The best restaurants in Tulum, the coolest bars and cafés

Here below you will find a list of what I consider the best restaurants in Tulum.

You indeed have a variety of choices from every dietary needs and preference and as I was mentioning in my Tulum Travel Guide it is not only about the food, but also about 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 new place.

I am happy to pick my favorites for you among the ones I have tried or I have been recommended by my local friends and you can be sure I will be adding on 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.

“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TULUM TIPS”

Be aware that the majority of 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, it is always convenient to have cash in pesos, due to the favorable rate exchange.

There are ATM all over 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, not really convenient. 

Hartwood 

It’s 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 apparently, when you finally sit, they make sure it was worth the wait. The setting is the typical Tulum boho style, 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

Mur Mur

Right next door to Hartwood, Mur Mur is this new cozy restaurant which just opened last December. Located in a very convenient spot, a little plaza with some of the nicest clothing shops in the area. The restaurant offers a delicate Mexican-International menu. Definitely, worth a try… you will go back! 

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Mur Mur Restaurant – Photo Courtesy Mur Mur

Casa Banana

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.

Cenzontle

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

Casa Jaguar: 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 cooked right before your eyes and savory vegetable options. Great parties on Thursday night!

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Photo courtesy of Casa Jaguar

Ukami

If you are missing your favorite sushi restaurant at home, that you cannot live without them, HUKAMI is the perfect place for you. Besides the great sushi, you will find a cozy atmosphere and a relaxed ambiance.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Posada Margherita

Your favorite italian restaurant, with home made pasta and focaccia – healthy juices and fresh fish – cool vibest and laid-back ambiance.  if only for the peculiar character of the owners. The food is based on the authentic homemade Italian flavors. The place looks rustic but feels chic, the owners too 😉

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

ARCA 

You don’t want to miss the remarkable work from 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

Asadero

For meat-eaters, but not only, Asadero 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

Cetli

This unique place is definitely to be tried at least one night. Hiding towards the back of downtown Tulum, it is basically 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

El Bacaro

The best pasta plates brought to you by native Italians from the region of Veneto. Locals from Tulum says here you can find the best pasta dishes of the area. The pizza is good too. In a very laid back atmosphere just off the main road of the Pueblo of Tulum. Same road as the bar Kibook. (calle Centauro Sur entre Andromoeda y Sol)

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Kay Nah

Right in front of el Bacaro a bit further up the road is this new restaurant specialized in seafood cuisine. There is a very cozy and Caribbean ambiance with a great friendly service. They have just opened and already received great reviews! Can’t wait to try it myself.

Read reviews on Trip Advisor

El Sudaca

Look no further!! – Best empanadas in town and probably in the region. It’s a little shop with a few tables outside on a tranquil side road, just off the main avenue in the Pueblo of Tulum. You can either enjoy your empanadas there.. just in case you will need to order an extra one, (in fact after you taste it, the temptation will be very strong!) or you can buy them to go and enjoy it at home or on the beach. It’s a great option for a quick sneak or easy dinner and with a variety of fillings, from vegetarian to meat and different combination. Well, I think I made it very clear this is one of my favorite spot in Tulum.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

El Canaston 

There is always that one place in a touristy town that seems just an average local place but it actually serves the best local food, and it becomes THE place. Well, that’s it. Must check it out for some all-star tacos. (located in Tulum downtown)

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Macha Mama

For a healthy bowl at breakfast time or a fresh smoothy break in your sunny day. On the beach road and in downtown as well.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Vegan Icecream

The first is this vegan ice cream place located in the Beach zone- they only do vegan ice-cream, homemade and super healthy, besides delicious. You will find it on the beach road just a few steps from the Heartwood restaurant.

Bike rental – yoga studio and shop in Tulum

Siesta cafe’ 

A cozy little place that merges Mexican design clothing with the traditional Mexican concept of “siesta” (resting). A cozy environment where you can either sip your coffee’ watching the Tulum life going by. You can also taste the delicious handmade snacks.

Best cafés in downtown Tulum

Babel

Babel is a lovely coffè shop on the main road in Tulum downtown (Pueblo). A cozy place to hang out,  in their comfy sofa’ and chairs and have your daily coffee’ doses but don’t get deceived since they also offer delicious sandwiches, toast or bagel style, fresh and healthy fruit juices, and finger leaking desserts. So it is a good place to eat a healthy lunch or a quick bite. It is normally open from 7.30 am to 10 pm.

Arthelado

This is another relatively new kid on the block, as Tulum Downtown cool area is expanding more and cozier lovely places are opening off the main road. This is one of them. A little space full of creativity and good taste. The ice cream is to die for and the cozy garden offers comfortable chairs and free WIFI.

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 actually 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

Sanarà hotel

A prestigious hotel on the beach also popular for its glassed walls yoga shala and its beach restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Nomade Hotel

Spectacular property on the beach boasting a Moroccan architecture and a vegan

Batey Mojito bar

Nightlife in Tulum is pretty awesome, great music, laid-back environment, joyful crowds. I am not really a night out freak but I have asked around among my friends who live in Tulum what are the cool places to hang out. This is the reply.

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 own 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.

Foto courtesy of Casa Jaguar

Saturday nights are for Papaya Playa which is actually a hotel, but very popular for its parties on the beach on Saturdays and on the full moon.

Also, Habitas is great for events like concerts and movies

In downtown ( el pueblo) also you will find interesting places to go and hang out, with great music and fun environment.

The ones that are most popular right now are  Batey, KiKi and Pasito Tun Tun. They are all open every night and always with a good crowd.