11 Best Breakfast in Playa Del Carmen Mexico

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Want to get the best breakfast in Playa del Carmen at any time of day? 

Eating in Playa Del Carmen can be a bit of a hit or miss. Every restaurant varies in its quality, consistency, and pricing—and some simply feel like they’re trying to take your money. However, there are dozens of amazing places to eat in the city—breakfast included! You just have to know where to look to find the best breakfast in Playa Del Carmen!

I am a big breakfast lover and love trying new café and brunch spots.

Playa del Carmen is an incredible beach town in the Riviera Maya and a popular vacation spot in Mexico that is well worth visiting for its beach views and its breakfast spots!

I can’t live without at least one good cup of coffee in the morning and find it hard to stomach anything other than eggs or oatmeal for my first meal of the day. So, naturally, I’ve spent quite a bit of time testing out different spots for the best breakfast in Playa Del Carmen.

Best Breakfast in Playa Del Carmen

Instead of walking around aimlessly or shuffling through dozens of options on Google Maps before you’ve had time to caffeinate, check out some of my favorite spots for the best breakfast in Playa Del Carmen and head to a place you know will hit the spot.

And if you have one not listed that you think I should try, let me know in the comments below!

1. La Cueva Del Chango

Tacos and burritos might be the first thing on your mind when it comes to Mexican food, but the breakfast menu is nothing to miss, either!

From chilaquiles to huevos divorciados, Mexico serves up a delicious and unique mix of morning favorites. And in Playa Del Carmen, La Cueva Del Chango is the place to try them.

Surrounded by native vegetation, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the jungle to enjoy your cup of coffee, fresh juice, and local cuisine. If you’re lucky, you’ll even catch a glimpse of the resident monkey hanging out overhead!

La Cueva Del Chango is popular for more than just its vibes, though! Patrons line up out the door for the calm ambiance and the large variety of traditional Mexican plates, including its breakfast menu. La Cueva Del Chango easily offers up some of the best brunch Playa Del Carmen has to offer in terms of local flavor.

Get your eggs “ranchero style,” “a la Mexicana,” or have them cooked how you like and topped with Yucatecan staples like nopal cactus, chaya, and poblano chili strips. Chilaquiles are also a must—a plate of nacho chips, bathed in salsa, sprinkled with crumbled cotija cheese, and topped with either fried eggs or chicken. Yum!

And if someone in your group isn’t as adventurous with their food choices, no worries. La Cueva Del Chango also offers classic staples, such as French toast or crepes, and healthier options like oatmeal, fruit salad, and my personal favorite, the cinnamon-flavored Quinoa Bowl.

Location on Google.

2. Chez Celine

Who would have thought you could go to Mexico to get an amazing French breakfast? We’re talking buttery croissants, dishes smothered in bechamel, and fresh baked goods that will have your mouth watering for more.  

Chez Celine always has a line—and for good reason. This menu is packed with options, from eggs, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast combos, to croissants, bagels, crepes, quiche, and croque-monsieur.

I could eat here every day and not get bored. My personal favorite is the smoked salmon croissant sandwich with a homemade Boursin spread (goat cheese, garlic, and chives), fresh tomatoes, and red onions—all paired with a small super-green side salad.

Chez Celine also offers an in-house bakery, so if you don’t have time to wait for a table, you should at least stop in to grab some fresh-baked pastries, bread, eclairs, or macarons.

Location on Google.

3. Que Huevos

If you’re in the mood for a more traditional American-style breakfast where eggs are at the heart of the meal, walk down to Que Huevos. This classic diner has a tropical hipster vibe and, per the name, offers eggs any style—scrambled, fried, poached, benedicts, or omelet.

Meat lovers will rejoice at the option to accompany their eggs with chorizo, chicharron (fried pork belly), or arrachera (skirt steak). You can also opt for Mexican-style breakfast plates with chilaquiles, huevos divorciados, or a super-stuffed breakfast burrito.

