Craving an unforgettable foodie getaway? Look no further than Tulum Mexico. This stylish beach town has exploded with incredible restaurants in recent years to satisfy any palate. From upscale hotel restaurants with ocean views to street tacos made with the freshest ingredients, Tulum dining offers something for everyone.

Keep reading for the ultimate Tulum travel guide to the 30 best restaurants in Tulum. Discover exactly where to find mouthwatering ceviche, the top spots for authentic Mexican cuisine, the best restaurants for vegetarians and vegans, and so much more. With this guide, you’ll be an expert on the Tulum restaurant scene in no time!

The Ultimate Guide to the 30 Best Restaurants in Tulum

No Time to Read the Whole Article? Here are the Highlights:

• For upscale dining with gorgeous ocean views, head to Arca, Casa Jaguar, or Maresias at Be Tulum. These restaurants combine gourmet cuisine with a relaxed yet elegant ambiance.
• Can’t miss authentic Mexican cuisine can be found at Antojitos La Chiapaneca, El Tábano, and Safari at Aldea Zama. Go for the tacos al pastor, freshly made tortillas, and other Mexican specialties.
• Top restaurants for vegetarians and vegans include Charly’s Vegan Tacos, Raw Love, Macondo at Nomade Hotel, and The Restaurant at Sanará. Tulum has incredible plant-based options.
• In the mood for Italian food? Check out Posada Margherita, known for its fresh pasta and pizzas, or Casa Banana for wood-fired pizza and vegan lasagna. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy.
• For a unique dining experience, visit Cenzontle’s secret garden restaurant or Kitchen Table’s jungle treehouse vibe. The ambiance is just as memorable as the food.
• Can’t skip dessert on vacation? Head to vegan ice cream shop I Scream Bar or Tulum’s best gelato joint, Origami. Prepare for a sweet tooth takeover.

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Must Know Tulum Restaurants Dining Tips & Restaurants Reservations in Tulum

Here are some helpful tips for eating at restaurants and making reservations in Tulum:

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Tulum Restaurant Reservation Tips

• Book tables 1-2 weeks in advance for popular restaurants like Hartwood, Arca, Gitano, etc. The more upscale places book up quickly.
• Double check if reservations are accepted, as some spots like Hartwood are first come, first served only.
• Utilize concierge services at your hotel for help scoring reservations. Or ask your Airbnb host for booking tips.
• Have a couple different dining time options in mind, as the trendiest restaurants may only have late (9pm) tables left.
• Confirm your reservation 24 hours ahead since some places overbook tables. Reconfirm your booking if eating later in your trip too.

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Tulum Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

Tulum Restaurant Tips

• Bring cash for street food spots or smaller family-run restaurants, as some don’t accept credit cards.
• Be prepared to wait if you show up to popular restaurants without booking. Put your name on the list for a table, then explore nearby shops.
• Check if reservations are for a set menu or tasting menu only. If you want to order a la carte, double check that’s allowed.
• Don’t count on getting a table as a walk-in on weekends or holidays. Reserve ahead for Fridays/Saturdays especially.
• Leave room for dessert! Many Tulum restaurants like Arca or Casa Jaguar end meals on a sweet note.
• Tipping is normal and encouraged at 10% at most restaurants.

The Best Restaurants in Tulum for Upscale Dining

If you’re looking to splurge on a special meal with gorgeous scenery to match, Tulum has several restaurants perfect for an upscale dinner or lunch. You’ll find gourmet cuisine focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients along with attentive service. Just be sure to make reservations in advance since these hot spots book up quickly.

Arca –  michelin star restaurants tulum – best restaurant in Tulum

Michelin-Starred Dining Lands in Tulum Exciting news for gourmands –

Tulum welcomed its first Michelin-starred restaurant in 2022. Called Arca, this relaxed yet refined jungle restaurant comes courtesy of Noma-trained chef Jose Luis Hinostroza. His tasting menus burst with bright, unexpected Latin flavors that earned Arca a Michelin star within its first year. A world-class dining experience in lush tropical surroundings.

