Last updated on January 6th, 2026 at 11:29 pm
Looking for the best restaurant in Tulum? If there’s one thing Tulum truly excels at, it’s unforgettable foodie experiences! From candle-lit tables in the jungle to relaxed beachfront dining, the restaurants in Tulum offer something special, and in this guide, I’m sharing my favourites!
You can spend hours agonising over where to eat in Tulum, the restaurant scene here is strong – and kind of overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors! But, one of the best things about staying here is that one day you’ll dine with a sea view and the next be surrounded by cool jungle atmosphere!
Where you’ll eat is just as important as what; some of my personal favourite spots not only have the dreamiest artsy settings, but offer tasty and beautifully presented dishes to match!
For this guide, I’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Tulum and top tips!
So, grab a spicy margarita and find out where to eat in Tulum!
Tulum Restaurants Overview
Visiting the top restaurants in Tulum is a whole different experience from the rest of the Riviera Maya. Here in Tulum, things are a lot more rustic, nature-filled and bohemian!
Expect a hand-crafted chair with your feet in the sand or gazing over the treetops in a ‘nest’. But don’t be fooled by appearances, some of these rustic, palm-tree-filled terraces are Michelin-starred – the food in Tulum, Mexico, is fantastic!
Eating at some of these gorgeous restaurants in Tulum is one of the best things to do in Tulum, especially for foodies!
Food In Tulum Mexico
The food in Tulum is one of my favourites! It has International flair, creativity and taste – often with locally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table daily changing menus!
Authentic Mexican food is featured on (almost) every menu, including local dishes such as fish tacos (my favourite choice), fresh ceviche or traditional cochinita pibil – barbeque pulled pork!
And – if you ever order the guacamole starter, you’ll get about four avocados worth!
BEST RESTAURANTS IN TULUM ON THE BEACH
LA POPULAR RESTAURANT
Nomade, Hotel Zone (beachfront)
When to visit: Lunch
La Popular restaurant in Tulum is located at the well-known Nomad Hotel an upscale area of Tulum’s bohemian South Beach, a wonderful area to stay in Tulum – and a fantastic beachfront spot for lunch!
You will be seated at a table with your feet in the sand or crossed-legged on a Moroccan-style cushion with tall palm trees swaying, the sea breeze and hammocks flying overhead – I’m not joking see the picture above!
La Popular is the epitome of bohemian cool, it’s one of my favourite places to eat in Tulum, they specialise in seafood – it’s probably the best restaurant in Tulum Beach for fresh ceviche, but equally you can order lighter, health-conscious meals too!
What to order: Shrimp tacos & ceviche, paella
COCO TULUM
CoCo Tulum Hotel, Hotel Zone, (beachfront)
When to visit: Lunch
Coco Tulum is another fabulous lunch choice, it’s one of the first Tulum beach restaurants that I ever visited and still remains a favourite! You just can’t beat sitting on a swing, eating octopus tacos with a glass of rosé!
The restaurant and bar set up is pretty unique, with swings, beachy white decor and cool music. It’s a hot spot for Sunday afternoons when there’s a DJ, but if you want to hear the waves crashing and have a more relaxed time, visit mid-week!
It’s one of the more casual places to eat in Tulum on this list, but I couldn’t resist adding it, they seriously do some of the best-looking fish tacos in Tulum beach IMO!
What to order: Octopus tacos, deep fried prawns
LA ZEBRA
La Zebra Hotel, Hotel Zone, (beachfront)
When to visit: Lunch or sunset dinner from 6.30pm
The last time I visited Tulum, vibrant La Zebra was not only one of the best restaurants in Tulum beach, it was also the best restaurant to eat authentic and flavourful Mexican food!
Located right on the beachfront with a variety of indoor and outdoor tables, La Zebra occupies a larger area with a popular Hotel, tiki bar and beach club – tip you can combine the two for a wonderful day on the beach!
I’ve even eaten here at 10am for breakfast – La Zebra is also one of the best places to enjoy breakfast in Tulum on the beach!
What to order: Shrimp Aguachille, summer salad
TANTRA BEACH CLUB
Hotel Zone (beachfront)
When to visit: Lunch/all-day
If you’re looking for a gorgeous place to eat in Tulum Beach for lunch, Tantra Beach Club’s restaurant is a great spot!
It’s one of the best beach clubs in Tulum, offering gourmet dining by the sea (not dips, nachos and burgers) – go for the fun ambience, crispy shrimp maki rolls and bohemian luxury surrounds.
Spending the day at a beach boho-luxe beach club is one of the best things to do in Tulum and if you only go to one – I recommend Tantra, it’s easily the most aesthetically pleasing place on the beach!
Reservations are a must at this popular Tulum restaurant on the beach!
What to order: Crispy shrimp maki rolls
BEST RESTAURANTS IN TULUM HOTEL ZONE
WILD RESTAURANT
Hotel Zone, Beach Road (jungle)
When to visit: Dinner
If you’re looking for upscale dining and Mexican cuisine with a twist, Wild is the perfect choice. Wild is Michelin-rated and offers a fantastic ambience; it feels like you’re in the jungle but with beautiful furnishings!
