La Cueva del Chango is a popular all-day dining spot popular for brunch, with an interesting jungle-inspired terrace and vegan & vegetarian menus. The food is authentically Mexican and the atmosphere relaxing.
the food was phenomenal. We had vegan food and they have a whole vegan and vegetarian menu, including soups, starters, desserts and real mexican food.This will be the gastronomic experience of your life from the beginning until the end, especially if you enjoy clean vegan eating.I highly recommend you. Funny story, there's really a monkey there, free and enjoying the wild.
Cristiano P — Google review
This place was awesome. There is a very cool vibe. They actually have an indoor pond with large fish and medium size turtles. The cost of the food is fairly priced and the portions are a good amount. I really appreciated seeing that they care for their employees by feeding them after their work shift. They also sat in the dinning area eating as a group. The manager said that they are "family"! If you take care of the employees your employees will take care of you. I highly recommend this restaurant. Oh yeah, the food was really good too!
Charles J — Google review
Playmeite here with a review for La Cueva del Chango 😍💜This isn’t a fully vegan restaurant but there’s many great options!I couldn’t eat too much but I got the tostadas with mushrooms and sprouts and some chickpea soup.They had this juice of the day with guava and watermelon pineapple etc. it was sooooo good.Loved the service and people amazing.The bread is FRESH 😍💜 and sooo good also.They brought out sauces and all the great things to give my food an extra kick.The people were sooo nice here and loved that the seating is outdoors etc.I’m also so happy to have found this place as it was perfect for an evening alone here at the Playa.💕 I would give this place a 5 any day. Enjoy the photos and my happy dance from the tostada 😂😂😂
Gemivision ( — Google review
We stopped here for lunch. This is my second time here and the restaurant is always busy with both tourists and locals because the food is so good, and the prices are reasonable. It is a jungle / garden like setting, and can get quite warm inside, but they have set up a lot of fans to help circulate the air. There are so many choices for everyone including vegetarians and vegans. We also had the best homemade carrot cake to munch on while we looked over the menu. I highly recommend this restaurant!
H. B — Google review
This place is so unique, it's in the middle of nature and is such a great location for a meal.Get there early as it gets busy and the lineup is pretty long.The food was actually very fresh and tasted amazing, there's so many options and it caters to most dietary preferences. Service was also very speedy and kindI'll definitely be coming back!
Victor — Google review
Came here for a late lunch. I order the stuffed pepper- stuffed with cheese, which was nice but i didnt like the batter that covered it- was able to peel this off though. The boyfriend had a chicken soup and chicken salad which he thoroughly enjoyed! Staff were polite and friendly. The restaurants setting is nice like you're in the jungle!
Michelle C — Google review
We had an excellent meal here! Tons of vegan and veggie options on the menu, and the cocktails were tasty. The outside seating area is deceptively huge - it may appear small from the outside, but it seats lots of diners! Service was friendly and the menu features some really interesting options beyond the typical Mexican fare. Highly recommended.
Michelle H — Google review
🌮 Calling all foodies! If you're heading to Pala Del Carmen, Mexico, make sure to add La Cueva del Chango restaurant to your must-visit list for an unforgettable brunch experience! 🇲🇽This hidden gem offers a true taste of authentic Mexican street food that will tantalize your taste buds. From the first bite to the last, you'll savor the incredible flavors created from scratch. 🍽️But it's not just the food that makes this place special. Imagine dining in a jungle-style terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. The atmosphere at La Cueva del Chango is a feast for the senses, creating a unique and memorable setting for your brunch adventure. 🌿🍃So, whether you're a food lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, make sure to make a pit stop at La Cueva del Chango. Your taste buds and Instagram feed will thank you! 😍📸 #LaCuevaDelChango #AuthenticMexicanCuisine #BrunchinPalaDelCarmen
Wolf_ B — Google review
This restaurant is off 5th avenue in a cute area. The ambiance is very relaxing. I chose this place to eat because of its vegan options and it did not disappoint. The vegan food was delicious and the flavors were amazing. I would definitely eat there again!
