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Writer's pictureJorge Sanders

Sonora Prime Playa del Carmen: The Best Steak in Town

Updated: Jan 12


Exterior facade of Sonora Prime on Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen
Located on the iconic Fifth Avenue, Sonora Prime is a landmark in Playa del Carmen's vibrant tourist area.

Sonora Prime Playa del Carmen. If you find yourself on 5th Avenue craving an unforgettable dining experience, this is the perfect choice.


I recently visited this incredible restaurant with some friends, which exceeded all my expectations.


Whether you're a steak lover or simply looking for a great night out, this place offers something special that makes every visit worth the price.


Known for its exceptional quality and inviting ambiance, this restaurant is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated steakhouse experience.


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One of the Best Playa del Carmen Restaurants

A Christmas tree in the green area at the entrance of Sonora Prime restaurant.
The Christmas spirit was palpable when I entered the restaurant, making my holiday visit even more enjoyable.

From the moment we walked in, the vibe was unmistakable. The architecture is simply stunningā€”elegant yet warm, with a modern twist on traditional Mexican design.


The energy at this venue is vibrant, especially on weekends. Located next to Calle CorazĆ³n, you're right in the heart of Playa del Carmen nightlife, just a step away from clubs like Coco Bongo, Mandala, and La Vaquita.


However, it's the exceptional service that truly stands out. Our waiter, Omar, treated us like royalty, demonstrating excellent attention to detail and genuine care for our dining experience throughout the evening.


He and the rest of the staff go above and beyond to make guests feel at home.

The atmosphere is ideal for a special night out, particularly if you're looking for excitement.


With dim lighting, upbeat house music, and an inviting ambiance, it's an excellent spot for celebrations and intimate dinners.


The Menu: A Culinary Journey

The Sonora Prime lobby welcomes you with a variety of menus upon entering the restaurant.
The menu is conveniently located at the entrance, where you can easily choose from various delicious options.

Let's discuss the foodā€”Sonora Prime truly knows how to impress. Initially, I had some reservations because, like many, I prefer local and traditional spots. However, it offers an elevated experience that blends the best of both worlds.


We started with a couple of appetizers. The avocado slices were a highlightā€”fresh and creamy, perfectly seasoned. The beetroot carpaccio was also exceptional, with a delicate balance of flavors that I wasn't expecting.


One dish that surprised me, however, was the asparagus with steak. This is a must-try if you're looking for a combination of flavors that packs a punch.


But the real star of the show? The tomahawk steak. I've had my fair share of steaks, but this was something else. Cooked to perfection, with the right balance of seasoning and tenderness, it was truly memorable.


If you're a steak lover, you won't be disappointed. We also tried the rib-eye carnitas, and while it was great, the tomahawk stole the spotlight.


I highly recommend the homemade pasta ragu for those not suited for steak. It's not a traditional Mexican dish, but it was delicious. It was perfectly portioned and packed with flavor.


Fine Dining and a Convenient Kids Club Experience

A picture of the children's play area in the restaurant.
The kids' club is perfect for kids to play and learn while adults savor a tasty steak.

I've always said that the best babysitter is an Xbox or a Nintendo Switch, and Sonora Prime knows that all too well.


This is one of the few restaurants in Playa del Carmen offering a kids' club. Let's face it: Sometimes, we want to indulge in a juicy steak or have a special dinner with our spouse, but we're still determining where to leave the kids.


Sonora Prime offers a great solution. With its compact yet well-equipped kids' club and a dedicated nanny, you can enjoy a delicious meal while knowing your kids are engaged in fun activities or playing on a gaming console.


It also offers a kids' menu where everyone can enjoy a delicious cut of meat.

Kids' options include pasta served alone or with skirt steak, skirt steak tacos with fries, beef juice, and ice cream for dessert.


Desserts and Drinks: A Sweet Ending

An image showcasing a variety of mouthwatering desserts available at Sonora Prime.
The desserts and cocktails are the perfect finale to an exquisite meal. Every bite and sip is an unforgettable experience.

The meal wouldn't be complete without decadent desserts. The berry cheesecake was a crowd favoriteā€”it was so delicious we ate it too quickly to snap a picture.


And if you're in the mood for a drink, the espresso martini and carajillo were fantastic choices to accompany our meal.


One dessert that stood out was the corn cakeā€”nothing like anything I had tried. It was exceptional, and the unique twist on a traditional dessert was a great way to finish our meal.


How much does a steak cost at Sonora Prime?

An image showcasing a succulent tomahawk steak.
The Tomahawk Steak is undoubtedly the show's star. It is a magnificent cut of meat that can easily feed three hungry people and leave them more than satisfied.

The steak price at Sonora Prime varies depending on the cut and size. For example, a Rib Eye USDA Prime (600g) costs MXN 1,905, while a Tomahawk USDA Prime (1,100g) is priced at MXN 3,165.


