An updated list of the best restaurants in Tulum that you have to try in 2022! A Tulum Restaurant Guide with the best places to eat in different areas and for any budget and taste!
You indeed have a variety of choices for any dietary needs and preference and as I was mentioning in my Tulum Travel Guide, Tulum Restaurants are not only about the food but also about the place, the ambiance, and the popularity, besides the creativity in the presentation of the delicious dishes and the vintage-chic decorations and the general vibes.
It is indeed an extrasensory experience, every time you enter a restaurant in Tulum and I can easily say that here you can find some of the best restaurants in Mexico overall.
I have selected some of my favorites but also I asked for the help of my local friends to be able to offer some insider tips on the best Tulum Restaurants.
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You can rest assured that I will be adding more as I will be trying more myself. It’s going to be a very hard job. 🙂
I have also split them into a few different categories to make it easier for you to scan through the post.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that Tulum is a work-in-progress town with new restaurants opening every day and it’s challenging to keep up even though I keep going back to Tulum at least twice a year.
Therefore I would like you to consider this list just a suggestion and not a comprehensive list of all the best restaurants in Tulum. It would be impossible. And not only because there are so many, but because it depends a lot on what kind of restaurant you are looking for.
So make sure you venture out and try many others that are not mentioned here…and don’t forget to share your thoughts. I would love to hear.
Table of Contents
Restaurants in Tulum Beach Zone
TULUM RESTAURANTS
1. Hartwood Tulum
Hartwood restaurant is one of the most popular and considered among the best restaurant in Tulum.
And you can see it from the huge line waiting outside, as they don’t take reservations. But, when you finally sit, they make sure it was worth the wait.
The setting is the typical Tulum boho style, with vintage wooden tables in jungle vibes but the food is what makes all the difference.
Their specialty is woodfired meat or fish and their special is roasted collar grouper, however, their menu changes every day depending on the generosity of mother earth.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
2. Casa Banana Tulum
Also one of the most popular in the area especially as an Argentinian steak house, although they have quite a diverse menu, including fish and veggies.
They don’t accept reservations so if you think waiting is a waste of time, like me, you should go before 7.30. in high season. Or else, be prepared to wait.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Cenzontle Tulum
Located in a beautiful intimate garden it offers a delicious and original menu with a balanced mix of flavors and a creative presentation. Definitely to be tried.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
4. Casa Jaguar Tulum
with a very surrealistic setting in a tropical garden with cozy lounges and private tables, it offers a rich menu of creative dishes among which delicious original cocktails and wood-fired fresh fish are cooked right before your eyes with savory vegetable options. Great parties on Thursday night!
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
5. Posada Margherita Tulum
Located right on the spectacular Tulum Beach, Posada Margherita will be your favorite Italian restaurant, with homemade pasta and focaccia – healthy juices and fresh fish – cool vibes, and a laid-back ambiance. If only for the peculiar character of the owners. The food is based on authentic homemade Italian flavors. The place looks rustic but feels chic, the owners too 😉
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
6. Arca
You don’t want to miss the remarkable work of the eclectic international chef José Luis Hinostroza, who is also the co-founder of the restaurant. You can read Noma in his curriculum. Just saying.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
7. Mezzanine Tulum
One of the best Thai restaurants in Riviera Maya, with artfully decorated and tasty dishes and an outstanding setting right by the sea.
It’s open for breakfast lunch and dinner, but your best choice would be an early dinner to enjoy the amazing sunset light. (Note the sunset wouldn’t be right in front of you but you will appreciate the amazing atmosphere)
It is also located right on the spectacular Tulum beach which, together with the delicious food, adds up to the suggestive atmosphere.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
8. Wild Tulum
Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner with your loved one, or a fun night with friends, Wild would make a perfect choice. It is one of the top upscale restaurants in Tulum that I greatly recommend.
Wild is only open for dinner, but it’s not just a simple dinner. It’s an overall inebriating experience that involves all your senses.
Located on the beach avenue right in front of the trendy Nomade hotel, this high-end restaurant boasts a laid-back stylish look surrounded by a lush tropical garden.
The food is to die for and the eclectic chef will surprise you with an international mix of flavors combined in the most tasteful way and artistically presented with edible flowers, and all sorts of decorations.
Make sure you try their amazing cocktails as well with indeed creative and appealing names… but also delicious.
Or, if you want to throw a party for your family and friend they can also accommodate you in their spacious areas. You can contact them from their webpage.
Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Best Tulum restaurants town (Tulum pueblo)
9. Burrito Amor
A lovely and very busy restaurant on Tulum main road on the way to Chetumal. It’s a great option for a quick takeaway or sit in lunch or dinner, in a laid-back and busy environment. They have all sorts of options in terms of Gluten-free and vegan or vegetarian wraps (aka burritos).
10. Canova
Located in the new fancy neighborhood La Veleta, this Italian restaurant offers a laid-back ambiance and delicious authentic Italian cuisine.
Their menu also includes many delicious vegan options and, obviously, the unmissable pizza, which I have personally tried (twice) and loved.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
11. Safari
Safari is a laid-back chic taqueria in the prestigious residential area of Aldea Zama with wooden tables and surrounded by refreshing plants. Here I had the best fish tacos in Tulum.
