If you like Mexican food, then you’ll be fine in Playa del Carmen. In fact, more than fine as you’ll find all kinds of restaurants in town! Some more touristy, some more local.
But if you’re looking for an authentic experience, and you’d like to eat what the locals eat where they ate it, then you might be better off joining a food tour – one of the best activities in Playa del Carmen. This will allow you to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and sample the best dishes in town, led by someone who knows everything about it.
I personally LOVE going on food tours, and Mexico is arguably one of the best countries to do it. Who doesn’t adore Mexican cuisine?!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best Playa del Carmen food tours, ranging from taco tours to street food tastings and dining experiences. They also cater to most dietary requirements, including a specific tour for vegans and vegetarians.
➥ Why can you trust my picks? Having journeyed through Mexico for over 6 months, I’ve tasted my way from street eats to gourmet treats. Playa del Carmen’s culinary scene? Yep, been there, savored that. With a decade of curating and recommending top tours on my blog, you can trust that I carefully select each food tour, ensuring top-notch experiences.
I use and recommend Viator and Get Your Guide when booking tours around the world. I particularly love their cancelation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour |
| TACO TOUR | Taco Tour in Playa del Carmen |
| VEGAN TOUR | Vegan Mexican Walking Food Tour |
| DINNER EXPERIENCE | The Travelers’ Table Food Experience |
OUR PICK: The BEST Food Tour in Playa del Carmen
Let an expert guide take you on a Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour to discover the best-kept secrets of authentic Mexican food.
On this tour, you’ll visit a local family-run fruit and veggie market where you’ll try some juices, food stands, and restaurants for a bit of everything. In total it will be 7-8 stops, so make sure to come hungry.
The menu includes handmade quesadillas with a special surprise ingredient, mole, seasonal fruit juices, and tacos al pastor, Mexico’s staple dish. And what’s a tour without indulging in popsicles and ice cream for a sweet finale?
You’ll also get to indulge in lesser-known delicacies only known to locals, so it’s an ideal introduction to the region’s cuisine – and culture, since your guide will tell you about that while walking from one place to another. Forget about restaurants on 5th Avenue, on this tour you’ll experience the real deal.
➤ Why this Mexican food tour? This excursion includes a trip to the most authentic, local eateries in Playa del Carmen. You’ll taste a great variety of flavors and dishes that are staples of the national cuisine, and the food is very abundant.
Not only that, but you’ll get to delve into the culinary history of the city, and learn plenty of interesting facts from your friendly guide. It’s a tour that checks all the boxes.
Read what the reviews say:
”We loved this tour! Alejandro was a great guide and taught us so much about the history of the city along with the culture and traditions. We were able to go to several family owned and local restaurants that represented a true taste of the city. I only wished we booked this at the beginning of our trip instead of the end! I would do this tour again and I highly recommend it!”
Johnell_H – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Food tasting, drinks, a local guide, tips, and vegetarian alternatives. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Food Tours in Playa del Carmen
▶️ Embark on a Mexican Street Food Crawl in Playa del Carmen that will take you – led by an expert guide – away from the tourist hotspots. Be prepared to try grasshopper and ant egg tacos, along with rich tamales, cochinita pibil, and carnitas.
Enjoy fiery tequila shots during a tasting in a prime boutique, and learn about the local food scene. You’ll even get some good recommendations for the rest of your stay!
This food tour in Playa del Carmen includes: A professional guide, transfers, food and drinks, tequila tasting, and a discount for purchases at the tequila shop. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Take a food-filled journey during this 2-hour Playa del Carmen Food Tour. Meet up with a foodie guide and try the city’s most distinctive food at five different eateries.
You’ll stop by an open-air farmer’s market, restaurants, and street food stalls to sample authentic Mexican dishes, including tacos and a sweet dessert.
All the while, you’ll learn about the culinary history and culture of Playa del Carmen. Plus, get insider tips on the best restaurants, bars, and markets to visit during your stay!
This tour includes: All food and drink tastings, and a tour guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Taco Tour in Playa del Carmen
This Taco Tour in Playa del Carmen is an amazing experience solely focused on Mexico’s best-known dish. Your foodie guide will take you to four different restaurants in the city.
You’ll not only learn about the history of tacos, but get a peak at how they are made by preparing your own tortillas!
Then, taste a variety of handmade tacos, including dessert tacos, and pair them with Pulque, a traditional alcoholic drink. You’ll also make a refreshing margarita drink, and enjoy it alongside your meal.
Take advantage of your guide’s knowledge to get tips on the best places to eat in the city.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all food and drink tastings, bottled water, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Food Tour in Playa del Carmen for Vegans
Quintana Roo might be renowned for its Tacos al Pastor and fresh seafood. There are, however, many vegan and vegetarian dishes that can make your mouth water. And you’ll be tasting them all during this Playa del Carmen Vegan Mexican Food Tour.
Led by a culinary expert, you’ll visit a fruit market to sample Yucatecan delicacies, and savor vegan ceviche and delicious vegan tacos. Fresh fruit juices and exotic fruits are also on the menu.
Since the tour is designed for vegans, you’ll get to indulge in authentic dishes specifically made for you. Forget about settling for the vegetarian alternatives that some meat-based tours offer!
This tour includes: A local guide, all food tastings, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Dinner Experiences in Playa del Carmen
▶️ Join this Playa del Carmen: The Travelers’ Table Food Experience to explore the fusion of authentic Mexican food with Spanish, African, and Middle Eastern flavors.
You’ll discover how international cuisine has influenced Mexico’s culinary art. The result is many of the popular (and delicious!) dishes the country is most proud of, which you’ll savor in a 5-course meal.
Each dish will be paired with a glass of wine, and after you’re satisfied you’ll move on to tequila and mezcal tastings. The experience takes place in Punta Venada beach club, a prime spot to watch the sunset with a glass of bubbles!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a 5-course meal with wine pairings, all alcoholic drinks, water, and a tour guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Book this Xoximilco Park: Colorful Mexican Fiesta Entry Ticket for an evening like no other! Board colorful gondola-like boats and cruise through jungle canals as you enjoy traditional live music and over 20 delicious dishes.
Sip on unlimited beer and tequila, and dance the night away aboard Mexican-style trajineras. This magical place captures the charm and memories of Mexico’s golden age, and it’s a beautiful celebration you’ll want to take part in.
This tour includes: Admission to Xoximilco Park, dinner, unlimited drinks, and an authentic fiesta. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
