Playa del Carmen Vegan Guide
/Whether you’re a brand new vegan in Playa del Carmen or you’ve lived here a while, there’s always something new to discover. In my four years living in Playa, I still haven’t managed to try every vegan option there is but this guide should hopefully get you started on the best of the best the Playa del Carmen vegan scene has to offer.
Read on to find out which restaurants are vegan-only, where to go to find other vegans and support the community, and where to shop to get the best produce for your own creations.
Plantivoros tacos
Vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
These are the top vegan restaurants in Playa that only cater to vegans so you don’t need to worry about getting any surprises on your plate. Many of these restaurants are owned or run by a vegan chef, as well so when you eat here, you know you’re supporting a vegan business.
1) Plantivoros
This is currently my favorite vegan restaurant in Playa del Carmen. Plantivoros’ relaxing open-air palapa setting alone should make it to the top of any list but you’ll be happy to know that it’s run by a vegan chef who has a long history here in Playa.
On the menu, you’ll find some classic Mexican dishes that you may not otherwise be able to try including enchiladas, chile relleno, and (my personal favorite) albondigas. There’s a long menu, however, with something for everyone so it’s a great place to head back to again and again, and again so you can try it all.
If you’re feeling like a night in, Plantivoros also delivers. They use bicycle delivery as well so you don’t need to feel guilty when you’re being a little lazy.
2) The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant
The Pitted Date is a bit of an institution here in Playa. Known for its protein bombs and vegan egg, you’ll find a wide variety of vegan eats here, whether you’re after some classic Mexican dishes or something that reminds you of home.
The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant has been around Playa for a while but moved to its current location just a few years ago. While it’s a little bit outside of the center, it’s actually a great location for coupling with an afternoon at the beach because it’s near one of the best spots in Playa. If you’re looking for what to do in Playa del Carmen for the day, head to Coco Beach where you’ll find lots of sand to spread out on, crystal-clear water, and a more local vibe.
3) Comet 984
An oldie but a goodie, Comet 984 is one of those off-the-beaten-track treats that should be more popular. I really don’t want to ruin the surprise but this 50’s-stlye diner is all-vegan junk food goodness.
Think, thick, creamy milkshakes, hot dogs, chilly cheese fries, and a huge variety of burgers. Comet 984 has some locally-made patties but also carries some imported favorites like Gardein and Beyond. Give them a go when you’re feeling like some comfort food and keen to indulge. My top pick is the Snickers milkshake.
Smoothie bowl at Corazon Contento
4) Peace & Bowl
Tucked away inside Mercardo 30, Playa’s favorite shared eating space, Peace & Bowl is the place you go when you just want a solid vegan meal that you know won’t disappoint. They started off selling their star acai bowls at markets around the city but now the offering includes hummus bowls, salad bowls, and pizzas topped with all the good stuff.
This is a very busy location, however, so you either need to trust the gods you’ll find somewhere to sit and enjoy, grab something to go, or get it delivered. Although you will miss out on their very pretty presentation if you do.
5) Hummus - Comida Vegana
This is a relatively new entry here in Playa but Hummus has been making waves among the vegan community here. And, don’t worry. It’s not just all hummus. Although, the hummus is very good here.
You’ll find a selection of salads including a classic Israeli salad and a yummy chickpea one filled with veggies. Falafel dishes include a pita, giant hamburger, and the Imperial Plate which is stocked full of everything you could ever want in one meal. Finish your meal off with some sweet treats like a very moist tres leches cake or a selection of vegan cookies.
6) Fresco Habito
Found tucked into a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it corner of Playa, Fresco Habito has actually been around for a while. You just need to know how to find it first.
At Fresco Habito, you’ll find lots of good-for-you but great tasting choices like buddha bowls and giant smoothies packed with fresh ingredients. My obsession is their toasts topped with their house-made almond cheese. I swear, I could eat that stuff by the bucket full. There’s an extensive menu here and everything is good so I definitely recommend you stop by.
7) ARCANA restaurante
This is the newest entry to the small but mighty Playa del Carmen vegan restaurant crew. Arcana is located on the prettiest street in Playa and is a good option for breakfast or lunch.
On the menu, you’ll find a selection of wholesome milks infused with spices, fresh juices, smoothies, and even special rainwater collected from the Mayan jungle. Food-wise, there are some delicately-made dishes here that are just begging for a photo to share. Overnight oats, smoothie bowls, and the oyster mushroom spiced shawarma are all enticing.
8) Corazon Contento
This one might be a bit confusing for Playa's old-timers. Corazon Contento used to be a delivery-only service but now has a residence in Ressio Cafe. Now, with a landscaped courtyard to sit in and enjoy some of Corazon Contento’s hearty treats, there’s no excuse not to give them a shot.
Corazon Contento’s menu tends towards the street food with lots of tacos, tortas, and other Mexican specialties but if you’re looking for something a bit more healthy, they also have a variety of smoothie bowls that should hit the spot.
Need more Playa del Carmen vegan restaurants?
If eight’s not enough, check out my full list of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen for more options that might not be all vegan but do have a full vegan menu or have something special to offer a Playa del Carmen vegan.
Playa del Carmen vegan stores
For when you want to cook for yourself and source the best vegan products in Playa, I’ve made a rundown of the best stores to check out. Being a vegan in Playa del Carmen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any of your favorites back home
Mr Tofu is a staple here in Playa and any vegan will be excited with what you can find in store. From vegan meats and cheeses to ready-made foods, you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for here. Bear in mind that they carry both local and imported goods and the imported products will fetch a similar price to what you’d find back home.
