Best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
/I’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for four straight years now and vacationing here for many years before. It’s possibly one of the most vegan-friendly places to visit and its strongest attraction is that you can easily find vegan versions of local cuisine.
Saying that, if you’re new in town or just new to being vegan, it can be tough to figure out where to eat in Playa del Carmen and that's where I come in!
This list of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen are either all-vegan or very vegan-friendly and as you can see there are a lot of options. It’s a veg fest over here! Plus, these are just the ones I’ve tried personally or those that consistently make the lists of the best food in Playa del Carmen so it will be great to hear of any great vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you find in the comments.
Fresco Habito
Vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
These are the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen that only serve vegan food. So no meat, dairy or other nasties are on the menu at all.
Note: I’ve kept the opening hours vague because restaurants in Playa del Carmen tend to open and close when they want and it’s common to turn up somewhere, only for them to still be closed half an hour after opening time. Check out the restaurant’s Facebook for the most up-to-date times (or when they’ve decided to take a cheeky day off).
1) The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant
This is my number one choice when it comes to places to eat in Playa del Carmen. I take all my guests here, vegan or not and it doesn’t fail to impress. It can get a little pricey but if you stick to local options like my favorite — chilaquiles — it’s actually on par with most places.
A lot of menu items are made in-house and are freshly prepared including the vegan egg, cakes and sauces. I think everything is good on the menu but usually stick to the all-day breakfast options where you can have indulgent items like the french toast made with a French-style brioche, the croissant sandwich or the croque monsieur. There are also tons of healthy options for when you want something light.
Note: They do tend to run out of items and service can be slow so I wouldn’t suggest the Pitted Date if you’re super hungry or in a hurry.
Open: Breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner
The Pitted Date menu - Website - Facebook
2) Plantivoros
Probably the best vegan restaurant in Playa right now, Plantivorous has a varied menu of Mexican classics like tacos, enchiladas, tortas along with lots of healthy eats made vegan.
Plantivoros is located in a breezy open-air setting in a small cafe a short walk outside of the tourist zone. Bright murals, enticing eats and warm service make it worth the trip.
Honestly, I tend to either eat in or get delivery here at least once a week now and I can say with my hand on my heart that vegan food in Playa del Carmen doesn’t get any better than this.
Open: Lunch and dinner
3) Comet 984
This Playa restaurant is a fun place to visit even if you’re not vegan. Vegan junk food served in a 50’s diner with burgers, hot dogs and corn dogs featuring prominently. Give their Snickers a milkshake a try and you’ll see why I avoid this place like the plague. That thing is way too good and I still need to fit into a swimsuit occasionally.
Open: Lunch and dinner (closed Sunday)
4) Peace & Bowl
This is a tiny, little, colourful spot in the back of Mercardo 30 that does bowls — smoothie bowls, salad bowls and (my favourite) hummus bowls — toasts with delicious toppings, juices, smoothies and desserts. Everything is super fresh and homemade and the presentation is beautiful.
Open: Breakfast and lunch
5) Fresco Habito
I am not a fan of this place but it is very popular and might be worth a try for you if you are nearby. They have multiple locations along the Riviera Maya and do juices, smoothies, toasts and bowls. Much the same offering as Peace & Bowl so if you wanted to support a small, local business with a lot of heart, I’d head there instead.
Open: Breakfast and lunch
Vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in Playa del Carmen
These are also great places to eat in Playa del Carmen that are either mostly vegetarian or have clear vegan options on the menu.
Bio-Organicos
Another personal favourite, this quiet spot off Fifth Avenue is mostly vegetarian with eggs on the menu. Most things are vegan, though, or your can easily veganize it. The food style feels very much like home cooking and I often come here when I’m seeking some comfort food.
There is also a mid-size health food store attached with some vegan options on offer.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
La Ceiba de la 30
A small cafe located inside of DAC fruit and vegetable shop that serves up healthy and affordable juices and smoothies along with a bunch of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These are in my top two places to get chilaquiles in Playa (along with The Pitted Date). Make sure you tell them you’re vegan so they can eliminate the cream and cheese.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trujillos
Creative cocktails, a lively atmosphere and Mexican food like you’ve never tried before. What more could you need? Trujillos is a fun place for cocktails and appetisers or for a sit down meal on my favourite street in Playa del Carmen, Calle 38. After your visit, make sure to head down to the beach for a stroll in the sand.
Open: Dinner
Bio-Natural
Popular enough to have two locations, this Playa restaurant is all vegetarian with clearly-marked vegan options. There is a huge variety to choose from with Mexican specialties along with international favourites and the large store inside is stocked with vegan goodies along with health and wellness products.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Bio-Natural menu - Facebook - Website
Piola
Another favourite on Calle 38, Piola is all about Italian food. The best part is, they have vegan cheese and tons of veggie options to choose from. Regular specials keep me coming back for more including their 2 for 1 margaritas on Thursday night.
