Any decent restaurants?

There is a surprisingly wide range of restaurants and bars - five star Italian and 10 peso quesadillas, two for one margaritas in hammocks and juice bars, and a few dance 'til dawn clubs, and the sign of true civilization - decent Thai and Chinese food. The Playa del Carmen Directory has a long list of restaurants. Some recommendations:

• La Casa del Agua Restaurant - Beautiful restaurant overlooking Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue. Fresh seafood, wine from 12 countries... and an indoor waterfall.

• Yaxche Maya Restaurant is a midrange restaurant with upscale, but authentic, Mayan food on 8th between Quinta Avenida and 10th. They have a beautiful Mayan inspired courtyard and entertaining special events throughout the year.

• Media Luna is a reasonably priced Italian/International place with funky ambiance on Quinta Avenida. Can't go wrong if you order the special of the day.

• Shangri-La Caribe has two restaurants, La Loma and Aventuras, for breakfast and dinner, and Aventuras for dinner. Shangri-La's extensive breakfast buffet is famous in Playa del Carmen - tropical fruit, natural juices, fresh baked bread, cereals sweet rolls, coffee and tea. You can also ask for the breakfast menu, which contains a selection of hot dishes. The Shangri-La bakery is so good, they supply baked goods to other restaurants and hotels in Playa del Carmen.

• On 10th just off Juarez is Pollo Caribe which served cheap roasted chicken.

• Babes on 10th Street is a good restaurant for lighter or vegetarian fare. This restaurant has the best Swedish meatballs in town and it is one of the local favorites

• Agora Restaurant and Bar - Italian and international cuisine, specializing in local seafood. Try their delicious oven baked seafood Pasta al Cartoccio or go fishing during the day and taste your own catch at night! Agora is a must for most residents and tourists alike. Good music, excellent cocktails and the best cappuccino in town! They are on Avenida 10th between Calle 12 and 14.

• Beach Club Mamita - beach chair and lounge daybed rentals... your waiter will bring you Mexican and American snacks and lunch - plus drinks of course - while you rest in the sun. They pretty much have everything. Beach and 28th Street.

• La Floresta - not easy to get to but its the best shrimp (camaron) tacos in town. The price is about $1.00 for each taco and you only need 5 to get stuffed. On the highway - ask a taxi they should know because all the taxistas eat there.

• La Pizza Pazza - pizza by the slice, and yes it is the best in town. Norma, a native of Italy, brought her traditional recipes with her when she moved to Playa del Carmen. It's located on Calle 12 between Avenida 5 and 10. Their hours of operation are 11:30am to 12:30am.

• La Cueva del Chango - Restaurant, cafe and vivero . In a large palapa surrounded by tropical plants. A small river runs through it. Excellent food, fresh juices. Also freshly roasted coffee (smells delicious) and bio products. Very nice to go with children as they can run around safely. Open for dinner with very original and tasty Mexican dishes.

• The Coffee Press - on Calle 2 between 5th Avenue and the beach. This is Playa del Carmen's morning meeting place. Savory eggs Benedict, Ranchero, pancakes, waffles, migas, homemade cakes and breads, fresh fruit smoothies and excellent coffee. The Coffee Press has been around since 1997, so you know they understand service and quality. Try it once, and you will be back for more.

• Casa Mediterranea - Hidden inside a beautiful courtyard “Jardin de Marieta” this Italian owned and operated restaurant has deserving praise from all the guide books that recommend the best places in Playa del Carmen, The owner Mauricio and his wife Maria are always there ensuring personal attention and returning guests, fresh ingredients and original Italian recipes.

• El Asador de Manolo, Argentinean Steakhouse on 10th Avenue has a lunch special every day with comida corrida for $5 including entrée, main course and a drink. Open for dinner as well. Manolo brings his years of experience from Buenos Aires and Sur restaurants with an a la carte menu with the best grilled arrachera in town (marinated flank steak).

• Nativo - Playa del Carmen´s favorite smoothie and health food place, It is next to a produce store in 30th avenue, known for delicious fresh fruit blends, traditional Mexican dishes and a wide variety of vegetarian choices

• HC Carnes - Originally a butcher store, This is “the place” for meat lovers about $7 will get you arrachera (marinated flank steak), a baked potato or onion, half an avocado, Mexican sauce, tortillas and a soda.

Learn more about regional specialties from Cancun South..

America's First Cuisines Peanuts, tomatoes, chocolate, potatoes, beans, squash were all eaten by the Maya long before the Europeans arrived.