9 Best Restaurants in Tulum: A complete guide

written by Julia 15. December 2019
9 Best Restaurants in Tulum: A complete guide

Tulum – the best restaurants

Welcome to Tulum – the most surreal place on earth! Tulum is not only known for its famous beaches, but also for its luxury cuisine. It is said that the best time to travel to Tulum is from November until March, but to be honest our trip was in August and the weather was absolutely fine. There are many things to see and to do in and around Tulum – we will talk about it in our following Tulum Guide – this guide here focuses on the best restaurants in Tulum as it is a pure foodie paradise.

Tulum – Where to stay?

Tulum Beach and Tulum City are two completely different things – when people speak about Tulum, they always speak about Tulum Beach. The beach area got really really expensive over the last years so we decided to stay in a hotel nearby, with the most beautiful beach and seafront. As we were super flexible with our rental car and we did not plan to chill at the beach everyday, we couldn’t be happier with our decision.

Where we stayed: The Mereva Tulum

We were looking for a quiet, non-touristy boutique hotel with seaview – but still close enough for a daily trip to Tulum Beach or Tulum City. The Mereva Tulum Hotel was the perfect choice for us: A great place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle.

Relax & discover

They also offer activities like stand-up paddling, kayaking and snorkeling that are included in the room rate. We rent a car as soon as we arrived at the airport and were flexible all the time. If you are planning a trip to Tulum and just want to hang out in the cool bars and best restaurants, you better stay in Tulum Beach directly so you don’t have to hire a cab every day to discover all the places around.

This hotel is perfect for you if you are want to escape the world, there is not so much to do around. About 1h45m from Cancun airport, this place is absolutely worth it. The hotel staff knew our food/drink orders off the bat, and they really go above and beyond to make your stay a comfortable one. 

Adventures welcome!

And for all adventurers: There’s a beautiful big Cenote about 30 second walk from the hotel for 120 pesos…a must do! The only bad thing about this place – the beach cannot be used. The seaweed piles up in large piles and sits there smelly throughout the entire day. The hardworking (and friendly) staff that’s designated for cleaning it up can only do so much. 

Our room was incredibly spacious and clean, and the views from the entire property are incredible. There are only 25 or so rooms, so we never felt crowded like at some other resorts in the area. Our room was right by the pool overlooking the ocean, but our favorite was the one nestled back in the trees with lounging bean bags and hammocks. Such a great place to relax after a busy day.

Heaven for foodies

The food at the restaurant was about the best food we had on the trip (and we had a lot of food!). Their website says “continental breakfast” is included, but this isn’t what you would envision as continental. Fresh juices and coffee, homemade bread and jam, delicious yogurt, granola, and fruit platters, plus several delicious entrees.

1. La Hoja Verde

  • Address: Beta Sur S/N, Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexiko
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 8:00am – 11pm
  • Connect: Find La Hoja Verde on Facebook and Tripadvisor

To tell you guys the truth: Being veggie or vegan in Mexico, especially in Tulum, was not always fun. Even though there are many amazing restaurants around and in Tulum, they always focus an meat and seafood. The happier I was when I found La Hoja Verde: Their menu is quite diversified – vegetarian or vegan tacos, fancy salad combos and amazing desserts and drinks. I really enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere with live music that evening.

Vegan food is everything but boring!

La Hoja Verde is located in a little nook right around the corner and is such a cozy place to visit, especially in the evening when the lights are all lit. And another big plus: the food is artistically displayed and was really, really delicious!

2. Casa Jaguar

  • Address: CARRETERA BOCA PAILA KM 7.5 TULUM, MEXICO 
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 6:00pm – 12:00pm
  • Book a table: For reservations please pick one of the following seating times: 6:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM 
  • Make a reservation: casajaguartulum@gmail.com 
  • Connect: Find Casa Jaguar on Facebook and Instagram
  • More information: Discover their website

The hype is real…

Well, I guess Case Jaguar is one of the most hyped restaurants and bars in Tulum Beach – with its jungle outdoor space, the candlelight dinner atmosphere and the hippest DJs in town. The drinks were great, but the menu wasn’t expansive (and we are foodies!) – and in addition to that: the only option for veggies was a tiny, but expensive side salad.

Veggies paradise? Not so much…

A huge minus for me as I was kind of starving and we heard so much about their cuisine. To be fair, I loved everything about the jungle decor and would definitely come back – but next time for drinks only. An amazing atmosphere, but by far not the best restaurant in Tulum Beach. Sidenote: The mosquitos around this area can be super annoying sometimes – so you better bring your repellant!

3. Taqueria La Eufemia

  • Address: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila km 10 Next to Hotel Coqui Coqui, Tulum 77780 Mexiko
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 8:00am – 10:00pm
  • Connect: Find Taqueria La Eufemia on Facebook and Instagram

By far my personal highlight in Tulum Beach – cheap and awesome tacos with beach view. I mean – does it get any better? If you are looking for authentic Tulum vibes off the beaten track – then this is the place to go. It a really laid back place directly situated at the beach, with reggae music and zero-snobbish people. I loved it a lot.