Without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Tulum, Arca comes from Noma-trained chef Jose Luis Hinostroza. Located in the beachside jungle, this relaxed yet refined restaurant impresses with creative Latin American cuisine bursting with bright, unexpected flavors. Highlights from the tasting menu include the vanilla bean ceviche, suckling pig with black garlic, and an indulgent chocolate tart for dessert.

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Tulum Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

Best Restaurants in Tulum beach

Hartwood

Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Tulum, Hartwood draws crowds nightly to its open-air jungle setting. The hypnotizing wood-burning oven and grill turn out incredible dishes like whole roasted Caribbean lobster, charred octopus, and juicy pork belly that belies Hartwood’s rustic decor.

Address: Km 7.6, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Beach

Casa Jaguar

Blending rustic with refined, Casa Jaguar charms with its jungle-chic outdoor space and artfully prepared seafood dishes.

Start your meal with their flavorful ceviches or carpaccio before moving on to mains like fresh catch in creamy green pipian sauce. And don’t skip the cocktails, crafted from an extensive list of Mexican spirits and ingredients.

Address: KM 7.5, Av. Boca Paila

Maresias at Be Tulum

The attached restaurant at the luxurious Be Tulum Resort, Maresias is right on the beach, making it one of the best spots in Tulum for oceanfront dining.

Bring your bathing suit if you want to take a dip beforehand! Choose from wood-fired pizzas, ceviche, grilled octopus—all made from fresh, quality ingredients. Plus the ambiance enhances the whole experience.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10, Tulum Beach

Where to Find Authentic Mexican Food in Tulum Mexico – best places to eat in tulum mexico

You can’t visit Mexico without eating authentic Mexican food! While Tulum has no shortage of upscale restaurants aimed at tourists, make sure to also check out a few local spots serving traditional Yucatán specialties. Look for hole-in-the-wall taquerias dishing out tacos al pastor, fresh seafood aguachiles, and more Mexican comfort food.

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Antojitos La Chiapaneca

Ask any local where to find the best tacos in Tulum and they’ll likely point you to this popular taqueria in the town center. Their specialty is tacos al pastor, with juicy pork carved right off the trompo and topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. Grab a table in the open-air dining room for the full experience.

Address: Calle Acuario Nte. 3, Tulum Centro

Best Restaurants in Tulum with a View of Ocean

Maresias at Be Tulum

The breezy, beachfront restaurant at the luxurious Be Tulum Resort sits right along the Caribbean sea. After a swim, enjoy wood-fired pizzas and fresh ceviche while watching the waves lap ashore. Just steps from the sand to your table.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10

Macondo at Nomade The Moroccan-inspired restaurant at design-forward Nomade Hotel sits right on a secluded stretch of beach in the hotel zone. From nourishing breakfast dishes to whole roasted fish and zucchini carpaccio with cashew cheese, Macondo’s health-focused cuisine tastes even better with a side of sea views.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10.5

Posada Margherita

Ask any Tulum regular about the best beachfront restaurants in town and Posada Margherita tops the list. Sitting right in the sand, this Italian spot makes all their pasta and pizza dough from scratch daily.

Feast on perfect pasta carbonara, truffle ravioli, wood-fired pizzas and more with your toes in the sand and beach front views.

Address: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km 4.5

Be Coco Tulum Beach Club & Bistró

By day, Be Coco offers prime beachfront real estate for lounging on cushy beds and dipping in the Caribbean Sea right outside Habitas Tulum Hotel.

By night, tables spill onto the sand for dinner service focused on fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors under glowing lights.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Km 10

Moro at Habitas Tulum 

Perched right over the beach, Moro Restaurant at Habitas Hotel brings the outdoors in through floor-to-ceiling windows revealing sweeping views.

Local ingredients shine in dishes like juicy ribeye with Oaxaca cheese or whole fried fish escamochas drizzled with habanero butter. And there may be no better spot in Tulum for sunset cocktails.

Address: Carretera Boca Paila – Tulum km 4.5

El Pez at Hotel Esencia

El Pez comes with prime beachfront real estate perched on the sand outside chic boutique hotel Esencia. Beautifully prepared seafood like lobster guacamole, Ahi tuna tartare and whole grilled Caribbean fish taste even better paired with ocean views.