Open: Brunch, lunch and dinner
Piola menu - Facebook - Website
Eat Bar
A small restaurant close to the centre of the city who understands vegan well. They have really tasty falafel pitas, hummus and a Beyond Burger option. Vegetarians can try the shakshuka or omelette baguettes.
Open: Late breakfast, lunch and dinner
Uno Japanese
If you’re craving Asian food in Playa, you’re likely to find a giant sea of sub par sushi and a few Thai options. Uno opened last year with a refreshing change to the scene and, thankfully, tond of vegan options on the menu. I’m a big fan of the ramens, gyoza, bao and dumplings.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Po Thai
Clearly-labelled vegan options are on the menu and the staff are eager to tailor dishes to meet most dietary requirements.
Ojo de Agua
One of the most popular restaurants Playa del Carmen, Ojo de Agua has big fresh juices and smoothies with delightful combinations, huge sandwiches that come with an equally large salad and super creative breakfast options. Definitely worth a visit at least once!
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Falafel Nessya
If you’re craving falafel, this is the place to come. They’ve got falafel pitas and hummus and that’s about it. They obviously stick to what they know and it shows.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Jonny Como Pizza
While many of the vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen serve their own version of pizza, if you’re craving the real thing, make a beeline for Jonny Como. Or better yet, give them a call and get them to deliver it. It’s one of the best vegan pizza Playa del Carmen options and they really understand what vegans do and don’t need.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Fresco Habito
Chez Celine
A French cafe that’s great for breakfast, brunch and delicious vegan treats. Try their vegan omelettes, baguettes, salad bowl and parfaits. Check out the bakery inside for take away options and vegan pastries. Service is friendly and super quick.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Website - Facebook - Chez Celine menu
Choux Choux Cafe
Another French cafe that has some big fans in Playa and I can see why. It’s in a great location, there are some creative vegan options on the menu and the coffee is really good.
Vegan waffles, omelettes and tartines are all served with a French touch. Service is usually awful here, though so make sure you’ve got some time to kill when you visit. You’ve been warned.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Choux Choux Cafe Vegan Molettes
Les Amis
If you’ve got some time on your hands, and I mean at least 20 minutes, this is a tasty sandwich spot where you can customise your fillings. The owner is super friendly and always up for a chat and he’s also got some yummy juices, smoothies and mostly vegetarian breakfast options as well.
Casa Sofia
A lively Italian restaurant with almost nightly events, Casa Sofia offers several vegan options including some of the best vegan pizza in Playa del Carmen, several vegan pastas, and even some appetisers.
Restaurant Nativo
This one makes the list because of its super cheap smoothie options. A one litre cup of whatever fruit and vegetable combination you can think up is just $40 and there are a whole lot of options. The downside is that takeaways are served in a styrofoam cup so bring along your own container if you’re going to grab one on the go.
Xquitelicious
A bit out of town but worth it if you’re keen to try the popular Mexican street food of esquites. Esquites are traditionally made with a base of sauteed mature corn and topped with a combination of lime juice, hot sauce, chile powder and mayonnaise.
Xquitelicious offers a vegan alternative with fresh corn, sauteed organic tofu, mushrooms, grated vegan cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds and roasted garlic vegan mayo. My mouth is watering just thinking about.
Open: Lunchish
Vegan enchiladas - La Cueva Del Chango
La Cueva del Chango
This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that isn’t actually vegan! At La Cueva del Chango you’ll find a full-page vegan menu filled with Mexican specialties like chilaquiles, enchiladas, and sopes along with a ton of other options. The vegan plate gives you the chance to try a variety of their yummy fillings and the fresh juices (or a margarita or two) are a great way to round off your meal.
Moshe Cube
If you’re craving falafel or hummus, this is my current go to. Bonus points for being fast and very filling.
Sakura Ramen
Very new on the scene, these guys pump out traditional ramen with a big smile and have a vegan option on the menu.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Las Hijas de las Tostadas
There are three of these guys in Playa and I’m a big fan. Especially when you’re dining with seafood-loving friends because there are plenty of choices on the menu for vegans. You’ll find hot and cold tostada options and a portobello burger (minus the cheese) plus lots of yummy cocktails.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Vegan stores in Playa del Carmen
Mr Tofu
Some say it’s the most pricey place to buy vegan products but it’s certainly the most vegan grocery in Playa del Carmen. Everything in store is vegan and you’ll find tons of vegan meats, cheeses, convenience meals and beauty products.
DAC Playa del Carmen
When looking for any hard to find ingredients, most people will point you in the direction of DAC. A large selection of market fresh fruits and vegetables, international grocery items, vegan cheeses and meats and spices, nuts and other goodies you can purchase by weight.
