This Popular Playa del Carmen Taco Joint Has Landed on the Michelin Guide
A well-known taco spot in Playa del Carmen, has made its way onto the Michelin Guide.
While it didn’t receive a Michelin star, being included in the guide is still a pretty big deal!
Here’s everything you need to know about this popular taco joint and why it’s worth a visit.
Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!
🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars
🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator
🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master
The Taco Joint That Made It Into the Michelin Guide
The taco joint in question is called “El Fogón” and it’s been a favorite among both locals and tourists for years.
The most popular location in downtown Playa del Carmen is at Constituyentes and Avenida 25, right across the street from the Mega supermarket.
This no frills, casual spot is known for its delicious and authentic tacos al pastor, which are made with marinated pork cooked on a spit and then served on soft corn tortillas and topped with pineapple.
Personally, I think El Fogón is a solid choice for tacos, but I never expected it to get this kind of recognition!
My go-to spot for the best tacos in Playa del Carmen is actually El Ñero, but I can see why El Fogón is so popular.
What Makes El Fogón Stand Out?
El Fogón, which means “hearth” in Spanish, serves incredible tacos al pastor, which are one of the main reasons people keep coming back.
You can see the marinated pork spinning on the vertical spit as soon as you walk in, and the combination of flavors with the pineapple and warm tortillas hits the spot every time.
One of the more unique dishes on the menu is the fogoncito bistec, a hefty plate piled high with beef, bacon, chorizo, and melted cheese.
It’s rich, filling, and definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something beyond the usual tacos.
Another popular option is the gringa taco, which is made with a flour tortilla and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a heavier choice, but it’s delicious and very satisfying.
What the Michelin Guide Says
The Michelin Guide describes El Fogón as more than just a typical taqueria.
It highlights the variety of meats and more complex dishes available, like the fogoncito bistec.
The guide also notes how the place is always crowded but the service is fast, so you won’t be waiting too long.
With ceiling fans keeping things cool, it’s a comfortable spot to enjoy a casual meal.
Tips for Visiting El Fogón
El Fogón’s Constituyentes location is open daily from 1:00PM to midnight, making it a great option for lunch or a late-night meal.
They accept both cash and credit cards, which makes things easier if you’re short on pesos.
El Fogón is especially busy in the evenings, so if you want to avoid the long lines, it’s better to go earlier in the day or later at night.
The casual atmosphere and quick service make it an easy place to grab a bite without too much fuss.
Other Michelin-Recognized Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
El Fogón isn’t the only restaurant in Playa del Carmen to be featured in the Michelin Guide. Here are a few others worth checking out:
- Axiote Cocina de México: This spot is one of the best restaurants in downtown Playa del Carmen and earned a Bib Gourmand for offering high-quality food at a reasonable price.
- HA’: Located at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, this restaurant has one Michelin star for its exceptional cooking.
- Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya: Another Michelin-starred restaurant, found at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, known for its creative tasting menus.
- Bu’ul: A restaurant at Chablé Maroma that made it onto the guide without earning a star.
- Woodend by Curtis Stone: Located at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, this spot is also included in the guide.
Is El Fogón Worth the Hype?
While El Fogón’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide might come as a surprise, it’s still a solid spot for tacos in Playa del Carmen.
The food is good, the prices are reasonable, and it’s a fun place to grab a casual meal.
But if you ask me, I’d still recommend checking out El Ñero as well to see which taco spot you prefer.
¡Provecho!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
