Alfonsina is one of thr best breakfast restaurants in Tulum

32 Best Tulum Restaurants To Visit In 2024

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Tulum restaurants offer tons of options from vegan and vegetarian to elaborate high-end options. Tulum is a beach town on the shores of the Caribbean and is a true foodie paradise.

Check my guide to renting a car in Tulum to visit amazing cenotes and Mayan ruins

Tulum Centro (or downtown Tulum) has many affordable restaurants with a casual feel, while restaurants in Hotel Zone are known for their upscale dining. The area between Tulum Pueblo and Zona Hotelera is called Aldea Zama, and has many cafes and casual restaurants.

This article provides a curated guide to the best restaurants in town whether you want to grab some tacos on the go or have a fun night out with your friends. 

BEST RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN TULUM

Let’s focus on downtown Tulum that’s home to some of the best Mexican restaurants. Here you can eat tasty and inexpensively and be sure that portions are pretty generous. 🙂

Antojitos La Chiapaneca is one of the best restaurants in Tulum Centro where you can try Mexican food

1. Antojitos La Chiapaneca 

Tulum has a good range of international cuisines, but don’t skip this authentic Mexican restaurant where you can try local specialties.

Antojitos La Chiapaneca is a real gem that serves up traditional Mexican food with regional options from the neighboring state of Chiapas.

The restaurant also serves typical Yucatan dishes like salbutes and deep-fried panuchos, which can be made vegan or vegetarian 🌱 upon request.

Antojitos La Chiapaneca is one of the best restaurants in Tulum Centro where you can try Mexican food.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca boasts some of the best Mexican food in Tulum and great affordable prices

Here you can try a variety of soups, horchatas, and gringas, which are made of meat with melted cheese and fried tortilla. And let me tell you that their guacamole is a real bomb!

It’s probably the best one I’ve tried in Tulum. 😋

Antojitos La Chiapaneca is one of the most popular restaurants with backpackers and budget travelers, thanks to its affordable prices.

Cash only 💵

Address: Calle Acuario Norte, 77760 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Rossina is one of the best cafes in Tulum that serves breakfast and brunch.

2. Rossina 

Rossina has locations: One in Tulum Centro and another one in Aldea Zama. This cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and has recently opened for dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when it’s open from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Rossina is one of the best breakfast places in Tulum

It’s a perfect place to grab some hearty breakfast 🥞 or brunch 🧇

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Rossina is one of the best breakfast places in Tulum that offers delicious smoothies, pastries and a mix of Mexican and Western dishes.
Rossina is one of the best spots for breakfast and Brunch in Tulum

Rossina’s menu features freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and coffee ☕️ in addition to huevos rancheros, sandwiches 🥪 yummy smoothie bowls, and mouth-watering pastries 🥮 from the on-site bakery.

Rossina’s classic omelet which comes with fried potatoes and two toasts is a must. And don’t forget to try their sourdough bread, you will love it! 😉

Check: Is Tulum worth visiting?

Rossina is one of the best cafes and ice cream shops in Tulum where you can try smoothie bowls, pancakes and omelettes.

Visitors love Rossina’s friendly service and delicious options, so it’s no surprise that this place is always busy.

✅ It’s also one of the few restaurants in town that don’t have a surcharge for paying with a credit card. 

Address: Region 14 Mza 12 Local 1 Lote 91, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Best pizza restaurants in Tulum

3. Check Point Ciao Tulum

If you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza, stop by Check Point Ciao Tulum!

A perfect spot to enjoy a classic wood-fired pizza in Tulum, Check Point Ciao offers high-quality cheese, prosciutto, and pizza dough. They have friendly service and great attention to detail!

Best places to find pizza in Tulum

The tomato sauce boasts an exhilarating fresh taste, and the consistency of the cheese on the pizza is just right. Pizzas also come with tons of toppings, and they offer salads with locally sourced greens and veggies.

