You’ll never know why Tulum always wins the visitors’ hearts until you get there. Imagine yourself embraced by the gorgeous golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and nice breeze through your hair at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
And of course, it’s home to the absolute stellar restaurants that serve excellent food with so much love and care.
From friendly street vendor carts to the finest restaurants with cozy atmospheres perfect for daily dates, Tulum has it all for your craving!
Now, let’s jump into our top list of the best Tulum restaurants, shall we?
1. Pook Chu’c
Pook Chu’c is somewhere you would possibly miss out on easily since it’s kinda hidden. But as soon as you discover it, you’ll get pleased with this little jewel.
Just behind the main street, with a cozy and home-like atmosphere, Pook Chu’c creates a perfect environment for a memorable date night. Passion and dedication from the chefs and owner in every detail are presented completely in every outrageously good dish making the experience, even more, unforgettable.
No one has ever missed out on the famous Traditional Pook Chuuk, so neither you! Perfectly roasted pork and smoky vegetables are grilled nicely and mixed with homemade honey to reach that harmony of nuttiness and sweetness that promises to immerse you. Crunchy skin, pork juice is balanced nicely with some citrusy lemon vinaigrette. Divine!
Love taking big bites? A Chicken Burger is totally worth trying! Every bite is filled with succulent chicken medallion covered with creamy, cheesy Oaxaca cheese and veggies like roasted onions for that caramel-y taste, pumpkin, and some spice from roasted peppers creating a total feast in your mouth.
What to order: Traditional Pook Chuuk, Chicken Burger, Roast Beef
Address: Calle Polar Pte., Tulum Centro, CENTRO, 77780 Tulum
2. TU Mexican Cuisine Restaurant
If you always fall for artistic, aesthetically decorated restaurants, TU Mexican Cuisine promises to win your heart at first sight!
With cozy dim light in every corner but not too overpowering, an impressionistic interior with 4 different styles of chairs for each table, and hand-made curtains on the wall making this place so special to be a restaurant. Chilled vibe with delicious food. Definitely recommend coming at night to observe the arts more fully!
The Octopus Tacos will turn you into a new octopus fan with freshness, juiciness, and addictive crunchiness in every bite. Flavorful but still delicate! The Risotto is also a crowd-pleaser with a melt-like-butter texture with explosive seasoning making this dish a highlight of the day.
Looking for something more hearty, or maybe, seafood? Try the Beef Rib and Ceviche. Always stunning and appetizing from the presentation to flavor that you can’t help taking another bite.
What to order: Octopus Tacos, Risotto, Beef Rib, Ceviche
Address: Andromeda Ote manzana 04-lote 08, Tulum Centro, 77760 Tulum
3. El Cayuco Tulum
It would be a grave mistake if you miss out on El Cayuco, a total gem in Tulum that serves authentic Mexican food with traditional flavor that brings you home to this beautiful country. Best quality food made by the most warming and passionate people.
If you love seafood and want to experience Mexican food at its finest, go here… and make sure the Rockefeller style Oysters are part of your order! Simple but scrumptious with unbelievably freshness and juiciness. Definitely the bomb!
Mexican Sea Bass Fillet is something you’d love to try once before leaving El Cayuco. The insane crunchy, garlicky sauteed batter on the outside while still maintaining the moist inside is what makes this dish so appealing. Every bite is heavenly.
Oh, don’t forget to ask for Flan Mexican Flan. Perfect ending with refreshing sour passion fruit coulis and ginger root on top of the sweet chocolate flan with cool ice cream. Yum!
What to order: Rockefeller-style Oysters, Mexican Sea Bass Fillet, Flan Mexican Flan
Address: 7760 Guerra de castas, 77760 Tulum
4. Safari Comedor Zama
Located in the residential area of Aldea Zama, Tulum, and inspired by a classic old Yucatan house, Safari offers you the most emblematic Mexican traditions in a relaxing and comfortable space, allowing you to have only remarkable experiences.
Everyone is going crazy for the Taco Shrimp Mole Verde!! Wanna know why? Try it yourself and you’ll be thankful for doing it. Tender and sweet shrimp is made to perfection covered in a secret sauce and topped with some refreshing pickled red onion, all together with herby, slightly tart mole verde. No words can describe how damn good it is!
One vegan option that we highly recommend is the Yuca Truffle Fries. Simply fried sweet potato sprayed with truffle oil and served with a spicy, smokey kick from the customized mayo, but be careful, you’ll get addicted to it!
