Looking for a fancy dinner out, tacos al pastor, or maybe a smoothie bowl? Check out these 18 restaurants in Tulum, Mexico, that take it to the next level.
Mexico is a popular destination for foodies, but Tulum in particular brings it up a notch. If you find yourself craving for exotic flavors and healthy food, your taste buds will be in for a treat when you head to Tulum.
Wondering where to eat in Tulum, Mexico? Look no further. On this list of Tulum dining spots you’ll find a mix of traditional Mexican dishes, fancy dining options, and hipster eateries of all kind.
READ ALSO: Top 30 Things to do in Tulum in 2024
Table of Contents
Best Restaurants in Tulum Beach
No matter what you’re craving, you’ll probably find it somewhere in one of the beach restaurants in Tulum. These below in my opinion are the top restaurants in Tulum Beach; check them out.
Posada Margherita
If you are craving Italian fare and want to dine with a view, there’s only one place to go: Posada Margherita. This intimate Italian restaurant in Tulum offers a delicious selection of homemade pasta and dishes using the fresh catch of the day. The pasta with shellfish I ordered was very good, and remember that I’m Italian and EXTREMELY pick with my pasta!
They have an extensive list of wine options, too, and if you’re craving pizza or homemade gelato… they’ve got it too. Besides the superb meal you’ll also get to enjoy fantastic views of the sea, whether you’re seating indoors or outdoors. Are you a vegetarian? No problem, they got you covered as well. Do I need to say more?
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 4.5, Tulum Beach
Opening Hours: Daily from 7.00 AM to 9.30 PM
Matcha Mama
Looking for endless breakfast options and delicious acai bowls in Tulum? Head to Matcha Mama. Aside from its pretty décor (and very instagrammable food!) this cafe is special for all the healthy and special diet options it has, including vegan, keto, and gluten-free.
On the menu you’ll find granola, smoothie bowls, kombucha, raw juices, smoothies, and of course, matcha teas! The variety of flavors is large, so you can personalize your bowls to your liking, and you’ll very likely want to go back for more. There’s a second location in Tulum Town as well.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 8.2
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 6 PM
Zamas Restaurant Tulum
I was able to try The Restaurant at Zamas while staying at Zamas Hotel, and oh I was glad I did! The restaurant is located right on the beach, literally steps from the ocean. The food is fresh, locally sourced, and the plates combine innovation with traditional Mexican flavors.
You can have any (or every) meal of the day at Zamas Restaurant, and they include special diets on their menu, from vegan and veggie options to gluten-free. You’ll also find a wood-burning oven on-site for some good crunchy pizza, along with a great selection of mezcal. My personal recommendation? Try their shrimp tacos and their margaritas!
Address: Tulum Beach at Zamas Hotel
Opening Hours: Daily from 7.30 AM to 10 PM
Hartwood
No list of the best restaurants in Tulum, Mexico is complete without Hartwood. Hartwood restaurant in Tulum is an off-the-grid and sustainable restaurant that specializes in organic dishes, all made with fresh and local ingredients. The chef uses whatever local produce he can find, which is why the menu changes daily.
All the cooking is done in a wood-burning grill and oven, and they say this is where to go to find the best food in Tulum, period – however, it won’t be easy finding a spot, and that’s why reservations are recommended. Prices at Hartwood aren’t low, but worth it.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7, Tulum Beach
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30 PM to 10 PM.
Raw Love
Want to eat healthy or looking for the best breakfast in Tulum? Raw Love Café should probably be number one on your list of options. This vegan restaurant in Tulum is super instagrammable, close to the beach, and guarantees that all the items on the menu are vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free. You can even create your own smoothie bowls with superfood ingredients!
Otherwise, you can go for a coconut latte or one of the acai bowls that look too good to eat. Raw desserts, zucchini noodles, and avo toasts are also favorites, so no worries if you have to come back for more. I also love the hippie chill-out vibe of this place!
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.5, Tulum Beach
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
Fresco’s
Fresco is a Spanish word that means fresh, so it should come as no surprise that Fresco’s specializes in healthy food options using fresh and organic ingredients. They have a healthy breakfast menu that consists of tasty smoothies, avocado toasts, and more unique choices such as yucca pancakes and matcha pudding.
