LA CUEVA DEL CHANGO: A PLAYA FAVORITE
With so many restaurants to choose from in Playa del Carmen, it's hard to stand out from the crowd. La Cueva del Chango, however, had popped up in several conversations and I had to try it out! We met up with some friends at this eccentric restaurant for a relaxing dinner and were instantly greeted by the casual Mexican charm found throughout the city. Lanterns hanging from trees, a small terrace, private dining nooks, a cave-like indoor area and a small stream with turtles and koi fish had my eyes exploring this strange yet appealing venue.
The menu was equally enticing, with natural Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Several times I found myself eyeing the breakfast menu and planning a future morning visit.) Our table ordered all kinds of dishes, with soups, salads, Yucatan chiles and some pico de gallo, but there were many other items on the menu that I am still dying to try. It looks like several return visits to La Cueva del Chango are in my future.
Price: Considering the restaurant's great reputation, I was expecting elevated prices. However, my husband and I ended up spending about $300 Mexican pesos between the two of us, including an appetizer, our meals, some beers and a tip.
Location: La Cueva del Chango has a charming Playa del Carmen location on Calle 38, between 5th Avenue and the beach. It was easy to reach on foot from our hotel near Avenida Constituyentes.