After a long flight and an even longer shuttle to Tulum, we are all starving, there's no doubt about that. But in the beautiful Tulum town, there are thousands of options to get full of delicious food. So where should you go? Don't waste more time and check our recommendations of the best Tulum restaurants. Spoilers alert: we thought about tight budgets, so don't worry! We'll tell you how much they'll charge.
Wanna taste a mix between Mexican food and international cuisine in an intimate setting? This is the place for you. At Cetli, you'll realize that you don't have to be at a big restaurant to enjoy your food. The atmosphere is unique for brunch or dinner, with only a few tables available. This is a no-miss if you want to taste typical Mexican dishes like mole, fresh fish prepared with local ingredients, and so much more.
Contact info:
Carretera 109 Tulum Coba Km 2.5, Villas Tulum, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cetlitulum/
Price: Up to 20 USD without alcohol
Hartwood Restaurant
If you want to put aside (just for a day) the Tulum nightlife and enjoy an exclusive dinner, in one of the best restaurants, Hartwood is an obligatory stop. This is of the upscale restaurants located near the Tulum beach zone are completely committed to the environment and supporting the local community since they only use ingredients from Yucatán (a neighboring state) and nearby markets.
Meaning the menu changes daily, so you'll never know which delicious food you'll have on your table, although you can expect to have fresh fish (Bream fillets), Caribbean lobster, and roasted vegetables. The only downside is that they don't take reservations, and you must wait in line. But don't let this scare you, it's completely worth the wait!
Contact info:
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila 7.6Km, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hartwood/100067746431879/
Price: More than 40 USD without alcohol
Arca Restaurant
Looking for an outdoor space to enjoy your meal? At Arca, you'll find yourself surrounded by the beautiful Tulum jungle, certainly a unique atmosphere for eating delicious dishes like sea urchin ceviche, mandarin aguachile (shrimp, cucumber, onion, and lime juice), or even grilled Avocado and Crispy Chaya.
This is one of the few Tulum restaurants that have been featured in Latin America's best 50 restaurants, so if you are not on a budget, we think you must do everything you could to visit one of the most popular restaurants in México.
If after all this you are still hesitant, don't worry, when you get there, the kitchen led by former Noma Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza will make sure you'll have an unforgettable experience. Just a suggestion.
Contact info:
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.6, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcatulum
Price: More than 40 USD without alcohol
Nu
This restaurant is part of Namron Hospitality Group, which means standards are way higher than average Tulum restaurants. Here you can find a diverse menu: from Sweet Potato Agrodolce and Caribbean Fresh Fish to Barbecued Pineapple or even Campeche shrimp. With an almost romantic atmosphere, you'll easily find outward takes on mexican traditional flavors.
Contact info:
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila KM 8.7, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com.mx/Restaurant_Review-g150813-d13838689-Reviews-NU_Tulum-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
Price: More than 40 USD without alcohol
Safari Restaurant
Outside Tulum Pueblo, you can find Safari Comedor, where you can find all the best Yucatán Peninsula flavors in one place. The best part is that this place opens from 9 AM to 11 PM, so you can choose whenever you want to visit Chef Luis Aguilar's kitchen.
But beware because it is not open on Sunday. Here, you can chill and enjoy one of the best fish tacos you'll ever eat!
Contact info:
Calle Itzamna Manzana 26, LOTE 13, Aldea Zama, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., México
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flavorhunter.mx
Price: Up to 20 USD without alcohol
Taquería Honorio
We told you we thought this post was for everyone. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food, you should try some tacos from this street stand at Tulum Pueblo. There, you can taste one of the best cochinita pibil tacos (roasted pork) and Relleno de Pavo (marinated turkey).
This is just a glance at traditional and daily Mexican cuisine (in other words, what locals usually eat). Remember to be early, if you go by at 1 PM, you probably won't find anything left.
Contact info:
Satélite Sur Tulum Q.R. Mexico, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taqueriahonorio/
Price: Less than 10 USD without alcohol
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
Another cheap place where you can have a delicious meal while visiting Tulum. Here you can taste authentic tacos al pastor (Yucatán style), tostadas (fried tortilla and meat), or panuchos. Here you can even try the pastor and grilled cheese taco, commonly known as gringa.
Contact info:
Calle Acuario Nte. 3, Tulum Centro, Tobiano, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Antojitos-la-chiapaneca-tulum-105718237735149/
Price: Less than 10 USD without alcohol
Campanella Cremerie
This place has a diverse menu in which you can find gelato, waffles, coffee, and even Paninis, different kinds of sandwiches, and tons of dessert options! Coffee is particularly special because it's made from a special bean brought straight out of Veracruz (a state 16 hours a far from Tulum). Even though this is not like most restaurants listed here, we think this place is perfect if you are looking to brunch on a Sunday afternoon!
Contact info:
Av. Tulum, Tulum Centro, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campanellatulum/
Price: Less than 10 USD without alcohol
Pasha Restaurant
You may be trying to explore some food options besides the traditional al pastor dishes. So why not try some vegan options while visiting Tulum instead? If you want to try some vegetarian and vegan options, Pasha is the place for you. You could pick from their menu their Beetroot explosion (slowly marinated beetroot, organic sprout salad), to their Parsley Pasta (Lime, garlic, and olives).
Contact info:
Calle Saturno Norte, Esquina Av Tulum, Tulum Centro
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com.mx/Restaurant_Review-g150813-d10151789-Reviews-Pasha_Tulum_Downtown-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
Price: Up to 20 USD without alcohol
Del Cielo Tulum
Finally, we wanted to tell you about a place where you could have a delicious breakfast. This Tropical Bristo has various options from chilaquiles, French toast with lemon brioche, scramble eggs (vegan friendly), amazing fresh juices, and even coconut water! Or if you want a milkshake you could have a Tropical breeze smoothie (pineapple, mango, and maracuya) or a Heartbeat (beetroot, carrot, ginger, and orange juice).
Contact info:
Satelite Sur S/N, 77760, Tulum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delcielotulum/
Price: Up to 20 USD without alcohol
How to choose the best restaurant for you?
After reading this list, it's easy to feel curious and even want to check if these are actually the best Tulum restaurants. One of these places could become your next favorite restaurant.
We know you may not have enough time to try every restaurant in your Tulum visit (unless you plan to live here). We are sure you want to experience more than just Mexican cuisine. So you must know exactly what you want.
Are you in the mood for a healthy breakfast? Would you like a delicious lunch? Or are you feeling adventurous and want to experiment with the great food the beach has to offer with Tulum's best seafood dishes?
These are just some criteria you must consider when planning to get food while visiting Tulum.
Before you go! What you must know
We hope this Tulum restaurant guide helps you a little bit during your visit. Of course, many more options exist, but these are our top choices. We totally encourage you to get out there and experiment with the different flavors of the beautiful state of Quintana Roo and the many places in Tulum (Tulum town, Tulum Centro, Tulum Hotel zone and the wild Tulum).
You should know some things about how restaurants are managed in Tulum (and in most of the best restaurants in the Yucatán Peninsula).
If you keep in mind all these tips while you visit Tulum, you'll have a better (and cheaper) time on your beach vacation!