Tulum’s Best Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Guide for Every Wallet

My 25 favourite restaurants in Tulum

Are you planning a trip to Tulum and looking for the best places to eat? You’ve landed in the perfect spot!

Nestled on the Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum is not only a sanctuary for those who adore pristine beaches and rich historical sites, but it’s also a great destination for food enthusiasts.

I first visited years ago, when dining was already expensive. But the pandemic made it even worse. I realized that you can easily overspend on dining if you don’t know the local scene.

That’s why I’ve created this complete guide, walking you through the Top 25 Eateries in Tulum, spanning both the hotel zone and the city center.

From cozy local eateries to chic upscale restaurants, along with hearty meat options and healthy organic vegetarian meals, there’s a perfect spot for every taste and every budget.

• Be sure to explore My Ultimate Tulum Guide for all the tips and insights you need to plan your next vacation 😉

So, ready to discover the best dining spots in Tulum? Let’s dive in!

Where to Eat in Tulum?

Since Tulum is quite spread out, I’ve divided the top 25 restaurants into two sections: the hotel zone and the city center, which are about 3 miles apart.

You can also check out my map of the best places to eat in Tulum to see their exact locations!

Just like the hotels, dining options in the downtown area tend to be more affordable, while those in the hotel zone are generally more upscale and expensive.

Quick summary of Tulum’s Best Restaurants

Don’t have time to read everything? Here’s a quick overview of my list:

• Most Romantic Restaurants: NÜ Tulum
• Best Restaurants for Families with Kids: La Zebra
• Best Beach Club: Rosanegra
• Restaurant with the Most Beautiful Beach: El Paraiso Tulum Restaurant
• Best Budget-Friendly restaurant: Loncheria La Esquina, Best Tacos Pepe
• Best Street Food in Tulum: Best Tacos Pepe
• Top Vegan and Vegetarian Options in Tulum: Amaranto, Burrito Amor
• Top Pick for Healthy Eating in Tulum: Raw Love
• Best Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Tulum: Loncheria La Esquina
• Best Spots for Seafood in Tulum: Negra Tomasa
• Most Instagrammable Dining Spot in Tulum: The Nest, Raw Love
• Best breakfast in Tulum: Del Cielo

Join a Food Tour of Tulum

If you’re a food lover with limited time, a guided food tour in Tulum is a fantastic choice. Join a local guide who will show you around the best eateries in town!

Book it here:

The Essential List of Tulum’s Best Restaurants

Hotel Zone (Beach Strip)

1. Raw Love

This is undoubtedly one of the most famous spots in Tulum‘s hotel zone, nestled right on the beach!

This must-visit spot for vegans offers a 100% organic vegan menu, with dishes free from refined sugar, dairy products, preservatives and animal products (with the exception of honey).

My personal favorite is their açaí bowl !

2. La Taqueria – Pinches Tacos Shop

They’re known for their tasty quesadillas and fajitas, but what really won me over is their generous Arrachera (skirt steak) burrito, loaded with cheese and tomato.

Make sure to sample their guacamole as well – it’s fresh with the perfect lime twist. The atmosphere here is lively and welcoming, with friendly service that makes every meal enjoyable. La Taqueria offers an authentic taste of Mexico, right in the heart of the Tulum Beach Strip.

• Mon-Fri 8 am-12 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-12 pm
• Several locations

 

3. Checkpoint Ciao

If you’re hunting for the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in Tulum, this is the place to be.

It’s definitely one of my favorite spots to dine in Tulum. The secret to their exceptional pizza is the wood-fired oven that gives each pizza a perfect crispy crust and rich flavor.

But it’s not just the pizza that makes this place special!

Their Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing delight, and you absolutely must try their delicious Pistachio Tiramisu to finish your meal beautifully. Trust me, even if you think you can’t eat another bite, you need to make room for this dessert.

• Open 11.30 am – 11.30 pm
• KM 7, Zona Hotelera, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM 7

4. La Malinche

Nestled closed the beach, La Malinche Tulum is a vibrant and welcoming spot, ideal for relaxing in a laid-back, colorful atmosphere.

