Must-see restaurants in Mal País & Santa Teresa

  • Earth Café

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    For surfers and yogis, there is not a more perfect lunch spot. We're talking elaborate salads, savory toppings piled high on toast and big colorful bowls…

  • Bajo El Arbol

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    If you can't afford a flight to Spain, just sit down 'Beneath the Tree.' Basque chef Julio's menu changes daily, but he whips up an extraordinary…

  • Zwart Cafe

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Zwart means 'black' in Dutch, but this shabby-chic, artist-owned gallery and cafe is all white (or mostly – damn dust!). You'll love the surf-inspired…

  • Mary's Restaurant

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    At the far end of Mal País village, this unassuming, open-air restaurant has a tin roof, polished-concrete floor, wood oven and blackboard menu. It offers…

  • El Carmen

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    The location right on the playa is hard to beat, and the list of ceviche and cooked fish shows it's more than just a pizzeria. It's a popular spot for…

  • Burger Rancho

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Get your burger on at this open-air rancho that in 2019 found a new home just north of Kina Surf Shop. Check the blackboard for daily changing specials,…

  • Koji's

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Koji Hyodo's outdoor patio is a twinkling beacon of fresh, raw excellence. The atmosphere and service are superior, of course, but his food is a higher…

  • Caracolas

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    The lone soda at this end of the coast revamped its menu in 2019 and now emphasizes seafood and paellas. But you can still eat a classic casado off a…

  • Papaya Lounge

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    The top-shelf restaurant at the Hotel Moana is on a stunning perch and has jaw-dropping views and Latin-inspired tapas. The emphasis on local ingredients…

  • Umi Sushi

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    This new addition to the Santa Teresa smorgasbord serves up the usual sushi roll suspects – California, spicy tuna, and Philadelphia – along with local…

  • Mafra's Bakery

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Not the biggest bakery in Playa El Carmen, but longtime residents swear by this Italian panaderia in the first mall you see as you come into town…

  • Brisas Del Mar

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    It's worth the steep climb for sensational views and fancy-looking seafood at the poolside patio restaurant at the Hotel Buenos Aires. Begin with a…

  • Bakery

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    A dainty, classic bakery and longstanding favorite brunch spot in the center of Playa El Carmen. Some naughty delights like croques monsieur and Belgian…

  • Super La Hacienda

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Self-caterers can stock up at this local market, located in Santa Teresa, 3km north of the T intersection.