plates of pasta, savory wines, and welcoming hospitality guaranteed to transport us across the globe without ever leaving Mexico. This little gem will always maintain a special place in my expat story in Playa del Carmen.
Tip: Save room for dessert and end your meal on a sweet note with their melt-in-your-mouth panna cotta or creamy homemade gelato.
If you have the chance to visit Playa del Carmen, I cannot recommend Trattoria del Centro enough for an exceptionally memorable Italian dining experience abroad. Just be sure to make a reservation first!
Buon appetito!
Author Bio
Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid traveler originally from San Diego. After falling in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, she took a leap and moved to Mexico to embark on expat life.
Samantha enjoys immersing herself in the local culture, beach-hopping along the Riviera Maya, and especially seeking out the best regional cuisine. She hopes to provide helpful tips and stories to others planning memorable trips to this coastal paradise. She is married with a husband, Steve.
Location and Hours
Trattoria del Centro is located on Avenida 10 Norte between Calle 20 and Calle 22, just a few blocks from the famous Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Additional Articles on Food in Playa Del Carmen
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Additional Resources and Information
- Trattoria Del Centro, Playa del Carmen – Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews – Tripadvisor – Tripadvisor
- TRATTORIA DEL CENTRO, Playa del Carmen – Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews – Tripadvisor – Tripadvisor
- Menu at Trattoria del Centro restaurant, Playa del Carmen – Restaurant Guru
These resources provide information about Trattoria del Centro, including menus, prices, reviews, and more.
