Shalala Cafe

The lattes, cappuccinos, and coffees are simply amazing – rich, perfectly brewed with that true Italian flair, using high-quality beans that make every sip a delight. But the real stars are the baguette sandwiches with jamón serrano: fresh, crispy baguettes stuffed with premium serrano ham, cheese, and fresh veggies that create the perfect savory bite. Their breakfast options are equally incredible, featuring those same fresh-baked baguettes alongside eggs, fruits, and other treats that feel homemade and bursting with flavor. The vibe is chill and welcoming, with friendly staff who make you feel like a local. It's not overcrowded like the tourist traps on 5th Ave, which makes it even more special.

Update (07.12.2025): Third time's the charm. This time we had the meatball sandwich and the delicious coffee! It's a pitty we need to fly home today. We can definitely recommend it. All of it! Update (06.12.2025): After our trip through central america we needed to go there a second time. Especially on my first review we got the recommendation of the lasagna. Today we tried it, it was really good. Delicious not to heavy. We felt welcomed at our second visit. In addition to that we are the home made apple and banana cake. Go there. Super friendly, delicious super quick! 10 out of 10 recommendation. First visit (16.11.2025): After a quick stroll we walked by the cafe. We wanted something quick and small to start. In the end we got a baguette. We shared it and the size was perfect. It tasted delicious the host was very friendly and helped a lot. Finished with a good coffee and headed out. Definitely recommend it

I was originally looking for another restaurant based on Google reviews, but it turned out to be closed. By chance, I stumbled upon this charming little café just two streets away from the touristic 5th avenue. The owner is so friendly that you immediately feel at home. The décor is cozy, and the music is unobtrusive. I had a vegetarian omelet, a freshly squeezed orange juice, and a coffee. I have to say, the omelet was definitely one of the best I’ve ever had in my life—and I’ve traveled a lot and eaten in many places! For €14, you get a large omelet with half an avocado, bread, coffee, and a freshly squeezed orange juice—it’s a great deal. I’ll definitely be coming back and really appreciate the wonderful service.

My special recommendation when you’re in Playa. The owner Roxana made us feel very welcomed from the very second we entered her place. Her cappuccino is one of the best ones I ever had, and her freshly baked cakes (all selfmade) are absolutely delicious. We didn‘t try any dish of the menu, but everything we saw looked tasty and the prices are absolutely fair. Roxana created a wonderful place and really enjoys suiting her guests and improving continuously. You won’t regret stopping by.

We were just walking, passing by, and they had this bread and coffee for 90 MXN. Really good chocolate banana bread and coffee 💯. Honestly better coffee than starbucks here. Love the open air concept and it’s such a vibe here.

Local café hidden gem in Playa Del Carmen. The owner was quite kind and shared her homemade banana chocolate bread which was superb. This is certainly a landmark coffee shop in the van guard of shops throughout the world. Grazie!

A truly lovely café located right in the center of Playa del Carmen. My wife and I went there once for breakfast, and we ended up coming back several times because the food was really good! The portions are very generous, and there's a wide variety of options. The owner is incredibly kind and attentive, always making sure you feel well taken care of. We'll come back again the next time we are in Playa 😊 I highly recommend it!

Best breakfast in my 2 weeks in Mexico. Their cappuccino will take you back to Italy, and so will their Nutella croissants. Their savoury options are fresh and tasty. And they'll make juices on the spot for you - tasty mango and passion fruit mix within minutes and oh so good! Highly recommended