Address: KM 7, Zona Hotelera, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM 7, Tulum Beach, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Burrito Amor is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tulum where you can try a variety of burritos.

4. Burrito Amor 

If you are a fan of burritos like me, you will love this casual eatery along the busy highway. Mi Burrito boasts some of the best Mexican food in Tulum, with their specialty being … burritos! 🌯  

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When you open the menu, you will find a few sections including gourmet burritos, grilled deluxe burritos, and egg burritos as well as add-ons like guacamole and shrimp aguachile.

Another specialty of this place is healthy drinks with probiotics and antioxidants that include juices and elixirs. 

Burrito Amor is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tulum Centro.

If you care about sustainability, you will love this restaurant, because it uses only biodegradable packaging from recycled materials and doesn’t sell plastic bottled water. 

Address: Av. Tulum Mz 05-Lote 03, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Tulum has a great range of beachfront restaurants where you can try everything from seafood to vegan and vegetarian dishes.

5. La Coqueta Tulum

La Coqueta is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town that offers classics like tacos 🌮 and enchiladas, as well as beer 🍺 and cocktails🍹 Try their ceviche, and tacos tropicales. And don’t forget to taste their frozen strawberry margaritas!

Address: Av. Coba Mz 36-Lt 4, Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

6. Taqueria Honorio

If you want to grab some amazing breakfast tacos, don’t pass up this simple eatery. Here you can sample popular staples like cochinita pibil, lechon tacos and relleno negro.

Most things on the menu can be veganized, if you are vegan or vegetarian, and don’t want any animals products in your food – simply ask one of the cooks to put rice, beans and vegetables in your meal instead of meat and cheese. 

The portions at Taqueria Honorio are pretty big and the flavors are incredible 😋 There’s a reason this place has become one of the most popular spots with locals and you shouldn’t miss it either!

Cash only 💰

Address: Mza 10 Av. Satelite Sur / Andomeda Y Sol Ote Lt 13, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Tulum Pueblo is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in Tulum Centro

7. Botanica Garden Cafe

Botanica is a cozy cafe with a lush garden 🪴 in downtown Tulum.

Its menu is influenced by many international cuisines but also has a good mix of traditional Mexican options. Whether you want to find the typical Mexican Huevos Rancheros or feast on salmon tartines, you will love the menu options.

Tulum is one of the most popular foodie destinations in Mexico Caribbean.

La Botanica has a lot of vegetarian 🌱 and vegan options on the menu. It’s also one of the most beautiful pet-friendly restaurants where you can come with your pet 🐕 or spend time working remotely.

Address: Calle Andromeda Ote Manzana 16, Lote 23, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, 77760

Alfonsina is one of the best breakfast places in Tulum that boasts delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee

8. Alfonsina 

One of the best places for brunch and breakfast in Tulum, Alfonsina is a super popular cafe with laid-back ambiance that serves freshly baked pastries, coffee and sandwiches. 

Alfonsina is one of the best breakfast in Tulum that has the best croissants in town.

While Alfonsina is particularly known for its amazing croissants, it has many other popular items on the menu like quinoa bowl, and a variety of smoothies. Customers particularly love Alfonsina’s bread and pastries made from the freshest ingredients.

Alfonsina is one of the best breakfast places in Tulum

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. 

Alfonsina is a pet-friendly, so you can come hang out with your pooch any time 🙂

Nao is one of the best sushi places in Tulum

9. Nao Tulum

A great spot to grab sushi in Tulum, Nao serves up a blend of Mexican and Japanese food.

The menu includes a variety of ramen, flavorful sushi rolls, the salmon teriyaki and veggie dumplings. And their miso soups are really delicious.

Nao is located in the heart of Tulum which makes it a perfect spot for your lunch or dinner, as you can get there on foot from most hotels in the area.

Akuma Tiger is one of the best restaurants in Tulum Centro that serves sushi and miso soups.

