Updated January 5, 2021:
Playa del Carmen, a hot and humid city in Mexico’s Riviera Maya known for gorgeous beaches and its buzzing La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), is like a vegan utopia. One could go out to eat regularly and find meals, snacks, and drinks to enjoy, whether in fully-veggie eateries or at mainstream restaurants and cafes designating vegan meals on their menus. Many tasty spots are within walking distance of the center of town.
There are places with vegan pizza, tamales, tacos, homemade bread, Thai food, gluten-free waffles, and smoothies galore. Cafes regularly offer alternative milks (“leche vegetal”) from coconut to soy to almond as well as acai and other fruit bowls.
Note: as of January 2021, there have been various changes to the veggie-friendly eateries in Playa del Carmen. It’s best to check with the businesses directly, but here are a few updates. Clorofila Green & Vegan has shut down. La Senda Vegana and Madre Milpa, its successor, have closed. Visitors can enjoy Panneria at its new location on Calle 34, and the establishment has started serving pizza along with a range of delicious vegan keto treats. Ta’consciente is only selling packaged products to go for the moment.
These photos represent a sampling of all the great spots in the area! Also check out Bio-Organicos, The Pitted Date, Fresco Habito, Jonny Como Pizza, Basic Foodie, Bajo Cafe, Ah Cacao (for Mayan chocolate treats), Sushi Playa, and Fritxs (delivery only), along with many other places listed on HappyCow.