I particularly loved the magical setting at this restaurant – even the bar is artistic (see pic below), if you have a special evening planned – this is the spot!
One of the standouts at Wild were the delicate cocktails, beetroot salad and short ribs, which are exceptional and extremely well-presented (here’s where you get an abundance of edible flowers)!
What to order: Beetroot salad, cochinita pork belly, short ribs
KITCHEN TABLE
Hotel Zone, Beach Road (jungle)
When to visit: Dinner
Kitchen Table is another restaurant set in the jungle with tables scattered amongst the trees! It’s one of the best sustainable restaurants in Tulum; therefore, most of the light comes from dozens of candles, giving a nice romantic ambience!
It literally feels like you’re dining around the open kitchen, which is the concept, along with fresh local ingredients. I’ve tried the tasting menu, which was a great experience, but I do also recommend ordering a Mezcal Sour with whatever you get!
Tip! You might need to book at least a week in advance!
What to order: Jungle bread, fresh fish tostada, brisket, mole
TOP RESTAURANTS IN TULUM FOR INTERNATIONAL & FUSION
MEZZANINE
Hotel Mezzanine, Tulum Jaguar National Park, (beachfront)
When to visit: Lunch or sunset
If you’re looking for a change in flavour, head to Mezzanine for Thai dining over the ocean! I discovered this lovely restaurant cycling back from the Tulum Ruins, it’s a fabulous spot for lunch and belongs to a hotel of the same name, one of the best boutique hotels in Tulum!
It offers authentic Thai cuisine and tapas-style small plates served in bamboo leaves and delicious cocktails to match (see my Thai queen salad below!).
The service is friendly and the views are amazing from the elevated terrace; you have an unobstructed view over the water. I recommend lunch or sunset and also ordering the Thai queen salad with a couple of sides to share.
What to order: Thai queen salad, cocktail gin gin mule
CASA BANANA
Hotel Zone, Beach Road
When to visit: Dinner
Casa Banana is a popular restaurant in Tulum for its Argentine flavours along the most vibrant part of the beach road!
For the best experience, I recommend visiting around 8pm, when the tables are lit by candlelight in a warm and rustic setting – and there’s more of that special Tulum ambience!
Casa Banana offers the best open woodfire Argentinian steaks, which is what it’s known for – I haven’t eaten here, but was told to order their signature dishes from the menu!
What to order: Roasted sweetbreads, steak, wood-fired artichokes
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN TULUM FARM-TO-TABLE
NU RESTAURANT
La Valise Hotel, Hotel Zone (jungle)
When to visit: Dinner
Nu is my favourite restaurant in Tulum, it’s situated in South Beach, the tranquil bohemian end of the beach road and the setting is just beautiful!
Nu belongs to La Valise Boutique Hotel, one of the bohemian sort-after hotels on the beachfront and the restaurant caters for all tastes. I started with the Tulum iced tea, followed by carrots and smoked meat tacos and chose the steak with potato foam for the main – all were delicious!
As the concept here is farm-to-table, you can expect some differences from week to week, but don’t miss this calm, romantic restaurant experience with candle-lit tables and jungle surrounds, ideal for couples!
What to order: Sweet potato agrodolce, octopus
ARCA
Hotel Zone, Beach Road (jungle)
When to visit: Dinner
An open-air restaurant and excellent bar on the main Beach Road, Arca is one of the most popular restaurants in Tulum. All the dishes are creative and well-presented, using local ingredients, which means the menu changes often!
However, if the soft shell crab tacos are still on the menu, I 100% recommend you order them, some of the dishes here are a little unusual, so be careful with what you pick – ask questions, read the latest reviews beforehand!
The jungle setting here is one of the best for an evening meal and there’s a nice bar so you can vacate your table and stop for a drink afterwards!
What to order: Softshell crab tacos, grilled heirloom green beans, scallop crudo
HARTWOOD
Hotel Zone, Tulum Beach Road (jungle)
When to visit: Dinner
Hartwood is one of those restaurants in Tulum that is very hyped and reservations are hard to come by at a few days notice, but I can honestly say, it’s probably worth it!
It is a foodie haven with locally sourced ingredients paired with mainly fresh vegetables, seafood and fish, which is their speciality. It’s all hand-written on a chalkboard and presented to your table!
For what it’s worth, it is pricey – a little pretentious, one of the dearest restaurants in Tulum, but very tasty and worth checking out if you love fish and nice vibes!
What to order: Menu changes daily!
BEST RESTAURANTS IN TULUM TOWN
ALMA VERDE
Coba. Av, Tulum Town/Aldea Zama
When to visit: Breakfast or Brunch
If you’re looking for the perfect brunch or breakfast in Tulum, I highly recommend Alma Verde it’s part of the brand new Hunab Lifestyle Centre on the border of Aldea Zama and Tulum Town.
