Food is one of the main factors that make any place worth visiting, and Tulum is no exception. When you visit Tulum, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that serve fantastic food and drinks that will make your stay more enjoyable. For this reason, it cannot be easy to decide where to eat. Also, it can be challenging to find the best ones among all options.
In general, Tulum houses so many restaurants, giving you plenty of options. Here, you can find the best dishes and different cuisines. Also, you can find restaurants serving affordable food on a budget and fancy restaurants if you don’t mind spending on great food.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Tulum to help you decide where to eat. We’ve also classified the best options according to the area and according to every traveler’s budget. This article should give you an idea of which restaurants to choose from according to your preferences.
Let’s get started!
Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Tulum?
Generally, Tulum is filled with restaurants that you can find almost everywhere around town. Still, there are two common areas where you’ll find the best restaurants Tulum has to offer. These two are Tulum Pueblo and Tulum Hotel Zone.
Tulum Pueblo
Tulum Pueblo is the term referring to Tulum’s town center. This area houses some of the best restaurants in town. Tulum Pueblo is a common area for locals and tourists alike, and it’s ideal if you’re on a budget.
The thing is that Tulum Pueblo is a few minutes away from the beach. As such, it means the things here aren’t as pricey as the ones near the beach, including the food.
In most cases, you’ll find restaurants here enjoyed by locals since they are affordable. As a result, even budget travelers join the crowds.
If you’re a budget traveler planning to visit Tulum, budget food isn’t the only way to save money. To learn more about saving money while in Tulum, read How To Do Tulum On A Budget.
Unlike most restaurants near the beach, the ones in Tulum Pueblo aren’t usually aesthetically inclined (though some still look nice). Still, the vibe in this place will usually make your mouth water, like seeing the best dishes cooked in front of your eyes.
Tulum Hotel Zone
While Tulum Pueblo houses the most budget-friendly restaurants, the hotel zone is where you’ll find the popular ones for their fancy dishes, amazing views, and aesthetic dining areas.
The hotel zone is on Tulum Beach Road, where most hotels are located. Also, most restaurants here are part of the hotels, but you can eat at these restaurants even if you’re not checked in at the hotel.
Overall, the restaurants here are generally pricier than the ones in the town center. However, it’s worth the extra penny since you can enjoy fantastic views in this part of town as you munch your food.
Here is an overview of the best restaurants in Tulum by Area. Read further as we take a better look at each one.
Best Restaurants In Tulum By Area
| Best Beach Restaurants (Restaurants besides the beach) | The Real Coconut at Sanará, Posada Margherita, El Tábano, Loco Tulum, Arca, and Gitano |
| Best Town Center Restaurants(Restaurants in Tulum Pueblo) | Taqueria Don Beto, Taqueria Honorio, Antojitos la Chiapaneca, Campanella Cremerie, Safari Comedor Zama, and Verdant |
Best Beach Restaurants in Tulum
Since Tulum is best known and visited due to its fantastic beaches, you’ll want to dine and enjoy some delicious food near it. A Tulum vacation wouldn’t be complete without eating in a place where you can view the beach. As such, below are six of the best beach restaurants in Tulum.
The Real Coconut Cafe at Sanará
If you’re searching for a restaurant in Tulum that highlights healthy, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan-friendly options, then The Real Coconut Restaurant at Sanará is the place for you.
This restaurant focuses on serving healthy dishes, and its theme is mostly wellness. You can find this restaurant at Sanará Hotel’s beach bungalow, which sits beside Tulum beach near the Hotel Zone.
In this place, you’ll find their famous coconut yogurt bowls and the world-famous coconut-cassava chips made into tortillas.
While most people choose this place for breakfast, they also serve dishes for all meals of the day. We recommend you try the Myan Night dinner here.
If you’re health-conscious, don’t worry because every food served here is free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.
