Zitla Playa

Sometimes, you need a restaurant off the beaten path that has its own identity apart from those on Quinta Avenida. Such an eatery is Zitla Playa, with its fiesta-like atmosphere, creative cocktails, and unique dishes.

Just a 15-minute walk from Parque Los Fundadores, Zitla Playa sits in a prime spot. It's close enough to the beach and the shopping district yet distant enough to be distinct. Such attributes make planning an itinerary simple. For example, after a day in the Caribbean or visiting nearby Museo Frida Kahlo, you're never far from a delicious meal and cold drinks. 

Its long hours make the restaurant appealing to various clientele. Opening at 11:30 AM, it attracts the brunch and early lunch crowd. During this phase, the restaurant is low-key for families and those seeking a quiet getaway. When the sun sets, the energy picks up with live music that keeps it rocking into the night until 12:30 AM. 

One of the most talked-about elements is its relaxed, bohemian-inspired design. Think open-air dining spaces, colorful artwork, rustic wood decor, and lots of greenery. It's like dining in a beach hut in the jungle!

While some social media apps describe the food as "pub grub," the offerings transcend most bars' offerings. You'll discover tasty tacos, freshly caught seafood, mountain-tall burgers, and shareable platters. 

Zitla Playa is an experience enriched by impeccable service, flavorful food, and an ideal location. This combination makes it a must-visit spot.

Vibe

Finding this restaurant takes some skill since it's in a neighborhood and lacks street signs. But you'll never forget its location once you spot the wood facade amidst the trees and vegetation.

You first enter the open-air area with a vaulted wood ceiling and brightly painted murals. Rustic wooden tables sit alongside artistic touches like colorful lanterns and walls with unique, handcrafted designs. Plants and vegetation blend nature with its bohemian vibe. The bar area resembles something from a Tiki bar, adding to its beach vibe. 

Continue, and you will enter the garden where dining al fresco is a joy. Attractive, vibrant murals cover one wall while strings of patio lights add a warm glow. White string lights around tree limbs add to the festive atmosphere. Picnic tables dot the area and will appeal to a family dinner or friends celebrating a day after wandering along Quinta Avenida.

The ambiance is warm and relaxing, while the vibe shifts with the sun. The mood is serene at noon, while evening ushers in a party-like atmosphere. Such diversity suits couples, families, and those looking to cut loose into the night. 

Zitla Playa: Menu & Drinks

As mentioned, the menu takes what many perceive as "pub grub" to creative heights. 

A great example of this is the Seafood Tower. Picture a cylinder of fresh shrimp, scallops, fish, and vegetables rising from your plate like a mountain. Call it ceviche on steroids, call it a shareable meal, but either way, you will call it delicious!

The seafood tacos, featuring fresh-caught fish or shrimp, are a standout. The seasoning is on point, and the vibrant salsas pack a punch. Add seafood platters and Mexican staples, and you'll find something everyone in your entourage will enjoy.

For those craving comfort food, the burgers are another winner. The choices range from an American-style version to a monster-size stack of beef, seafood, and more. It's so tall, you won't be able to hold it with two hands!

When you're ready to toast after a day of exploring Mayan ruins at the Tulum Archaeological Site, Zitla Playa has you covered! The mezcal drinks delight, combining the spirit's smokiness with fresh citrus flavors for a vibrant experience. Beer lovers will find a cold one that pleases, while there are plenty of nonalcoholic beverages for the kids. 

Dining at Zitla Playa adds excitement and authenticity to your Playa del Carmen getaway. Its creative dishes, tropical drinks, and jungle-like atmosphere blend flavor with fun, leaving you with unforgettable memories.