I’ve visited multiple times and have never had a bad meal or service, I especially like the spinach omelette or French pancake! Alma Verde is a beautiful, tranquil spot! You’ll be sitting in a garden with tall palms and stylish furnishings
If you’re staying at one of the hotels in Tulum Pueblo, it’s an easy walk, from the beachfront hotels you can cycle 15 minutes – make it part of your exploration day, cycling is one of the best things to do in Tulum!
What to order: Spinach omelette, granola, french pancakes
RESTAURANTS IN TULUM WITH A DIFFERENCE
KIN TOH BY AZULIK
Azulik, Hotel Zone, Tulum Beach Road, (jungle)
When to visit: Sunset dinner
Kin Toh by Azulik is an exclusive address, you have likely heard of the name, and it offers some of the best food in Tulum Mexico! It’s a Mayan-Mexican restaurant producing some of the most artful cuisine with a strict reservations-only policy – or you won’t get in!
This is definitely one of the most original restaurants in Tulum, located at the famous Azulik, an elaborate hotel filled with nature and art! Kin Toh is positioned high up in the tree canopies, which offer panoramic views and a one-of-a-kind experience!
What to order: Mayan Octopus, coconut scallops – starter
TSEEN-JA BY AZULIK
Azulik, Hotel Zone, Tulum Beach Road, (jungle)
When to visit: Sunset dinner
Lastly, I recommend Tseen-ja for a special night out, it’s another restaurant in Tulum by Azulik and very similar in style to the one listed above, in that it’s positioned high up between the tree tops with swing bridges!
Tseen-ja is mostly known for the unique ‘nest’ dining arrangements and the food is Japanese – sushi, yin and yang bao’s and edamame shallots are the most popular things to order! But the show-stopper is the scenery and location!!
What to order: Yin & yang bao’s, edamame shallot, Cocoa cod
BEST PLACES FOR COCKTAILS IN TULUM
From mezcal bars hidden in the jungle to sunset cocktails by the beach, here’s my top choice for where to enjoy pre-or-post meal drinks!
KIN TOH AT AZULIK
Go for a drink high above the canopies! This cool place sits on stilts in the jungle and serves pricey cocktails, but it’s worth going just for the experience and magical ambience – best before sunset!
GITANO
One of the best cocktail bars in Tulum, Gitano’s offers fantastic mixology and a jungle setting, best for a post-meal drink! Friday nights are buzzing – the real party starts at 11pm.
CASA JAGUAR
A stylish outdoor jungle spot with mezcal cocktails and a great vibe throughout the night, plan for a late night here!
ROSA NEGRA
A vibrant spot, Rose Negra is one of the best bars in Tulum beach, serving strong cocktails and a fun atmosphere!
TIPS FOR ENJOYING RESTAURANTS IN TULUM
Reservations
Some of the restaurants in Tulum, such as Hartwood, NU and Tseen-Ja in Atulik, you’ll need reservations for others you can just turn up – or have drinks at the bar and wait for a table!
Timings
For a beach lunch, the busiest time is around 2pm (typical lunch hours; 12.30-5). Sunset is the optimal time for dinner at Azulik or the beachfront, but for jungle settings, it’s best to dine later so you get the atmospheric candlelight!
Dress Code
Tulum’s boho-chic dress code extends to the restaurants, stylish yet relaxed, don’t forget you’re in the warm tropics (and you’ll need a layer of bug spray). For dinner – you’ll see smart-casual on a lot of websites.
How To Pay
As backup always carry cash on you, some restaurants prefer cash or in case of an electricity issue – you’ll be stuck or hassled – and we definitely don’t want that!
TULUM RESTAURANTS FAQ
What kind of food in Tulum known for?
Tulum is most well-known for Mexican-fusion dishes, often local ingredients are used and most menus feature seafood, fish, avocados and tacos quite heavily!
Do you tip in restaurants in Tulum?
Tipping is recommended in Tulum, it’s often added to the bills – sometimes as high as 20%, but you can ask for a receipt without a tip and leave a personal tip or standard 10%. Just make sure you don’t end up ‘tipping’ twice!
Are restaurants in Tulum expensive?
The top restaurants in Tulum are expensive, they are often Michelin-rated and have the best chefs in the Yucatan, just be prepared for this, but it also depends upon what you order – and if you drink alcohol!
Have you chosen your favourite Tulum restaurant? I hope this foodies guide to the best restaurants in Tulum has given you some inspiration!
Still planning your Tulum itinerary?
Planning your trip to Tulum? I’ve also shared a complete Tulum travel guide, my favourite boutique hotels, and the best beach clubs – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Best Things to Do in Tulum – ruins, restaurants, beach clubs & experiences!
- Where To Stay In Tulum – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays
- Complete Guide To Tulum – tips & know before you go for first-time visitors!
SAVE & SHARE: BEST RESTAURANTS IN TULUM MEXICO!
Best Restaurants In Tulum Mexico | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.
If you’ve used one of my free guides, you can also BUY ME A COFFEE to say, thanks!
Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!