First of all, if you’re going to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, you’re a very lucky person and I wish it was me. Secondly, you’ll work up an appetite after all those days and, of course, lazing on a beach. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to some of the best restaurants in one of the finest resorts of this Central American paradise:

Lonchería Doña Mary

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This is one of the most popular eateries in Playa del Carmen and you may have to wait a while to get a table. That’s because it serves traditional, freshly made Mexican food at a fair price. There’s also a genuinely friendly atmosphere about the place, with locals and expats sharing tables. Chicken is the restaurant’s specialty and you’ll find it’s part of many dishes at the restaurant.

Kaxapa Factory

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Photo credit here

Kaxapa Factory specializes in Venezuelan cuisine and is also good choice for vegetarians and for people who are on a gluten-free diet, as they offer a wide range of options. The restaurant is renowned for its friendly service. Arepa – a flat cornbread, stuffed with shredded beef, chicken or beans and plantains – is the specialty of the restaurant. You’ve got to try it!

La Cueva del Chango

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The focus of this restaurant is on nature and on serving excellent Mexican food. Kids will love the scenery. You’ll be sitting amongst vegetation and trees in a tranquil setting and enjoying food cooked with natural ingredients. The chilaquiles (corn tortillas cut into quarters) with xatic chili make a superb breakfast and the shrimp is the standout dish of the evening.

La Famiglia

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If you’re a fan of the traditional family business-style restaurant, the Italian restaurant La Famiglia is for you, and it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The pizza is cooked over a wooden fire, and works wonderfully with a glass of red wine, and the pasta is handmade. It’s a busy place and the service is speedy but without sacrificing quality, which makes it even better. Oh, and the four cheese pizza and the pepperoni pizza are both exceptional.

All of these restaurants are fantastic and you can be sure you won’t be going home feeling as if you’re leaving on an empty stomach when you visit them. You can go traditional Mexican, savour South American or experience some Italian flare, and that’s just a small, tasty selection of what’s available.