If you come in for lunch or brunch, you can choose from their delicious tacos, cauliflower tostadas, and fresh ceviche (make sure to try the scallop ceviche tostada, yum!) You can also find delicious, crafted cocktails to pair your meal, and don’t leave without trying their desserts!
Address: Tulum Beach next to Hotel Cabañas Tulum
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM to 11 PM
BAK’ Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar
BAK’ Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar prides itself in serving some of the world’s finest meat cuts as well as delicious seafood, paying incredible attention to detail to provide the perfect culinary experience. At BAK’ you’ll enjoy dinner with a show, so you won’t be missing entertainment as you savor your meal.
While this Tulum Beach restaurant serves mainly meat dishes, they have a few vegetarian options that include salads and funghi pasta, and a dessert menu with specialty coffee varieties to end your meal on a great note.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 8.5
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 PM to 1 AM
Mezzanine
Craving some Thai food while in Tulum? Then check out Mezzanine Thai Restaurant & Bar, considered one of the best bars in Tulum and praised for its delicious food. At Mezzanine you’ll find typical Asian dishes, from curry to spring rolls, noodles and dumplings, and plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Mouth-watering food is not, however, the only attraction of the restaurant, as it’s located right in front of the beach and offers wonderful views. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and have an extensive dessert and drinks menu.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 1.5
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
Parole Tulum
Considered one of the best restaurants in Tulum, Parole Tulum serves authentic Italian dishes, the stars being their homemade pasta, the burrata, and the exquisite desserts (tiramisú, anyone?). The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating with a vintage, sophisticated design that many have labeled as romantic. As if the decor wasn’t romantic enough, there’s a live violinist playing every night, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
It offers vegetarian dishes as well as seafood and meats, and serves artisanal cocktails named after Italian movies. Could it get any better?
Kitchen Table
Kitchen Table is a jungle restaurant boasting an open kitchen to offer the full culinary experience to their guests, who will get to see their meal being prepared before they enjoy it. All ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced, and they offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Kitchen Table is nestled in the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation that provides a great atmosphere, and most of the food is cooked over wood fire as the restaurant strives to promote sustainability. Forgot to take pesos with you? Don’t worry, they also take dollars, credit cards, and crypto!
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 6
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 PM to 11 PM
ARCA
ARCA is one of the best places to eat in Tulum Beach, serving traditional Mexican dishes made with seasonal ingredients, cooked on an open fire and arranged with exquisite taste. The menu changes every season to use the freshest produce, and they have a few vegetarian options, as well as seafood dishes.
This restaurant in Tulum Beach features outdoor seating, ideal in warm evenings, and has a full bar with both the classics and house cocktails you’ll want to try.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.6
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 PM to 10.30 PM
Funky Geisha
Funky Geisha is an Asian-inspired restaurant that serves hearty and nutritious dishes from several countries, from incredible Thai Cuisine to Japanese and Chinese flavors, as well as classic Asian street food specials.
Besides their regular menu, they have a vegan one with several tasty options, so it’s a great spot for large groups with both veggie and non-veggie members. There’s also a large drinks menu that includes Sake,and various Japanese spirits.
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 PM to 1 AM
Cenzontle
Cenzotle serves traditional Mexican meals and international cuisine with a Mexican twist, creating dishes full of flavor. The restaurant offers various seafood options, although it has vegan-friendly, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives.
The place is also known for its incredible cocktailery, making it the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a fun, laid-back night out in Tulum. The lush jungle setting certainly adds to the ambiance, so don’t miss it!
Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.3
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 PM to 11 PM
Best Tulum Town Restaurants
If you are staying in Tulum town, don’t fret. You don’ need to go to Tulum Beach to find some great places. Here are my favorite eateries in Tulum Centro.
Antojitos la Chiapaneca
Antojitos la Chiapaneca is one of the most beloved taco places in Tulum town, and couldn’t miss in this Tulum restaurant guide. Located near Avenida Tulum, you’ll know right away this restaurant is popular… expect a long queue!
It’s a simple restaurant in Tulum with limited menu choices, but they are all delicious. Some of the specialties are the spit-roasted marinated pork tacos, fried tortillas with beans, and salbutes (Yucatecan tostadas). Probably the best Mexican food in Tulum. If you’re craving real tacos after visiting the Tulum Ruins, stop here.