10. Akuma Tiger Sushi

Akuma Tiger is a hidden gem where you can try some of the best sushi in Tulum.

Since I’m a vegan I was able to try only non-meat sushi made with avocado, cucumbers and corn filling as well as miso soup, but other travelers say that Akuma has some of the most flavorful sushi in Tulum!

Akuma’s sushi rolls come in perfect sizes and are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and are cooked to perfection. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this place, if you are a sushi fan!

I also loved the fact that you can watch your food being prepared right in front of you, as the chefs create all the food in the front area of the restaurant.

If you want to witness the process make sure to ask their permission.

Address: Calle Polar Pte. entre av. Satélite y Géminis Nte, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.

11. Curry by Po Thai Restaurant

One of the most popular Asian restaurants in town, Curry by Po is one of the most popular La Veleta restaurants because of its flavorful tastes and big portions.

I recommend their pad Thai and vegetable fried rice 🍚 but other travelers also like options like curry, dumplings and meat dishes.

Address: 77780, Calle palenque y 1era poniente, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico's Rivera Maya that boasts a great food scene with many restaurants serving international and Mexican dishes.

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN TULUM

If you are a plant-based eater, you will love the fact that there are plenty of vegan restaurants in town where you can try everything from traditional Mexican dishes to fast food staples like burgers 🍔 and milkshakes.

Even if you are a carnivore, make sure to stop at places like Vegan Tacos El Bajon and Suculenta, because their food is truly mouthwatering!

Outside view of Laylo, one of the best vegan restaurants in Tulum Centro.

12. Laylo Vegan Lounge 

Laylo is one of my favorite vegan places in Tulum. It has a variety of healthy options including salads, smoothie bowls, healthy sandwiches, and delicious desserts. All options at Laylo are vegan, but I can assure you that even if you are a meat eater, you will love this casual eatery. 

Laylo is a cozy restaurant located in downtown Tulum

My favorite menu items at Laylo Vegan Lounge are vegan pizza 🍕, sushi burgers, and raw vegan cakes 🍰 that you can have with a glass of almond milk 🥛 Yum! 

Address: Calle Andromeda Oriente #87 MZ05 LT08 entre Centauro sur, Satélite Sur y, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Vivo Tulum is one of the best vegan Tulum restaurants located in Tulum Centro

13. Vivo Tulum

Vivo is new vegan restaurant in downtown Tulum that boasts rustic decors and offers healthy options like mushroom tacos, bruschetta and vegan hamburgers made from scratch. 

👉 Find out about the best month to visit Tulum

Vivo Tulum offers a menu with fresh vegan options made from scratch from in-house ingredients
Vivo Tulum is one of the best vegan restaurants in Tulum Centro

Some of the most popular options on the menu are pasta, crepes, smoothies, and salads made with the freshest ingredients. Vivo Tulum is one of my favorite vegan places in town and you can get there on foot since it’s right in the heart of downtown Tulum.

El Bajon is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tulum that has tacos and other typical Mexican staples.

14. Vegan Tacos El Bajon 

Skip expensive restaurants and head to Vegan Tacos El Bajon where you can enjoy some of the best tacos 🌮 in Tulum for just 25 Pesos a piece! 

Vegan Tacos El Bajon has a good variety of fillings like chorizo, chicharron, and bistec. You can choose from several toppings like cilantro, onions and salsas ranging from mild to spicy. 

Check my guide to the best time to visit Tulum to enjoy your trip and save money on eating out

Vegan Tacos El Bajon is a popular with both vegan and non-vegan eaters who leave great reviews. The secret of this restaurant is that its vegan meats taste very much like real ones, so you can’t tell the difference between the real chorizo and the vegan one. It’s that good! 

