Tulum isn’t just a beach vacation. Tulum is also a foodie destination! Our list of the best restaurants in Tulum will not disappoint – everything from local Tulum taco joints to high-end restaurants!
Tulum’s restaurant scene keeps diversifying and improving every time we travel to Tulum.
We’ve put together this list of Tulum’s top restaurants to help plan your Tulum itinerary and where to eat in Tulum on your vacation. These are the Tulum restaurants we go to eat every time we are in town.
Tulum Beach Zone Restaurants
If you are staying in the Tulum Hotel Zone down by the beach, you can expect more of a fine dining experience with ambiance that comes with a hefty price tag.
Beach Zone restaurants will offer more of a diverse menu, delicious food, more cuisine options, gorgeous plated meals, and more. Check restaurant hours in advance; several are only open for dinner, and many require reservations.
Tulum Centro Restaurants
Tulum Town restaurants are more affordable, have more local food options, and are more casual and less fancy overall. If you are on a budget, this is where your dollar goes way further.
One of our biggest Tulum travel tips is to go into Tulum Town! So many visitors stay on the beach and never really visit the real Tulum Mexico.
Tipping in Tulum
Tipping at restaurants and bars is custom. In most restaurants that accept credit cards, you can add a tip to the card. Always double-check to see if gratuity was added to your bill. Read our Mexico tipping guide for suggested tip amounts for waiters, bartenders, taxis, etc.
1. El Asadero – Best Tulum Pueblo Restaurant
El Asadero is our favorite restaurant in Tulum. It isn’t the most well-known Tulum Restaurant, as it is in downtown Tulum but not on the main street.
This is where we always bring friends & family every time we are in Tulum. It is the #1 restaurant in Tulum.
For a taste of Argentina in the middle of Tulum, head to El Asadero. This modern, upscale restaurant serves some of the best steaks on this side of the equator. Ideal for a special event or just a fun night out, you’re guaranteed to eat like a king at El Asadero.
We always order the Nuestra Especialidad, which means our specialty in English. It is basically a sample platter with a ton of meat. It includes their arrachera, chorizo, grilled cactus, grilled jalapeno, guacamole, and baked potato.
The meal is huge; you could share it and get another dish too. Adam and I always get one to share and then try something new.
Steak is the specialty item on the menu. Choose from a selection of cuts, including rib-eye, T-bone, top sirloin, and Arrachera skirt steak. We recommend getting the Arrachera. It is out of this world. Arrachera is flank steak.
If you are from the USA like us, you are like, “Who orders flank steak at a restaurant?” We totally get you, and we thought the same thing. Trust us, just get it. It is the best flank steak you will ever have.
Chicken and salmon are also on the menu for those interested in something lighter. If you’re looking for something different, try their grilled cactus!
They also have an extensive wine and cocktail list. Since you’re in Mexico, we recommend trying one of their local Mexican red wines that will pair nicely with your steak dinner.
- Address: Avenida Satelite Norte MZ 24 Lt. 5, Between Sagitario and Oriente, Tulum
2. Raw Love
Sometimes, eating healthily is hard when you’re constantly on the road or traveling. However, you can start your day with a delicious, healthy breakfast at Raw Love. Nestled in the middle of the lush jungle, Raw Love serves nutritious superfoods and smoothies in a pristine, picturesque setting.
We suggest coming in the morning and starting with an acai bowl or avocado toast. Wash it down with a freshly brewed cup of organic coffee, and you’ll be energized and fueled for the rest of the day! We always come for breakfast, but they also serve lunch specialties like pad thai, portobello burgers, and zucchini pasta.
We suggest ordering a smoothie and sipping it while you spend a few hours relaxing in one of their outdoor hammocks. We love hanging out at Raw Love and taking our time with our meals. The setting is one of our favorites.
If you are looking for gluten-free restaurants in Tulum, put Raw Love on your radar, as everything on the menu is entirely gluten-free. Between the serene setting and home-cooked meals, Raw Love is one of the top restaurants in Tulum.
- Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7. 5, Hotel Ahau Tulum, Tulum
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3. Kitchen Table
Serious foodies will have inevitably heard of Kitchen Table. Located on the jungle side of Tulum, this eco-friendly restaurant is one of the most talked-about places in the area. Everything is cooked in their open kitchen, and the menu is creative while still authentically Mexican.
The cuisine showcases the fresh, tropical ingredients sourced throughout Tulum. Their range of offerings is slightly limited, but you can still choose meat, fish, or vegetarian. Whether you’re craving crispy pork belly or are hungry for ahi tuna steaks, you’ll find something to delight your tastebuds at Kitchen Table.
Reservations are recommended, and don’t forget the bug spray! You’re still in the middle of the jungle, which means you’re more susceptible to mosquitos and other annoying insects.
- Address: Carretera Tulum A Boca Paila | Km 6, Tulum
- Cash Only
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4. Matcha Mama – Great Vegan Options
If you are looking for one of the best acai bowls in Mexico, make your way to Matcha Mama. They use fresh fruits, seeds, and delectably creamy toppings. Best of all, their healthy ingredients are packed with vitamins and proteins, so you don’t have to worry about what you put in your body.
The matcha colada bowl is a big hit. It comes topped with bananas, kiwis, flax seeds, coconut, and a scoop of matcha ice cream. This café-style joint is also an excellent spot for smoothies and vegan ice creams. Try one of their unique options, like the cold-brewed smoothie or matcha horchata, for an early morning buzz.
Every item on their menu is Instagram-worthy, so don’t forget to bring your camera. It’s not the cheapest breakfast option in Tulum, but the food is well worth the price. I am usually not an acai bowl kind of girl, but they are really good at Matcha Mama, and the restaurant setting makes them worth it even more.
- Address: QROO 15 470, Quintana Roo Tulum
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5. Gitano Jungle
There are now three Gitano locations in Tulum. We like their original location, Gitano Jungle. If you can’t get a reservation there, try Gitano Beach, which is also a beach club in Tulum, or Meze Tulum, which is right t next door to Gitano Jungle.
The open-air setting and tropical atmosphere at Gitano Jungle make it one of the coolest restaurants in Tulum. The restaurant is nothing short of beautiful: it will take your breath away when you arrive. It’s an excellent place for dinner or post-dinner cocktails.
The food is a modern spin on Mexican classics like shrimp or mushroom tacos, slow-roasted pork belly, or grilled avocado and hummus. Like the food, their cocktail menu is also imaginative. Relax with one of their signature mezcal drinks while you soak in the chill vibes of this swanky venue.
In the unlikely event of bad weather, make your way inside their hidden jungle room. The whole place is inspired by colonial architecture, adding a sultry, old-school vibe to the already stunning restaurant.
There is live music throughout the week, dinner, and dancing under the stars on Friday and Saturday. You can make reservations online here. We suggest doing this before traveling to Tulum, as they book out a month in advance.
- Address: Tulum Beach Road KM 7.5 | Km 7, Tulum
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6. Posada Margherita
Tulum is also home to world-class Italian restaurants, and Posada Margherita is no exception. Located directly on the beach inside the Posada Margherita Hotel, their signature restaurant whips up some of the best meals you can find outside Italy.
Try their freshly-made pasta plates or indulge in perfectly grilled meat and seafood dishes. Their on-site pizzeria also serves hand-tossed pies like prosciutto e funghi and salsiccia rucola grana. Don’t forget to try their gelato, made from coconuts picked on the hotel’s property.
In the morning, you can order off their breakfast menu. Choose between pancakes, yogurt, granola, or an omelet and scramble with salad. You’ll want to try everything they offer with an extensive menu like this! This is one of our favorite places for breakfast on Tulum Beach.
If you are traveling with kids and staying on Tulum Beach, this is a great restaurant option. We didn’t stay at their hotel. We only ate at the restaurant. There are several great family resorts in Tulum nearby that are within walking distance or a quick taxi ride away.