- Address: Carretera Punta Piedra Punta Allen KM 8.2 ejido Jose Maria Pino Suarez, Tulum 77780 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 984 179 8099
- Facebook Page: Real Coconut cafe
Posada Margherita
The Posada Margherita is a hotel that houses a place named after Tulum’s iconic Italian restaurant. You can find this restaurant in the Hotel Zone near the beach.
Posada Margherita prides itself on its Italian recipes, which originated from the recipes of the owner’s mother and grandmother. As such, you’ll enjoy the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and the food.
In this place, you get to enjoy a variety of dishes and cuisines. Among these are Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Further, they serve the best seafood dishes, so keep that in mind if you’re a seafood lover.
If we’re to recommend, the best dishes to try would be the focaccias and their homemade pasta. It would be best to get some gelato, which makes perfect food as you enjoy the Caribbean sea views on the horizon.
One thing to note is that this restaurant only accepts cash in local currency, so it’s best to bring such before visiting. However, if you don’t have local currency, you can exchange some at the Best Places to Exchange Money in Tulum.
- Address: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 4,5, Tulum Mexico
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Phone Number: +52 984 801 8493
- Facebook Page: Posada Margherita
El Tábano
El Tábano is a charming eatery located in the Hotel Zone. It has a pleasant patio with wooden tables and chairs, offering a relaxing ambiance as you eat.
You can enjoy Mexican, Latin, and Central American dishes in this place. However, if you want to hear our recommendations, we suggest you try their moles or the enchiladas!
Overall, the place has an exciting atmosphere that will make your meals more satisfying. They also have seasonal and local specials that will make your mouth water whenever you visit.
- Address: Beach Road Tulum Km. 7, Tulum 77766 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Phone Number:+52 984 134 8725
- Facebook Page: Restaurant El Tábano Tulum
Loco Tulum
Another restaurant by the beach that’s a must-try is Loco Tulum. This eatery is located in the hotel zone, which is near Tulum beach. Further, it boasts of its mouth-watering dishes and a relaxing setting that will surely make your meals enjoyable.
You can get seafood dishes at this restaurant, and their grilled ones are known for their Mediterranean flavors.
Overall, the place serves Mediterranean dishes with seasonal options on the menu. They also boast of their service, and the staff accommodation is well-loved by tourists.
- Address: Carretera Boca Paila KM 9.2 Zona Hotelera, Tulum Beach, Tulum 77780 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 1 998 205 3945
- Facebook Page: Loco Tulum
Arca
Arca is another restaurant on our list because of its ultra-progressive style. Here, you can enjoy wood-fired cooking, and it’s among the few restaurants in Tulum to have such.
Also, the interior of this place is enjoyable to see with its jungle theme. Overall, it’s a fantastic place to dine, and it’s well worth the money for being a high-end restaurant.
This restaurant offers exciting dishes with bold flavors inspired by the season’s flora and fauna. One of the most popular dishes they serve is tamarind and pastilla marrow. They also serve some vegetarian-friendly dishes if you prefer.
If you want some treats for dessert, they have stuffed cacao pods for you to munch on. Overall, these things will make you love Tulum even more.
- Address: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km 7.6, Tulum 77780 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Facebook Page: ARCA
Gitano
Gitano is one of the best options when enjoying the nightlife in Tulum, but it’s more than that! This place also serves fantastic food along with its drinks.
Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, such as Mexican and Latin. You can also enjoy vegetarian-friendly meals if you or your companions prefer such. If we are to recommend, the tuna tostada and chorizo con queso are must-try dishes of the place.
This restaurant boasts a menu filled with modern Mexican dishes that pair well with a handful of fruity mezcal drinks.
Lastly, it’s a pleasant place to enjoy food and drinks since it has a perfectly relaxing ambiance. Customers return to this place because of everything. With friendly staff and accommodating service, Gitano is a place to enjoy some food well worth its price.