Open for breakfast and lunch as well, you can also find healthy dishes, including rich juices and bowls.
Safari is the best restaurant in Aldea Zama where to taste authentic Mexican food in a cozy and tranquil environment.
The fish tacos are my favorites!
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
12. Asadero
Located in Tulum town, Asadero is the meat-eaters favorite but not only. It offers the best meat cuts in town, but they have been smart enough to keep even the strictest of vegans happy, by offering a delicious and savory vegetable dish which I have enjoyed many times.
The ambiance is very informal and relaxed; you can make a reservation and it is recommended to do so if you go after 7.30.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
13. Cetli
This unique place is definitely to be tried for at least one night. Hiding towards the back of Tulum town, it is a house with just 3 tables, nicely and creatively decorated, and with delicious food which merges Mexican cuisine with an international touch.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
14. El Canaston
There is always that one place in a touristy town that seems just an average local place but it serves the best Mexican food with local ingredients, and it becomes THE place.
Well, that’s it. Must check it out for some all-star tacos. (located in Tulum town)
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Best cafes and ice-cream shops in Tulum DownTown
15. Macha Mama
For a healthy bowl at breakfast time or a fresh smoothy break on your sunny day. On the beach road and downtown as well.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
16. Alfonsine Cafe’
You will find this new cafe in Tulum downtown, on a side road on your way to Coba ( but still in Tulum).
The lovely staff will let you stay as long as you like and work from your laptop, and it’s a great cafe to work from.
They have great coffee and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu, besides a great choice of croissants and bakery goodies of all sorts.
It’s one of my favorite places to have breakfast in Tulum DownTown.
17. Italdo
Italdo is a great coffè shop on the way to La Veleta the new fancy neighborhood, close to the Gipsy Market, what I call the jewelry organic shop.
The ambiance is nothing special, you have outside seating under a porch right by the road, but they have the best coffee and bakery in town.
Quite trendy among locals. The almond croissant is to die for, but you will find a variety of options sweet and salted. Not the right place if you are on a weight control diet 🙂
If you are working for the nearby jungle Co-working space y
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
18. Botanica Garden Cafè
This is my favorite restaurant! Oh well, one of them. It’s set in a beautiful garden close to downtown and the beach road. You can have a delicious lunch or a healthy breakfast made with local ingredients.
Or just a coffee with freshly baked muffins or brownies. You will be surrounded by plants and trees in a lovely atmosphere and if you go on a Sunday you can participate in a painting class for a few dollars.
Check out their Facebook page for more info.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
19. Liquido y Solido
Located on Avenida Satellite, one of the main roads in Tulum Down Town, this lovely cafe’ has tables scattered around a beautiful courtyard.
The food is not only delicious but also beautiful to see, served on wooden trays or terracotta bowls, in delightful presentations.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available. On the menu, you can also find tasty juices and frappes of all sorts, besides healthy and rich dishes.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Best Tulum Restaurants: Vegetarian and vegan options
20. Tierra @ Holistika
This is the top favorite of all. it’s new, it’s fresh and it’s more than a restaurant, is a holistic retreat. You can check their menu here.
Make sure you don’t schedule anything after your meal, just in case you are enjoying the vibes, and extend your experience with a yoga class or just chilling in the pool.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
21. Sanarà hotel
A prestigious hotel on the Tulum beach is also popular for its glassed walls yoga shala and its beach restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
22. Nomade Hotel
Spectacular property on the beach boasting Moroccan architecture and vegan cuisine. It’s one of the trendiest places if you love music and party. Not for those who want to dine in tranquillity.
23. Pasha
Run by a husband and wife from Cyprus, this cute small restaurant serves the Middle East and international cuisine with exciting vegan options, in a beautiful minimalist setting with stone walls and an internal garden. The service is top-notch as well. Prices are a little above the average but it makes a great treat and worth it.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
24. The Pitted Date
One of the nicest Vegan restaurants in Tulum with a rich menu. Situated in the new high-end residential area Aldea Zama, one of the trendiest and best-located areas in Tulum.
The Pitted date has a few tables inside but a nice seating option in the lovely outdoor space among plants in a beautiful setting.
It’s open for breakfast and lunch with dishes that delight your palate and your sight as well. Also non-vegans will love it.
Free wifi is available
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
25. Kibok
There are two Kibok, and only the one on the Carretera Tulum going out of town is good. So make sure you go in the right Kibok.
Located by the new Jungle Gym pueblo, this cute little cafe is set in a tranquil garden and you don’t even realize you are on the main road.
Free wifi is available and it’s a great space to work from.
Kibok is also one of the best Tulum town restaurants for breakfast and lunch and at night the same space turns into a great Japanese restaurant, which you should try too.
Best Restaurants for Tulum Nightlife
I don’t go out at night much often, rarely, but I have investigated for you, and here is what I found out. In the Beach zone, you would want to go to Gitano and Casa Jaguar, mainly.
Casa Jaguar is also a great restaurant ( see above section) and they are both party places, open every night, although they also have their special night, the one that you can’t miss.