Each taco is priced at 25 Pesos and you can also choose from a variety of drinks 🍺

Address: Calle Sol esquina con, C. Orión Sur, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Suculenta is one of the best vegan restaurants in Tulum Centro

15. Suculenta 

Suculenta is a vegan tamaleria in downtonwn Tulum that has been operating since 2015. It offers several flavors of tamales 🫔 vegan tacos 🌮 soups 🍜 and vegan pastries 🥮 as well as fresh juices and coffee ☕️ The place has its own garden and orchard which are open to the public. 

Downtown Tulum has a good variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants like Suculenta
Suculenta is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Tulum Centro.

Keep in mind that this place sometimes closes early when they are sold out of options.

AddressCalle Sol Oriente, C. Orión Sur esquina, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico 

Low Bowls De Guadalupe is one of the best restaurants in Tulum Centro.

16. Los Bowls De Guadalupe 

Los Bowls De Gudalaupe has some of the best açaí bowls in Tulum that come with a variety of toppings.

While it’s technically a vegetarian restaurant, it also has a vegan menu. This casual eatery in Tulum’s Hotel Zone is a beloved spot for delicious smoothie bowls, salad bowls, and freshly squeezed juices. 

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All food is made on the spot with fresh local ingredients and you can customize some of the options on request. Their Oreo is absolutely delicious and a jungle bowl is among the best ones I’ve ever tried! 

AddressKm 9.5, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Best breakfast tacos in Tulum

17. La Vegan Taqueria

La Vegan Taqueria is a cozy little spot that offers some of the best breakfast tacos in Tulum with plenty of incredible flavors like rajas poblanos, campechano, mole and chorizo con papas. Their food is authentic and rich and prices are pretty reasonable for Tulum. 

All tacos at La Vegan Taqueria come with sauces, rice and beans on the side. Unlike other popular breakfast joints in Tulum, this little spot is more on a quiet side, and you never have to wait in line to get a table.

Best breakfast tacos in Tulum

Even if you are a non-vegan, you will love this spot, because their faux meats including chorizo soy and chicharron taste like real ones!

Address: Satélite Sur Supermanzana 15 Lote 6, Tulum Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.

Matcha Mama is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Tulum that offers smoothie bowls and shakes as well a vegan ice cream

18. Matcha Mama

Match Mama, is one of the most popular cafes in Tulum, where you can stop for a scoop of ice cream🍦or a smoothie.

Matcha Mama has several locations in Tulum and offers some of the best options if you are looking for healthy food in Tulum.
Tulum Centro is one of the best places to find the best Mexican food in Tulum

Matcha Mama is also a popular breakfast stop thanks to its extensive menu with gluten-free and plant-based ingredients and popular items like smoothie bowls and iced coffee.

Matcha Mama is one of the most popular cafes in Tulum

After Matcha Mama became popular in Tulum Hotel Zone, it also opened a second location in Tulum Centro.

Address: Quintana Roo 15 470 Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Mina offers some of the best seafood in Tulum

BEST RESTAURANTS IN TULUM HOTEL ZONE

This part of Tulum is home to some of the most beautiful restaurants that boast elaborate dishes and top-notch service. Restaurants in Hotel Zone are more expensive, and are great if you are celebrating a special occasion, if you want a fine dining experience.

Rosa Negra is one of the best restaurants in Tulum for fine dining

19. Rosa Negra 

Rosa Negra is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. It boasts a bar and a restaurant and has an overall clubby feel to it with many people coming here to have a fun night out.

Rosa Negra is one of the most popular restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone

Rosa Negra serves a variety of Latin-inspired food with a heavy South American focus. While prices here are definitely on the higher end, it’s a great place to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion. 

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila 5-Km 7, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Raw Love is one of the most popular restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone

20. Raw Love  

Raw Love is a popular raw-vegan restaurant that has two locations: One in Hotel Zone and another one in downtown Tulum.

Many travelers know Raw Love because of the famous sculpture, La Ven De La Luz, but taking a picture is not the only reason you should come here. 