Address: Calle Acuario Nte. 3
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 11 PM
Burrito Amor
Located in Avenida Tulum, Burrito Amor is hands down the best place to go to if you’re craving burritos in Tulum. By the way, did you know that burritos are much more tex-mex than actual Mexican food? But this doesn’t mean you can’t find good burritos in Mexico, which is the case with Burrito Amor.
Burrito Amor has both traditional wheat tortillas and coconut tortillas, which are freshly made daily, and they also serve salads and sweet treats. They take the quality of their ingredients seriously and offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly options as well. Fresh ingredients + low prices = guaranteed success. It’s great for a quick lunch before or after visiting the nearby cenotes in Tulum.
Address: Av. Tulum Pte Mz 3 Lote 5 Local 1
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
DelCielo
DelCielo is one of the best places for brunch and breakfast in Tulum. If you are craving tasty yet healthy options, here you’ll find anything from avo toast, poached eggs, gluten-free pancakes, and Mexican dishes such as rancheros eggs and chilaquiles. They have specific vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu but other items can also be veganized upon request.
They also serve 100% organic, Mexican coffee, or you can choose to have a matcha latte with your breakfast. The yummy food is not all, though: DelCielo has a bistro tropical feel that makes you feel like you are dining in a tropical paradise.
Address: Satelite Sur 5
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 2.30 PM
Taqueria Honorio
Taqueria Honorio serves incredibly good tacos and quesadillas from breakfast until lunch, offering a vegetarian option for each. It is a family-owned restaurant and you can generally find the place full: their tacos are that famous! However, even if there’s a line service is very efficient, so you won’t have to wait for long.
The menu has limited options, most of them differing in the kind of meat of the tacos, but reviews rave about every one of them, so you won’t be disappointed.
Address: Satelite Sur 19, Tulum Town
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 3 PM
Sabor de Mar
Sabor de Mar is a must for seafood lovers. It has an unassuming ambiance to it but don’t be fooled – this seafood joint gets a lot of praise from its diners. Their house specialty includes the seared tuna with yam puree and the seafood soup is another must-try.
Ceviche, tartare, and tostadas are also a hit at Sabor de Mar, and I definitely recommend the fish burritos and the volcano tower. Since they specialize in seafood, this is not the place for vegetarians!
Address: Calle Jupiter Norte, Tulum Centro
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 9.30 PM
How to Get to Tulum
Even if you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya, a day trip to Tulum is always a great idea. Or if you are going on a road trip (great choice), make sure to include Tulum in your Yucatan itinerary.
So, why not stick around a few extra hours to enjoy the incredible foodie scene in Tulum?
I wrote two full posts about all the options you’ve got for getting to Tulum by bus, taxi, private driver, colectivo (shared van), etc. Check them out:
How To Get from Cancun to Tulum
How To Get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
And there you go! Hopefully this list is useful to choose where to eat in Tulum. If I’m missing any other great Tulum restaurants, please let me know in the comments!
Tracy
Friday 30th of April 2021
Do these restaurants in Tulum and Tulum beach take credit cards or do you need cash/pesos?
Steph
Sunday 2nd of May 2021
Most restaurants will accept credit cards, I would just bring cash for the very local places in Tulum town just in case.
Evan
Saturday 20th of March 2021
Arca and verdant should be on this list!
Irishman
Thursday 21st of January 2021
Hi. Could I ask if you preferred Thailand or Mexico? Debating where to go for a two week holiday between these two. Will either go to Bophut on Koh Samui & Koh Lipe if Thailand, or if Mexico we will go to Tulum and either Isla Mujeres or Playa Del Carmen. Can't decide between the two. Which has the better coffee? :-) Thanks A confused Irishman
Steph
Tuesday 9th of February 2021
Hi! Sorry for the late reply, I just saw this comment. I love both, but they are really different dfrom each other. If you're looking for a relaxing holiday in a natural paradise, I would suggest Thailand. Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres are much more touristy and crowded, and are best for people who like a more active trip and are looking for better restaurants and nightlife. For coffee, I'd say Mexico is a better choice, tons of nice cafes in the areas you mentioned. I hope it's helpful!