About
Exploring Mayan ruins and the Yucatan Peninsula’s cenotes is a must on your vacation to Riviera Maya. After exploring everything Tulum has to offer, celebrate with an Argentinian-style meal at Casa Banana.
The history of this iconic eatery is as intriguing as its succulent offerings. Two friends left Argentina in 2007 for a better life and settled in the quiet town of Tulum. They made ends meet by selling jams at nearby hotels and restaurants.
When Casa Banana filed for bankruptcy, the two saw the restaurant’s potential and volunteered to do a night of fire cooking. The scent of wood-fired meats filled the streets of Tulum, attracting the curious and those with an appetite.
Fast-forward through growing success, the friends parting ways, and a new location, and you arrive at the Casa Banana of today.
The menu of this Argentinian Parilla features wood-fired dishes, while vegetarians will also find something to rave about. Equally inspirational is the mixology where spirits, natural flavors, and creative inventions come to life.
After touring El Castillo at the Tulum Archaeological Site, Casa Banana offers a respite and hearty fare to celebrate. Dining here is as essential to your adventure as exploring the limestone ruins.
Vibe
The entrance to this rustic eatery is shrouded with palm fronds and greenery, creating a jungle-like setting. Amidst the shadows is its wood sign, acknowledging you’re at the correct address. But the aroma of wood-fired meats alerts your senses that this is indeed the spot!
Inside, wooden furniture paired with open rafters showcases the heart of the restaurant: the parilla. Here, chefs cook over an open flame to deliver succulent meat, fish, and vegetarian delights.
Patio lights and candles create an intimate atmosphere that spills into the exposed dining area. Towering palm trees guard the picnic tables, further accentuating the feeling of dining with nature.
The festive, easygoing atmosphere makes Casa Banana perfect for any occasion. The crackling fire, the sweet aroma of grilled food, and Latin-inspired music create a relaxing ambiance.
All this creates a vibe that offers a memorable dining experience, yet another memory-making experience on your Playa del Carmen vacation.
Casa Banana: Menu & Drinks
The bold Argentine-inspired flavors of the menu are the stars, with something for every diet and appetite.
The starters are a creative display of what the chefs can create. The Baked Camembert cheese with figs in syrup and toasted focaccia is a hit, while the Grilled Argentinian Chorizo with toasted focaccia and pickled eggplant may suffice as a meal for some.
If you love steak, Casa is the place to come! A favorite is the grilled ribeye steak, while the filet mignon, Argentinian Vacio (flank steak), and rump steak are equally impressive. No matter which you choose, the meat is tender and infused with smoky undertones.
Another highlight is the grilled octopus, loved for its crispy yet tender texture. It comes with asparagus and baby potatoes with a chili-honey dressing. The variety of textures and flavors is a symphonic experience for the taste buds.
Vegetarians and vegans have plenty to choose from, like salads and specialty entrees. One salad of note is the Italian Zucchini with basil, mint leaves, aged Grana Padano, and pumpkin seeds. Regarding dishes, the Vegan Lasagna will satisfy any hunger. This Italian staple showcases wood-fired vegetables with potato cheese gratin.
After diving Yal-Ku Cenote with Scuba Playa, celebrate with any of Casa Banana’s creative cocktails, like the Petra. This craft cocktail features mezcal, Mandarine Napoleon, Ancho Reyes infused with wood-fired ancho chile, mandarin, and agave honey. The smokiness of the mezcal and chile, combined with the sweetness of the mandarin and honey, create a fiesta of flavors.
For a South Pacific taste, try the Maui cocktail. This libation has spiced rum and horchata infused with berries, tea, and wood-fired coconut.
Whether you indulge in Argentine-style steaks or sip a mezcal cocktail under the stars, you’ll leave feeling a deep connection to the area.
Local Tips
- Have cash on hand for tips.
- Reservations are highly recommended.
- Opt for the wood-fired dishes, as they receive the highest praise from diners.
- Arrive early to enjoy a cocktail before being seated.
- Share menu items to explore various offerings.