Raw Love is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Tulum

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Raw Love boasts a gorgeous setting on the premises of Ahau Tulum Hotel. It’s only a few steps away from the beach and is surrounded by palms, hammocks, and boasts a super chill vibe.

Raw Love is one of the best restaurants in Tulum for gluten free and vegan food
Ahau is one of the most popular hotels in Tulum

Raw Love offers acai, smoothies, and fruit bowls and raw food like salads, soups, and cakes all made with vegan ingredients. If you are vegan, you will love the fact that they use only coconut milk and almond milk for lattes and smoothies.

You can also create your own smoothie bowl with available ingredients.

Raw Love is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Tulum

The only non-vegan ingredient on the menu is honey. Although most people come here for breakfast, Raw Love also has some lunch options like pad thai, portobello burgers, and zucchini pasta.

Everything on the menu is gluten-free.

Address: Av. Tulum Mz 5, Lt 1, local 21, Tulum Centro, 77766 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Kitchen Table is one of the most popular restuarnts in Tulum on the beach

21. The Real Coconut 

One of the best farm-to-table organic Tulum restaurants, The Real Coconut offers plant-based, gluten-free dishes all of which are cooked with avocado oil.

The main focus of this place is breakfast, but there’s no wrong time to enjoy their meals.

Whether you want to try delicious pancakes, tacos, healthy bowls, or sip on one of their yummy cocktails while enjoying the postcard views of the Caribbean, this place is a real treat.

Visitors love the friendly service and minimalist, casual atmosphere. Finish your meal with the decadent Cookies’n’Cream Shake for a grand finale!

Address: Km 8.2, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Mina is one of the most popular beachfront restaurants in Tulum

22. Mina Tulum

Mina is one of the most popular Tulum restaurants on the beach that serves great seafood and Western staples like burgers and pasta.

Mina is one of the best beach restaurants in Tulum
Mina is one of the best Tulum restaurants with a view located in Tulum Hotel Zone

This photogenic restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mina offers yummy dishes like fish filet with mashed potatoes, tapas, ceviche, and fish tacos. It also has a separate drink menu with many elaborate drinks and cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.

Mina is one of the most popular places for seafood in Tulum

Mina is a perfect place for a special atmosphere and incredible food. Customers love friendly servers and the gorgeous decorations of this place.

AddressCarretera Tulum Ruinas Km 5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R. 

23. Nu Tulum 

Nu Tulum puts a modern spin on the Mayan cuisine in a jungle setting. This restaurant is a perfect place for a romantic date or a birthday dinner. 

It’s a popular place, so making a reservation is a good idea, especially if you want to celebrate a special event. 

Find out the best time to visit Tulum

Here you can try a variety of seafood like oysters, fish and Mexican staples like Oaxacan mole. And if you are vegan, you will be able to enjoy yummy oyster mushrooms and mouthwatering cocktails. 

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km. 8.7, Tulum 77780 Mexico

Tulum has a good variety of restaurants for all tastes and price points.

24. Kitchen Table 

Kitchen Table is an eco-friendly restaurant that has many foodies raving about it!

This place offers one of the best culinary experiences in Tulum, and once you try their food, you will understand why this place has become so popular.

Kitchen Table’s ambiance is truly special with well-designed open-air seating on the jungle side of the road. But what makes it amazing is the food quality and blending of hyper-local ingredients with traditional Mexican dishes. 

Tulum boasts some of the best restaurants in Mexico with delicious food and gorgeous decors.

Many guests love Kitchen’s Table jungle sourdough bread which comes as an appetizer, but there’s probably no item on Kitchen’s Table menu that will not leave you wanting more.

Their sopas, tostadas, and roasted cabbage are also delicious. If you are a carnivore, you will also love the variety of meat dishes and the incredible ceviche. 

Address: km 6 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 6, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Posada Margehirta is one of the most popular restaurants in Tulum where you can try Italian food.