- Address: Km. 4.5, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila
- Cash Only
- No reservations
7. Antojitos la Chiapaneca
If you know us at all, you know we love tacos! What we love even more is authentic tacos, and in Mexico, for us, that is Al Pastor tacos.
When a Mexican restaurant in Mexico is overflowing with locals, you know something delicious must be on the menu. Antojitos la Chiapaneca makes some of Tulum’s most authentic mouthwatering street tacos in Tulum.
The menu may be small, but that just means they have perfected everything they serve. Order al pastor, beef, or chicken in a taco or torta. Although you’ll want to try them all, you can’t skip the famous al pastor pork.
It is our go-to always. It’s marinated the entire day before being chopped (skin and all) and served to hungry patrons.
If you’re looking for a filling, affordable meal, don’t miss a meal at Antojitos la Chiapaneca to try the best tacos in Tulum.
- Address: Av. Tulum, Tulum Centro, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
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8. DelCielo
Ideal for brunch or lunch, DelCielo is a great place to dine in Tulum. This award-winning restaurant has a tropical bistro vibe and is a welcome break from other traditional Mexican restaurants in the area.
Their menu features breakfast favorites like veggie omelets, quiches, and granola. However, their sliced brioche French toast is the star of the show. It’s made with orange zest and fried in butter before being smothered in maple syrup and sprinkled with coconut flakes – absolutely to die for. It’s one of our favorite Tulum breakfast spots.
You can wash it down with one of their fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, which are packed with proteins, herbs, and seeds to help you stay energized all day. We recommend the Mango Ginger with honey. It’s our go-to drink here.
We like to visit before heading out to nearby Tulum cenotes. We’re often gone all day since there are a ton of cenotes in the area.
On our last visit, we had a green salad with chicken with a passion fruit dressing, ranchero eggs, a Mexican bowl, chilaquiles, and guacamole. Everything was good as usual, but the Mexican bowl stole the show!
- Address: Avenida Satelite, In front of Scotia Bank, Tulum
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9. Hartwood
With a tropical open-air setting in the heart of the jungle, Hartwood is often considered one of the best restaurants in Tulum. Every time we go, there is something different on the menu, and as you know, we love trying new things.
Their modern menu changes daily, but you can be confident that they only serve the most ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients found in Mexico. Some of their past dishes have included jicama salad, snapper ceviche, short ribs, and cheese-flavored ice cream. Each dish is cooked over an open fire by hand, adding to the sea-to-table ambiance.
Although the food is nothing short of spectacular, the most unique thing about Hartwood is that they are off the grid. Everything that keeps the restaurant running (lights, music, etc.) is entirely powered by solar energy. Their 100% organic compost efforts also decrease their carbon footprint and eliminate unnecessary waste.
If you’re planning to visit, make sure to make a reservation; tables can be booked out weeks or months in advance. We booked our table one month in advance, and that is when they started taking reservations.
Reservations are made via email, which is kind of annoying as we all know OpenTable would be so much easier. Basically, as soon as you have your travel dates and flights, we suggest booking a table.
Few things you should know about Hartwood. They only serve dinner,
- Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen, Tulum
- Cash Only
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10. Casa Jaguar
For a rustic, jungle-like dinner, book a table at Casa Jaguar. You can tell a lot of thought and effort was put into the decor and innovative design of the place. From the candles to the live music, Casa Jaguar is one of the best places in Tulum to see and be seen. We love everything about Casa Jaguar, but sadly we couldn’t get a table on our last trip.
Their innovative menu is unique, even for Tulum. Try the poblano sea bass, peanut sauce octopus, or mole rabbit loin. For something even more special, order the Tostadas de Atun. It’s a fresh fillet topped with avocado, pumpkin seeds, and crunchy grasshoppers. If that’s too adventurous for your tastes, you can opt for the marinated pork belly or arugula salad.
At night, Casa Jaguar becomes one of the best nightlife spots in town. Casa Jaguar is a laid-back venue where you can lounge under the stars or dance the night away on the dance floor, attracting only the hippest and trendiest patrons.
