Bendita Costilla — Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

A local who I have befriended while living here told me about this place. I wanted to find a place that had great meat options, flavors and didn't break the bank. This was it!

My friend told me its a place where the locals go and that its very busy, to make sure if I go on a weekend make reservations you you will never get in. He was right, we got there at 5:15 and barely got a table, place was packed already.

The second you walk in you see the really cool open air seating along with covered. A huge open area kitchen where you can see the chef's hard a hard, fun to watch. Then there is the meat hanging over a real wood fire, you can smell the flavors in the air!

The bread with two dipping sauces is delcious, you can tell its fresh baked. Be careful one sauce is very hot, I love heat and this one is really good. The other sauces is great for dipping the bread in.

First we had the empanadas, one lamb one beef. My friend from Argentina was there, and she has complained about every empanadas she has had in MX until this time! Finally, she says! amazing and delicious, the crunch of the bread, the wide flavors in both the meats, peppers, onion, garlic, I could have eat 10 of them but had steak coming

For dinner we had the mix meat plate and my friend the beef ribs dinner with garlic fries and fried potatoes. OMG! Amazing flavors in the meats, all cooked perfectly, med. rare and the fries were delicious as well. The meat plates come with a side of what I will call salsa, its not hot, it compliments the meat really well. I recommend you try with a bite of meat.

We had a bottle of the Pinot Noir from Argentina, OMG, one of the best I've ever had, we took a PIC, I'm buying a case of it.

The deserts were really good as well, our Argentine friend said both the flan and ice cream reminder her of home, I loved them as well.

The service was amazing, greeting at the door, sat down immediately and our server took great care of us, fast, responsive and very helpful suggesting the best cuts and sides, etc.

When you go make sure you PIN it as its easy to miss, just look for the PINK and you'll find it.

Would I go back? OH HELL YES! I love the atmosphere, the food and service. Such a cool restaurant. thanks Roberto for the...

From the moment I was seated, the exceptional service set the tone for the evening. Leila, our attentive server, ensured that the experience was seamless from start to finish. The evening kicked off with refreshing beverages — the “Agua del Dia” was a delightful start, and the Margaritas had just the right zing, setting a festive mood.

The appetizers were a parade of flavors. The “Achuras” section was a standout, with “Achura Chorizo” and “Achura Mollejas” (sweetbreads) delivering a smoky richness that was beautifully offset by the freshness of the “Ensalada Aguacate” (Avocado Salad). Each bite was a reminder of the kitchen’s skill in showcasing traditional Argentinean techniques.

The main courses were equally impressive. The “Vacio” (flank steak) was cooked to tender perfection, its robust flavors enhanced by the smoky char of the grill. The “Ojo de Bife” (ribeye) was a masterclass in steak preparation, juicy and bursting with flavor, each slice a testament to the quality of the meat. The “Entraña” (skirt steak) was another highlight, its marbling rendering it succulent and rich. The sides of “Huevo Frito” (fried egg) and “Puré de Camote” (sweet potato mash) complemented the meats with their simplicity and comfort.

No meal at Bendita Costilla would be complete without mentioning the “Hamburguesa,” which, although simpler than the steaks, was a juicy delight that could rival any gourmet burger out there.

To cap off the meal, a selection of Coca Colas provided a nostalgic and fizzy closure to an opulent feast. The overall ambiance of Bendita Costilla, coupled with its attentive service and outstanding cuisine, made this Rosh Hashanah dinner not just a meal, but a memorable celebration.

In essence, Bendita Costilla is a testament to the joys of Argentinean cooking and the magic of exploring new culinary landscapes during the festive season. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in high-quality, beautifully prepared meats in a warm and inviting setting. Here’s to new traditions and...

Once my favourite steak house in playa, no more. The food is different from before, less flavourful, dryer, just missing something. We first ordered sirloin (which showed up as a strip loin on the table), half of which was all fat and not edible and cold. Then we asked the waitress if they had fillet mignon which wasn’t even on the menu (weird) - ordered that - better than the “sirloin” but still not very good.

On top of it, the short waitress (by the name Carolin) was charming but a bit pushy for us to order more. When she saw the tip - she was clearly expecting a bigger tip - her attitude sharply turned 180 and rudely walked away without giving the receipt. My boyfriend was trying to ask for the receipt but she turned her back on him and started talking to the next table. This is perhaps THE only time a waiter gave such attitude so obviously. But I still don’t get this: we paid the standard tip here and our bill was big, so it was a decent tip for her. In my 3 years of time living here, waiters’ reactions are usually grateful. Maybe we looked foreign so she expected a bigger amount, or maybe she just had unreasonable expectations? It was puzzling.

Either way, that would be my last visit after 3 years of loving and...