25. Posada Margherita 

If you are craving some Italian food, make your way to Posada Margherita, a restaurant that puts a local spin on the Italian staples. The restaurant sits on the beach inside the Posada Margherita.

Enjoy freshly-made pasta or try one of their specialties from the on-site pizzeria.

There are also plenty of meat and seafood options as well as yummy pies like prosciutto e fungi. The restaurant has a pretty extensive breakfast menu where you can find pancakes, omelets, and salads.

And don’t forget to try their yummy gelato that is made from coconuts that grow on the property. 

Address: Km 4.5 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Hartwood is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone.

Best fine dining restaurants

Whether you have a special date to celebrate or just want to treat yourself, Tulum has a good variety of fine dining restaurants many of which are in Tulum Hotel Zone.

26. Hartwood

Hardwood is one of the most popular fine dining restaurants. It has a new menu each night where you can choose from the options catered straight from local farms and markets.

Hartwood offers a wonderful experience as all of the food is cooked on fire in the oven.

The light inside the restaurant comes from candles. Hartwood is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and if you are serious about visiting it, you should make a reservation, because this place fills up fast!

Hartwood is not cheap, but the prices and great atmosphere are well worth it. Keep in mind that this is a dinner-only place and they accept only cash.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila 7-6Km, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Ahau is one of the most popular hotels in Tulum

27. Ahau Restaurant Tulum 

Ahau Restaurant and Beach Grill is one of the most popular beach restaurants in Tulum that’s part of Ahau Hotel.

It’s a perfect spot if you are in the mood for a casual lunch or dinner and want to try some seafood and hamburgers. 

Some of the most popular items on the menu include chef’s guacamole, hummus, seafood salad, shrimp ravioli, grilled vegetables, and a fresh catch of the day.

The desserts include vegan carrot pie, white chocolate soufflé, marble cheesecake, chocolate pie, and coconut ice cream. Guests love the atmosphere of this place as you can enjoy the beachfront and savor a delicious meal at the same time.

Address: Carretera a Boca Paila Km 7.5 Tulum Beach Zone, Tulum 77760 México

28. Gitano

Gitano bills itself as a modern Mexican restaurant and serves dinner every day from 5 p.m. If you like a combination of the beautiful aesthetic and artfully prepared meals, don’t miss this place!

The venue has a bar and a restaurant in a tropical setting and offers a modern take on traditional Mexican flavors with dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven and open grill.

Gitano specializes in mezcal and offers over 40 different types of mezcal from Oaxaca

Gitano accepts online reservations for up to 6 people and requires at least 24 hours for cancellations. While reservations are not required, it’s a good idea to make one before your trip, because Gitano can book up quickly.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km 4.2, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Zona Costera, 77780 Q.R.

29. Casa Jaguar

Casa Jaguar is known for its lively seafood grill and cocktail bar in a jungle-like setting. This restaurant also frequently has live music and great parties, so if you want a great dining atmosphere, come here for dinner. 

This restaurant started as a small place in the middle of the Tulum jungle but has grown into a multi-faceted dining experience and cultural venue.

Casa Jaguar offers flavorful dishes like fire-grilled fish and meats as well as more healthy vegetable options. Top it off with one of the savory cocktails made in-house, and enjoy the great ambiance of this place.

Address: KM 7.5, Av. Boca Paila, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Arca is one of the best restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone famous for its upscale dining options.

30. Arca Tulum

One of the most popular farm-to-table restaurants, Arca offers an upscale dining experience in a casual atmosphere that you definitely don’t want to miss while staying in Tulum! 

Arca is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, have a romantic dinner or simply enjoy great food and atmosphere. The menu offers bold and artsy flavors that often include specialties from local flora and fauna. Everything is made by hand on-site, so rest assured your meal will taste delicious. 

Arca is one of the best restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone known for its elaborate dishes.

The restaurant has some shared tables and also boasts a bar where you can try drinks after savoring a meal. Some of the must-haves at Arca Tulum are shrimp, leaf tacos, and curry fish. And don’t forget to try their avocado ice cream or guava dessert – you will love it!