A must-must on dessert – Tamal de Cacao! Bitter cacao wrapped in cajeta (goat caramel), or banana leaf (vegan option), this dish is strangely tasty. It’s hard to describe it fully, but we promise it won’t let you down.
What to order: Taco Shrimp Mole Verde, Yuca Truffle Fries, Tamal de Cacao
Address: Calle itzamna, Aldea Zama MANZANA 26-LOTE 13, 77760 Tulum
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Taqueria La Chiapaneca
All people can say is “Wow!”. Taqueria La Chiapaneca is probably the rare place that serves the best (and cheapest) tacos that you’ve ever had.
Right in the heart of the town, the money spent is just a cherry on top, but the food quality is no joke! A fun and friendly ambiance with a harpist playing live music at night is what makes this place even cooler.
If you go with tacos, as you should, then you should ONLY go with Al Pastor. The complexity of the smoky chili peppers and just a touch of heat. Then, you’re hit with spices like cumin and oregano, followed by subtle nuances of achiote and onion and some sweetness coming from pineapple. Chef’s kiss!
And for other options such as beef, chicken, or veggies (for vegan option) to go with quesadillas, panuchos, tortas, etc., all of them taste extremely amazing with flavorful seasoning in the perfect portion. Discover them yourself!
P/s: They accept cash only, so make sure to bring some. But there is an ATM at the bus station 2 blocks away, in case no cash available in your pocket.
What to order: Al Pastor, Chicken Corn Quesadilla
Address: Calle Acuario Nte. 3, Tulum Centro, Tobiano, 77760 Tulum
6. Kay Nah
A true gem in the city with an absolutely AMAZING ambiance! If you’re looking for fine dining, surf n turf, open concept, and that unique Tulum vibe, Kay Nah is a definite must-visit!
Be adventurous and visit downtown, you’ll discover this blessing in reality. The whole place is filled with wooden seating with loudspeakers, and colorful lights making this place so lively. And what’s even more exciting is, live music is played every night while the food is cooked over live fire, so the experience is definitely more worth it!
Guacamole for starters, of course! Creamy, nutty, light, and flavorful enough to wake up your taste. Add a nice touch to your journey with the extremely tender Octopus with some onion crisps creating an addictive texture in every chew. Unbeatable combination!
And the star of the show – Arrachera! Always highly recommended by the staff, with flank steak cooked to perfection that every bite becomes so unreal with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The flavor is heavenly mixed with fresh seasonal veggies and mashed potatoes. The portion was big and filling, and if you love chimichurri, be sure to ask for a side to dip your steak in.
What to order: Guacamole, Octopus, Arrachera
Address: C. Centauro Sur 249, Tulum Centro, 77760 Tulum
7. Best Tacos Pepe
Surprise! We’re giving you a proper taco truck!!
Best Tacos Pepe seems to be a very low-key place with a table of 4 available, or else, you can just enjoy your food while standing. But the flavor is surely worth the try!
The wholesome owner with absolutely top-notch tacos with freshness, tastiness, and love in every bite is what makes this place unbeatable in the locals’ hearts. Definitely, a recommendation if you are looking for authentic tacos in Tulum!
Come early, or else you’ll lose a chance to try their best seller – Beef Tongue! Who knows who’ll we compete with, right? Amazing flavor with a wonderfully soft texture wrapped in veggies and the ultimately explosive sauce. Worth every penny!
Coconut Shrimp Taco? A total harmony of flavorsome in your mouth. The creamy, fatty, and sweet coconut flavor embracing the perfect tenderness of the shrimp is the best thing you could ever ask for in a street taco.
What to order: Beef Tongue, Coconut Shrimp Taco
Address: Calle7sur con, C. 6 Sur
8. Mamazul Tulum Mezcaleria
Entering Mamazul and get ready to be immersed in the gorgeous interior. Cozy yellow light is lit elegantly with wooden, tropical decoration making every corner Insta-worthy!
Mamazul Restaurant is where the Italian roots and love for Mexican cuisine come together, with a menu designed to bring to life a sensory journey that features the aromas and flavors of our two cultures. Enjoy a seamless fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors through your senses for an unforgettable memory of Tulum.
You know we can’t help talking about the Yellowfin Tuna. The “dream” tuna tostada seems to be brought to life under the magic hands of the chefs, every cube of tuna is so shiny and fresh covered with soy sauce, along with some mango and ancho pepper for tastiness. Tuck in!
Pelon pig Terrine is also another crowd-fav with succulent pork terrine from the Yaax-Kaaj farm topped with luxurious truffle caviar jus. Everything taste so perfect that it almost feels unreal.