Taco paradise in the middle of nowhere…

They offer different taco toppings (the boys loved the beef tacos a lot) and we had grilled mushroom tacos with guacamole and different salsas. This is the perfect beach if you are looking for tasty and affordable bites and drinks whilst you spend the day on the beach. Sidenote: It’s not easy to find when you are coming from the main street in Tulum, but take your time – it’s so worth it! Well, and for all our veggie taco fans: Find our latest veggie recipe here

4. Matcha Mama

  • Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen (9.333,54 km) 77780 Tulum
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Connect: Find Matcha Mama on Facebook and Instagram

Acai bowls = goals!

If you are looking for the best Acai bowl in Tulum this is the place to go. Matcha Mama is situated in a tiny roadside trailer – we preferred a spot on the very photogenic swing. We also tried the mango bowl and had some of the really amazing cold brew. Always worth a stop for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. Yummie!

5. Posada Margherita

  • Address: Km. 4.5, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexiko 
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 12:00am – 10:00pm
  • Book a table: They do not take reservations!
  • Connect: Find Posada Margherita on Facebook and Instagram
  • For more information: Discover their website
  • Important note: Cash only!

Authentic italian food? Yes, please!

If I had to choose one restaurant to put at the very top of my highlight list of Tulum – Posada Margherita and it’s beautiful atmosphere and the OMG-home made Italian pasta would be it! It is nestled on the rustic back porch of a large house overlooking the ocean. The beautiful setting, the Italian food and the very friendly staff – I just loved everything about this place.

Home far away from home!

My personal highlight: When we arrived at Posada Margherita, we were greeted by a friendly host whom we suppose was probably also the manager. He explained the menu to us and had a plate of delicious focaccia and various anti-pasti brought to our table. Sidenote: As Tulum Beach is kind of pricy this place is also not really cheap – but we just wanted to spoil ourselves. And a second hint: Bring cash – they do not accept cards and the next ATM is far, far away!

6. Unico

  • Address: Tulum Avenue Six doors down from Scotiabank, Second Floor Above Viva Zapata, Tulum 77760 Mexiko
  • Opening Hours: MON – SAT 3:30pm – 11:00pm
  • Connect: Find Unico on Tripadvisor

We ended up at Unico by accident – saw the nice interior and enjoyed our dinner very much. To be honest it was the first place in Tulum which served vegan ceviche (tomatoes, onions, jicama, cucumber, grilled corn, Serrano chile and lime juice) – and it was delicious.

Wanted: Fish- and meat lovers!

For fish and meat lovers they offer a broad menu from different fresh ceviches, various taco highlights with crispy fish, garlic shrimp, veggie, bbq pork, crispy shrimps and al pastor (pineapple, cilantro and onion). I guess the true highlight is the spicy tuna burger – I trust the boys and they were more than ecstatic. Sidenote: Their drinks menu ranges from cocktails to selected wines from Spain, California as well as Mexiko.

7. Burrito Amor

  • Address: Av Tulum Pte Mz 3 Lote 5 Local 1, Av. Tulum, Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico 
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 8:30am – 2am
  • Connect: Find Burrito Amor on Facebook and Instagram
  • More Information: Discover their website

Burritos with a lot of amor!

Yes, the name says is all. Hands down – they create the best Guacamole ever – and I am a huge Guacamole lover and it left me speechless. The burritos are quite big and way cheaper than in many other places. Another highlight: Burrito amor serves burritos with coco wrap – served in a banana leaf. We found several vegan and veggie options (avo filling, mushrooms etc.) and loved the fresh fruit juices. Absolutely delicious! Sidenote: They accept credit cards.

8. Tseen-Ja Azulik

  • Address: Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen KM 5, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Mexiko 
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 6:00pm – 11:00pm
  • Connect: Find Azulik Tulum on Facebook and Instagram
  • More Information: Discover their website

Wanted: Unforgettable moments!

You are looking for an unforgettable location? Well, here you go. This place is just very surreal – with its jungle decor, the winding bamboo staircases and the jaw-dropping views over Tulum. A reservation is highly recommended – we just walked in and had a drink as we didn’t book a table. Surrounded by jungle on one side and ocean on the other this place is just pure magic. Friends of us told us that they came for sunset, paid $30 p/person which is then exchanged for a cocktail. They walked up to the tree canopy and loved every second of it. So essentially you’re paying for a drink and the most amazing and surreal experience.

9. La Nave

  • Address:  Av. Tulum, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexiko 
  • Opening Hours: MON – SUN 8:30am – 11:00pm
  • Connect: Find La Nave Tulum on Facebook

Lasagna, Pasta, Bruschetta …

Authentic Italian cuisine in Tulum? Yes, please. La Nave is situated in Tulum Center and we enjoyed our dinner so much that we came back the day after. Pizza is served with a very thin crust, fresh topping and a tomato sauce to die for. We sat on a street side table and it was very enjoyable because of all the street music artists – very lovely. The menu is quite extensive and the food was just excellent: we had the steak, lasagna, pasta, bruschetta and pizza – which were all equally as good and tremendously great value! One of the best restaurants in Tulum when it comes to traditional Italian cuisine!

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