The Best Vegan Restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Looking for the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Mexico? Keep reading for this ultimate, insider’s guide.
With its white-sand beaches, turquoise water and relaxed pace of life, Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Riviera Maya has been attracting visitors for years. It’s a great place to visit for just relaxing on the beach, doing some shopping, sipping on coconuts at beach clubs and of course feasting on all the delicious Mexican food.
Playa del Carmen has a well-established, high-quality restaurant scene that encompasses so many different types of cuisine.
The same goes for plant-based options- there are so many in the city that you won’t come close to running out of great places to eat.
After living in Playa del Carmen for 6 months, we managed to scour pretty much every plant-based restaurant that existed in the city and more. Here are the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen Mexico and what you need to know to plan your visit.
* This ‘ vegan restaurants playa del carmen ‘ guide contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.
Read more: The Complete Guide To The Best Vegan Restaurants Tulum
Is it Easy to Find Vegan Food in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, Playa del Carmen is one of the most plant-based friendly cities in Mexico. There are plenty of exclusively vegan restaurants and cafes as well as amazing Playa del Carmen vegetarian restaurants.
You’ll find that many other restaurants also have many vegan and vegetarian options on their menus.
Cost of Vegan Food in Playa del Carmen
Vegan food in Playa del Carmen is very affordable, especially when compared with North American and European cities. It is more expensive than local, Mexican street food, however.
Having said that, you can find vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen for all budgets. Some cafes sell simple vegan dishes for as little as 100 pesos. It really depends on what you order.
In general however, vegan food in Playa is inexpensive, fresh and delicious.
18 Epic Vegan Restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Pitted Date
Located in the northern part of central Playa del Carmen, just a stone’s throw away from the beach, The Pitted Date is definitely a digital nomad and vegan favourite.
The unique cafe vibe is perfect for a breakfast or lunch stop during your stay in Playa del Carmen. Their focus is on healthy, nutritious foods and the menu features a wide range of huge salad bowls, smoothies and juices, Mexican classics and burgers, paninis and buddha bowls.
Come for breakfast and you’ll have to make a choice between pancakes and waffles, breakfast burritos and sandwiches, acai bowls, oatmeal and of course Mexican breakfast items like vegan huevos rancheros and chilaquiles.
Everything here is fresh, nutritious and delicious. It’s an absolute must at least once during your stay in Playa del Carmen.
Where: Avenida CTM, between 1a Norte and Cozumel
Hours: 9am-7pm, everyday
*2023 update: The Pitted Date has relocated from its original location. This could be wrong but make sure to check before going. Let me know in the comments below if that’s the case.
Bio- Natural
With a prime location in the centre just behind La Quinta Alegria shopping mall, Bio Natural is a definite winner when it comes to plant-based food and atmosphere. It’s one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Playa del Carmen but around 70% of their menus is vegan.
It’s actually a restaurant/cafe and organic food store, so if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen for a while and you plan on preparing some meals at your Airbnb this is the perfect place to come to pick up some organic products, plant-based meats, tofu, yoghurt, snacks, supplements, superfoods etc.
In their restaurant, they focus on international, natural, healthy foods with everything being vegetarian and most of it vegan.
You’ll find many different breakfast items like eggs, yoghurt, smoothie bowls and pancakes as well as curries, buddha bowls, soups, nachos, tacos and salads for lunch and dinner.
Everything we have ever tried here is great and they also have delivery if you’re not quite up to leaving your accommodation- just check their website here for more details.
Where: 10 Avenida Norte (between Constituyentes & 16 Norte). There is also another branch on Diagonal 5a Nte. 5, Zazil-ha,
Hours: 8 am -10.30 pm
Playa del Carmen Vegan Restaurants: Bio-Organicos
Another restaurant/organic foods store much like Bio Natural, Bio-Organicos has a lovely chilled out atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy some delicious local food and Caribbean sea air.
Their menu is based on natural, healthy and organic food and they have a range of delicious homemade dishes for every meal.
Start your day here with some seasonal fruit, pancakes and fresh coffee or come and sample some of the most popular Mexican dishes around like tacos, enfrijoladas, chilaquiles and gorditas for lunch.
They also serve a variety of delicious salads and their tacos really are next level- don’t miss the Pastor ones! If you fancy a break from Mexican cuisine there are also juicy plant-based burgers, noodles and buddha bowls.
On your way out make sure to check out their store which has some great local, healthy products and meat substitutes- perfect for preparing your own tacos at home.
This is definitely the best vegan restaurant in Playa del Carmen for tacos.
Where: Calle 12 norte, 20 Avenida Nte.
Hours: 8am- 4.30 pm
Falafel Nessya
Tucked away discreetly in the centre of the city, Falafel Nessya is the perfect place to head for, you guessed it, falafel and Middle Eastern fare.
If you’re craving just a short break from tacos or looking for something quick and cheap this is it. There are only a few items on the menu here but each of them is divine, affordable and pretty authentic.
If you’re hungry go for the full plate which includes falafel, hummus, salad, pita and fries or just go for the classic falafel pita.
Also worth trying is their tasty hummus and Israeli Salad, a refreshing mix of tomato, cucumber and parsley.
Where: Calle 6 Norte between Avenida 10 and 15, Centro
Hours: 1 pm-11 pm
Aloha Raw Bar
Got a smoothie bowl or waffle craving? Head straight here to Aloha Raw Bar in Zazil-Ha for the best smoothie bowls in town.
This beautiful, stylish raw bar has a small but amazing menu full of bright and vibrant dishes packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Their specialities are smoothie bowls, smoothies, pancakes and waffles and you can choose from many different flavour combinations from matcha waffles to acai bowls topped with fresh fruit.
It’s a must for breakfast especially if you’re staying nearby.
Where: Almost at the corner of 20 Avenida, Calle 38 Nte. Between Calles 38 y 40
Hours: 9 am- 2 pm
Fresco Habito
One of my favourite Playa del Carmen vegan restaurants is Fresco Habito.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the beach, this is the perfect brunch stop before you hit the beach for the day.
Choose from a range of different smoothie bowls, avocado toast, overnight oats, waffles or buddha bowls and fill your body with nutrients and energy for the day.
At Fresco Hábito you can also make your own buddha bowl from a long list of natural and healthy ingredients. They also have a great list of juices, cold infusions (agua fresca) coffee and plant-milk based smoothies.
Where: Avenida 1 between Calle 20 and Av Constituyentes
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm (open until 6.30 pm on Saturdays)
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Plantivoros
One of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen Mexico for many, Plantivoros serves all the Mexican favourites in a lovely, open-air setting of a residential neighbourhood a little north of the centre.
Their speciality is plant-based Mexican food and you’ll find classics like sopes, guacamole, tamales and gorditas to start or share as well as Chile Relleno, casuela, tacos and tortas (sandwiches) for mains.
Everything is so tasty and it’s a great way to get to know a little more about Mexican food, especially if you’re plant-based.
Where: On the corner of Calle 32 and Avenida 40
Hours: 1 pm-8.30 pm Mon-Sat. Closed on Sundays.
Peace and Bowl
For a vegan restaurant in Playa del Carmen, which’s a great option for breakfast, Peace & Bowl is a tiny little cafe surrounded by other cafes and businesses and a plunge pool- just make sure to walk to the back as you enter to find it!
Specialising in smoothie bowls, toast, salads and even pita pizzas, this small cafe is the perfect place to start the day in the best way possible before you begin exploring.
The smoothie bowls are simply delicious with so many varieties such as acai, chlorophyll or berries and they also have a great juice list too.
Where: Calle 30 Between Av 25 y Av 30
Hours: 8.30am-10 pm Closed on Sundays.
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Vegan Playa del Carmen: COMET 984 – 50’s Diner
If you’re in the mood for some good old American comfort food, then you simply have to check out this 100% plant-based 1950s American-style dinner.
Dishes here include burgers, cheese fries and regular fries, hot dogs and delicious malts- everything you might expect from a 50s diner, just plant-based.
Their tasty house burger is made from a mix of legumes but you can also order a Beyond Meat burger instead. Gluten-free buns are also available.
Eat-in, takeaway and delivery available too if you prefer it all delivered to you on the beach.
Where: Calle 8, Between Avenida 20 and 25.
Hours: 1 pm-9 pm, Mon-Sat. Closed on Sundays
Camucamu
Tucked away in a quiet residential area is Camucamu, a fairly new addition to the vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
They serve many different delicious dishes, mainly Mexican, that are tasty and fresh. The menu has many different vegan classics, like vegan Al Pastor tacos, veggie bowls, chilaquiles and avocado toast. They also have quite a large selection of burgers.
There are plenty of natural juices and aguas frescas on the menu. You can order them on Uber Eats too.
Where: Calle 24, 35 Av. Nte con, Gonzalo Guerrero
Hours: 11.30 am- 8 pm. Closed Sundays
Corazón Contento PDC
With a dedication to sustainable, plant-based cuisine, this charming eatery crafts dishes that not only delight the palate but also nourish the soul.
As one of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen, the menu here bursts with vibrant flavors, from savory jackfruit tacos to creamy coconut curry bowls.
