When I read in the guide books that Playa del Carmen was famous for their Italian food I thought it had to be a joke. Good Italian food in Mexico? Sometimes you just have to trust that the guide books know what they’re talking about, and on this point, they do. There are lots of Italian immigrants living in Playa and, despite being spoiled by Northern NJ Italian food, I have been pleasantly surprised on several occasions.

Our friends had recommended Pummarola, and I had heard about it from at least three other friends as well, so we decided to check it out. This cozy Italian restaurant, with a good breeze, is located on Calle Flamingo (the street between Ave 1 and the beach) and 40th Street. It’s just a block away from Hotel Reef Shangri-La.

Once we had placed our drink orders, the waiter came over with a complimentary platter of meatballs and bread as an appetizer. We had also ordered some Mozzarella en Carroza (fried mozzarella) for the table, so that was delivered shortly thereafter. Both appetizers were appetizing, so I guess they did their job!

There were seven of us and most of us ordered pasta dishes. I got a mixed seafood dish that had mussels, clams, shrimp and calamari in a light tomato sauce served over spaghetti. It was delicious and was served in a little tin foil boat. Across the table a friend got a salad with steak on top. It looked fantastic and is now on my list of things to order the next time I am there. Hans ordered a Calzone, which came on its own wooden baking platter.

We were all stuffed after eating our main dishes, but that didn’t stop our waiter from bringing us a slice of Cajeta cake to share, on the house. It was a white cake with cajeta, or caramel/dulce de leche, between the layers. We probably could have devoured another three slices, but our waste lines were glad that we only shared one.

Part of the nice atmosphere is the ocean breeze, which is not always available at other restaurants more in town. This is a nice place for a romantic dinner, but I probably wouldn’t bring children. I’m not sure they would find anything on the menu that they would like, unless they’re spaghetti eaters.

This Italian restaurant is definitely off the beaten track, but still easily accessible for tourists who don’t have cars. I highly recommend you check this one out for yourselves.