10 Best Restaurants for Fine Dining in Playa del Carmen (2023)
Are you looking for fine dining restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Mexico? You’ve come to the right place!
As a luxury travel expert that lives in Playa del Carmen, I can tell you that there are some exceptional restaurants here for fine dining.
From classic French cuisine to modern Mexican dishes, there are many different Playa del Carmen fine dining establishments offering unique culinary experiences and upscale atmospheres.
In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for the best fine dining restaurants in Playa del Carmen whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a place to celebrate a special occasion, or simply want to treat yourself to a nice dinner out while on vacation.
Read on to discover the 10 very best fine dining Playa del Carmen restaurants!
Best Fine Dining Playa del Carmen Restaurants
These are the best Playa del Carmen restaurants for fine dining:
1. Plank
📍 Location: 16th Street Bis and 1st Avenue
🕒 Hours: Daily from 5PM–12AM, Sat/Sun Brunch from 9AM–2PM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Located just off 5th Avenue on a quiet side street, Plank Gourmet Grill and Patio Bar features fine dining in a unique indoor/outdoor atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy the ambiance of cozy indoor seating or dine al fresco on the outdoor patio with low-lit string lights.
The multi-course menu offers a variety of expertly-prepared steak, seafood, and pasta dishes, paired with fresh ingredients from the on-site herb garden.
You’ll also find a unique selection of craft cocktails from the restaurant’s bar. And exclusive tasting menus are often available throughout the year.
Reservations are recommended as this fine dining Playa del Carmen hotspot tends to fill up quickly.
Of all the upscale restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Plank feels the most authentic with excellent food, service, and inviting outdoor seating.
2. Sonora Prime
📍 Location: 12th Street and 5th Avenue
🕒 Hours: Sun–Wed from 1PM–12AM, Thurs–Sat from 1PM–1AM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Sonora Prime is a fine dining restaurant on a second level overlooking Playa del Carmen’s vibrant 5th Avenue. With two different dining spaces, guests are treated to a wide-open, modern atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its upscale Mexican specialties, including steak and seafood. And the extensive wine and cocktail lists have something for everyone.
Chef-driven dishes are prepared with a modern twist and presented in an artful presentation. You can also enjoy some of the items prepared tableside for an added interactive experience.
With its fine Mexican cuisine, Sonora Prime is the best restaurants on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue for a romantic evening.
Plus, its location places you in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s nightlife for after-dinner drinks and dancing.
3. Sonora Grill
📍 Location: 30th Street and 5th Avenue
🕒 Hours: Sun–Wed from 1PM–12AM, Thurs–Sat from 1PM–1AM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
The sister property to Sonora Prime, Sonora Grill offers fine dining in a slightly less upscale atmosphere but is still very trendy.
Located directly on 5th Avenue, the restaurant features a unique open-air atmosphere, stylish seating options, and beautiful interior decor.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of steak and seafood dishes. And if you prefer something more casual, you can also choose from burgers and tacos.
The full bar also has an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and specialty drinks to pair with your meal.
From intimate dinners for two to larger group events, the atmosphere and fine dining menu make Sonora Grill an excellent choice for fine dining in Playa del Carmen.
4. UMI Rooftop + Tokyo Kitchen
📍 Location: Thompson Hotel at 12th Street between Avenues 5 and 10
🕒 Hours: Daily from 6PM–12AM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
The newest fine dining restaurant in Playa del Carmen, UMI Rooftop + Tokyo Kitchen is located on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel.
This fine dining concept just replaced Catch Playa del Carmen and serves up a variety of Japanese fusion dishes.
The menu offers seafood such as sushi rolls, nigiri, fish, and octopus, as well as steak and pork dishes. You’ll also find creative craft cocktails made with sake and Japanese ingredients to pair with your meal.
And best of all, UMI Rooftop + Tokyo Kitchen has some of the best rooftop views in Playa del Carmen. Dine around sunset for the best views of Playa del Carmen’s skyline and the Caribbean Sea.
If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Playa del Carmen with a view, UMI Rooftop + Tokyo Kitchen is it!
5. Axiote
📍 Location: 34th Street between Avenues 5 and 10
🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat from 12PM–11PM, Sunday from 12PM–10PM
📅 Reservations: +52 984-803-1727
The fine dining restaurant Axiote is a great spot for those looking for an elevated experience that still feels authentically Mexican.
Axiote Playa del Carmen focuses on Mexican gastronomy, drawing from traditional recipes and locally-sourced ingredients.
Dishes range from classic favorites like tacos and enchiladas to more sophisticated plates using ingredients such as ant eggs, beef tongue, rabbit, and duck.
At Axiote, you’ll find an exquisite menu, a warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as an elevated yet authentic Mexican culinary experience.
If you want to taste the best of Mexico, dining at Axiote Mexican restaurant is the best way to do it!