Oh yeah, dessert! Paraiso Cake has stolen the visitors’ hearts with buttery, fluffy sponge cake topped with creamy white chocolate ganache. OMG so damn good!
P/s: They do provide a “menu dictionary” on their website, just in case you wanna know more about each ingredient and the name in detail.
What to order: Yellowfin Tuna, Pelon pig Terrine, Paraiso Cake
Address: Aldea Zama, And. Kambul entre Andador Kaan y Calle Ixchel, 77760 Tulum
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Curry by Po Thai
Located in the heart of Tulum, Curry by Po Thai allows you to go on that journey living an authentic Oriental experience. A clean, cozy atmosphere and comfortable seating with spacing between each table make it easier for those who are afraid of interacting with strangers. What a delicate touch, right?
If you’re looking for high-quality Asian fusion food in the Tulum area this is the #1 place to go. Also, super cute outdoor seating area with views of the pool garden area.
Always, always ask for the Lamb Masaman Curry!! Organic and locally sourced, the curry comes out delicious with both a sweet and spicy kick (surprisingly low sugar intake) but still maintains the fullness of flavor. They also use healthy oil to cook food, so no need to worry!
Nothing’s better than eating tasty food while maintaining good health, right?
After the curry, ask for the signature Tom Yum with shrimp topping. Heaven bliss! The remarkable sourness blended nicely with kaffir lime, lemongrass, lemon, and onion creating a total feast of seasoning. The aroma is also a bomb to the dish. Take a sip and inhale that warm and flavorful soup slowly go down your throat and take care of your tummy.
What to order: Lamb Masaman Curry, Shrimp Tom Yum, Khaw Pad Sapparod
Address: 77780, Calle palenque y 1era poniente, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. La Gloria de Don Pepe
If you’re getting bored with Mexican food and wanna spice it up, La Gloria got you all covered!
A little, simple, but charming restaurant in Tulum with a great selection of authentic tapas and friendly staff, La Gloria is undoubtedly a hidden gem in the wall! This place is lovely for a small bite or a full dinner that makes you feel like you are at home with your family, and every dish is taken with the utmost care.
At this place, you can choose a varied assortment of Spanish tapas at a very reasonable price. But a must-must is the Seafood Paella. Ready to get on a trip to the ocean with fresh squids, prawns, mussels, and clams mixed with saffron-flavored rice that is all seasoned nicely with traditional seasonings? Always the star of the show!
Other paellas are worth the try, too, so make sure to discover them all and be immersed in the world of flavorsome!
What to order: Seafood Paella
Address: Orion Sur, Andromeda Ote 57 Esquina, Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum
11. Las BBQ Tulum
Las BBQ Tulum is a project that was born as a result of the pandemic, little by little, they have been growing and becoming the locals’ favorite spot. With Las BBQ, you are invited to enjoy the authentic taste of Texas BBQ right in Tulum!
Oh, it’s small so be prepared to wait for a table.
Talking about Las BBQ, you can’t help talking about the food quality. It’s out of this world! Simply solid, especially the famous Brisket Sandwich! The bread is sauteed nicely with butter for that golden brown look, and filled with succulent meat that melts right when you take a bite. Juicy and flavorful!
The Smoked Ribs with pasilla chile rub promise to be one of the best ribs you’ve ever eaten. Dive in and be embraced by the smoky, tender meat covered in the secret BBQ sauce. Definitely catch of the day! And don’t miss the Smoked Corn Bread, too!
What to order: Brisket Sandwich, Smoked Ribs, Smoked Corn Bread
Address: C. Orión Sur 340, Tulum Centro, 77760 Tulum
12. Restaurante XIXIMAK
XIXIMAK really gives us the vibe of a local spot near the beach, where you can fill your tummy right away after an enjoyable swim with a rustic interior making you feel comfortable right away.
The Ceviche with Tempura Prawn is TO DIE FOR! The ceviche is unbelievably fresh that the nutty taste just embraces your mouth naturally, while the tempura is covered with extreme crunchiness from the batter while still maintaining the moist inside. Addictively divine!
Wanting something more hearty? Oh my friend, don’t miss out on the Chicken Burrito. Tender, juicy chicken with chopped veggies like carrots, red peppers, and sweet corn create a perfect feast for your hunger!
What to order: Ceviche, Tempura Prawn, Chicken Burrito
Address: Palenque, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum
Wow, what a long journey, right? Hope that you’ve found your destiny through our recommendations.
Looking for more than just food? We got your back! Check out our Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Tulum for a more memorable experience in this beautiful city!