Gitano is on Friday and Casa Jaguar on a Thursday. In Casa Jaguar also on a Tuesday night, the restaurant has entertainment for their guests after dinner.
Saturday nights are for Papaya Playa which is a hotel, but very popular for its parties on Tulum beach on Saturdays and the full moon.
Also, Habita is great for events like concerts and movies.
In downtown Tulum ( el pueblo) also you will find interesting places to go and hang out, with great music and a fun environment.
Tulum Restaurants Map
Tulum Co-working space
Since this site is about Digital Nomad Life as well I thought I should share the new Co-working spaces in Tulum.
We nomads
A cute small space in the heart of Aldea Zama. It’s a convenient peaceful location surrounded by many eateries for a lunch break and a peaceful park where to take walks if you want to rest your eyes from the laptop.
Because it’s a small space it’s best if you book your spot here.
Digital Jungle Tulum
Digital Jungle is my favorite co-working space in Tulum. It’s located on the road to Holistika in the fancy neighborhood of La Veleta, right next to Italdo Cafe’ for a delicious break.
The space at Digital Jungle Tulum is huge and they also have nooks for private meeting, a relaxation area and a small restaurant.
Check out their daily rates and packages on Digital Jungle website
Los Amigos
I haven’t check this out personally but I wanted to include it as an option. It’s a more formal co-working space with the option to book an apartment as well. Located in Aldea Zama.
They also offer daily passes and long term packages. Check them out on their website.
Cafe’ Coati
Cafe’ coati is also called Meteora, and it’s a hostel and co-working space. It’s not big and tables and bars are scattered around a pool in a very relaxed atmosphere.
They also have a small air-conditioned room if the heat becomes unbearable.
Selina Tulum
Selina Tulum is the fanciest co-working space and the most expensive, but it’s location right on the beach is unbeatable and the fact that their WIFI is great despite being on the Tulum beach, well, we have to give them credit, right?
You can either book your stay there or just purchase a day pass as in any co-working space.
Know-before-you-go Tulum Restaurants Tips
I hope this list of the best restaurants in Tulum has helped you find your favorite dining place.
In addition, I wanted to share some important tips that you will need to know before entering any Tulum Restaurant.
Please read them, so you are warned and you don’t get mad!
- Be aware that the majority of Tulum restaurants, hotels, and shops don’t accept credit cards, so come with enough cash (Euros, USD, CAN$, Pounds) and you can change it at the ‘’Casa de Cambio’’.
- Although they accept USD, they would give you a very unreasonable rate exchange and give you a change in pesos, which is not convenient and you end up paying three times more for your delicious meal. So please make sure you have cash in pesos, always!
- There are ATMs all around the hotel zone and you can cash either in Pesos or USD, however, you should know that the ATM will charge you a commission of 50 USD for every withdrawal in USD, not convenient.
First time in Tulum? Here is a quick overview of my top travel tips
✅ TOP THINGS TO DO IN TULUM
- Take a stroll on the Tulum beach
- Visit the archeological site
- Spend a relaxing morning in a Cenote
- Splurge in one of the top luxury beach hotels
- Enjoy top dining options
✅ TULUM TRAVEL TIPS
- When is the best time to visit Tulum? November to April is the best time of the year to visit Tulum because it’s a less humid and lower chance of rain, while September and October are the rainiest months. However, I wouldn’t bother. You never know with the weather.
- The majority of hotels and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
- If you travel from December through April it’s better to book way in advance if you want to find availability.
- Tulum it’s a great destination for family and couples or solo travelers. There’s everything for every taste and budget.
- Kitesurfers in Tulum find their paradise but El Cuyo is becoming more and more popular.
- A great vegan and healthy living community set the trend for amazing vegan restaurants and yoga studios.
Your Essential Travel Resources
- Store your bags in the main cities and walk around freely hands and weight free with Bounce
- Check if you need a visa and get help processing it with iVisa
- Never ever leave without
travel insurance . Get complete coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing - I find all of my flights on Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, Google flights, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and always remember to compare
- Book your daily tours locally to support local businesses, or if you don’t find any reliable company, or you prefer to book in advance, check out GetYourGuide or Viator. Some of their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
- I rent my long and mid-term apartments on VRBO
- Book hotels with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Compare car rental prices at Discover Car Rentals
- Check out my travel planning guide if you are planning your trip and feeling overwhelmed
Jane
Monday 28th of June 2021
Great list! So many good restaurants in Tulum, it is hard to make a choice! I went to a few of your list, it helped. I also came across LYMBO TULUM in the hotel zone, delicious food also! Hope you will get the opportunity to try it!!!
Isabella
Monday 28th of June 2021
Hey Jane, thank you so much for your tip. I am sure our readers appreciate that and I will certainly try it when I go back to Tulum! :) Happy travels!
Eric Smith
Wednesday 17th of April 2019
a Coqueta is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. It’s much cheaper than any restaurant in the hotel zone and they offer free WiFi.
Isabella Biava
Wednesday 17th of April 2019
Hello Eric! thank you for your suggestion. I will check it out when I'll be back next year. :)