The local favorite on the menu, though, is their avocado toast. This millennial classic is served with two toasted slices of multigrain bread, fresh avocado spread, and a pair of perfectly-poached eggs served with a smooth red sauce, house beans, and potatoes. And it won’t cost you a house mortgage either.

Location on Google.  

4. Corazon Contento PDC

Corazon Contento is a fairly new vegan café that offers both a breakfast and a lunch menu that are 100% vegan. I recently tried this place when my vegan friend came to visit, and it was almost impossible for us to choose between all of the animal-free options!

Enjoy waffles smothered in fruit and maple syrup, Tofu a la Mexicana (a vegan take on the classic Mexican scrambled eggs), chilaquiles, smoothie bowls, and even a vegan ham and cheese croissant sandwich.

I’ll admit, even though we came for breakfast, we ended up splitting the vegan burger and Colliflower wings after we saw some plates come out to a neighboring table.

Overall, this is a great place to get some vegan variety, hang out with a cup of coffee or two, and enjoy the fresh, tropical air of Playa Del Carmen.

Location on Google.

5. La Jungla

If you want to find good, cheap breakfast in Playa Del Carmen, you’ll need to step off the strip.

La Jungla is just a short walk or bike ride from the hustle and bustle of fifth ave and costs at least half of what you’d pay on the strip. It offers a great, inexpensive breakfast and lunch, along with an impressive list of juices, smoothies, and agua frescas (flavored waters). Locals love this spot for its simple menu items, fresh ingredients, and affordable prices.  

Here, you can get Mexican-style scrambled eggs paired with a side of refried beans for as little as 75 pesos (less than $4 USD). You can also choose from a variety of omelets, chilaquiles, enchiladas, other egg dishes, and sweeter dishes like hotcakes, fruit bowls, or a serving of fried sweet plantains topped with Mexican cream and crumbled cheese—all ranging from about 75 to 95 pesos.

To wash it down, you can get the “agua del dia” for just 17 pesos (less than $1 USD). Or, you can upgrade to one of their mixed juices, all named after famous areas in Quintana Roo. My favorite is the “Holbox” juice, consisting of orange, pineapple, and strawberry.

Location on Google.

6. Aloha Raw Bar

Head over to the Aloha Raw Bar if you want to get some shots for the ‘gram and a good fresh breakfast. This Hawaiian-inspired café will definitely give you vacation vibes, and its cute décor will bring out your inner photographer.  

In addition to a page full of smoothie bowl options packed with fresh and nutritious raw ingredients, you will also find deliciously blended protein shakes and smoothies, oatmeal, french toast, and eggs. I ordered the tropical protein and oatmeal waffles, and I have to say that this is probably my new favorite waffle spot. The coconut milk cappuccino and americano were also perfect additions.

When looking for Aloha Raw Bar, keep in mind that it is tucked away from the tourist strip on a residential street and feels a bit escondido—so it could be easy to miss if the front gate is closed.

It took me months of passing through this neighborhood before I even knew this place existed! It also closes around 2 p.m. each day, so don’t head here if you’re looking for a late brunch.

Location on Google.

7. Café Italia Playa

If you’re on the hunt for great coffee and a relatively quick and cheap breakfast in Playa Del Carmen that doesn’t sacrifice taste, add this humble and cozy Italian café to your list.

Ran by Italians, whose lives seem to revolve around quality coffee, wine, and food, this super centric café offers some of the best coffee in Playa Del Carmen. It also comes with a small breakfast menu that is much more affordable than the neighboring restaurants on Fifth Ave, making it on my list of cheap breakfast in Playa Del Carmen.    

The menu is small and simple, with a choice of eggs, baked goods, deli sandwiches, and molletes. If you like something a little less traditional for breakfast, though, or are heading here later in the day, the real winner of this café is their lasagna. (My mouth is watering just thinking about it).

The lasagna truly tastes like a homemade slice of heaven straight from an Italian mother’s kitchen, and it will keep you full for all of your busy daytime activities. Even for a breakfast lover like me, it’s worth breaking tradition for! The best part is that it’s already made, so it just takes a few minutes to warm up if you’re in a rush.

