Playa del Carmen, Mexico's virtual guidebook written by locals

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Palapa Hemingway is a strikingly beautiful restaurant and bar on 5th Avenue. The food can best be described as International with a Caribbean touch and their mojitos are dangerously refreshing.

The huge palapa roof is supported by exotic intertwined tree trunks and a big tree with wicker lamps suspended from its branches, creating an artistic and wild ambiance, sure to enhance your dining experience. Artists from Cuba and Mexico have made the plates you eat off, the candle holders on your table and the huge wall paintings, and the salsa music playing in the background further helps making dining at Hemingway a treat for all senses.

The staff is very attentive and the menu is diverse with seafood, pasta, salads, grilled steaks and traditional Mexican dishes (served with handmade tortillas and a range of hot sauces). The food is beautifully presented and playful with flavors and colors. We particularly liked the tender Caribbean Shrimp in a Curry and Coconut Sauce, the huge Smoked Salmon Salad and the sweet starter Banana with Goat Cheese fried with Coconut and next time we'll go for the roasted lobster.

Interesting food on a culinary level in one of Playa's most beautiful restaurants - a feast for all senses for a special night.