Melissa S — Google review
We went to have breakfast to la Cueva del Chango. The Food was delicious!We spent around $15 dollars per person for good food.The waitress was very friendly. I'll definitely come back for more.
Melany J — Google review
I came here for the chiliquiles - I chose the eggs and a juice. The juice was small but good. The chiliquiles were blah almost flavourless nothing to write home about but adding lots of the sauces and pepper definitely improved the taste. Im a home cook and my food is almost always better than what I see in restaurants so take this review with that pinch of salt. I wouldn’t do it again from a food perspective but the restaurants atmosphere is more than decent.
Kevin N — Google review
This place is delicious I love the outdoor scene where I sat. It was very humid I was sweating a lot. We got lucky and was right by a fan so it helped staying cool.I order the chilaquiles with steak (The steak was extra)Will definitely go back whenever I go back to Mexico.
Oscar T — Google review
What a beautiful restaurant! Outside in an oasis like atmosphere with all the plants and trees. They have fans in every direction to help fight the heat/humidity. Unfortunately, i forgot my bug spray but I will remember for next time!The food was yum! I got the enchiladas and my friend got the cactus dish (i forgot the name) both were good, especially when paired with the spicy Serrano pepper salsa.If you’re looking for dinner in an oasis-like atmosphere with attentive service, try this place out!
Shama P — Google review
Absolutely fantastic! You feel like you're secluded away from the world in an amazing jungle setting with the sound of running water from the fountains throughout the dining areas. Their juices are top notch, and their chilaquiles and omelets... perfect. We weren't on the reservation list, and we were still seated within about 20 minutes. Definitely worth the wait!
Colleen M — Google review
We tried to go in here for breakfast always packed. On my husbands last day we went for dinner. Service is great and very attentive. Our dinners were delicious but I had food envy with every neighboring table too. So I will have to go back. With the kitchen in the center open air you can smell all the wonderful creations. They have an amazing vegetarian menu.
Lisa F — Google review
The food was good but the highlight for us was the ambience and the setting of this restaurant.Never been to a restaurant like this before and loved everything about the setting of it.We had chicken sandwich, shrimp tacos and quesadillas for the kids. Everything was good.
Veena V — Google review
Delicious authentic food, great ambience, natural decor and great service. We sat outside and it was nice, not too hot as they have fans all throughout their patio. Our server was very patient and was nice to recommend his favorite dishes. we were very pleased with the food and its presentation. This place is a must in this area. I ordered the Omelet with Chaya which was fantastic and the molletes which I enjoyed very much.
Carla R — Google review
This is one of the best restaurants in Playa Del Carmen. There is a certain pride that all of the workers carry in working at such an amazing establishment. They are always busy but that never reflects poorly on their service. I've had breakfast here 4 times over the last month and will be coming back. They have an incredible selection of fresh juices, the salsas they bring you with each meal are absolutely delicious, and they also walk around in the morning with little pastries such as conchas and banana bread. The latte with almond milk is also so tasty! The menu is very big and can be a bit overwhelming but the servers are so kind and can accommodate changes. For example I couldn't decide and one of the servers helped me pick enchiladas con salsa verde and substituted the chicken for scrambled eggs. The food is always fresh and arrives quickly. Definitely come here if you're in Playa, you will not be disappointed!
Anna Z — Google review
Very nice place, Mexican food is really good and the environment was amazing. They have a great homemade salsa that we absolutely loved.
Daniel R — Google review
I really enjoyed visiting this restaurant, it was such a fun, refreshing and delicious place! We ordered enchiladas, molletes and chilaquiles, everything was perfect, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere to be with friends and family!It has few parking spaces but it’s also possible to park around the corner.
CGB — Google review
Die Speisen haben sehr gut geschmeckt.Das pikante Crepe war gut gefüllt. Die Soße war schmackhaft. Das süße Crepe waren zwar schmackhaft, aber die Präsentation war etwas mager. Wir waren jedoch mit der Qualität der Speisen sehr zufrieden.(Translated by Google)The dishes tasted very good.The savory crepe was well filled. The sauce was tasty. The sweet crepe was tasty, but the presentation was a bit poor. However, we were very satisfied with the quality of the food.
