Where to Eat in Tulum
The food in Tulum is a reason alone to visit this place. There are so many good spots. Here’s my list of the best restaurants in Tulum, places you cannot miss.
For more on Tulum’s food scene, check out my post on “Must-try Dishes in Tulum” (coming soon).
Arca. This is one of my favorite restaurants here. One of the co-founders/owners is a chef from Noma Copenhagen, one of the best restaurants in the world. The food is super unique and all grown locally. I love the cocktails and ambiance too. It’s not located on the beach, but it’s essentially in the jungle. It’s tough to get a reservation, but not impossible. If you cannot get one ahead of time, they take walk-ins, but you should plan to arrive early.
Hartwood. I finally made it to this place and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Their menu changes daily (based on ingredients available). It’s not a huge menu and it’s presented on large chalkboards and then every item is explained to you by your waiter. I had the octopus and a side veggie that was one large beet and it was amazing. I actually went by myself, ate at the bar, and met another solo diner that invited me to share a dessert. I don’t remember what it was, but it was delish. The place is very small and always packed, so get there early (5:30pm, when it opens) if you do not have a reservation. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They are cash only but will accept PayPal.
Nomade (La Popular). Probably the most boho chic vibe in Tulum when it comes to restaurants. The long, wood, family-style tables are on the beach with huge with pillows on the sand to sit on. The food is amazing although the dishes are pretty small. The menu is also very seafood-heavy. Do not miss the marlin quesadilla or the octopus. It’s not cheap, but it’s so good and worth trying as many plates as on the menu.
Saikuk. Everyone had been talking about this Moroccan spot, so I finally made a reservation for 1 and got there. It was soooo good. I had their veggie app that is essentially a palm shape with different veggies in each finger (lots of different flavors) and super light, and then I had their chicken entree. I was a bit scared when it arrived because it was two drum sticks (I’m picky about chicken and really only eat chicken breast), but OMG it just fell off of the bone. I cleaned the plate. They have a DJ late night on the weekends and it turns into a fun party.
Ilios. Their menu is greek, but there’a a mix of other cuisines as well. The food is great and you cannot beat the service (which is sometimes hard to come by in Tulum). I’m obsessed with the king crab legs. For dessert you have to get the cheesecake. After dinner head next door to BAK (same owners as Ilios) and grab a spot at the bar. They always have fun DJs and you can spend all night dancing.
Posada Margherita. One of the most adorable spots in Tulum. It’s a mix of Italian and beach in terms of the aesthetic and the food. While I didn’t get the full experience because I am gluten and dairy free, I still had a great meal (a nice fish dish cooked in seawater). Everyone loves their pizzas everything is very fresh. Highly recommended for lunch or as a cute date spot at night - super romantic and they have tables on the sand. They are cash only but accept Venmo.
Mezzanine. Craving Thai food in Tulum? Look no further than Mezzanine. The food is great, reasonably priced, and the restaurant overlooks the beach below. It’s located at the top of the beach road, so a great option if you aren’t staying in the Hotel Zone and want to get down to the beach but not experience the craziness of the main part.
Nu. I had heard it is one of the best restaurants in Tulum, and I’d agree. The chef even came up to our table to check on us and explain a bit about the place. The dishes were unique and some of the best I’ve had in Tulum.
Verdant. Like Arca, it’s also owned by a former chef from Noma in Copenhagen. They have their own garden on site that you can walk through. They explained that their vegetable dishes are meant to carry the same weight as their meat dishes, and they lived up to that. Everything was unique and super fresh. It’s located in town vs. on the beach, so a great option if you want to spend the night in town.
The Real Coconut. The place is 100% free of gluten, grain, dairy, soy, and corn. Heaven for someone who is gluten-free or dairy-free in Tulum. They are predominately plant-based with ton of hearty vegan dishes, but they have fish and meat dishes as well. Although they do not like having digital nomads taking up every table, their WiFi is great for working remotely. It is pricey, so spending a day working/eating there can add up very quickly.
More on Working Remotely in Tulum
Raw Love. This is a raw/vegan spot in Tulum’s town and also at the Ahau hotel on the beach. Go here if you want a smoothie, smoothie bowl, or raw/vegan/gluten free meal.
Burrito Amor. Cute outdoor spot in town. I love it for breakfast/brunch when I can get an egg burrito (GF) and a cocktail for a little hair of the dog. They make their own coconut gluten free tortillas.
More on Gluten Free in Tulum (coming soon)
Safari. If you’re staying in Aldea Zama, this place is great if you’re not looking to go into town or down to the beach for a good bite to eat. I am in love with their tacos. They don’t serve alcohol, but they do have fresh lemonade if you want to take your food home and add some mezcal once there.
I haven't been to Kitchen Table, but heard it’s really good. In town, I’ve also heard great things about El Camello Jr. and Humo. If you’re in looking for a party-vibe meal for a birthday or on a weekend where you’ll get sparklers every 10 mins, then you should go to Ilios, BAK, Macario, Taboo, RosaNegra or Bagatelle Tulum.
xx Em
