The 19 Best Restaurants in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Best Restaurants
Updated: January 2, 2024

Tulum Dining – Tips & Advice

Cash: Most restaurants in Tulum accept cash only, even the fine dining restaurants. Some accept U.S. dollars, but most require payment in Mexican pesos. If given the option, pay in pesos to get the best rates; you will always overpay if using dollars. Many restaurants that do allow credit cards charge an additional 3% surcharge.
Tipping: Tipping is part of the custom here, and 10 to 15% is the standard rate. But first, check bill for the word “propina” (meaning tip) to see if it has already been added to the bill. If so, add the necessary amount to bring the propina total up to 10 to 15%. Tipping in pesos is best, so the staff don’t have to pay a bank to exchange it into pesos.
Most of Tulum’s best restaurants are in the Pueblo or Middle Beach Zone. The Pueblo has more authentic, affordable restaurants, while the Middle Beach Zone has more chic, upscale spots. Most restaurants in the beach zones are on the jungle side of the road with outdoor seating.
Best Cooking Class : Rivera’s Kitchen (Pueblo)
Best Breakfast: Potheads (Beach Town) • Del Cielo (Pueblo) • Taqueria Honorio (Pueblo)
Best Sunsets: Kin Toh (Beach Town) • Mateo’s Mexican Grill (Beach Town)
Best Ice Cream: Campanella Cremerie (Pueblo) • Panna e Cioccolato (Pueblo)
Best Coffee: Ki’bok Coffee (Pueblo)

Tulum’s Best Restaurants – Video

The 19 Best Restaurants in Tulum
Arca – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

High-end restaurant serving contemporary, flame-cooked, Maya-Mexican dishes. The menu changes often, but always offers the freshest, local seafood, meat, and produce from nearby Maya farms. Open for dinner Tuesdays through Sundays. Reservations strongly recommended. Cash only.
Hartwood – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Tulum’s premier fine dining restaurant offers a new menu each night highlighting seasonal produce from local markets and farms, along with sustainable seafood and meats. Totally off-the-grid, all food is cooked over fire and most of the lighting comes from candles. Open for dinner only from Wednesday through Sunday. Email for reservations about a month in advance. Cash only.
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Cetli – Pueblo • $$$

A romantic, candlelit hacienda-turned-restaurant just outside of town, Cetli serves up amazing Oaxacan mole (rhymes with olé) dishes. Local, fresh ingredients are ground with a metate stone in pre-Hispanic style. Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended for dinner. Cash only.
La Gloria de Don Pepe – Pueblo • $$

Charming little spot for Spanish tapas and fantastic wine. Their greatest hits include paella, fideuà (seafood pasta), and chistorra sausage. Buzzing atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Open for lunch and dinner. Cash only.
NÜ – South Beach Zone • $$$$

Contemporary Maya-Mexican cuisine served in the jungle under the stars. Dishes feature traditional, local ingredients prepared in a creative, modern style. Its romantic ambiance makes this an ideal spot for special occasions. Dinner only; reservations recommended.
Posada Margherita – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

Upscale yet unfussy beachfront Italian restaurant serving delicious handmade pasta and outstanding pizza made according to an old family recipe. The wine list is broad with an ever-changing selection of excellent labels. The restaurant is open all day, but the lunch and dinner menus are best. Cash only; no reservations.
Safari – Aldea Zama • $$

Rustic, Yucatecan-Mexican dishes prepared in a retro-chic Airstream trailer, and cooked campfire-style over an outdoor fire pit. The menu is small and simple, pairing well with Mexican craft beer, signature co*cktails, and house-made aguas frescas.
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WILD – South Beach Zone • $$$

Ultra-chic, open-air dining in the jungle. The menu features gourmet Mexican-international gastronomy, using locally-sourced ingredients cooked over a wood fire. The inspired co*cktail bar offers signature drinks made with fresh juices, homemade syrups, and edible flowers. Ideal for weddings and special events. Reservations recommended.
El Asadero – Pueblo • $$

The best steakhouse in the Pueblo, El Asadero serves up succulent meats (don’t miss the arrachera) with Mexican accompaniments, including chorizo, grilled cactus, and roasted potatoes. Dinner only; reservations recommended.
Casa Banana – Middle Beach Zone • $$$

The best steakhouse on the beach road. Casa Banana offers a high-end Argentine-Mexican menu with excellent meat cuts, homemade chorizo, local beer, and a long list of mezcal co*cktails. Open all day, but dinner service is the best. Cash only.
MEZE – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

A stylish Greek taverna specializing in meze plates (the Greek version of tapas) and creative co*cktails. All dishes are made to share, so bring a friend and an appetite.
Potheads – Beach Town and Pueblo • $$

A hearty menu of Mexican and international favorites, from chilaquiles to eggs Benedict, with friendly faces and a relaxed vibe. Excellent coffee. All day brunch from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cash only.
Del Cielo – Pueblo • $$

Del Cielo Tropical Bistro offers a mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and international favorites. Don’t miss the tartine and French toast. The restaurant is open all day, but brunch is when they truly shine. Cash only.
Raw Love – Middle Beach Zone • $$

Vegan, raw food restaurant on the beach and in town. Gluten-free superfoods fill the menu, while standout dishes include the raw pad thai and the açai bowl. Find them in Ahau Tulum hotel. Cash only.
Mateo’s Mexican Grill – Beach Town • $$

Multi-storied, Tex-Mex bar and grill with a rooftop deck offering sunset views over the jungle. Another terrace is filled with hammocks. Standouts include the fried fish tacos, ceviche, and co*cktails. Open all day; live music most nights. Cash only (ATM onsite).
Ukami – Middle Beach Zone • $$

Unique fusion menu of “Mayapanese” creations, blending Maya and Japanese culinary traditions. Expect fresh sushi alongside wild concoctions, like gyoza made with yuca, teriyaki tacos, and miso soup with fried tortillas. The restaurant has covered and open-air seating with colorful murals, eclectic décor, and a casual atmosphere. Dinner only.
Mezzanine – North Beach Zone • $$$

Mezzanine Hotel is home to a surprisingly authentic Thai restaurant. Run by 2 Thai chefs and incorporating local ingredients, the restaurant offers subtle twists on classic dishes and pairs them with Asian-inspired co*cktails. Elegant yet casual atmosphere, perfect for a date night.
El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra – Pueblo • $$

Tasty, casual vegan/veggie restaurant in the heart of town with a savory menu of Mexican and international dishes. Great chile relleno, burgers, falafel, and more, best enjoyed on the cozy garden patio in the back.
Kin Toh – Beach Town • $$$$

Stylish treehouse restaurant and bar with striking architecture and dreamy sunset views over the jungle. This so-cool-it-hurts spot is all about the atmosphere, so come for sunset co*cktails in one of their nest perches or have a shisha while lounging on their hanging nets. The food is Maya avant-garde and a bit pretentious, but the ambiance is truly original and well worth the trip. Reservations recommended. A 25 USD minimum consumption fee will be charged to a credit card on arrival.