Playa del Carmen’s relaxed pace of life lends itself to a culture of laid back days at the beach, sunrise yoga, and smoothie bowls. If you’re a vegan and new to town, you might be wondering where to fill up on some wholesome vegan eats.
Find out the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you should include in any itinerary including who offers the best smoothie bowls and where to find a quirky vegan diner.
Plantivoros
Calle 32 y Avenida 40
If there’s only one vegan restaurant in Playa that you go to, Plantivoros should be your top pick. A favorite for most vegans, vegetarians, and even the curious omnivore, this vegan hotspot will satisfy most cravings. You’ll find the breezy open-air restaurant in a more residential area a bit out of the center covered in colorful murals that just invite you to discover what’s inside.
Plantivoros’ small but mighty offering has a variety of Mexican favorites made from scratch and with lots of love. The chef has a long history in Playa del Carmen and you know that anything that comes out of her kitchen is going to be something to savor. Start with something small like a taco, tamale, or gordita, and then choose from one of their locally inspired main dishes to round out the meal.
The best thing about Plantivoros is that you get to try some of the lesser-known Mexican favorites that are usually not available for vegans. Be adventurous and order a sope, huarache, or tlacoyo (once you figure out how to say it).
Fresco Habito
Avenida 1 y Calle 20
Fresco Habito is an unassuming vegan restaurant tucked into a small section of Avenida 1. Blink and you honestly might miss it. If you’re looking for that ideal balance between taste and nutrition, it’s definitely worth seeking it out.
An extensive drinks menu runs the gamut from fresh aguas (fruit water) to golden milk and spiced coffees to green juices and you can even grab a whole coconut to sip on. The food selection makes it even more difficult to decide with a large selection of toasts, overnight oats, waffles, and buddha bowls that you can customize.
If you’re looking for a relatively quiet spot to work a couple of hours while you snack on a smoothie bowl, then Fresco Habito delivers as well. The wifi is decent and while they don’t have AC, it’s breezy enough in the morning and late afternoon to keep most people comfortable.
Comet 984
Calle 8 y Avenida 25
Vegans don’t always have to be healthy so if you’re ever craving some hearty comfort food, Comet 984 is the place to go. Sure, you could head to any of Playa’s best restaurants and likely find a veggie burger on the menu but Comet 984 is all vegan with a fun twist. There are not too many restaurants in Playa that can transport you to a completely different era. Walk in and you’ll find yourself in an old-school diner complete with vinyl booths and a jukebox piping out nostalgic tunes.
Burgers and fries make up the bulk of Comet 984s menu with a selection of house-made patties and more commercial options like Beyond Meat and Gardein chicken burgers. Side dishes include hot dogs, cheesy bacon fries, and nachos but the real highlights are the cheesecake and the Snickers-inspired milkshake. Make sure you save room for one (or both).
Peace & Bowl
Calle 30 y Avenida 30
Peace and Bowl has become somewhat of a Playa del Carmen institution in just a short period. Its bowls are so pretty that you’ll instantly recognize them on your friend’s Instagram feeds. The owners started by selling their famous acai bowls out of food stands in both Playa and Tulum until they found their home in Mercardo 30, a collection of restaurants and shops in trendy Colonia Hollywood.
The smoothie bowls and salads are definitely the stars of the show here but once you’ve tried out a few, you should take a peek at Peace and Bowl’s pita pizzas and hummus bowls. All their dishes are prepared with local and organic ingredients and they’re very proud of their sustainable practices like clever composting and recycling in the kitchen.
The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant
Avenida CTM y Avenida 1
While there are some classic Playa breakfast spots that cater well to vegans, The Pitted Date is all about creating delicious vegan versions of Mexican and international breakfast dishes. Breakfast burritos, acai bowls, and even a croque monsieur are all on the menu plus some tempting lunch options.
Along with hearty mains, you’ll also find gluten-free baked goods, organic vegan products, and the executive chef’s famous vegan egg. You can add the tasty egg alternative to any meal or try one of their classic omelets or breakfast sandwiches. The bagelwich is the star of the show here with an open grilled bagel loaded with chorizo, mozzarella, sauteed veggies, vegan egg, and topped with avocado, spinach, and chipotle mayo.
The Pitted Date is also near one of the best beaches in Playa, Coco Beach, so you can plan your day around lounging over some vegan breakfast before lazing the day away at the beach.
Support The Local Community
Ready to test out the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen? Before you venture out to satisfy those cravings, take a moment to consider how you can give back to the community that supports the lifestyle we get to enjoy here in Playa.
The Keeping Kids in School Project is a non-profit organization that believes every child deserves an education. This can be difficult for some families as high school is not free and parents often struggle with the combination of admission fees, uniforms, and the necessary resources.
The good news is, it costs less than USD$2 per day to support a student in high school. You can also chip in by supporting one of Keeping Kids in School’s programs by donating your time.
Learn more here to see how you can support the local community and make a difference.