Café Italia also opens early and is located near the south end of the touristic zone. If you’re nearby and need to fuel up before a tour or an early ferry to Cozumel, this is a great stop!

Location on Google.

8. Fresco Habito

If you’re a smoothie bowl lover, health nut, or a vegan, add Fresco Habito to your Playa Del Carmen breakfast list now! Fresco Habito offers just that “Fresh Habits.”

Their restaurant is based on the philosophy that food should be locally sourced, made in-house, and comprised of nourishing, natural ingredients that not only fill you up but also improve your health. And when you look at their menu, it shows.

As soon as you sit down on one of the brightly-colored Acapulco-style chairs, you’ll start off with a pretty comprehensive list of clean beverages to choose from. And the smoothies, juices, and “agua frescas” won’t be your typical mix.

Cleanse your gut with activated carbon lemonade, or spice up your immune system with the cayenne pepper and turmeric in the “Golden Star” juice. And if you don’t have much room for liquid, opt for their “medicine” shots of highly-concentrated natural ingredients.

For eats, Fresco Habito offers almost a dozen different smoothie bowls. Choose a base of acai, mixed fruits, or matcha, then look for superfood additions like activated chai, activated oats, spirulina, and Goji berries.

Not in the mood for smoothies? Try their vegan toasts with spreads like almond cheese and beet hummus, or something on the sweeter side like overnight apple oats, cacao waffles, and berry chia pudding.

Location on Google.

9. Choux Choux Café

Last but not least, is one of my favorite spots for a big breakfast. Choux Choux Café knows how to do brunch. This French restaurant and bakery offers cool vibes, fresh-baked breads, and dishes that will have you coming back for more the next morning.

The menu is organized by savory, sweet, sandwiches, and smaller breakfast options. It also offers a few pages of beverage options, from espresso to chai lattes to fresh juice mixes and protein shakes. The cool part of their menu, though, is their combo option.

You can upgrade almost any of their main breakfast courses to include a fresh orange choice, coffee of choice, and a house-made pastry to your meal—all of the staples of a proper brunch if you ask me! Just make sure you come here hungry and with extra time to kill.

The service can be a bit long, and there is usually a short wait, especially on the weekends.

Location on Google.

10. Lara & Luca

One of the most recommended breakfast spots in Playa del Carmen, Lara & Luca is a favorite amongst locals and tourists for good reason. The food here is outstanding.

They have a nice selection of baked goods including some fantastic croissants, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. They have classic breakfast dishes like French toast, eggs Benedict, and pancakes, but they also have Mexican classics like chilaquiles.

Lara & Luca are also a fantastic healthy option with their fruit and yogurt or oatmeal and chia bowls. There are several vegan options on the menu and different milk options for your coffee.

They serve seriously good coffee, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices as well as cocktails and craft beers (you’re on vacation after all!).    

See the location on Google.

11. Madrez Cafe

Another of the best places for breakfast in Playa del Carmen that we checked out thanks to your recommendations in the comments is Madrez Cafe.

It’s hard to find a good bagel in Mexico. However, the bagels here are pretty decent. Especially when they are packed with eggs, sausage, and cheese.

But I would return here again and again for the breakfast burrito. They are enormous, so come hungry or share it with someone. 

They have a few breakfast burrito options with the chorizo being an indulgently delicious option. There’s a meat lover burrito with bacon, ham, and sausage inside as well as a vegetarian option packed with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and beans.

Prices are fantastic compared to other spots in town with most dishes on the menu coming in under 100 pesos ($5 USD). It’s also cash only, so be sure you have some before heading over.

See the location on Google.

Tell us what you think is the best breakfast in Playa Del Carmen

There are dozens of brunch and breakfast choices in Playa Del Carmen—and restaurants are closing and opening all of the time. If you have a spot you think is a must-try or that one of these places needs some updating, let me know in the comments below!

Buen provecho!