Come for dinner and stay late until the evening. We suggest making reservations online here.
- Address: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Tulum
11. RosaNegra Tulum
If you are looking for a special occasion restaurant and the price doesn’t concern you, head to RosaNegra Tulum. We’ve only dined here once, and it was for our anniversary. And sadly, we didn’t grab any pictures as we were living in the moment.
RosaNegra is for foodies! I am talking Kobe Beef, Japanese Wagyu, Ora King Salmon, and Alaskan King Crab. So, with a stacked menu like that, make sure to bring your wallet.
We are hoping to go back again this year for our anniversary. This is another restaurant you’ll need reservations at well in advance.
12. Mateos
Mateos is our go-to place for happy hour in Tulum. They have great drinks and a pretty good sunset view. We typically spend the day at a Tulum beach club. Then we walk over to Mateos for sunset and our favorite strawberry basil mojitos!
With one of the liveliest atmospheres in Tulum, Mateos serves mouthwatering Mexican dishes to locals and tourists. This restaurant looks like a treehouse from your childhood imagination. It’s built with multiple levels and even has a large outdoor terrace. Fun for the whole family, Mateos is one of those places you must visit if you’re looking for a good happy hour in Tulum.
For starters, choose between fried Baja fish bites, chicken quesadilla, grilled shrimp, and guacamole. Enjoy classic dishes like chicken burritos, steak fajitas, and Baja-style fish tacos for your entree. They also have a variety of healthy salads and American burgers if you’re missing the taste of home.
We usually don’t eat a full meal here. We just got a snack to go with our drinks and to tie us over until our dinner reservations and another Tulum hotel zone restaurant.
We always go to enjoy their 3-for 2-happy hour while you watch the sunset from their deck. You can also come to cheer on your favorite team from back home during a live football or soccer game. This is our go-to place after a day of exploring all the things to do in Tulum.
- Address: Tulum Beach Road-Boca Paila KM 5.2, Zona hotelera Tulum, Tulum
13. Taqueria La Eufemia – Permantly Closed it was one of the best taco places on Tulum Beach
This is such a bummer! Taqueria La Eufemia was our go-to place to get lunch on the beach in Tulum. They had great tacos and tasty drinks right on the beach, always packed with a fun crowd. We just loved it here.
You can’t visit Tulum without trying the other-worldly tacos from Taqueria La Eufemia. Sadly now, you can’t, now that it is closed. This taqueria was situated on Tulum Beach, with dramatic ocean views from its outdoor patio.
They had an extensive taco menu that would make your tummy rumble. Grilled shrimp, fried fish, beef arrachera, marinated al pastor, and mushrooms with garlic are just a few types of tacos they offer. After you order, you can customize your tacos with their buffet salsa bar.
14. I Scream Bar – Closed and reopened in Bacalar
End your night with a sweet treat from the popular I Scream Bar. This eclectic, chilled bar has great cocktails, cold beer, succulent tacos, and, most importantly, boozy ice cream.
Their organic ice cream flavors are entirely vegan and range from classic to absurd. Matcha, coconut, chocolate – they have it all! You can order whatever flavor you want and add a shot of alcohol. If basic drinks are more up your alley, you can also order beer, which is far cheaper here than in most other places in the area.
The bar’s decor also adds to the festive atmosphere of the place. You’ll find teal-colored car doors above the bar, striped, painted tires as tables, and lots of couches where you can relax. With the bumping music and young clientele, I Scream Bar is one of the best nightlife spots in Tulum.
Other Recommended Tulum Restaurants
With so many restaurants in Tulum, it is hard to try them all. The following restaurants are on our radar for our upcoming trip.
- Arca
- Del Cielo
- WILD Tulum
- Casa Banana Tulum
- Burrito Amor
- La Hoja Verde
- Cenzontle Tulum
We hope our Tulum restaurant guide helps plan out some of your meals. If we missed one of your favorite Tulum restaurants or you know of some new restaurants, leave a comment or reach out to you.
Don’t forget to Pin for your next trip to Tulum!
