Le Chef Playacar - Playa del Carmen

It saddens us to write this review. What was once our favorite place to eat in Playa (see our previous review) is now one of the worst. Le Chef in Playacar recently changed themes (it's now a sports bar with food instead of a restaurant) and name (the new name is something like La Cantina). Since we live nearby, we called tonight to ask if their menu was still the same. They said that some items were the same, but that they no longer did home delivery. So we drove over to see for ourselves. We looked at the menu, and many of our favorites were still there. We asked if the chef was the same and was told one of the chefs was the same and one was new. We asked if the owner was the same, and they said yes. We specifically asked if the salads were the same as they were previously. We were assured they were. So we ordered two salads and lasagna to go. When we got home we were disgusted. What used to be an excellent salad--their mixed salad--was made with what seemed to be very old chopped iceberg lettuce, very strong onions, sliced olives, old or canned mushrooms (it was hard to tell) and SWEET PICKLES. Nothing more. Who puts sweet pickles in a salad? Even though we ordered it with chicken, there was no chicken. It also had no dressing on it. It was barely edible and a complete waste of $120 pesos.We also ordered a Caesar salad, which wasn't much better. At least it came with dressing, but the lettuce also appeared to be far past its prime. The lasagna tasted like it had been bought frozen at Sam's Club and reheated--barely.Bottom line: if you want a loud, smoky sports bar in Playacar this is your place. But do not believe for a second that the food is what it used to be. It is, in a word, disgusting.

This is one of the best restaurants around. The spinach salad with salmon is so delicious, the lobster sandwich is the best ever and with everything else on the menu, there is something for everyone. There is seating inside or out and the eager to please staff made our dining experience very special. Prices are very reasonable. Thanks so much!!

We spent a month in a condo in Pakal, Playacar in Feb-March 2014 and this lovely restaurant was literally at the end of our street, so after our first visit. it quickly became our go to spot. Everything we tried was excellent from the pastas to the pizza, the salads and the BEST tortilla soup I've ever eaten (had it twice). The service was excellent, the decor was lovely and it was quiet and intimate. We had friends and family members visiting in the area and we made sure to take them to Le Chef and everyone loved it.

Le Chef has been in Cozumel 9+ years, but in Playacar since April. What a great hidden gem! Owner Eduardo and staff are very accommodating. The salads and pastas are fresh and tasty. I loved the cozy ambiance and that you can dine open air or inside with aircon. I'll be back!

Since first trying Le Chef, we have returned maybe 8 or 10 times. And every single time, it has been extraordinary. The mixed salad is by far the best salad we've ever had in Playa (we get the carrots replaced with grilled eggplant, since we aren't carrot fans). The shrimp ajillo pizza is amazing and interesting. The pastas have been great. Everything we have tried so far has been wonderful. The ambience is sweet and peaceful, and the service has always been top notch. They even deliver! For those of us who live here in Playa, this place is a great find. And while it's a little bit outside the tourist zone (in Playacar), it's worth a short trip to get there. This has become our "go to" place for eating out.