Mira H — Google review
Incredible food and drinks! Best Mojito and Molé of my life! Staff was very kind and attentive, and a special shoutout to the manager. He made my experience extra special. I will always come back here when I visit Playa del Carmen. Also very vegetarian/vegan friendly with lots of fresh and flavorful ingredients❤️✨️
Viva B — Google review
The vibe here is amazing!! Feels like you're eating in a tropical jungle. Excellent service. Their juices are so fresh and delicious. Food is good, but we mostly come here for the awesome atmosphere. We got the orange, guava, melon juice and chicken enchiladas. Tried it with the mole, tomato and tomatillo sauce. Very filling! It's also a short walk from the beach!
Charlene — Google review
My first visit here was back in 2009, and I dreamed of the breakfast crepes & fresh juices ever since. I was so pleasantly surprised to see they were still here all these years later and happy to know they survived the pandemic. But wasn't surprised based on the quality.The food is so yummy with fresh quality ingredients. Good coffee and mimosas (with any juice) too.I need to try dinner here, but the breakfast is awesome. May be my favorite restaurant in all of Playa del Carmen.
Monica D — Google review
Absolutely delicious! Great atmosphere. Food was fresh and delicious. Service was great. In our week stay this was by far the best meal and experience we had. I'm not vegan but really enjoyed the cactus and mushroom enchiladas with mole sauce. The sesame tuna was also amazing. Wish we discovered it at the start of the trip we would have eaten there daily!
Jessica H — Google review
Delicious selection of food, fresh! Made to order. Beautiful outdoor seating, you feel like you're in the jungle. Don't worry it's very clean and well kept so need to worry about bugs/animals. The staff is friendly but service is okay not the greatest but not the worst. Wait time is usually between 15-30 minutes. Great spot for big parties or if you are traveling solo. Worth the wait!
Joe A — Google review
La Cueva del Chango in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, offers an amazing dining experience in a stunning jungle-like atmosphere. The chilaquiles and molletes were outstanding—some of the best I've ever had. The freshness of the ingredients truly stood out, especially in the delicious salsas and pico de gallo. The mimosas were also a delight, perfectly complementing the meal. Every detail, from the vibrant flavors to the beautiful setting, made for an unforgettable visit. Highly recommend La Cueva del Chango for anyone looking to enjoy exceptional breakfast/brunch food in a unique and enchanting environment. Also, despite being super busy, the customer service was excellent. The staff was attentive, and the manager even approached us to ask where we were from, adding a personal touch to our visit.
Homero ( — Google review
A funky, eclectic, partially covered/open air restaurant serving reimagined takes on traditional Mexican cuisine nestled in the heart of Playa del Carmen, just steps from the beach on beautiful, historic, shady Calle 38 Norte. A busy, popular spot but always has room for even larger parties, La Cueva is a must-visit. Impeccable fast, friendly, knowledgeable service with great recommendations and an attentive owner who stopped by our table to chat amiably, offer insights, and ensure all was in order. A wide selection of drinks and fresh on-site-pressed juices, coupled with an excellent assortment of appetizers and starters are sure to start your visit off right. For the main lunch event our group of 7 ordered the enfrijoladas, enchiladas, dobladas, battered stuffed poblano pepper, vegan stuffed poblano pepper and breaded fish fillet sandwich - Each. Was. Incredible. Huge portions, rich, authentic flavours, perfect eclectic rainforest-y ambiance, the experience (and the food) were incredible. The battered stuffed poblano pepper was a real standout, a revelation. Highly recommended, we’ll definitely be going there again. A must-visit!
Marko S — Google review
Excellent location! Tucked in from the street, offers tree cover. Delicious food, great presentation and good service. I had a quinoa bowl.Later edit - lunch is also amazing!! Grilled chicken salad and grilled tuna
Roxana D — Google review
A great option nestled in the trees off of 5th.Decent cocktails and food. Service could be better, they brought salsa and no chips; we had to buy gico de gallo to get chips and we had to ask what their specials were. The waitress seemed annoyed when we asked.Maybe visit Amate38 across the street for a better experience.
