The Best Restaurants Tulum Has to Offer
Mexico is an exotic country with wonderful people, warm sunshine and stunning scenery that you will never forget. All of this praise before we even get to the food and it certainly doesn’t let you down. If you’re visiting Tulum then you will have the opportunity to explore some of the best restaurants in Tulum, ranging from relaxed seafood restaurants to fine dining.
You will often have the option to eat in Tulum, Mexico under the stars, taking in the sights and sounds of the beach or jungle, depending on the part of Tulum you’re in. We’ve put together some of the best restaurants in Tulum below.
Paying for your meal at the best restaurants in Tulum
It is always important to know the best ways to pay for your meal, as you may find you get stung with added charges using different currency or payment methods. This is no different in Mexico and when visiting restaurants in Tulum we advise you to try to pay in Mexican pesos. Some will accept US dollars but odds are you will pay more than you should. Most restaurants will also accept credit cards but be wary of any surcharges added, which in most cases is about 3%.
Tipping in Tulum is just as much part of the custom as it is in the United States, with the standard rate varying between 10-15%. Always check the bill first to see if it has included a service charge and work out how much. Keep an eye out for the word “propina” which means tip. If it has been included, you should just add extra to make sure it adds up to between 10% and 15%. Always do your best to tip in pesos so that the staff don’t have to pay to exchange it.
Posada Margherita
We start off our list of the best restaurants in Tulum with this Italian, the Posada Margherita. It is an intimate, cosy restaurant that offers some delicious homemade dishes ranging from fresh pasta to fresh fish caught that day and obviously, the fan-favorite pizzas. They have a wide-ranging list of wine to choose from, as well as Italian classics like homemade gelato. You will have a lovely view whilst dining at this restaurant and yes, we appreciate it isn’t Mexican cuisine but it should certainly be on your list of places to try.
Mezzanine
This Thai restaurant is located within the Mezzanine hotel and if you’re searching for an authentic Thai experience in Tulum then look no further. A casual dining experience that manages to feel elegant and classy at the same time.
The two chefs who run the kitchen come from Thailand, so you can trust in their knowledge and ability to mix local ingredients with the classic Thai flavors. You will definitely love some twists on the classics and they have a perfect cocktail menu to pair with these Asian delights.
Taqueria La Eufemia
There aren’t many dishes that are so intrinsically linked to a country as Tacos are to Mexico and the Taqueria La Eufemia serves up one of the best tacos in Tulum. Located on the beachfront, you can enjoy the view in a casual environment whilst tucking into delicious fish tacos.
What we really love about this place is that despite its popularity and level of quality, it is still reasonably priced and great fun. Head on down to Tulum beach, grab a taco and a beer and chill out in the open air for a few hours.
El Gourmet
Anyone exploring Tulum and wanting a delicious lunch at a cafe should look no further than El Gourmet. This cafe can be found in the very centre of the Tulum Pueblo, offering some of the best paninis, fresh cheese, meats and locally sourced ingredients.
They even bake their homemade focaccia bread at the cafe every day, so you can’t get much fresher than that! Once you’ve got your food, you can relax on the terrace, shaded from the sun by rainbow umbrellas and beautiful plants.
Matcha Mama
The Matcha Mama is the go-to place for healthy, refreshing breakfasts that taste great. They have designed a pretty, inviting cafe that draws you in, with a second location in Tulum highlighting how popular it is. You will have the option of granolas, smoothies, kombucha, acai bowls and matcha teas.
They also put effort into catering for those with special dietary requirements including vegans and those with gluten intolerance. We think this is a fantastic way to start the day and give you the energy to experience all Tulum has to offer.
Gitano
One of the most popular Tulum restaurants and bars, Gitano is drawing both locals and visitors alike for fantastic food, refreshing drinks and a great atmosphere. The majority of visitors go there for the mezcal bar but end up falling in love with the Mexican food that the talented chefs create. Some of the most popular dishes include shrimp tacos and slow-roasted pork.
What really stands out for us is the fact this beach restaurant feels like you’re also in the jungle, creating a unique vibe. For those looking for a great night out, they offer live music on multiple nights per week, as well as dinner and dance nights on Friday and Saturday.
Sabor de Mar
The Sabor de Mar restaurant is all about delicious, fresh seafood including seared tuna, seafood soup, fish burritos and more. You may walk into this relatively unremarkable restaurant and not feel inspired but we recommend you see past this and try the food out.
Combining a relaxed atmosphere, excellent service and some of the best seafood in Tulum, the Sabor de Mar definitely delivers on all fronts. This place should be on every travelers shortlist of restaurants in Tulum during their stay. If you want food in Tulum, then you Sabor de Mar.
NÜ
We just had to put NÜ on our best restaurants in Tulum list because it gets rave reviews across the board. A real gem of a restaurant, nestled in the jungle so that you eat dinner under the stars. It has a special ambience that is perfect for those romantic nights out or special occasions.
NÜ serves Maya-Mexican cuisine in a contemporary way, featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes but with a creative twist. You will need to reserve a table here to make sure you don’t miss out, so get booking ahead of time for that special dinner.
Hartwood
A trip to Mexico and in particular Tulum should always include a visit to the Hartwood restaurant. Specializing in organic, clean fresh food using local ingredients, this place is away from the bright lights of busy Tulum.
Hartwood prides itself in operating in a sustainable way, with the kitchen team using local produce that is available and this means the menu changes almost every day. It isn’t the cheapest of the Tulum restaurants but definitely worth the price, which makes it incredibly popular so make a reservation in advance.
Arca
One of the high-end restaurants in Tulum, offering Maya-Mexican dishes with a contemporary twist and often cooked over the flames for a unique flavor. Another restaurant in Tulum that focuses on fresh local produce including seafood, meat and vegetables.
Arca works with local Maya farms to ensure they support the community and we love this commitment. You should book in advance as it can get very busy, with dinner service offered from Tuesdays through to Sundays.
Zamas Restaurant
The Zamas restaurant is located at the Zamas hotel and the first thing you will love about this restaurant is its location, literally a few steps from the sea. Zamas draws its inspiration from traditional flavours around Mexico, using locally sourced fresh ingredients to create exciting innovative dishes.
As you would expect, being on the beach there is a fantastic range of seafood meals included shrimp tacos, but they also have a wood-burning oven that creates delicious pizzas. Add in an impressive collection of mezcal and margaritas and you’ve got a great night ahead of you.
Antojitos la Chiapaneca
There is nothing better than a delicious taco and whilst there is plenty to choose from in Tulum town, the Antojitos la Chiapaneca is one of the best and most visited. You won’t find a massive menu or a stylish setting but that won’t matter once you tuck into the best tacos around.
Choose from any number of tacos to fried tortillas and salbutes. Be warned, this place is so popular that you should expect there to be an impressive queue. A strong statement but we’d say this is one of the best Tulum restaurants for Mexican food.
Mateo’s Mexican Grill
Anyone with a love for grilled, barbeque style food should make sure they visit Mateo’s Mexican Grill during their stay in Tulum, Mexico. With stunning views of the sunset over the jungle from its sundeck, you get the magic combination of great food and ambience. This restaurant specializes in both generic favorites like burgers and traditional Mexican dishes, meaning there is almost always a delicious meal for everyone.
Our advice is to try the classic fish taco or a fantastic burrito along with a fresh drink. It is important to note that it isn’t the cheapest Tulum restaurant but they do offer 2 for 1 deals on drinks at certain times of the day.
