The 20 Best Restaurants in Tulum (2023) - Bon Traveler (2024)

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Updated September 2023

What may be surprising for those traveling to Tulum is that there are some wonderful dining experiences. These 20 best restaurants in Tulum scratch the surface for all of the delicious food to try.

There is a range of cafes and restaurants in the area, and if you’re headed there, I’d bookmark a few. You may even want to reserve in advance.

Tulum is well-developed in terms of tourism. Plenty of well-designed hotels (like these on this swoon-worthy list) and places to hang make Tulum what it is. Sprinkled throughout, high-end dining and restaurants tucked away in hotels add the perfect touch to a beach vacation.

So, if you’re planning a trip down to Tulum, I’d recommend giving this list of restaurants a browse. One thing you’ll want to note is that the more popular restaurants often book out a week or two in advance. For our trip down to Tulum, I made a few reservations ahead of time at places I did not want to miss.

And don’t be afraid to hotel hop down here — some of the gems are often located within hotels, which is a welcomed change of scenery while visiting Tulum. Here’s my list of restaurants in Tulum you don’t want to miss!

Planning a Trip to Tulum? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Tulum:

1. Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort, for the best adults-only hotel
2. Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, for the best all-inclusive hotel
3. La Valise, for the best beachfront hotel

For my complete list of the most incredible places to stay, read my guides to the best resorts and best boutique hotels in Tulum. Lastly, don’t miss my Tulum travel guide, which covers everything you need to know about visiting Tulum.

Please Note: I have been to most of these restaurants. I’m including a few extras in case you cannot get a reservation or ones that I personally couldn’t get one either and had on my list.

1. Arca

This was certainly our favorite restaurant in Tulum and for good reason. Former Noma chef, Jose Luis Hinostroza heads this restaurant up. All of his dishes are incredibly flavorful and creative, utilizing local ingredients. The setting is also wonderful, relaxed, yet well-executed service.

Address: km 7.6, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Beach, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

2. Casa Jaguar

Both rustic and refined, I was wonderfully surprised by Casa Jaguar. Their outdoor space and co*cktails were the perfect start to the meal. It was all followed with a wonderful seafood-forward meal.

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

3. Posada Margherita

What a welcomed surprise in Tulum. Posada Margherita is an Italian restaurant that focuses on fresh pasta and pizza. The ambiance here is magical (you can even dine with your feet in the sand) and the food was delicious.

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

4. Antojitos La Chiapaneca (Taqueria La Chiapaneca)

For those seeking out the most authentic tacos, head right here. Located in the old town, the al pastor tacos are a must.

Address: Calle Acuario Nte. 3, Tulum Centro, Tobiano, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

5. Moro at Habitas

Having experienced breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, Moro was a wonderful choice for when we were staying at Habitas. If you’re popping in, I’d recommend either breakfast or a sunset dinner.

Address: Carretera Boca Paila – Tulum km 4.5 Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

6. Macondo at Nomade

Macondo feels like a scene out of Morocco with plush cushions and beautiful textiles. Located inside Nomade, I’d come here for a healthy breakfast and then follow it with a stroll on the beach.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77880 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

7. Maresias at Be Tulum

Maresias, located inside Be Tulum, is another hotel restaurant. We ate here a few times and the food was solid. I loved that we could order food down to the beach and their ceviche was wonderful.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10, Tulum Beach, Zona hotelera, 77880 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

8. RosaNegra

A class restaurant in Tulum that is always packed is RosaNegra. It’s Latin American food with a South American focus. It’s one place you can make a reservation at.

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

9. Kitchen Table

This was one spot I wish we could have booked a table. Reservations are hard to come by but if you do snag a table, it’s meant to be amazing.

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

10. Hartwood

For a boho, outdoor dining experience, Hartwood is often regarded as one of the best restaurants in Tulum. The waits here are always long but their wood-fired dishes are some of the best. There are no reservations so I would recommend arriving early.

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

11. Matcha Mama

Matcha Mama is quite the spot and I’m sure you’ve seen it on Instagram at least once. Come here for breakfast and find healthy smoothies, bowls, and juices.

Address: Itzamna, Aldea Zama Mz. 12-Lt. 99, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

12. The Restaurant at Sanará

The Restaurant at Sanará, formerly known as The Real Coconut, is wonderful restaurant with ocean views. It’s located inside the wellness-focused Sanará Tulum hotel. If you’re visiting, pop into their breakfast spot where you’ll find a plethora of healthy choices.

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

13. Casa Banana

Casa Banana is a jungleside Argentinian restaurant nestled under palm trees with a covered open-air patio. Known for its roasted short ribs, steaks, and vegan lasagna.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

14. Cenzontle

Located in a “secret” garden, this small eatery keeps popping up as a “don’t-miss” when in Tulum. It’s great for dinner and you can book in advance. You’ll find fresh ceviche, local pork ribs, and even a Yucatan-influenced pasta dish.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7.3 S/N, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

15. The Restaurant at Mezzanine

For those looking to switch up their cuisine, this amazing Thai restaurant is a welcomed change. It’s located inside the boutique, adults-only hotel Mezzanine, right by the ocean, plus its menu features organic local ingredients.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 4.4, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

16. Loco Tulum

Wonderful spot for Mediterranean food that is open all day. Chef Idan Lifsh*tz has really made his restaurant a traveler’s favorite in the area for his food.

Address: Km 9.3, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

17. Gitano

A class Tulum restaurant, Gitano is always the life of the party in the area. You’ll find wonderful co*cktails (which is what I’d stop in for) and an energetic lounge to hang out at.

Address: Beach Road Km. 7, 77710 Q.R., Mexico

18. Kin Toh at Azulik

One of the most expensive restaurants in part to its location is Kin Toh at Azulik. It’s a Mayan-Mexican restaurant that serves avant-garde cuisine. Reservations are required for this high-end experience.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

19. Safari at Aldea Zama

This place was recommended a few times, located in Aldea Zama. It is known for fish tacos, but is also open for breakfast with dishes like bowls.

Address: Calle itzamna Aldea Zama MANZANA 26, Lote 13, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

20. El Tábano

Come for contemporary Mexican dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients and menu.

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

Tulum Travel Tips

Always have cash on you as not every restaurant accepts credit cards. Confirm in advance.

Want more travel tips for your vacation in Tulum? Check out my Slow Travel Guide to Tulum for more travel details.

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