Kelly D — Google review
The food here was incredible. Everyone was very happy at the end of their meals with what they got. I ordered soup and a salad and was pleasantly surprised at how flavorful everything was even though it was simple. Would recommend going here!
Dorothy L — Google review
The food is absolutely incredible. The cactus and mushroom enchiladas are fantastic. The flavour can be appreciated by vegans and carnivores alike. The service is top notch as is the flan cheesecake. Every dish that was served at our table was uniquely delicious.
Silver C — Google review
This is exactly where you want to go on vacation! It feels tropical and the fresh fruit juices and food were all delicious! Highly recommend the crepes and the chilaquiles.
Stephanie S — Google review
Finding this hidden gem was an adventure in itself! A local had steered me towards it, but despite walking past the location twice, its unassuming exterior managed to camouflage it perfectly. The moment I stepped inside, a wave of heat hit me, but thankfully, strategically placed fans provided a cool respite. I opted for a refreshing juice made on the spot with sweet pineapple and tangy orange – a perfect way to combat the Playa del Carmen heat.Alberto, my server, was an absolute delight. He not only confirmed the glowing recommendation I'd received for the mole enchiladas, but his genuine enthusiasm for the dish was infectious. And boy, did it live up to the hype! The rich, complex mole sauce was a symphony of flavors, and the enchiladas themselves were bursting with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken.Just when I thought the experience couldn't get any better, another gentleman, who I presumed to be the manager, approached my table. He'd noticed my attempts to get Alberto's attention (the delicious food can be quite distracting!), and with a warm smile, reassured me to simply let him know if I needed anything. This small gesture spoke volumes about their commitment to customer service – no feeling stuck waiting for one server, just attentive staff ready to ensure a seamless dining experience.It became abundantly clear that exceptional customer service was at the heart of this restaurant's philosophy. The prices were refreshingly fair, especially considering the generous portions. The manager even offered a personal recommendation for dessert – crepes drizzled with decadent dulce de leche. Trusting his impeccable taste, I indulged, and was not disappointed. The combination of light, airy crepes and the rich, creamy sauce was the perfect ending to a truly exceptional meal.My mission for authentic Mexican food had been accomplished in spectacular fashion. From the hidden gem location to the top-notch service and the explosion of flavors in each dish, this restaurant surpassed all expectations. It's a place that will undoubtedly hold a cherished spot in my Playa del Carmen memories, and I can't wait to return for another culinary adventure on my next visit!
Fiona G — Google review
Amazing breakfast menu… great cafe selections.. so good. Service was good. No alcoholic drinks available, my friend wanted a mimosa. Jungle vibes with lots of photo ops.
Lance S — Google review
Food is excellent - location is excellent. Great ambiance. And that is even without the chango that hangs out here. I highly recommend stopping in if you are in PDC
Seth E — Google review
Amazing place on my favorite street in Playa. Very cool jungle vibes throughout, friendly service by everyone. Delicious food with many choices. The habanero sauce is amazing on everything. The Chipotle chilaquiles were the best I've had. Overall a must visit.
Steve H — Google review
The most amazing flavours and textures but it was a bit rushed.We were seated in a fabulous Oasis like restaurant with a great ambience.Service was attentive.A beer each, a starter of guacamole and tortilla chips and both were top notch.No sooner had a loaded chip entered our digestive tract than the main course arrived. I mean in a very few minutes.The food was just amazing, the best chicken fillet and sauce I think we've ever had. But it was just so, so very rushed.And it was 8pm not late.A fabulous night made into a fast food experience.We'll be back and hopefully will have a more relaxed experience next timePosted as a constructive comment. Please take it in that way
Rob M — Google review
Amazing mexican restaurant set amongst the trees to create a little oasis. The food here was standout, full of fresh ingredients and the best example of mole sauce I had on this trip. An extensive menu, offering brunch, local dishes and a great array of drinks to help it wash it all down. Staff are helpful and attentive and the set up is so energising. You might have to wait for a table as it's a popular location but the food is worth the price here (and compared to other places around, this ain't pricey)
Julian J — Google review