Restaurants

Whether you want a 50 cent al pastor 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:

Tótem Restaurant & Lounge:  Featuring Italian cuisine and live jazz.  Good service, good food, good wine, and fun atmosphere!  We suggest the seafood pasta and pizzas.

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. 

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

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

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.  We are addicted to their green juice.

Nikkori Sushi:  Tuesday is 2x1 rolls night. Good poke rice bowls and sushi rolls.  

The Pitted Date:  A vegan breakfast restaurant serving omelets, sandwiches, waffles, and breakfast bowls. 

Fresh Market:  A small market with basic groceries, canned goods, deli, and more.  Grab a few sandwiches on your way to the beach. Not a restaurant, per sé, but a handy place  to get a meal to go, or basic supplies.  They actually sell some pretty good wine, too!

The Kitchen Table:  A high end and exceptional restaurant with a unique jungle setting.  Choose which lobster you want and they will cook it to order.  Bring cash, as they do not take credit cards. https://www.kitchentabletulum.com

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. 

El Tábano:  Authentic traditional Mexican dishes in an eclectic atmosphere, on the jungle side of the beach road.  Their hand crafted moles ("mó-lays") are delicious, and the shrimp appetizer is divine. Moderate to high prices.

Ziggy Beach:  Always one of our favorite stops.  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 lovely 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

Mezzanine:  Beautiful location on the cliff overlooking the sea.  Upscale Thai fusion cuisine.  Great for a special night out.  Fairly high prices, but worth every penny for just the ambience alone.  The only thing we would not recommend there are the margaritas, but there are many other delicious drink options.  https://www.mezzaninetulum.com/restaurant-bar/

Mi Amor:  A classy 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.  

La Zebra:  Lively and fun restaurant and beach club, but not inexpensive.  Tip: go for the weekly salsa dance lessons. https://www.lazebratulum.com/restaurant-bar/

Zamas:  Enjoy fresh fruit smoothies and casual food, on the beach.  We usually go for breakfast or lunch.  Well priced for the beach road. Note: it is best to avoid this spot if there is sargasso (sea grass) present, as it tends to collect in this little bay.  https://www.zamas.com/restaurant/

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

Mía Restaurant & Beach Club:  A beautiful place to spend the day, sipping artisanal cocktails, eating delicious food, and splashing in the ocean.  There is a minimum spend per person for the beach loungers (about $50 USD per person), but not if you sit in the restaurant.  Typical beach road pricing, but who can put a price tag on that view?

Mivida Tapas Bar & Restaurant:  A cute, eclectic place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Walk through to the inner courtyard and eat in the quaint dining area next to the beach. Casual.

Taquería Honorio:  An authentic locals' spot with simple regional food at a very good price.  The best cochinita pibil in town.   The modest ambience consists of plastic tables and chairs under a tarp.  They close early, so be sure to arrive by noon.  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.  You will not find better al pastor (pork) in all of Tulum.  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 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.

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:   Amazing burritos and tasty 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!