Address: Av. Boca Paila, Tulum Beach, 77766 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

31. Mateo’s Mexican Grill

Mateo’s Mexican Grill is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town with a great rooftop bar. It puts a zesty spin on classic Mexican staples and also has live music on Friday nights that keeps so many people coming back. 

Grab a signature mango Margherita and start your meal course with a fresh ceviche before you feast on flavorful fajitas and tacos. Their zesty guacamole is the best one you will ever try! 

This restaurant is a perfect alternative to more expensive options in Tulum’s Hotel Zone. The service is always friendly and welcoming and the food is made from fresh ingredients right on the spot.

Address: Carr. Boca Paila km 5.2 Manzana 10 Lote 16, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

BalNak is one of the best Tulum restaurants for a birthday dinner.

32. Bal Nak

Bal Nak is a contemporary Mexican restaurant that offers excellent food and friendly service. If you are a foodie, you can’t miss this place during your stay in Tulum. Bal Nak uses only locally sourced ingredients and their servers go over every dish with you, which creates a very welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant offers many inventive dishes and cocktails, but as someone who is vegan, I haven’t been able to try their food.

Most of the travelers that I’ve talked to had nothing but great things to say about delicious food at this restaurant and super friendly staff.

Address: Av. Boca Paila KM 7.5, Tulum Beach, 77766 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

TIPS FOR VISITING

An outside view of La Coqueta, one of the best restaurants in downtown Tulum
  • Always carry cash – While many restaurants accept credit cards, some only accept cash. Small restaurants and cafes in downtown Tulum (aka Tulum pueblo) only accept cash. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have a few hundred pesos in your wallet when you are looking where to eat in Tulum.
  • Leave a tip – Waiters and waitresses in Mexico have low wages, so your gratuity goes a long way. Unless a service was terrible, you should leave a 20 percent tip (or 10 on the low end). Check your bill for the word (propina – tip in Spanish) to see if it’s included in the final price. If it is, check if the amount of included tip is at least 10-15 percent. Add the remainder and leave it for your server.
  • Tip in Mexican Pesos – It’s best to leave tips in the local currency, so staff doesn’t have to pay fees for exchanging money at the bank.
  • Brush up on your Spanish – Most restaurants have English-speaking staff, but it’s helpful to speak Spanish to be able to explain yourself. I’ve had a few instances when my Spanish definitely helped me out. Plus, if you want to travel outside of Tulum, speaking Spanish will be hugely beneficial. 

BEST TULUM RESTAURANTS: FAQ’S

Still have questions? Check my answers to some of the most common questions below.

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Do you need a reservation for Tulum restaurants?

If you want to dine in one of the restaurants in downtown, you generally don’t need a reservation. But if you are going out to fine dining restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone, it’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time, as they are tend to be very busy.

Many of these restaurants have a wait list, and it’s not always a guarantee that you can get a table if you decide to just walk in. You can typically contact these restaurants by email or What’s App, one of the most popular ways of communication in Mexico.

What’s the best restaurant in Tulum with a view?

Restaurants in Hotel Zone have some of the best beachfront views. The Real Coconut offers some of the best views of the Mexico Caribbean.

What are the best restaurants in Tulum for birthday dinner?

Arca and Hartwood are perfect to celebrate your birthday. They boast a great atmosphere, wonderful food and top-notch customer service.

A quick note on where to eat in Tulum

Tulum is one of the fastest-growing destinations in Mexico and it’s tough to keep up with all of the restaurants opening and closing.

A few restaurants that I really liked have closed their doors in the last few years. Although I try my best to keep this guide updated, always check if the place you chose is still open before heading there.

Best tours from Cancun

FINAL WORD

Tulum has many eateries and it can be tough to choose one. I hope this guide helped you to narrow down your options and pick a great spot for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner!