What’s not to love about a juicy mix of raw fish and seafood cured in citrus juices? Ceviche is a way of life in Playa del Carmen and there’s no shortage of options for savoring this flavorful dish.
The sweet, spicy, and zesty flavors of fresh fish with chips or tostadas is a perfect compliment to a long day in the hot sun. There’s nothing quite like cooling down with a refreshing ceviche, paired perfectly with a cold beer or cocktail. The city offers a plethora of ceviche spots to satisfy your cravings, each with its unique twist on this classic dish.
Playa del Carmen’s diverse ceviche scene promises a delightful gastronomic experience for seafood lovers. From traditional Mexican flavors to innovative fusion dishes, there’s a ceviche spot for every palate in this coastal city. Whether you are looking for a casual spot with no frills or an elegant evening out, you’ll find plenty of options for a ceviche experience that suits your style and budget.Â
So, keep this guide handy and you’ll be well-equipped for a ceviche adventure during your visit to Playa del Carmen!
10 Best Restaurants for Ceviche in Playa del Carmen
Mariskinky
Calle 38 Norte entre 5ta Av Y 10 Avenida
Located in the heart of Playa’s Zazil-Ha neighborhood, Mariskinky offers an impressive menu of ceviche and aguachiles, featuring shrimp, octopus, and fish.
Recognized as one of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Mexico by British Airways, this eatery provides a delightful combination of traditional and innovative seafood tacos, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a beach day. Here, the music is always pumping and the beers and ceviche are flowing!Â
Photo from Marinsky
El Doctorcito
Calle 12 y Ave. 25Â
Situated on Avenida 25 Norte, El Doctorcito is known for its lively atmosphere and fresh ingredients. On any given weekend, this spot is full of locals enjoying great company, libations, and even a soccer match on the big screen.
Apart from its delicious ceviche, the restaurant serves up Aguachiles and mariscos, complemented by house sauces inspired by the flavors of Sinaloa. Don’t miss out on their handcrafted cocktails, including unique concoctions like Mezcalidas and clamatos.
El Pirata
Calle 40 entrada Avenida 5 y 10Â
A Playa del Carmen staple, El Pirata is a charming eatery nestled between Quinta Avenue and 10th Avenue. This quaint spot doubles as a small fish market, showcasing freshly caught fish brought in daily. El Pirata is known for its whole fried fish plates that can easily be shared between two people.
With its friendly waitstaff and communal dining vibe, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood with friends, starting of course with their mouth-watering ceviche.
Cassa Ceviche
Calle 24 Entre Avenida 30 y 25Â
Located on Calle 24, Cassa Ceviche stands out with its Peruvian-inspired offerings. Chef Jose Luis Chavez is committed to using only the finest ingredients, resulting in some of the highest quality ceviche in Playa del Carmen.
Whether you opt for traditional Peruvian ceviche with potatoes, corn and even pork belly or innovative fusion dishes like the Nikkei Ceviche with Japanese flavors, you’re in for a treat. Cassa Ceviche Playa del Carmen also offers a variety of Anticuchos, traditional meat dishes from the Peruvian Andes.Â
Los Aguachiles
Calle 34 Nte. / Av. Constituyentes Manzana 63-Lote 3,
With two locations in Playa del Carmen, Los Aguachiles is a must-visit for ceviche enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find Aguachiles tostadas loaded with mixed ceviche, shrimp, and fish in a spicy salsa, alongside traditional ceviche and tacos. For those looking to experiment with diverse flavors and combinations, Los Aguachiles offers an exciting culinary journey.
El Calamar de la 10Â
Avenida C.T.M y 10 Avenida Nte
Whether you want to take your ceviche on the go or people-watch from this sidewalk-lined eatery, El Calamar de la 10 is an affordable and mouth-watering option for ceviche. Here ceviche is simple and fast! It’s always fun to watch the cooks put together your ceviche from the open-air kitchen. Beyond ceviche, you’ll find tacos, shrimp enchiladas, and burritos.Â
Yum! Come and try some delicious ceviche!
La Sirenita Â
Calle 42 Norte entrada 20 y 25
La Sirenita is as authentic as it comes if you want to be amongst locals. This family-owned restaurant serves up generous helpings of ceviche. While it requires a short walk out of centro, it is more than worth it. I personally recommend the pulpo al ajillo and camarones al coco!Â
La Tarraya
Calle 2 Norte 2Â
Did someone say ceviche with an ocean view? Yes, please. La Tarraya is the place for ceviche and is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. With your feet in the sand, you can order an array of seafood such as fajitas, fish tacos, and shrimp cocktails.
But the best part is having a front-row seat to the fisherman bringing in their daily catches as well as the Mariachi bands that are happy to serenade you, especially if you offer tips. Since 1968 La Tarraya has been serving up delicious ceviche and seafood and there’s nothing better than watching the sunset from their open-air patio.
La Bamba JarrochaÂ
​​Avenida 30 Norte, Calle 34Â
Located in Playa’s Zazil-Ha neighborhood, this local Veracruz-style restaurant offers no shortage of seafood options including seafood ​​molcajete, coconut shrimp and oysters. The ceviche portions are generous and the ceviche mixto tostada is not to be missed!
This casual and quaint eatery is a favorite for locals and here you are sure to experience an authentic Mexican meal.Â
INTI BeachÂ
Calle 6 en La PlayaÂ
If you’re looking for a place that combines nightlife with great food, INTI Beach Club and restaurant is perfect for a night that starts with ceviche as the sun goes down. Here you can expect extraordinary service and a stylish ambiance with deejays, fire dancers, and beachside tables with tiki torches.
Pick from a great selection of delicious cocktails in coconuts or wines to accompany an appetizer of fresh ceviche. Be sure to try the main courses such as garlic shrimp, lamb kebabs, and fish tacos. Inti is the best pick for a dining experience in which every detail is taken into consideration and you’re given the royal treatment.Â
Keeping Kids In School
In this coastal paradise, where every bite of ceviche is a celebration of culture and culinary mastery, many young minds struggle to access the education they deserve. High school education isn’t always readily available, with families facing hurdles like admission fees, essential resources, uniforms, and other supplies necessary for their educational journey.
But fear not, because just as you relish the zesty burst of flavors in your ceviche, you can also savor the opportunity to support the Keep Kids in School (KKIS) charity. For less than the cost of your daily ceviche ($2 USD per day) you can help keep a student in high school, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future. With just less than, you can help keep a student in high school, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
So, as you indulge in the culinary delights of Playa del Carmen, why not indulge in giving back to the community that shares its treasures with you? Your support for KKIS can be the extra zest that these children need to thrive in their education, ensuring that the rich flavors of knowledge continue to flourish in Playa del Carmen.
Reach out to us today to learn how you can donate or volunteer to support the KKIS students and ensure that every bite of ceviche comes with a side of opportunity.