Where to find the best seafood in Riviera Maya

Address: 5ta. Av, Calle 2 Nte y, Centro, 77720 Playa del Carmen

If you want to experience the best Riviera Maya seafood, there’s a simple strategy. Go where the locals go! Riviera Maya residents love Los Hijos de la Tostada – and you’re guaranteed to love it, too. Located right on the famed 5^th Avenue (La Quinta Avenida), this is your go-to spot for fresh seafood. If you need a recommendation, order the seafood tostada. Within minutes, you’ll have achieved pure culinary bliss.

Address: Calle 12 Nte, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen

In the mood for lobster? As you might have guessed from its name, Playa del Carmen’s Blue Lobster is a safe bet. The lobster here is fresh caught (often that very day!) and the overall vibe is sophisticated, with great views of the bustling Quinta Avenida. For an appetizer, try the Spanish-Style Sauté Octopus. And don’t miss the restaurant’s signature dish, the Blue Lobster, which is a delectable combination of fish and lobster with white wine sauce, served with rice and vegetables.

Address: Carretera Chetumal-Cancun Locales 1 y 2 Lte 3 Mza 40, Centro, 77600 Tulum

A Tulum favorite, El Camello, Jr. is a must-visit on your seafood tour of the Mayan Riviera. The casual restaurant is well-known for its ceviche – that wonderful Latin American dish made fresh with raw fish cured in citrus juices and spiced with ají or chili peppers. Order a cold beer, get a table on the open-air patio and dig into this seafood delicacy. Then, if you’re still hungry (and you’re with a big crew), ask for the whole fried fish, with which you can build the ultimate fish taco.

Address: Carr. Tulum - Cancún, Plaza Antares, 77782 Playa del Carmen

If you’re a seafood fan, both locals and visitors will tell you not to skip Taco Paco. It’s well-known as one of the best places for fish tacos in Riviera Maya. The fish is fresh, the toppings are totally delicious and the vibe is extremely laid back. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a plate of the extraordinary coconut shrimp tacos. Of course, everything at Taco Paco goes great with an ice-cold Corona or two.

Address: Carretera Chetumal Puerto Juárez Km. 266,377750 Riviera Maya

Enjoy authentic Caribbean-style seafood dishes in this chic and stylish restaurant, located within the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. The lively ambiance complements the bold flavors and traditional aromas. Pair your meal with a classic margarita (salt on the rim, por favor) and you’ll experience the perfect Riviera Maya evening.

Address: Chetumal-Cancun, Centro, 77760 Tulum

While you’re exploring the incredible Riviera Maya town of Tulum (home of some of Mexico’s best-preserved Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches), you’re bound to work up an appetite. Make a beeline to Los Aguachiles, one of Tulum’s best restaurants. Here, you’ll find no-frills fish tacos and tuna tostadas, cooked to perfection using the freshest ingredients. Pro tip: order a michelada to go along with your seafood – it’s a perfect mix of beer, lime and Clamato juice.

Address: Calle 40 5, Zazil-ha, 77720 Playa del Carmen

One of Playa del Carmen’s seafood mainstays, the bright blue El Pirata is located right in the city’s downtown. Giant shrimp, fresh ceviche, pescado frito (fried fish) and much more – no matter what you order here, you’re going to love it. El Pirata is also a “cocteleria” (cocktail bar), so they’ve got a full bar with everything from mojitos to authentic Mexican beer. Salud!

Address: 30 Avenida Nte. 120, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen

Seafood connoisseurs rave about Langosteria. This Playa del Carmen seafood restaurant features a menu packed with treats from the sea. If you’re dining with a group, try the seafood feast, with a fish filet, shrimp, octopus and squid – rest assured that no one will be going back to the hotel feeling hungry.

Address: Quinta Avenida entre calle 20 Calle 22 Norte y, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Another seafood must-visit on Playa del Carmen’s 5^th Avenue, La Fisheria is the brainchild of famed Mexican chef Aquiles Chavez. Chavez has created a seafood-centric menu that will please every palate. If you’re not sure what to order, just try the fish of the day. You may never have tasted fresher, more flavorful fish in your life!