- Address: Tulum Beach Road KM 7.5, Tulum 77780, Mexico
- Operating Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Phone Number: +52 984 231 7975
- Facebook Page: Gitano Tulum
Best Town Center Restaurants in Tulum
Tulum Pueblo, or the town center of Tulum, also houses the best restaurants. This area generally houses excellent restaurant options for budget travelers, as most restaurants by the beach are expensive. Still, you can find some high-end restaurants here as well.
Below are the six best restaurants to check out if you want to eat in Tulum Pueblo.
Taqueria Don Beto
Taqueria Don Beto is the place to go if you’re on a budget but still want to eat some excellent food. Here, you can enjoy some Mexican dishes like tasty tacos and tortas.
One thing to note is that it’s situated beside the road, so you’ll be eating in an outdoor area beside the road. Also, as you sit in this area, you’ll enjoy savoring the aroma of freshly made corn tortillas. While some may not be a thing, others prefer this setting as it’s more delicious and comforting.
This restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked conchinita pibil dishes. It’s a must-try in Tulum Pueblo, and it’s mouth-watering.
- Address: Carr. Tulum – Cancún 121, Tulum Mexico
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 998 886 2212
Taqueria Honorio
Taqueria Honorio is a taco place located in Tulum Puelo or Tulum town. This spot is a favorite of both locals and tourists, and they are known for being a breakfast place that serves fantastic tacos.
If you’re searching for the best places to eat breakfast while in Tulum, you can read our article: Where to Eat Breakfast in Tulum?
As a food spot in Tulum Pueblo, this place offers a budget-friendly menu for locals and tourists who want to enjoy good food without hurting their wallets.
One thing to note, though, is that this spot closes early, at 1:30 in the afternoon. As such, it’s ideal for your food cravings in the morning and at noon.
If we are to recommend something, we highly suggest you try their conchinita pibil served on handmade tortillas.
- Address: Mza 10 Av. Satelite Sur / Andomeda Y Sol Ote Lt 13, Tulum 77760 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 06:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 984 745 0674
- Facebook Page: Taquería Honorio
Antojitos la Chiapaneca
Antojitos la Chiapaneca is a restaurant in Tulum Pueblo that serves some delicious yet budget-friendly dishes. Here, you can find dishes that many people, mainly locals, would love. As such, it’s also one of the most popular food spots around the town center.
The place boasts of its tacos, but they also serve mouth-watering Yucatecan dishes like salbutes and panuchos.
As a budget-friendly food spot, Antojitos la Chiapaneca only accepts cash, so it’s best to have some local currency cash with you. Also, the place doesn’t have seats, so you have to eat while standing.
Overall, it’s an excellent food spot if you’re craving some Mexican food and if you’re only around to satisfy your hunger, not to linger and take your time. If you like our recommendations, we’ll go for their tacos al pastor, tostadas, and horchata.
- Address: Avenida Tulum, Tulum, Mexico
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 984 112 3249
- Facebook Page: Antojitos la chiapaneca tulum
Campanella Cremerie
If you’re looking for sweet things like pastries, coffee, and even savory sandwiches, then Campanella Cremerie is the place for you. You can find this restaurant in Tulum Pueblo, but they also have a branch in Tulum Beach.
This place offers the best options that will satisfy your sweet tooth. You can enjoy some ice cream, waffles, gelatos, and even coffee here.
If you want to hear our recommendations, their banana crunch ice cream or the pistachio ice cream is something to try!
Besides the sweet treats, you’ll also enjoy a variety of dishes around since they serve Italian, Mexican, and Caribbean dishes.
Overall, Campanella Cremerie is a place that earns its place in the top restaurants in Tulum. We recommend this place to you, regardless of your preferences.
- Address: Avenida Tulum Between calles Acuario Norte & Jupiter Norte, Colonia Centro, Tulum 77780 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 07:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 984 871 2992
- Facebook Page: Campanella Cremerie
Safari Comedor Zama
Safari Comedor Zuma is another one of the best restaurants in Tulum, and it’s popular because of its location. Situated on the edge of the jungle outside Tulum Pueblo, this restaurant is undoubtedly a place to find the most delicious flavors in dishes.