Vegan bakeries in Playa del Carmen
Basic Foodie
A cafe as well as a bakery, you’ll find vegan loafs, bagels, cookies, mollettes, savory and sweet toasts, desserts.
Open: All day Monday to Friday and for breakfast and lunch on the weekend
Shoebox bakery
Vegan cupcakes and cakes are on offer at this adorable bakery in the centre of town.
Open: All day Monday to Saturday
Panneria
All sorts of tasty treats including breakfast, lunch and a ton of bakery items.
Open: All day Monday to Saturday
Das Brot
A popular German bakery which has a handful of vegan loaves and yummy granola.
Open: All day Monday to Friday and until 2pm on Saturday
Carlotta Home Bakery
A smaller selection of vegan goodies than the rest but they do have salads, sandwiches and fresh juice also on hand. If you’re in the market for any reusable coffee or tea mugs, cute tea cups and other adorable odds and ends then they’re worth a peek.
Open: Breakfast and lunch
Vegan burgers in Playa del Carmen
These Playa del Carmen burger restaurants all offer at least one veggie burger option on the menu. Make sure you advise that you are actually vegan as standards can be a bit lax when it comes to burger spots.
3XL Burger: There are four veggie and vegan options and you can customise your burger
Branton Burger: A more local spot that was one of the first to offer a veggie option with a Portobello burger. Now you can also get one made with Beyond meat
Mu Burgerhouse: This is a popular burger restaurant but the ‘No Como Carne’ is just vegetarian sadly
ALV Tacos: Along with tacos and tortas, ALV Tacos has some great vegan burgers with some interesting twists.
Mamalonas Burgers: A decent selection of tasty vegan and vegetarian burgers.
Beach bars in playa del carmen
One of the great pleasures of living by the beach is grabbing a bite to eat with your feet in the sand. The following beach bars have at least a couple of vegan offerings:
Lido Beach Club: This is my favorite beach bar with comfy beds that you can spend all day laying out on. There are nice big fresh juices and smoothies to drink and for eating you’ve got a whole bunch of vegan options including a cauliflower and mango ceviche, fajitas, tacos, nachos and chilaquiles with jackfruit, mushrooms, and other yummy toppings. They also have vegan cheese that you can add to everything.
Mamitas Beach Club: One of the fancier beach clubs and possibly the most well-known, you’ll have to pay a fee to use the beds here. On the menu, you’ll find a couscous or quinoa salad and a vegan burger.
Fusion Beach Bar: Fusion is known for its nightly fire show at 11pm. Definitely worth a visit and you only really need to grab a drink and chair to see the show. If you’re hungry, though, vegan options include baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, guacamole, a few salads, a veggie burrito (minus the cheese), and a couple of pastas. They also usually have some live music going.
Zenzi: Breakfast is your best bet here when you can find fruit salad or chilaquiles without the cheese and cream. After breakfast, you’ve got guacamole and nachos minus the cheese. What they’re lacking in food options, they make up for with live music and regular salsa nights throughout the week.
Vegan delivery services
One positive that came out of the pandemic that shall not be named was the rise of in-home vegan delivery services. Now you can sit back and order vegan junk food, vegan versions of Mexican meals and healthy vegan choices all from your phone. No pants required!
Here are some of my favourites:
Chillin Chilaqil
Vegan On
Pichis
Corazon Contento
La Tamaleria
Vegan Rock
Hecho Con Love
Lusanti
Gourmet Hummus
Playa Pop
Vegan Playa del Carmen tips
Portions tend to be on the large side, presumably to cater to the American tourists, so I like to carry a small Tupperware container with me for the inevitable leftovers. Most places on this list will have environmentally friendly containers but it’s still a great idea to reduce waste where you can.
Most coffee shops in Playa have at least one non-dairy milk option, usually an almond, coconut, or soy milk.
Unless you’re in one of the specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants, make sure to highlight that you’re vegan and what you don’t want to eat. While Playa is a very vegan-friendly place, mistakes do still happen, especially if you happen to get a new employee.
Plantivoros tacos
Vegan Playa del Carmen resources
Read my full Playa del Carmen Vegan Guide for more on where to shop as well as all the necessary vegan Playa del Carmen tips and resources
Happy Cow is a great tool here
Kay Tours is a sustainable ecotourism company that offers small-group and private tours in Playa del Carmen and are happy to cater to vegan travelers. (website: www.kay.tours)
Facebook groups to join for all Playa del Carmen food love
Veganos en Playa del Carmen (mostly Spanish but great for keeping up with events)
Share your favorite vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Now that you can see all of my favorite vegan food Playa del Carmen, it’s time to share your own! Whether you’re visiting or live here, there’s plenty to discover as a vegan in Playa del Carmen with new options popping up every day. If you notice any changes or you find a new gem, please share your vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you find in the comments below. Happy eating!