Other cuts, such as the New York (400g), cost MXN 690, and an Arrachera (300g) is MXN 565. The prices include premium options, like the Cowboy Dry-Aged USDA Prime (700g) for MXN 2,625. Prices may vary based on availability.


For more information about prices, visit the menuĀ on the official website.


Whatā€™s the Difference Between Sonora Grill and Sonora Prime?

An image showcasing the exterior of Sonora Grill in Playa del Carmen.
While both are in the same group, Sonora Prime and Sonora Grill provide distinct dining experiences. Sonora Prime has a more upscale ambiance, whereas Sonora Grill features a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating.

The main difference between Sonora Grill and Sonora Prime is the dining experience and menu offerings. Sonora Grill is known for its casual yet elegant ambiance. It offers a variety of steaks, grilled meats, and Mexican-inspired dishes.


It provides a broad menu catering to different tastes, including seafood, salads, and traditional sides.


On the other hand, Sonora Prime is a more upscale and refined version of the brand, focusing on premium cuts of meat and a fine dining experience.


The menu at Sonora Prime highlights high-end USDA Prime steaks, such as Tomahawk and Cowboy Dry Aged. It features specialized cooking techniques with a more sophisticated presentation.


The atmosphere at Sonora Prime is more exclusive, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or for those looking for a luxurious dining experience.


In short, while both offer exceptional steaks, Sonora Prime is a more exclusive, fine dining destination. In contrast, Sonora Grill has a more casual and diverse approach to dining.


Sonora Prime Playa del Carmen Reviews

A picture showcasing the many positive reviews Sonora Prime has received on TripAdvisor.
Sonora Prime's exceptional cuisine, characterized by a diverse menu and a passion for culinary excellence, has garnered numerous positive reviews and the coveted TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award.

The numerous glowing reviews from patrons testify to the exceptional quality and customer satisfaction provided by Sonora Prime.


Their commitment to excellence is further exemplified by their recent achievement of the 2024 Traveler's Choice Award on TripAdvisor. This accolade highlights the restaurant's outstanding service and top-notch cuts of meat.


Diners regularly express their enthusiasm for the flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant has developed a loyal following, making it a cherished destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience.


Hours, Location, and Parking

A picture showcasing the 'La Terraza' space at Sonora Prime, a dedicated area for private gatherings.
Looking for a unique venue for your next event? This terrace can accommodate any celebration. We offer an elegant and versatile space for corporate meetings and private parties.

Sonora Prime is situated at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 12th Street. It operates every day from 1 PM to 1 AM. If youā€™re driving, parking is available in the Tendenza parking lot, just one block away and on the street.


Please be aware that the entire tourist area has paid parking from 10 AM to 10 PM, which costs 10 pesos per hour.


The restaurant features two distinct areas: a dining room open to everyone at all times and a terrace ideal for private events or meetings.


Prime Meat, Prime Commitment

An image showcasing the bar area of the restaurant.
The bar features a remarkable selection of spirits and wines and a diverse range of exquisite cocktails crafted by talented mixologists.

A little-known fact that speaks volumes about this company comes from a former employee.


During the height of the pandemic, when restrictions severely impacted Playa del Carmen's tourism-dependent economy, many businesses that claimed to be socially responsible laid off their staff.


However, Sonora Group too a different approach. Despite the challenges, they continued to pay all their employees and even distributed unsold meat to lower-ranking staff members like stewards and bussers.


This firsthand account from a former employee highlights the company's humane business approach.


Sonora Prime Playa del Carmen: Worth Every Penny

An image showcasing the 'El SalĆ³n' dining room at Sonora Prime.
This restaurant invites you to enjoy an elegant atmosphere, juicy cuts of meat, exquisite desserts, and artisanal cocktails. It offers a culinary experience that will awaken your senses.

This restaurant in Playa del Carmen may not be budget-friendly, but it's worth every penny. The food is consistently excellent, the service is top-notch, and the entire experience makes for a memorable night out.


It's one of those places you go when you want to treat yourself to something special, and it delivers.


Whether celebrating a special occasion or looking for a tremendous fine dining experience, this restaurant should be on your list.


Situated in the center of the tourist area, this is ideal after shopping or before heading out to enjoy a lively bar. American Express and MasterCard are accepted, making your visit even more convenient.


The fantastic food, exceptional service, and livelyĀ atmosphere make it a top choice for locals and visitors alike. I can't wait to return to one of the best Playa del Carmen steak restaurants!


A special thank you goes to Julieta, a remarkably professional young woman overseeing Sonora Group restaurants in southeastern Mexico.


Her prompt facilitation of our photography requests and warm demeanor made our visit pleasurable.


Checkout the location here: Sonora Prime Playa del Carmen

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