Address: Carretera Cancún – Tulum Km 47, Xpu-Há

Casa Jaguar

Blending refined cuisine with a relaxed jungle-chic outdoor space, Casa Jaguar sits right on Tulum’s main beach road. Fresh seafood stars on the menu, like their tuna carpaccio or the catch of the day baked halibut. And drinks go down easy on the charming front patio.

Address: KM 7.5, Av. Boca Paila

Best restaurants in Tulum town 

El Tábano

Tucked away on the main beach road, El Tábano keeps things authentic with regional Mexican cuisine courtesy of head chef Martha Ortiz. Focused on Yucatán ingredients and traditions, standouts dishes include cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork), seafood aguachile, and chicken pibil tacos cooked in a banana leaf. Don’t miss this under the radar gem.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7

Safari at Aldea Zama

Safari flies under the radar but earns consistent rave reviews for its fresh, uncomplicated Mexican food. Located in the residential Aldea Zama neighborhood, Safari charms with its laidback open-air setting under a giant palapa roof. Go for the locally caught fish tacos or avocado stuffed with succulent shrimp—perfectly simple and simply perfect.

Address: Calle Itzamna Aldea Zama

Best Restaurants in Tulum for Vegetarians and Vegans

Great news for plant-based eaters: Tulum offers abundant vegan and vegetarian restaurant options to please even the pickiest herbivore. You’ll find everything from raw vegan dishes to meatless tacos, burritos, pastas and so much more. Nearly every restaurant lists several good veggie choices on their menu too.

Charly’s Vegan Tacos

Chef Charly at this aptly named spot puts a healthy plant-based twist on classic Mexican street food. The bright, casual spot slings tacos, quesadillas, nopales salad and more, all made with fresh veggies and vegan proteins like soyrizo chorizo. Even meat eaters love the vibrant flavors at this downtown Tulum locale.

Address: Avenida Satélite 48

Raw Love

For the ultimate plant-based experience, head to the rustic-chic Raw Love nestled amidst Ahau Tulum Hotel’s jungle grounds.

They serve up raw preparations of “burgers,” “spaghetti Bolognese,” zucchini noodle Pad Thai and much more, cold pressed juices, and guilt-free desserts. The perfect spot for chilling in a hammock after your healthy, nourishing meal.

Address: Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila Km 7

Macondo at Nomade Hotel – best tulum restaurants

The airy restaurant at design-forward Nomade Hotel makes vegetarians very happy.

Macondo focuses on veggies, superfoods, and globally inspired combinations like massaged kale salad with chickpeas, carrots and tahini dressing or zucchini carpaccio with cashew cheese. And the Moroccan vibes are just as beautiful as the food.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10.5

The Restaurant at Sanará – Tulum Mexico Restaurants

Previously called The Real Coconut, this attached restaurant at Sanará Hotel remains focused on wholesome ingredients and plant-centric preparations. For breakfast, try the chia pudding, avocado toast, or build your own nourishing bowl.

Lunch and dinner also boast tasty meatless options centered around veggies, grains and legumes.

Address: Km 8.2 Carretera Tulum Bocapaila

The Best Restaurants in Tulum Hotel Zone

While most of Tulum’s best restaurants are centralized along the main beach road in the hotel zone, don’t miss the chance to take a quick taxi and try Safari at Aldea Zama in the residential outskirts. This popular palapa eatery serves simple yet perfect locally sourced Mexican dishes at an affordable price point.

Posada Margherita

Ask any Tulum regular about the best restaurants in town and Posada Margherita always tops the list. Sitting on a quiet stretch of beach, this Italian spot makes all their pasta and pizza dough from scratch daily. Feast on perfect pasta carbonara, truffle ravioli, wood-fired pizzas and more. Just arrive hungry—the portions here go big.

Address: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km 4.5

Where to Find the Best Italian Food in Tulum

In the mood for pasta, pizza and more Italian specialties places to eat in Tulum during your Tulum vacation? You’ll discover several stellar Italian restaurants—including a couple operated by Italian expats—serving authentically delicious food with Mediterranean vibes. Just be sure to make reservations in advance since these hot spots book up.