This place serves Mexican dishes while serving drinks in a bar and other drinks in their cafe. As such, it’s a place to go whether you need a fill for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks in between.
If we are to recommend something, their Mexican avocado toast is a staple. It comes in tortillas and is filled with homemade salsa.
- Address: Calle Itzamna Manzana 26 Lote 13, Tulum 77760 Mexico
- Operating Hours: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 984 134 8322
- Facebook Page: Safari Comedor Zama
Verdant
Verdant is included in our list of best restaurants for its sustainability goals. This restaurant is among the high-end restaurants, and dining here is not meant for budget travelers. However, if you’re into sustainability and want to support others who do, then Verdant is the place for you.
Besides sustainability, the restaurant boasts fresh local ingredients harvested from the town. Here, you can enjoy a variety of modern Mexican dishes. Further, they boast of their french techniques for preparing their food.
In this place, you can enjoy healthy dishes and find options if you or your companion is vegan or vegetarian.
Overall, you’ll want to try their 4-course harvest menu f you don’t mind spending a bit extra on food while in Tulum. One thing to note is that the place only accepts cash, so it’s best to prepare some before visiting.
- Address: Chemuyil St. Km 227, Tulum 77760, Mexico
- Operating Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Phone Number: +52 1 984 132 8378
- Facebook Page: Verdánt
Best Restaurants In Tulum According to Budget
Budget is another common factor when choosing a restaurant to eat at. Many people would want to know which restaurants to visit depending on their budget.
Best Budget Restaurants
The budget restaurants are usually located in Tulum Pueblo or the town center. Of course, you can still find some budget restaurants in the Hotel Zone, but you’ll have better chances of eating at Tulum Pueblo if you’re tight on the budget.
Some of the restaurants for budget-friendly travelers are crowded and standing. Further, you’ll sometimes have to wait, but it’s well worth the time since you’ll have your fill without hurting your wallet.
With the options mentioned above, the best budget-friendly restaurants are:
- Taqueria Honorio
- Campanella Cremerie
- Antojitos la Chiapaneca
- Taqueria Don Beto
Best Midrange Restaurants
The midrange restaurants offer extra comfort than the budget-friendly ones. Here, you’ll find comfortable seating and a dining area. You’ll also enjoy some good service and well-plated food and drinks.
Of course, the best Midrange restaurants’ prices range higher than the previous ones. However, you can enjoy it with amazing views and well-prepared dishes.
With the options mentioned above, the best midrange restaurants are:
- Posada Margherita
- El Tábano
- The Real Coconut at Sanará
- Loco Tulum
- Safari Comedor Zama
Best High-End Restaurants
The high-end restaurants in Tulum usually boast of their aesthetically pleasing dining atmosphere, fancy setup, and well-accommodated service from every staff.
Another thing to note is that most high-end restaurants in Tulum are associated with beach clubs. Dining in these places can let you access fancy beach clubs while saving some money on entrance fees and furniture rentals. If you want to know more about beach clubs in Tulum, check out: Best Beach Clubs in Tulum.
With Tulum’s beauty, you’ll enjoy dining in such restaurants. However, if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime Tulum vacation, you may want to spend a little extra cash to enjoy fancy dining in this beautiful place. Trust us when we say it’s all worth the money.
With the options mentioned above, the best high-end restaurants are:
- Gitano
- Verdant
- Arca
Conclusion
When it comes to restaurants and places to eat, Tulum has a lot to offer. However, the best ones around town are either in Tulum Pueblo, Tulum Hotel Zone, or near the beach. Of course, the best restaurants are relative to your preferences.
With this article as your guide, you should set your preferences, especially in budget and taste, to ensure you enjoy your time and money in the restaurants that suit you. Overall, it’s an excellent idea to know where you want to eat as it helps if you plan your stay in this town.
