Restaurants

Whether you want a mouthwatering humble street taco or the most delectable gastronomic experience of your life, Tulum has you covered.  A good friend once commented to me, "You just can't get a bad meal in Tulum."  In general, you will find inexpensive food in the pueblo, mid-range food in our Aldea Zamá neighborhood, and high-end cuisine on the beach road.  There are so many fabulous restaurants to explore, so enjoy! Below are a few of our favorites, listed by location. Also,  download the Tomato.mx app for easy and cheap delivery from many restaurants.

All of the below restaurants are within walking distance of our residence:

Mamazul Tulum Mezcalería Restaurante:  Artisanal mezcal bar with a chic ambience.  Serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Easy walking distance from the residence.  Try the porcini mushroom tacos and the passion fruit mezcal cocktail. For breakfast, try their chilaquiles.

Cinco Pueblo:  Cinco is one of our favorite beach clubs, and we also love the restaurant they opened up just an easy 5 minute walk from our condo. For dinner they offer a great mix of seafood and meat options, plus salads and veggies. Located on a fun street--sometimes there's even salsa dancing lessons going on out front.

Spider Sushi: If you like sushi, don't miss out on Spider.  Featuring excellent fresh fish and wonderful service.  Owners Miguel and Leti are very sweet and accommodating.  Our favorites include the sumo roll and the tempura roll.

Los Morros:  In the mood for seafood?  Los Morros has an extensive selection of super fresh ceviche, agua chile, etc. Casual atmosphere.  Yum!

Campanella Cremerie:  A casual outside seating place for coffee and pastries, ice cream, and sandwiches.  Take a made-to-order sandwich to go for your excursions.

Vintage Café:  Very good breakfast spot, with full menu.  We are addicted to their green juice.

Safari Comedor:  Casual, fun spot with tacos and other typical plates.  https://www.safariculinary.com/safari-tulum-comedor/

Fresh Market:  A small market with a good assortment of basic groceries, canned goods, veggies, and more.  They actually sell some pretty good wine, too! We mainly go for the market, but Fresh Market also has a very casual food counter attached, serving sandwiches, pasta, and pizza. 

La Zebra:  Lively and fun restaurant and beach club, with vibrant ambiance and full menu and bar. Very nice sun loungers on the beach. They have a super fun sports lounge upstairs, if you want to catch a game while you're in town. On Tuesdays, they offer free salsa dancing lessons. Free parking across the street.

https://www.lazebratulum.com/restaurant-bar/

Ziggy Beach:  Spend the day on their fabulous beach (with minimum spend of about $50-$70 USD per person), and then dine under the palm trees with your toes in the sand.  Other features:  swings for barstools, pool table, and nightly live music. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Not inexpensive, but well worth it.  Note:  if it's a windy night, you can sit in the sand-bottom interior area that is protected.  https://www.ziggybeachtulum.com

Cinco Beach Club: Always one of our favorite spots.  We love the casual atmosphere and low-key vibe. Good cocktails and food.  Located inside the Jaguar National Park.  Free parking. 

La Eufemia: If you are in the mood for a funky, super casual locals' spot, check out La Eufemia. Enjoy the beach and the inexpensive tacos. 

Arca: If you are looking for a truly spectacular culinary experience, look no further.  Arca has a chic jungle setting, excellent service, and a unique and delicious menu that is sure to make your evening a highlight of your trip. Arca is one of the top Tulum restaurants, and priced accordingly. 

Mezzanine:  Beautiful location on the cliff overlooking the sea, within Jaguar National Park.  Upscale Thai fusion cuisine.  Great for a special night out.  Fairly high prices, but worth every penny for just the ambience alone.  My favorite menu item, the drunken noodles. Yum! Happy hour is 1--4pm with 2x1 drinks.  https://www.mezzaninetulum.com/restaurant-bar/

Mi Amor:  A classy, adults-only restaurant overlooking the water.  The food and service are great, and the view is lovely.  We recommend the raw oysters, ahi tuna, and homemade pasta.  Inside Jaguar National Park.

Piedra Escondida:  Very good food and a small private beach.  Definitely go for happy hour, and enjoy  2 for 1 drinks.  Their lobster fettuccini and ahi tuna nachos are amazing!  And don't miss the passion fruit mojito.  https://piedraescondida.com/en/restaurant

Palma Central:  While not a restaurant, per sé, this is a super fun experience! Palma Central is a large enclosed outdoor space with many food trucks, local vendors, and loads of picnic tables.  In the center is a dance floor.  On Tuesday nights, they have a live salsa band, dancing, and even a fire show. It's usually packed and so fun! 

Taquería Honorio:  An authentic locals' spot with simple regional food at a very good price.  The best cochinita pibil in town.  Tip:  get take-out and bring it home to the condo.

Antojitos La Chiapaneca:  A local hot spot with cheap and delicious tacos and tortas.  Known for their  al pastor (pork) tacos.  Perfect place to go for a late dinner or snack after walking the shops in the pueblo.  Don't expect white table cloths and fine china!

Pollo Bronco:  Pick up a simple meal of  grilled chicken, rice, and roasted whole onion.  Take it back to the condo for a delicious feast.  Cheap and tasty.

Don Cafeto:  Perhaps the oldest restaurant in Tulum, with great traditional Mexican food.  Casual, inexpensive.  Don't expect elegance, but do expect an authentic dining experience rubbing shoulders with locals. 

El Camello:  If you are in the mood for seafood, check out El Camello or El Camello Jr.  Get ready for enormous servings very fresh ceviche.  You know it's good when you see this restaurant is constantly packed with locals.  Very casual.  Large portions, and very fresh fish.

Asian Bodega:  creative Asian-fusion menu with Thai and Southeast Asian influences. Lively vibe and popular with local expats.  Located in the La Veleta neighborhood.

Ki'bok Café Gourmet:  Quaint breakfast café with good chilaquiles.  We love to eat in the cute inner courtyard.  Reasonably priced. http://www.kibokcoffee.com/tulum

Burrito Amor:   Tasty burritos and drinks, with a hip vibe.  A favorite among local expats.  http://www.burrito-amor.com/index.php/en/

El Asadero:  If you are tired of seafood (is that even possible?) and want a fantastic  steak, check out El Asadero.  The specialty of the house is "arrachera".

La Coqueta:  Small, colorful restaurant.  Try the guacamole, fajitas and margaritas.  Affordable.

Panna e Cioccolato:   Best ice cream in Tulum.  It's hot.....eat ice cream!

Cetli:  A very eclectic and charming restaurant far off the beaten path, specializing in traditional Mexican food. The colorful decor in this hacienda-style setting is inviting and cheerful.   The specialty of the house is a delicious chile en nogada.  The pachiuki (poblano pepper stuffed with corn and mushrooms with a peanut mole sauce) is also incredible.  Located about 5 minutes out of town, on the road to Cobá, it's easy to miss from the road.  Worth the trip!