Piaggia Restaurante Playa del Carmen — Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

We had a phenomenal dining experience last week for my friend's birthday dinner and after 15 years of living here, Piaggia definitely stands out as a top Italian restaurant in Playa.

Not only is the food delicious (and we had 2 trained chefs at our table!) but the presentation and remarkable flavors really got a symphony of "mmmmmms, so good" remarks from our table!

The stand-out dishes were the linguini with seafood and mussels, eggplant parmesan and the alcachofas gratinadas were a big hit! The penne arrabiata was flavorful and also good for the vegetarian in the group. There's a great variety on the menue including a nice selection of vegetarian options.

The service is magnificent. The staff all have good-looking, sharp appearances with attention to detail in service. Our waiter, Roman, was very friendly, attentive and accommodating. The bus person, Ivan, also pitched in to help at any time we needed something, just adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere.

And...Alex, the manager, went above and beyond when he saw us feeling a bit warm and trying to fan ourselves before we could even mention it, he stepped to immediately address it by moving our entire table closer to the AC unit! What a fabulous level of attentiveness that you really don't see too often anymore. Truly impressive.

Lastly, in addition to the outstanding service and delectable food, there's the view! You're situated just in front of the beach and ocean! For sure this is the icing on the cake!

Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner by the ocean or a memorable gathering to celebrate something, I recommend this place as it's not just a restaurant, it's...

We made a last min (oops) reservation for our wedding anniversary at Piaggia. I was so happy we did! Amazing food, beautiful ambiance with view of the sea next to you, cozy and comfortable restaurant, and great service. It’s a smaller and intimate restaurant, and we were lucky to have a table next to the ocean. This is a perfect date night spot… and when you finish your meal you can walk along the beach.

We had: wood fired brie - not too special, wish it was more melty (not sure if it gave off wood fired vibes) maybe would save the stomach space for something else next time

octopus carpaccio - must get!! The flavors were amazing and love the capers

mussels - good, also interesting flavor in the broth we couldn’t put our finger on. didn’t come w bread but we asked for it

lobster pappardelle - I don’t usually like lobster and thought this was great and not too heavy

fettuccini Nero Scoglio - it was good, but would maybe get something else in the future, since the broth/base was similar to the mussels.

Tiramisu - moist and delicious, and loved that it looked and tasted like my grandma just made it for me ☺️

The pita with the sauces to start with was so yummy.

Service was attentive and nice.

My only “complaint” is my mention of our wedding anniversary on the reservation was missed by the restaurant so it wasn’t...

A Hidden Gem on the Beach – Piaggia is Pure Paradise!

From the moment we arrived at Piaggia Beach Front, we were swept away by its stunning ocean views, serene atmosphere, and truly exceptional service. Nestled right on the sands of Playa del Carmen, this place strikes the perfect balance between luxury and laid-back coastal charm.

We started with cocktails with the Caribbean Sea just steps away – the mojito and mezcal margarita were perfection. The staff made us feel welcome instantly, always attentive but never intrusive.

The food? Absolutely outstanding. Fresh seafood, creative presentation, and flavors that felt both local and elevated. The grilled octopus and the tuna tartare were highlights, and the homemade pasta melted in our mouths. Don’t miss the dessert – the passionfruit cheesecake was unforgettable.

What really sets Piaggia apart is its peaceful, boutique vibe. Unlike some of the busier beach clubs in Playa, this felt more exclusive, more refined – ideal for a romantic dinner, a relaxing afternoon, or even a special celebration.

Whether you're visiting Playa del Carmen for the first time or you're a seasoned traveler, Piaggia Beach Front is an experience you won’t want to miss. We left with full hearts, happy tastebuds, and plans to come back as soon...