Olio Mercardo is a gem for vegans in Playa del Carmen. Besides some organic and dispensary items, you’ll find a kitchen stocked with homemade ready-made vegan meals, desserts, and even vegan pizza. The owner has a great system where if you bring the tubs back from the meals, you get a small amount off your next purchase.
Diosa Vegana is another all vegan store that stocks mostly local items. You can find ready-made snacks, protein powder, non-dairy milk, and plant-based meat replacements.
Farmer’s Market (replaced the old Clorofila) is all about vegan cheeses and dairy. They make high-quality products that are delicious and always happy to have a chat about what’s in store. You can also find a fridge stocked with other vegan goodies along with some organic produce.
Both Bio Natural and Bio Organico also have stores with predominantly vegan items. Just be mindful that some things are not vegan so you’ll need to check labels to be sure.
DAC is a fruit and vegetable store that also carries a decent amount of vegan items. Head to the back counter where half is dedicated to vegan meats and cheeses.
Panneria is a bakery that stocks vegan bread, pastries, and desserts. Similar to Olio, they have a reward system for those who bring their own containers.
The larger supermarkets also stock some vegan items and it’s worth asking what’s in store when you visit. In Mega, Wallmart, and Chedraui specifically, you can find vegan yogurt and soy chorizo as a minimum.
Playa del Carmen vegan food delivery
For those times you don’t feel like leaving the house and you want some vegan goodness delivered right to your door, Playa has actually got a lot of vegan delivery options.
Chillin Chilakil
Just chilaquiles done very well, Chillin Chilakil offers two vegan toppings, a crispy oyster mushroom, and an al pastor. Top it all off with vegan cream and cheese and you’re in for a treat. Service is impeccable and delivery is usually super fast.
Veganons
Veganons does lunch deliveries for those after a regular healthy vegan lunch option. Menus are published the weekend before and you can pick and choose which days you’d like to order or go for the convenience of having the whole week ordered for you. I also love that they use reusable containers that you exchange at each delivery.
ALV Tacos
Solid tacos, tortas, and burritos for when you just want some comfort food delivered to your door. These guys can be a little slow but I think it’s worth the wait. Just don’t order when you’re starving!
Sushi Playa
These guys have a ton of vegan sushi offers and are willing to make any amendments that you want. Along with sushi, you’ll find a selection of noodle and rice dishes. Sushi Playa is available on the ordering apps but it’s a lot cheaper (and faster) to order direct.
Many of the restaurants mentioned above either do their own delivery or use one of Playa’s popular delivery services. Some services are app-based while a couple use Whatsapp for ordering. Here are some to try if you can’t find anything that you’re craving:
Rappi
Uber EatsRappi
Pizza at Peace & Bowl
What is hard to find as a vegan in Playa del Carmen?
While you can get most things you might need locally in town, there are some items that Playa just doesn’t have. Specialty teas, herbs, and spices can be somewhat of a bother to find.
If you’re live here or are going to be hanging out for a while, you can order from:
Amazon.mx
Mercardolibre (like Latin America’s Amazon)
I’ve ordered from all three with no issues but you should make sure you’re comfortable with how the address system works here. It can be tricky to figure out for newcomers to Playa but if you’re staying in a condo with security or reception, you should be fine.
Vegan in Playa del Carmen wishlist
If you’re still on your way to Playa, here are some suggestions of things you might want to bring with you as they are either hard to find or lots more expensive:
Gluten-free items
Mineral makeup
Vegan Playa del Carmen resources
Playa has a very active vegan community that is very passionate about fostering one of the best places to live as a vegan. To help get you started, here are some key resources where you can meet other vegans and find out about what’s happening in the community.
Playa del Carmen vegan communities
If you’ve got some free time on vacation or are keen to strengthen your ties to the community of vegans in Playa, you can’t look past Casa Animal. It’s Playa’s first community center for animal lovers that often hosts workshops, information nights, and fun events to promote animal welfare. Check out its Facebook page for the latest on cooking classes, movie nights, and other fun activities that happen regularly here.
For those who will be in town for a while and would like to get more involved with the community, you can join the Playa del Carmen vegan Telegram group. A great place to organise meet-ups with other vegans, ask any burning questions, and find out the latest events.
Vegan Playa del Carmen Facebook groups
It’s usually quicker to ask any questions in the Telegraph group but, for more of a wider reach, these Facebook groups have hundreds of members who can help:
Veganos en Playa del Carmen (mostly Spanish but great for keeping up with events)
Playa del Carmen vegan accommodation guide
Maybe when you think of all inclusives, you think of sun-burnt tourists overindulging in both food and drinks. Luckily, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is a bit of an oasis in the resort world here and it’s one of my favorite places to stay. Sandos’ emphasis on “eco” can be seen in the restaurants, bars, and entertainment. From the natural cenotes you can swim in to the jungle walks lining the property, Sandos Caracol is a treat.
It used to have a vegan restaurant on site but now it’s gone one step further and has a separate vegan menu for each one of its seven restaurants. The best part about the change is that you can join your friends or family at any of the restaurants (even the steakhouse) and still get to have a great dinner.
Read reviews of Sandos at TripAdvisor or get booking details here.
What else would you like to see?
I’ll keep adding to this Playa del Carmen vegan guide as I discover new options but if you have any questions or notice any changes, please let me know in the comments below.