Rose's Picks
Where Rose sends groups for dinner in Playa del Carmen
Picked by Rose Medina, House Manager, Mayan Mansion
The short answer
For a group dinner in Playa del Carmen, Rose Medina sends groups to Alux for dinner inside a cave, to the seafood places near the beach for fresh ceviche, and to El Fogón for tacos al pastor late at night. For a big group's most important dinner, she suggests a private chef at Mayan Mansion, so all 16 guests sit at one table.
Finding a table for 16 on a Saturday night is the hardest reservation in Playa del Carmen. So my first advice is honest: for your most important dinner, stay home. The house has one long table for everyone, and our private chef cooks for you. For the other nights, these are the places I send groups.
1. A private chef at Mayan Mansion
Dinner at home, cooked by a private chef, at one table for the whole group, followed by the speakeasy downstairs.
Why Rose picks it: My first pick for the birthday, the reunion dinner or the first night, when nobody wants to plan.
2. Alux
A restaurant and lounge built inside a natural cave with a cenote, lit among stalactites, serving modern Mexican food.
Why Rose picks it: The dinner your group will talk about. Book well ahead and tell them how many you are.
3. La Cueva del Chango
A jungle-garden restaurant known for its Mexican breakfasts and chilaquiles.
Why Rose picks it: Not a dinner place, but my favorite brunch for a group the morning after.
4. Fresh seafood near the beach
Casual seafood places close to the beach serve ceviche, aguachile and the catch of the day.
Why Rose picks it: Ask me which one I'd go to this month. The best small seafood spots change, and I keep up.
5. El Fogón
A local taquería famous for tacos al pastor, open late.
Why Rose picks it: The end of a night out on Quinta Avenida. Cheap, fast and loved by locals.
Places change. Before your trip, Rose confirms what's open and what she'd recommend for your group that week.
More of Rose's picks
- Rose's favorite cenotes near Playa del Carmen
- Rose's rainy-day plan in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's guide to golf near Playacar and Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite day trips from Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite beaches and beach clubs near Playa del Carmen
- Rose's picks for families in the Riviera Maya, from toddlers to teens
- Rose's picks for couples, inside a group trip
- Rose's night out in Playa del Carmen, starting at home
- Rose's four perfect days at Mayan Mansion
Have another question? Ask Rose.
Rose Medina answers every question personally, usually the same day. If it's a question other guests will have too, her answer may end up on this page.