Don Luca Juice & Snack Bar ® — Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

This place is all my food dreams come true!

Even better, it’s tucked away on a side street just far enough from 5th Ave to be an easy walk, yet blissfully away from the noise. I had been craving a healthy spot with smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and smoothies — and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the food was too. The sandwiches are incredible!

Be prepared: these meals are legit filling and made fresh to order. This is not a 3-minute grab-and-go spot — and that’s a good thing. Expect a 15–20 minute wait, but it’s absolutely worth it. The atmosphere is so charming, with a relaxed vibe that makes slowing down feel good. It’s also nice to escape the loudness of 5th Ave for a bit. (Tip: there’s seating on three levels. To the right, there’s a side gate that looks like it leads to apartments — but it actually takes you to more seating overlooking the street, surrounded by plants.)

Lucas, the owner, is super chill and kind, and the young woman working mornings was also incredibly friendly. During our stay in Playa, we came here seven times! We tried the grilled chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, spirulina bowl, Don Luca bowl, and a few different smoothies — all wonderful. If I had to pick favorites, I’d say the spirulina bowl, green smoothie and the chicken sandwich really hit the spot. My husband and I would split one bowl and one sandwich each time and it was the perfect amount.

Vegetarian options: Yes Atmosphere: Boho, indie-chill charm Pricing: Not “cheap,” but very reasonable for the quality Food: Clean eating, refreshing, and satisfying Payment: Cash and Card (even amex accepted) Language: Menu in...

I loved this place so much, I stopped by 3 times in my 5 day stay. I tried a juice, a couple of smoothies and a toast. Everything was delicious! The ingredients are fresh, and the juices and smoothies are made to order with whole fruits. I really enjoy the option of using coconut milk since I can't drink cow's milk. Each time, they asked if my drink was made to my liking or if I would like to add any sugar- I didn't because the fruits were so fresh and the flavor profiles of each drink delicious as is! The small is actually quite large and well served (the picture is after I drank the top of so as not to spill). The bread is home made and SO GOOD! The place is small but cute, and they have an abaolutely lovely tiny patio. The owner and his employee spoke excellent English, but were also very kind with my (poor) attempts to practice my Spanish. The menu was in Spanish and English. The owner says he's planning on expanding soon to the upstairs space- I can't wait to see the new additions...

I’ve visited before for juice, and I can see why the high rating – the juices are fantastic. However, I was disappointed by the service this time.

One staff member with curly hair seemed quite abrupt in his approach. We went upstairs, unaware that food orders are required to sit inside, and when he followed us to inform us, his tone felt unnecessarily aggressive. We tried to clarify if ordering juice would be allowed and if we can bring it upstairs , but the response was still negative and came across as unwelcoming.

This experience left a sour impression, and I can understand why the seating area isn’t more popular. The atmosphere didn’t feel very inviting, and the tables upstairs seemed quite small for a comfortable dining experience. I fully respect the rules, but I believe the situation could have been handled with more courtesy. It’s unfortunate because the juices are...