Looking for a locals guide to the best restaurants in Tulum?
You’re in luck!
Discover:
- tasty taco joints
- fancy fine dining
- restaurants with a view
- breakfast hangouts
- party places where you can grab a bite
and more!
Your Ultimate Guide to The Best Restaurants in Tulum
- Ilios Greek Estiatorio
- Ukami
- Parole
- Loco
- Taqueria Honorio
- Curry by Po Thai Restaurant
- BAL NAK’
- Funky Geisha
- Café Hunab Ku
- Norita
- Any Questions or Suggestions?
- Other Resources You May Find Useful
- Need Help with Your Tulum Vacation?
1. Ilios Greek Estiatorio
My first shout out is to this fabulous Greek restaurant.
The sea bass is the best I’ve tasted.
I have it on good authority that the lamb gyros are top class too.
This place isn’t just about the food either.
The atmosphere is SO FUN!😁
Think smashing plates, live music, and a DJ.
I love that the servers join in too with their Greek dancing and napkin swinging.
Great food and entertainment, what more could you want?
Why not switch it up and add a sprinkling of the Mediterranean to your tropical trip.
Opening times: 5:00PM – 1:00AM every day.
Location: Hotel zone (click for map).
Menu: Greek, Mediterranean with vegan and vegetarian options.
Cost: $$$$
2. Ukami
Two words, “shrimp tacos”
Ukami would be on my list just for them, they’re that good.
But, there’s way more to love about this Japanese restaurant.
I love sitting at the bar watching the bartenders magic up spicy margaritas and other speciality cocktails. 🍸
The rice bowls with spicy tuna are also a favourite.
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One tip if you eat here…
The spicy edamame definitely lives up to its name so be prepared!
Muy picante, you have been warned!
Opening times: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM every day.
Location: Beach Zone (click for map).
Menu: Japanese, Seafood, Sushi with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
Cost: $$ – $$$
3. Parole
Looking for a change from tacos and ceviche?
Take a taste trip to Tuscany at Parole.
I can especially recommend the lasagne al ragu.
It’s my go-to dish when I visit.
The restaurant team also does a mean grilled octopus amongst an impressive menu of authentic Italian cuisine.
Fun fact: we may not be all that good at dishes like curry in this region but when it comes to Italian food many native Italians have made their home here.
As a result, we get to enjoy their delicious food.
The food isn’t the only reason I recommend this place.
There’s a relaxing rustic vibe amongst the scenery of cenotes and mangroves.
And the last time I was there a violinist was playing, just gorgeous.
One more thing…
The food and drink pairings are to die for with a great selection of wines and artisan cocktails available.
Opening times: 4:00PM – 1:00AM every day.
Location: Hotel Zone (click for map).
Menu: Tuscan, central-Italian, Contemporary with vegetarian options.
Cost: $$ – $$$
4. Loco
Grab a table at Loco.
Looking for fresh, healthy food in Tulum?
This Meditteranean seafood eatery is a great place to start your day with breakfast.
I usually go for a bacon bagel with an avocado side.
But there’s a varied menu at any time of day.
My vegan friends swear by the fresh vegetable dishes and have a special place in their heart for the baba ganoush.
If you’re vegan or veggie this could definitely be your happy place.
Psst…
While I’m on the Vegan theme, you may want to check out this blog post for resort ideas in the area.
“The Best Vegan-Friendly Resorts in Cancun & The Riviera Maya”
Opening times: 8:30AM – 11:00PM every day.
Location: Beach Zone (click for map).
Menu: Mediterranen, Seafood with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
Cost: $$ – $$$
5. Taqueria Honorio
Let’s talk about tacos baby!
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For a fast food venue in Tulum, you can’t beat Taqueria Honorio.
I first came across this place by accident when I needed a snack and drink after walking around town.
The tacos are delicious (my favourites are the Poc Chuc Tacos) and the horchata is really refreshing.
You also get great prices and super quick service.
One quick heads up…
The queues sometimes get long but don’t be put off.
There are plenty of tables so it shouldn’t take long to be seated.
And the short wait is worthwhile.
This place may not look that amazing but for traditional Mexican fast food, it’s perfect.
Opening times: 6:30AM – 3:00PM Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday).
Location: Central (click for map).
Menu: Mexican, Latin fast food.
Cost: $
6. Curry by Po Thai Restaurant
Keeping it real, Curry By Po isn’t in the best part of town.
It’s an area that’s up and coming so it’s a bit rough around the edges and there’s a lot of construction.
Don’t let this put you off.
Like I mentioned earlier getting a decent curry in the tropics ain’t easy.