It offers tasty and affordable tacos, a great alternative to the more expensive beach clubs. I was particularly impressed by their octopus taco!

After a day near the sea, it’s a perfect place for enjoying tacos, burritos, margaritas, or beer at good prices.

For vegetarians and vegans, they also have a nice selection of options.

• Fri-Mon 11am-11pm, Tue-Thursday 3pm-11pm
• Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila, km 7.5, Tulum Beach

5. Oishī Sushi Omakasē

There are many good sushi restaurants in Tulum, but Oishī offers a unique experience that blends ancient Japanese traditions with modern cuisine: Omakase and Kaiseki.

Omakase means “I trust the chef.” It’s a friendly way to eat, where the chef surprises you with his creativity, making dishes from the day’s fresh products.

Kaiseki is a refined meal with several courses focused on seasonal ingredients, a bit more formal than Omakase.

At Oishī, every dish is prepared in front of you, tailored to your tastes as the meal progresses.

You sit at the counter, close to the chef, getting to know each dish and ordering more as you wish. It’s a unique and tasty journey into Japanese cuisine, right in the heart of Tulum.

• Open 5 pm- midnight

6. Holy Smokes

Holy Smokes, a brand new spot in the hotel zone of Tulum, has quickly become a favorite for its flavorful sandwiches. 

I was truly impressed by the brisket and pork belly sandwiches. Their meat’s deep flavors, along with the standout gravy and coleslaw, made these sandwiches the perfect choice for a relaxing day by the beach.

And you can’t forget about their mac and cheese – it’s a must-try for that extra touch of comfort!

What really made my visit to Holy Smokes stand out, apart from their tasty food, was the quick service, super friendly staff, and fair prices, which are quite good for Tulum’s hotel zone.

• Open 12pm-11.30pm
• Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km8, Tulum Beach

7. Santo Mercado Mexican Kitchen

I really enjoyed the tacos at Santo Mercado, especially the lamb birria tacos (340 pesos). They come with this unique cacao tortilla and pumpkin seeds, and are just amazing.

Make sure to finish with their chocolate taco – it’s something else!

The vibe is made even better thanks to Luciano & Andres; their friendly service truly makes the place more welcoming.

• Open 2pm-11pm
• Km 6.5 Hotel Zone Tulum

8. Fresco’s Tulum

It’s a lovely restaurant open for breakfast (eggs Benedict, toast, granola bowl, etc.), lunch, and dinner, with cocktails (the margarita is great!).

I really enjoyed their salads and the tropical ceviche with shrimp and watermelon.

While the restaurant isn’t directly on the beach, it’s part of the same hotel as Ziggy’s restaurant and beach club, so dining there gives you access to Ziggy’s beautiful beach.

• Open 7am-11pm
• KM 7.1, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Hotel Zone

9. Itzam-na Restaurante Mexicano

Nestled near the vibrant spots of Sferik and Papaya Playa Project, Itzam-Na stands as a gem in Tulum for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine with a friendly touch.

If you are vegetarian, the vegetarian burrito is incredibly tasty. It comes with fresh guacamole, refried beans, and a zesty, garlicky green salsa. It was so good, I couldn’t help but lick my fingers afterwards.

In addition to the burrito, I also loved the quesadillas and tacos al pastor, which were both very satisfying.

• Open from 9 a.m. to midnight
• Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen KM 5 77780 Km 5, Tulum Hotel Zone

10. Casa Maria Mexican Grill

Where to Eat in Tulum: Top Traveler Tips

• Check for Included Tips⚠️: In Tulum, as in many parts of the Riviera Maya, it’s actually illegal but unfortunately common for some restaurants to include a service charge (tip) in the bill. Always check your bill to see if a service charge has been added, particularly in tourist-centric areas, to avoid double tipping.

• Cash is King: While many restaurants in Tulum accept credit cards, smaller, local eateries may only take cash. Carrying a reasonable amount of Mexican Pesos can be very handy.