Each plate is well presented, showcasing locally sourced, organic ingredients that celebrate the richness of Mexican cuisine.
Amidst its cozy ambiance and welcoming staff, Corazón Contento invites patrons to savor guilt-free indulgence while contributing to a greener, more compassionate world.
Where: Calle 22 Nte entre 30 y 25 avenida,
Hours: 9 am – 3 pm. Closed on Tuesdays
Arcana
Arcana is a lovely, plant-based, middle eastern inspired eatery in Playa del Carmen with a real focus on wellness and elevating ingredients. Try their maca root elixirs and reishi mushroom infused milks which will make ou feel energised and focused.
For breakfast expect lots of fruity bowls and for lunch, middle eastern classics like vegan shawarma pittas and saffron rice bowls. It’s the perfect place in Playa del Carmen for a vegan breakfast and lunch.
Address: Calle 38 Mz200 lote 003 Colonia Gonzalo Guerrrero
Hours: 8 am – 4 pm. Closed Mondays
Vegan Playa del Carmen: Tacos ALV
Quite easily the best vegan taco joint in town, this hole in the wall in Ejidal is worth travelling over the highway for. They don’t just serve tacos, you can also get tortas, burritos, fries and more here and they have a variety of excellent vegan meats and salsas to go with it all.
You can also place an order via Whatsapp if you don’t fancy going to Ejidal.
Address: C. 17 Sur, Ejidal,
Hours: 1 pm – 10 pm
Other Vegan-friendly Restaurants and Cafes in Playa del Carmen
La Cueva del Chango
While this isn’t a 100% plant-based restaurant, it is an authentic natural Mexican place where you can really taste the flavours and diversity of Mexican cuisine.
For plant-based eaters, they have many vegan options and even their own vegan and vegetarian menu from which you can select a variety of delicious plant-based Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, Chile Relleno, nachos, sweet potato fries, Mexican style salads, gorditas and more.
Their salsas and mole are to die for- definitely some of the best I’ve tasted in any one of the vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
La Cueva del Chango is located on one of the most beautiful streets in Playa del Carmen and that reflects in the setting.
Sit outside among the jungle foliage and running water or chose the cave setting inside and enjoy your meal around a pond of fish and terapins.
It’s best visited at lunch or dinner time where you can grab a drink at one of the bars in the area and then head here to eat. La Cueva del Chango is one of the top places to eat in Playa del Carmen, without a doubt.
Where: Calle 38 between 5th Avenue and the Sea
Hours: 8am-10.30pm Mon-Sat, 8am-2pm Sundays
100% Natural
Located right on the famous La Quinta, shopping street, 100% natural makes a good lunch spot between shopping and beach time.
While the menu isn’t vegetarian or vegan although there are a good few plant-based options and they focus on wholesome natural ingredients in their dishes.
For brunch, you can choose between Mexican dishes like enchiladas, sandwiches or pancakes and later on in the day you can opt for salads, tacos, plates of pasta and soups. They also have a great juice list.
While this isn’t my personal preferred option as there aren’t that many vegan options, this is a good place if you’re travelling with someone who isn’t plant-based or you need a quick lunch on Fifth Avenue.
It’s also one of the longest-standing ‘natural and healthy’ places to eat in Playa del Carmen.
Where: Quinta Avenida, Between Calle 10 and Calle 12 Norte
Hours: 8 am- 9 pm daily
Po Thai
One of the best spots for traditional Thai food in Playa del Carmen, Po Thai isn’t vegetarian or even vegan but it does have a good selection of plant-based options.
The staff here are also quite mindful of various dietary restrictions and are used to making dishes plant-based.
Some of the best dishes to order here are their salads, tofu noodle soup and veggie and tofu curries.
Address: Av. 10 Norte entre calle 14, Calle 14 Nte
Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm
La Famiglia
One of the most popular Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen which some good vegan options on the menu like fresh pasta with tomato sauce, salads and bruschetta.
They also sell good pizza by the slice to take out too.
Address: 10 Av. Sur 10, Centro
Hours: 8 am – 11.30 pm
Chez Céline
A trendy French bakery and cafe in Playa del Carmen. This is a really popular spot for brunch and breakfast. It’s not vegan but they do have many great vegan options on the menu.
Go for their avocado toast, vegan bagel or vegan sandwich as well as their salad and buddha bowl options which are perfect for a delicious vegan brunch.
Address: Av 5ta Calle 34 Norte Esquina
Hours: 7.30 am – 11.30 pm
How did you get on finding the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen? Did you find any that aren’t listed here? Let me know in the comments below.
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