Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya

If it weren’t for our server Emilia, I’d be starting this review with the food which we’re also rating a ten. We were greeted at the door of this beautifully appointed small restaurant (maybe eight tables, so definitely make a reservation). Emilia approached us immediately, and it felt like our best friend had just proudly welcomed us to her own place. She guided us through the menu, shared the specials, and gave us a moment to choose our cocktails: a Maker’s Mark and a Negroni. From beginning to end, the service could have been filmed and used as a training guide for fine dining. The food was equally impressive. We started with the garlic and wine-braised mussels. The broth was so delicious, we had to order more crusty bread to soak up every drop of that goodness. Continuing the seafood theme, my wife had the butter-seared tuna steak over mashed potatoes, and I chose the sea bass with vegetables and hollandaise sauce. We were both very pleased with our choices. During our conversations with Emilia, she learned it was my wife’s birthday. So after we requested the check, my wife was surprised with a sweet and thoughtful birthday dessert, complete with a delightful serenade.

Great experience. Amazing flavors and great service!

Had such a wonderful experience at ITZAM with OSCAR SOSA - he was attentive and timely with service. His recommendations were also exactly what we were looking for - THANK YOU!

Wonderful service and delicious food. Staff was phenomenal

Koba is a very nice bar and grill, in a golf clubhouse style setting. The food and service were great. Our only issue was it closing times, so Make sure the game your watching won’t be impacted.