Trujillos Cantina De Selva — Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

3/5 for food 1 star removed for price-quality ratio 1 star removed for deceptive pricing, and server "accidentally" charging me twice the amount of gratuity before I caught it

Let me start with the food; after seeing the surprisingly high prices of this restaurant, I chose to just go with the appetizer. It was the Chayote Con Kastakán squash with pork belly on top and a mexican cheese, highly recommended by the server. First off, check out their website photo and then the photo of the food they served me - the website version looks far bigger and better. The food was just "OK." The squash was flavorless, the cheese and pork belly were tasty. It didn't fit as a dish though -- the cheese and pork belly were just on top of the squash. Using the cutlery provided, it was impossible to cut a piece of the squash that had all the layers. Instead you would cut and get a squash bite, and a cheese/meat bite. The sauces provided (3) were good/average; however any dish that has to rely on condiments to get by is one that needs work. The picture here is of that dish. I would honestly give the food itself a 3/5.

The cost: I felt the dish was not worth 190 pesos either in size or quality. Further, the beer I got was 170 pesos for a standard sized mexican ale. I ordered a bottled water which was 110 pesos. Had I walked down 50 m to the pharmacy or 711 I could have gotten a bigger size bottle for half the price.

The deceptive pricing/server accidentally charging me twice the gratuity. So I asked which beer was the one listed for 120 pesos, and the server said it was an excellent mexican champagne style ale. So I took her recommendation and ordered it. When the bill came, it said 170 pesos. I told her that the menu said 120 pesos, and she was like 'oh yeah, it's a little bit pricier but it's a good beer.' That's not the point -- the menu said 120 pesos. I didn't want to make a fuss and chalked it up to language barrier, then when she charged my card for the gratuity, she charged me twice the gratuity percentage I had offered. I caught it before signing, and she blamed it on the machine, and then used her personal cell phone to run the transaction. I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but combined with the beer thing, I found this to generally be deceptive which I didn't appreciate.

I think there are definitely better places all over playa, but even some better restaurants a...

If you're looking for an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience in Playa del Carmen, look no further than Trujillos Cantina De Selva. Nestled in a lush, jungle-chic setting, this hidden gem delivers one of the most elevated dinner vibes in the city — and the Tastemakers Table event hosted here is truly in a league of its own.

From the moment you walk through the garden entrance, the energy shifts — soft lighting, swaying palms, and the aroma of fresh herbs and spices welcome you into a tropical oasis that feels both luxurious and grounded in tradition.

Let’s talk about the food: authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern, upscale twist. Every dish is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The grilled octopus was perfectly tender with a smoky char, while the ribeye tacos melted in your mouth. Don't miss the chile relleno — a standout dish that celebrates bold, traditional flavors while adding a touch of elegance.

The drinks? Next level. Trujillos boasts a stunning combination of Mexican wine and premium spirits, including curated selections from Wines and Tequila. The rosé sangria was crisp, refreshing, and dangerously smooth, while the signature margaritas were both punchy and refined. Every sip complemented the jungle atmosphere and vibrant crowd.

But what truly elevates the experience is the music. Rasheed Dennis of International Swagger masterfully curated the evening’s soundtrack with a mix of global soul, Afrohouse, R&B, and Latin grooves that set the tone without overpowering the dining experience. It wasn’t just background music — it was part of the vibe.

The Tastemakers Table is more than dinner — it’s a full sensory immersion into food, drink, and culture. A must-visit for locals and global tastemakers alike. ✨

5/5 – A Playa del...

I've been to this restaurants a few times (Oct. 2020 and Sept 2021) and every time has been better than the last. From the moment you arrive you are greeted by someone happy to accommodate you even if you do not have a reservation. They do require a temperature check upon arrival and provide hand sanitizer, just something to keep in mind. I recommend bringing some bug spray with you because the restaurant is built under a large tree and after it rains, usually every other day for a few minutes, the mosquitoes are out. The food is always cooked to perfection which means you will be waiting a long time for food to arrive. I try to have something different each time, my favorite item on their menu is the grilled octopus and grilled corn. The octopus is cooked exquisitely, not rubbery, and with the perfect amount of salt for taste. While I waited for the octopus which I knew would take a little longer I ordered the corn. It was slightly chard which gave it a great smokey taste and drizzled with a fresh Chipotle sauce. My least favorite item was the Chayote with pork belly, although it was good the taste of the Chayote did not complement the pork belly. The most surprising item was the tuna tostada, the tuna was very fresh and the combination of the chipotle alioli and cucumber made the dish well rounded in flavor. I always recommend this place to anyone going to Playa and I can't wait to...