Cocina 38 Foodie cafe in the heart of Playa del Carmen

95 top rated

  • Cocina 38

  • 5th Ave at 38 Calle Playa del Carmen 77710 México (52) 984 873 0655
Book Now website
reviewed by
Ann Vine Editorial Review Author

  • The Scene:

    In a city not known for its hushed dining scenes, Playa del Carmen is home to Cocina 38 hidden behind a stylish facade of simple glass along ever-lively 5th Avenue. Simple white walls are strewn with tribal masks and native artwork with two rows of white-clothed tabletop and sturdy chairs albeit with not-so-comfy rattan cushions. Surrounded in a sidewalk terrace of textured stone tiling, a stone-encrusted exterior eludes to a glassy main dining room and open-style kitchen that's currently one of the best gourmet offerings in the downtown area. 

  • cuisine
  • price
    $$$ ($25-$45)
  • payment options
    Visa, MasterCard
  • hours
    6pm-12am, daily
  • table to get
    Terrace 4-Top
  • special features
    Gourmet Eatery, Local Wine List, Pastry Chef

  • The Food:

    Lead-chef Juan Diego previously worked at London’s Savoy, Claridge’s and Allium while his co-owner and pastry chef comes via Swiss-training and stint at London’s old Pharmacy. Together the two create a deliberate menu that begins with scallop tartar with mango wedges, chilled pea soup with cream cheese drizzle and soft shell crab tempura with spiced-soy glaze. Main course is half from land and half from sea with black cod in a cauliflower puree, calamari and chorizo risotto topped with grilled shrimp and braised beef cheek with onion cream and truffle oil. Try to save room for dessert that includes a fig tartan with port reduction, caramelized apple and prune puree and classic cheesecake topped with peaches and blackberries.

  • Last Word

    While lacking the white glove service of many area hotels, the cuisine is by far one of the best in the area with in-the-known locals and visiting tourists.

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