This place has the best lobster I’ve ever tasted and the Pad Thai is AMAZING.
One more tip…
Mango sticky rice is a must.
Opening times: 2:30 PM – 10:00 PM Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wednesday).
Location: Central (click for map).
Menu: Asian, Thai with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Cost: $$-$$$
7. BAL NAK’
If you want a Mexican seafood restaurant in the Tulum Hotel Zone, Bal Nak’ is well worth a visit.
It’s close to the buzz of the hotels but the setting is peaceful.
It’s like sitting in a little piece of jungle.
My main tip for eating here is “go for the clams as an appetizer.”
Chocolata’s Clam is totally fabulous.
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It’s a take on clam ceviche with apple and cucumber and the freshness just pops in your mouth.
The chef is a total magician for the way he balances flavours so well.
It’s not just the food that’s spellbinding…
You should make sure to check out the cocktails if you visit.
The Verde Jungla has a special place in my heart 😍
Opening times: 5:30PM – 10:30PM every day.
Location: Hotel Zone (click for map).
Menu: Mexican, Latin, Seafood with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
Cost: $$-$$$
8. Funky Geisha
I’d heard a lot about this place but hadn’t gotten around to checking it out until recently.
It’s every bit as good as I imagined and a must if you’re looking for a lively place to eat in Tulum’s Hotel Zone.
The sushi pops with the flavor.
And, the Thai/Asian menu is packed with great dishes.
Quick admission…
The food is amazing but my attention was drawn to the bar.
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There is no way anyone could fail to be super impressed by the mixology skills of Alejando and Amairani.
If you want fun and energy with your food, Funky Geisha is where it’s at.
Opening times: 5:00PM – 1:00AM every day.
Location: Hotel Zone (click for map)
Menu: Japanese, Asian, Thai, Sushi with vegan options.
Cost: $$ – $$$
9. Café Hunab Ku
Café Hunab Ku is a tiny traditional cafe with seating outdoors.
Searching for the best coffee in Tulum?
I’ve found it for you.
Aside from INCREDIBLE COFFEE it’s also one of the friendliest eateries I’ve ever visited.
I love having lunch here with the girls.
We chat over quesadillas with cheese and spinach and fresh fruit juice.
I’ve also stopped off for breakfast here a few times.
What’s not to love about a ham and cheese croissant with an americano and fresh OJ.
Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi so I could get a head start on work.
Opening times: 7:00AM – 5:00PM Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wednesday).
Location: Central (click for map).
Menu: Mexican healthy eating with vegetarian options.
Cost: $
10. Norita
Norita is a stunning restaurant located at Arthouse.
Celebrating a special occasion with a meal in Tulum?
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Honestly, it’s a pricey place to eat but so worth spending extra cash on.
There isn’t any part of dining here that doesn’t take your breath away.
The food is a treat for your taste buds.
Special mention for the seafood spaghetti which I had at a friend’s birthday party.
The drinks are special too.
There’s a top-shelf wine list and creative cocktails.
Everything about this place has a high-end vibe including the service.
The team will even recommend dishes for you if you can’t decide.
Opening times: 6:00AM – 11:00PM every day.
Location: Central (click for map).
Menu: Mediterranean, European, Contemporary with vegan and vegetarian options.
Cost: $$$$
11. Any Questions or Suggestions?
Do you have any questions about my list of “Top 10 Restaurants in Tulum?”
I’m happy to answer them if I can (for menus and bookings contact the restaurants directly).
Just pop something in the comments for this blog post and I’ll respond.
I’d also love to hear about your top suggestions.
Have you visited an amazing steakhouse, taco joint, or vegan restaurant in Tulum.
Let me in on the secret.
I’m always looking for somewhere new to eat.
I can’t wait to hear your tips.
You may be wondering…
Are restaurants expensive in Tulum?
You can grab a taco for just a few pesos.
Eating at a high-end restaurant will set you back around $50-$80 depending on what you choose from the menu.
Here’s the really good news…
Tulum is a foodie’s paradise.
There are choices for every budget, taste and diet including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
They’re all represented in my list of Top 10 restaurants in Tulum.
Did you find your perfect place to go eat in Tulum?
12. Other Resources You May Find Useful
13. Need Help with Your Tulum Vacation?
The team at PlayaDelCarmen.com is locally based.
We’ve all lived in or visited Tulum so we know the area.
We’re here to help you get the amazing Tulum experiences you’re looking for.
Whether you’re searching for restaurants, bars, resorts, hotels or beaches.
You can get our help planning your entire vacation.
Call us on 888-537-9797.
Or, complete the contact form on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you and getting you started on your journey to visiting the top restaurants in Tulum.
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