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

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Here we actually have two restaurants under the same big palapa roof, La Paella and Viva La Vaca. Your choices are therefore plentiful and this place can be seen as an Argentinean steakhouse with the addition of seafood and pasta – with an open salad bar.

The Viva la Vaca (which means Long Live the Cow) section of the menu is full of different cuts of meat, including New York strip to Rib-Eye. This is a traditional Argentinean steakhouse which mean that side orders, like potatoes and their very tasty empanadas (flaky filled pastries), are ordered separately. The meat is of high quality and the Argentinean chorizo is awesome. Shrimp, lobster and skewers from the barbeque is also on the menu.

The La Paella menu is more geared towards pasta and seafood. The pasta come in big portions, a choice of sauces and it’s modestly priced. The extensive seafood side of the menu boasts Tequila Shrimp, lobster, ceviche and exciting fish dishes; like the very tasty fish filet with coconut/mango sauce – a fresh and Caribbean flavor!

The best deal in Viva la Vaca/La Paella must be the Tenedor libre – the Free Fork. For a set price you get as much chorizo, churrasco (sirloin), arrachera (flank steak), ribs, french fries and empanadas as you can eat. An open salad bar and ice cream or flan is also included. Let that fork roam!

The restaurant is covered by a big beautiful palapa and on their upstairs wooden deck you can dine under the stars with an entertaining view of 5th Avenue.

With steaks, seafood and pasta, La Paella will please everyone in your party.