Casa Banana

Another popular Italian restaurant occupying a prime spot of beachfront real estate, Casa Banana charms with its rustic-chic aesthetic and well-executed food. Wood-fired pizzas are obviously on the menu but save room for their signature short ribs braised in red wine, perfectly cooked steaks, and a decadent vegan lasagna.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7.5

Most Unique Restaurants in Tulum & Most beautiful restaurants in tulum 

Part of what makes dining in Tulum so special are the unique restaurant settings, from palapa structures open to the outdoors to chic industrial spaces to actual treehouses and hidden garden gems. Along with fabulous food, the memorable ambiance completes the entire experience.

Kin Toh at Azulik – Most Beautiful Restaurant in Tulum

Built on stilts above the jungle, Azulik’s Kin Toh restaurant and bar shouldn’t be missed, especially for sunset when the views become surreal.

Enjoy inventive cocktails and small plates while nestled amidst the bamboo pods. Arrive right at golden hour to catch the location at its finest.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen KM 5

Cenzontle

Tucked away in a secret garden, Cenzontle feels straight out of a design magazine. Concrete floors, wood plank walls, dangling greenery and antique chandeliers set the scene for a romantic, elevated dinner. Chef Emmanuel Lopez turns out creative Baja Med-style sharing plates, like tuna tostadas with ginger mojo or suckling pig carnitas.

Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7.3

Kitchen Table

Kitchen Table takes the idea of outdoor dining to new heights—literally—with individual dining nooks set 20 feet up into the trees. Reached via wooden walkways and stairs lit by dangling lanterns, the experience feels akin to eating in an architectural treehouse. And the market-driven Mexican menu perfectly matches the enchanting jungle setting.

Address: Km 6 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila

Best Restaurants in Tulum for Coffee, Cocktails and Desserts

While Tulum restaurants excel at delivering fresh, vibrant cuisine all day long, we’d be remiss not to highlight the stellar coffee shops, happening cocktail bars, and sweet spots for capping off a delicious meal. Because no visit to Tulum is complete without a properly buzzed coffee buzz, artfully mixed mezcal cocktail, or dose of vegan ice cream.

Maresias at Be Tulum

The beachfront restaurant at the luxurious Be Tulum Resort also mixes up fabulous cocktails like their signature Mezcal Maresias, made with smoky mezcal, fresh lime, ginger syrup and saline solution. Sip with your toes in the sand before wandering over to their beach lounge beds with drink in hand.

Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 10, Tulum Beach

Address: Itzamna, Aldea Zama

Gitano

Garden of Love Even if you don’t make reservations for Gitano’s famous themed prix fixe dining experience, at least come for mezcal cocktails in the staggeringly beautiful outdoor lounge and cocktail garden. The drinks don’t come cheap but the jaw-dropping setting is worth the splurge.

Address: Beach Road Km 7

Matcha Mama

Start your day the bright and healthy way at everybody’s favorite boho-chic cafe, Matcha Mama. Swing in a hanging chair while sipping a matcha latte, cold brew coffee or nutrient-packed smoothie bowl crowned with granola and fruit. And yes, it’s just an Instagrammable as it looks.

Address: Itzamna, Aldea Zama

I Scream Bar

To fulfill your sweet tooth cravings minus the guilt, visit this hip vegan ice cream shop crafted out of recycled city bus parts. Their crew dreamed up creamy flavors like double chocolate fudge, cookies and cream, mint chip and other classic crowd-pleasers. But without the dairy, so you can feel good about that second or third scoop.

Address: Avenida Satélite MZ 5

The Verdict: Where to Eat in Tulum Restaurants In Tulum

I hope you loved this guide to the best restaurants in Tulum Mexico. From street tacos to upscale dining and everything in between, Tulum truly offers an outstanding diversity of dining options to suit any traveler.

When planning your own Tulum vacation

refer back to this guide on the top restaurants so you can start scouting reservations or pinpointing must-try spots. And don’t forget to stray off the beaten hotel zone path into Tulum Pueblo from time to time for a more local and authentic food scene. ¡Buen provecho!