• Reservations: For popular restaurants (ex: Kanan, NÜ), especially during high season, make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment

• Be Open to Street Food: Some of the best culinary experiences in Tulum come from street food vendors. Try local specialties but choose vendors that are busy and appear clean and well-maintained. You can also consider a food tour (click here!), a great way to discover these notable street food spots in Tulum

• Dress Code: Check if there’s a dress code, especially in upscale restaurants. Tulum can be quite casual, but some places might require smarter attire.

• Meal Times: Remember that meal times in Mexico can be later than what some travelers are used to. Lunch is often around 2-4 pm and dinner can start from 8 pm onwards.

Map of the best restaurants in Tulum

Here’s a map with all the best restaurants in Tulum mentioned in this article, making it easy for you to navigate and find them.

Where to stay in Tulum – The best hotels

Should you stay in Tulum’s hotel zone or in the town center? Each area offers unique benefits!

The hotel zone in Tulum boasts stunning hotels with often direct beach access, though it generally requires a higher budget.

Staying in Tulum’s downtown, on the other hand, is typically more affordable and puts you close to everything – markets, banks, restaurants, bars, and more.

Here are my top hotel picks in Tulum, catering to a range of budgets:

• Mayan Monkey Tulum: an excellent value for money. Nice modern hostel with a good atmosphere, a pool, bar and garden. Including fast wifi, kitchen access, yoga classes, coworking spaces, and bike and motorcycle rentals. Dorms and private rooms starting at only 24 $usd per night.

• Casa Almendro: if you are looking for a little more comfort, you will like this small cheap hotel in the center of Tulum. It’s a green oasis with a rooftop terrace with chairs and hammocks. There are king size beds and breakfast is included, from only 50 $usd per night!

• Diamante K: is a high-end hotel but at a very fair price, which is exceptional in Tulum, especially for a hotel with direct access to the beach in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, including a restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, and a massage service. Bungalows are 207 $usd per night.

• Habitas Tulum: this small eco-friendly hotel with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum. It is a true oasis of peace, hidden among the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. There are also yoga classes on the terrace at sunset. From 371 $usd per night!

• Kanan Tulum- Adults Only: this is the ultimate option for a luxury stay in Tulum. It is an ecological hotel for adults only, located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. With a fantastic rooftop terrace with a bar; the hotel also has an excellent restaurant, great rooms and a very friendly welcome. From 566 $usd per night!

Rent a car in Tulum

Renting a car is the best way to visit Tulum and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

Get the Best Deals on Flight Tickets

Until recently, there was no airport in Tulum, and the nearest airport was Cancun. So you had to take a flight to Cancun (e.g. Iberia, Aeromexico, Interjet, KLM, etc.), then transfer from Cancun to Tulum (3h15).

Alternatively, Tulum’s brand-new airport Felipe Carrillo (TQO) is located at 40 min away from Tulum.

Before choosing an airport, compare the prices and stopovers from your original destination. Cancun might still be better than Tulum, since there are not many direct flights to Tulum right now.

To find a cheap flight to Tulum or Cancun, I recommend using our flight comparison service in partnership with Skyscanner. You’re guaranteed to pay the best price!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Riviera Maya: The 35 Epic Things to Do!

• Tulum: 35 Best Things to Do + All My Best Tips!
• Where to Stay in Tulum? The best areas and places to stay
• 1 Day in Tulum – Top Spots in 24 Hours
• 2 Days in Tulum – Exploring Paradise in 48 Hours
• 3 Days in Tulum – The Ideal 72-Hour Itinerary
• Tulum Ruins: Everything you Need to Know for your Visit
• Tulum: the 15 Best Cenotes You Can’t Miss!
• Why You Should Visit Cenote Dos Ojos (Tulum)
• New Tulum Airport (Felipe Carrillo): All You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Kaan Luum Lagoon, Tulum’s Best-Kept Secret

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See
• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Cancun: the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Where to stay in Cancun? The guide to the best hotels and resorts, for all budgets

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