6. Oh Lala
📍 Location: 14th Street Bis and 10th Avenue
🕒 Hours: Daily from 6PM–10:45PM (Closed Sundays)
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Oh Lala serves exquisite international cuisine in an intimate atmosphere.
The restaurant is a very small, fine dining restaurant with only 9 tables and an open-air terrace. The menu offers a mix of international dishes, including seafood and pasta and some of Chef George’s signature creations.
All dishes at Oh La La are prepared with exceptional quality and artfully plated. Plus, the fine wine and cocktail list expertly complement the entrees.
For a special occasion or fine dining with friends, Oh La La is the perfect place to celebrate. Be sure to save room for one of their delicious and decadent desserts!
7. Alux
📍 Location: Avenue Juarez and C. Diag. 70 Sur
🕒 Hours: Daily from 6PM–11PM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Named after the mythical Mayan creature, Alux is the perfect fine dining destination for those looking for a truly unique and magical experience.
As you enter the restaurant, you’ll find yourself in an underground cave with stunning rock formations.
The fine dining atmosphere is further enhanced by its carefully crafted menu, which features traditional Mexican specialties as well as seafood, steak, and pasta dishes.
The mixology program features unique cocktails and fine wines from around the world, while guests can also reserve a private vault for an even more intimate experience.
At Alux fine dining Playa del Carmen, you’re sure to have an Instagram-worthy dining experience!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an unforgettable evening, Alux is one of the most unique restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
8. Porfirio’s
📍 Location: 12th Street and 5th Avenue
🕒 Hours: Daily from 1PM–2AM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Located in the center of Playa del Carmen’s vibrant nightlife district, Porfirio’s serves fine dining in a lively open-air atmosphere.
This fine dining restaurant offers contemporary Mexican cuisine with steak and seafood dishes as well as rib-eye, carnitas, and cochinita pibil.
The atmosphere is very lively, often with live music or a mariachi band. The bar also offers fine wines and cocktails to pair with your meal.
It’s the perfect place to get the party started, with fine dining that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
9. Ilios Greek Estiatorio
📍 Location: 12th Street and 5th Avenue
🕒 Hours: Daily from 1PM–2AM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Experience fine dining like never before at Ilios Greek Estiatorio, a brand-new Greek restaurant in Playa del Carmen.
The restaurant offers a fine selection of upscale Mediterranean gastronomy. Enjoy classic dishes such as hummus, avocado tzatziki, Greek meatballs, short rib kabab, roasted eggplant, and gyros.
But what makes this restaurant so unique is the lively and entertaining atmosphere. Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment such as belly dancers, a fire show, and plates smashing!
Experience fine dining like never before at this trendy, upscale restaurant in Playa del Carmen with a party vibe.
10. Harry’s Grill Prime Steakhouse & Rawbar
📍 Location: 14th Street and 5th Avenue
🕒 Hours: Daily from 1PM–1AM
📅 Reservations: Open Table
Harry’s Grill Prime Steakhouse & Rawbar is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Playa del Carmen.
Start your meal with fine wines and cocktails while you take in the views of 5th Avenue from the restaurant’s second-level location in the Calle Corazon shopping center.
This high-end eatery focuses on fine cuts of steak, fresh seafood, and pasta dishes. In addition to their cooked dishes, they also offer an exquisite raw bar with dishes such as tuna tartare, beef carpaccio, and oysters.
To end the evening, don’t miss out on sharing their signature dessert–a cloud of cotton candy!
Fine Dining in Playa del Carmen: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dining at nice restaurants in Playa del Carmen:
No, there are no Michelin star restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The Michelin Guide does not yet evaluate restaurants in Latin America, meaning there are currently no Michelin star restaurants in Mexico.
Yes, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance if you are planning to dine at fine dining restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Restaurants can be quite busy, especially during peak season.
Alux, Plank, and Sonora Prime are all great options for a romantic dinner in Playa del Carmen.
The dress code at upscale restaurants in Playa del Carmen is usually elegant casual. Women typically wear dresses, skirts, or nice pants with a dressy blouse. Men typically wear dress pants or shorts with a collared shirt. Flip-flops are typically not allowed.
It is customary to tip 15-20% when dining at upscale restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
Yes, salads are generally safe to eat at fine dining restaurants in Playa del Carmen. It is best to stick with fresh, well-prepared dishes to avoid getting sick.
Conclusion: Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Mexico
I hope this guide has been helpful in giving you an idea of the fine dining options available in Playa del Carmen. From steak and seafood to Greek and Mexican cuisine, there is something to suit every taste.
Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, or just want to enjoy a nice dinner with friends and family while visiting Riviera Maya, the restaurants listed above are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
For the most authentic fine dining experiences in Playa del Carmen, I recommend Plank or Axiote as they feel more local. But you can’t go wrong with any of these top Playa del Carmen restaurants!
Treat yourself to fine dining in Playa del Carmen and enjoy a unique culinary experience that you won’t forget. ¡Provecho!