Experience the Must-Eat Dishes in Tulum: Top 7 Restaurants You Can't-Miss
Are you looking for restaurant recommendations while travelling in Tulum? If so, you are in the right place. Tulum is known not only for its pristine beaches and ancient ruins but also for its tantalizing culinary scene, Prepare yourself to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other as we unveil the seven essential restaurants that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From mouthwatering street food to innovative fusion cuisine, Tulum's vibrant food culture is an experience that cannot be missed. So tighten your seatbelts and join us as we savor every flavor this vibrant destination has to offer!
Essential Tulum Restaurants
Tulum has no shortage of great restaurants. If you’re finding yourself a little overwhelmed with where to eat dishes in Tulum, this post is here to help guide you.
Gitano (Hotel Zone).
Tropical restaurant, lounge & jungle room in the jungle of Tulum beach road.
Guests at GITANO Tulum are immediately transported to a world that artfully mixes passion and play with the local flavours and vibe that make Tulum special. An epicurean pioneer, GITANO Tulum offers a menu of seasonal, local ingredients prepared in traditional methods for dishes that are meant to be consumed in an interactive, shared dining experience – the bar boasts a list of over 50 Mezcals and signature hand-made cocktails that use locally-grown seasonal fruits and herbs. As dinner turns into dancing, guests can kick their shoes off and enjoy GITANO’s Jungle Room, a space meant for fun and free expression – all set against colonial-inspired architecture tucked into an eons-old jungle.
Mateo's Mexican Grill.
The perfect restaurant with a variety of ambiance’s. #MateosTulum, is a must when visiting Tulum. 👌
Enjoy the best view of the sunset with the best musical band and the exquisite gastronomy of this great restaurant. The place has Great food, great drinks, nice atmosphere and live music on saturdays.
Bone Marrow at Arca (Hotel Zone).
If you come to Tulum, you must treat yourself to dinner at Arca. One of the founding chefs is from none other than Noma Copenhagen, so you know it’s legit. Their menu isn’t huge, but it’s unique and will leave you wanting to come back for more. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, but their bone marrow is an absolute must-have. It honestly tastes like the juiciest cheeseburger.
Pulpo (Octopus) Salad at Casa Banana.
Octopus is on almost every menu in Tulum and most places know how to perfectly cook and prepare it. Casa Banana is definitely one of the best I’ve had, and I’m a huge octopus fan!
Raw Pad Thai at Raw Love (Centro or at the Raw Love Ahau in the Hotel Zone).
Raw Love is a great spot for vegans, celiacs, and anyone who loves a great smoothie bowl. However, they also have an entire food menu with more hearty dishes. They nailed it with their take on a raw Pad Thai. If you are gluten-free and/or vegan, or neither, this Pad Thai will be one of the most refreshing versions of the dish you’ve ever tasted. There are a few Tulum Thai Restaurants, but this is for sure a healthier take on Thai food if you re craving that while in Tulum.
Beyond the Pad Thai, Raw Love is best known for its smoothies and smoothie bowls. I love the Healthy Belly, bowl because it’s great for fighting against parasites, which is important to ward off Moctezuma’s Revenge or the stomach flu in Mexico!
Marlin Quesadilla at Nomade (Hotel Zone).
La Popular at Nomade is their restaurant on the beach where their “seats” are cushions on the sand. They have a seafood-heavy menu, which is why this may be the first time you’ve ever seen a fish quesadilla. It’s so delicious.
Pizza Bianca from Italdo (La Valeta).
Craving pizza in Mexico? Italdo better be on your list. Their pizzas are Neapolitan style, and if you happen to be celiac or gluten intolerant, they can make it gluten free.
Additional Recommendations
If you're looking for additional recommendations for restaurants in Tulum besides the seven listed above, we got you! The following are some amazing and tasty options for you to enjoy.
Street Tacos from Don Honorio (Centro).
Looking for authentic Mexican tacos? Go to a local favorite in town and only pay $50MXN per taco! This has always been a favorite on the Tulum Restaurant Map.
King Crab Legs at Ilios (Hotel Zone).
So fresh and with just enough butter, I’m obsessed with the king crab legs at Ilios. You may want to check the price before taking my recommendation, but they are worth every penny.
Margherita Pizza at Posada Margherita (Hotel Zone).
Just walking into the place is an experience - from the street you step through a winding pathway lined with plants and interesting decorative pieces. At the end of the path is a tiny restaurant and a handful of tables on the beach. Not only is their food great, the ambiance is unique, and I think it’s a great date spot.
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie at The Real Coconut (Hotel Zone).
Have a sweet tooth? End your day at The Real Coconut with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie in a skillet. They are big enough to share with a friend or two, but you won’t be judged if you keep the whole thing to yourself. If you are looking for a beautiful place to eat aside from Tulum Azulik Restaurant this place offers amazing food, with a gorgeous beach and must less crowd and more casual than Azulik.
