Tulum Restaurant Guide
The Best Places To Eat At Any Budget
Updated October 2023
Welcome to Tulum
Tulum is a spectacular beach getaway on the Caribbean coast located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This historic port city has crystal-clear turquoise waters and a thriving gastronomic scene. Whether you’re looking to just grab a bite or go on a culinary adventure, Tulum has an amazing restaurant scene just waiting to be discovered.
Tulum Map
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
TULUM PUEBLO / CENTRO
Tulum Pueblo has restaurant options for all budgets and holds dozens of authentic restaurants, exciting nightclubs and bars, and often street festivals. On the edges of Centro are a few jungle areas that have some funkier, and more eclectic dining options. You’ll find ambiance, delicious food, and creativity at the eateries in Tulum Pueblo.
ZONA HOTELERA / ESMERELDA K
The Zona Hotelera has mostly upscale restaurants, many with private beach fronts and beautiful swimming pools. This area is roughly divided into three different sections. The North, located up near the ruins, is a quiet and romantic area. The chic Middle has beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife. While the South area is very family-friendly and boasts wide sandy beaches.
Budget Options
Taqueria Don Beto
$, Mexican
If you’re looking for no-frills tasty tacos and tortas, this is your spot in Tulum Pueblo. You’ll notice open seating on the side of the road, and you’ll smell the freshly made corn tortillas. Taqueria Don Beto serves up succulent slow-roasted cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) dishes that will melt in your mouth.
Antojitos la Chiapaneca
$, Mexican
For more of a local feel and some truly delicious eats, head to Antojitos la Chiapaneca in Tulum Pueblo. While they do have tacos, they also have mouthwatering Yucatecan snacks, including salbutes and panuchos. Try the tacos al pastor, horchata, and tostadas. Antojoitos is standing room and cash only.
Campanella Cremerie
$, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean
Suppose you’re looking for great coffee, creamy gelato, scrumptious sundays, tasty waffles, and savory sandwiches in Tulum Pueblo. In that case, Campanella Cremerie is the perfect spot for you. No matter what your palate is, you’ll find something here. If you’re in the mood for ice cream try the banana crunch or the pistachio.
Check out our Packing List For Beach Vacation!
Midrange Options
The Real Coconut at Sanará
$$ - $$$, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
This wellness-centered plant focused breakfast spot’s location is at the Sanará Hotel’s beach bungalow in Zona Hotelera. You’ll find nourishing bowls of coconut yogurt and world-famous coconut-cassava tortilla chips. The Real Coconut at Sanará serves all meals of the day but don’t skip the Myan Night dinner. Everything is gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free.
Safari Comedor Zama
$$ - $$$, Mexican, Bar, Cafe
This Tulum staple is at the edge of the jungle just outside of Tulum Pueblo in Aldea Zama. Safari Comedor Zuma combines culture and flavor that you don’t want to miss. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this eatery. Try their Mexican avocado toast with grilled avocados on tortillas and homemade salsa.
Posada Margherita
$$$$, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
Inside the Posada Margherita Hotel in the Zona Hotelera, this restaurant with the same name is Tulum’s most iconic Italian eatery. Features traditional Italian recipes from the owner’s mother and grandmother in Genoa you will love the relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Don’t miss the delicious focaccias and house-made pasta, and gelato with immaculate ocean views. Keep in mind it’s cash only.
El Tábano
$$ - $$$, Mexican, Latin, Central American
You can seat yourself at any wooden table on this quaint eatery’s patio in Zona Hotelera. The dishes at El Tabono feature a twist on contemporary Mexican food, and the seasonal and local specials change frequently. The eclectic atmosphere will draw you in but the food will keep you coming back for more. Try the moles or the enchiladas.
Loco Tulum
$$ - $$$, Seafood, Mediterranean, Grill
Visitors love stopping by this eatery when in Tulum’s Zona Hotelara as the food is excellent, and the setting is relaxing. This Mediterranean-style restaurant has seasonal tasting menus created by Chef Idan Lifshitz. The service and staff are famously wonderful as well.
High-End Options
Arca
$$ - $$$, Vegetarian Friendly
This ultra-progressive restaurant led by former Noma chef, Jose Luis Hinostroza, has delicious wood-fired cooking in Zona Hotelera. At Arca, you’ll love the bold and exciting flavors of seasonal flora and fauna. Guests can try tamarind and pastilla marrow and stuffed cacao pod desserts at this elevated jungle eatery.
Gitano
$$ - $$$, Mexican, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly
If you want some inventive cocktails in a magical outdoor lounge, head to Gitanos in Zone Hotelera. The restaurant has a full menu of modern Mexican cuisine and a wide range of fruity mezcal-laced drinks. You’ll find the perfect combination of ambiance, bold flavors, and friendly staff here. Don’t miss the tuna tostada and the chorizo con queso.
Verdant
$$ - $$$, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
This sustainability-focused restaurant is located within its own herb and vegetable garden just outside of Tulum Pueblo. Verdant serves up modern Mexican food prepared with French techniques using only the freshest of local ingredients. You don’t want to miss their 4-course harvest menu. Currently Verdant is cash only.
More
MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Cancun, Islands, Tulum and More
Tulum Visitors Guide
Tulum Hotel Guide
The Best Tulum All Inclusive Resorts
Tulum Mayan Ruins Guide
The Best Cenotes in Yucatan
Getting Around The Yucatan
Cancun Visitors Guide
Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide
Cozumel Visitors Guide
Holbox Visitors Guide
Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide
I am so glad to see Gitano on this list! I went there recently and it was great. If anything, go for the cocktails!
My friends and I found this page when looking for breakfast spots in Tulum. We checked out Safari Comedor Zama for their breakfast. It was amazing.
Happy you enjoyed it!
The Real Coconut at Sanará was a very good restaurant. Right on the beach so very nice view. Enjoyed the food as well. We went later in the day and the food hit the spot.
I was happy to see Loco Tulum on the list. I went there on our last visit and loved it.
Great list!
El Tabano is so quaint. We really loved it. Thank you for the great recommendations.
Gitanos is probably the most romantic place in Tulum. Great choice.
Charleys Vegan Tacos! Love that Charleys is on here! Always a favorite.