Must-Eat Tulum (2023)

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Tulum? You’ve come to the right place!

As 10 year residents of Tulum we keep trying different restaurants, but also stay connected with the back-alley gems that may never make it onto Trip Advisor. I’ve compiled this list of the 16 best restaurants in Tulum which we provide to our AirBnB rental property guests.

It’s fully updated for 2023, and there are many options for every budget and cuisine.

When it comes to dietary choices in Tulum, you’ll have no shortage of options. Every year, our gorgeous town receives thousands of tourists from all over the world.

And in order to host people from such diverse backgrounds, many restaurants have popped up in a relatively short amount of time, with new ones opening every single week.

Photo courtesy of Ahau Tulum & Raw Love Cafe

Restaurants in Tulum Beach Zone

1. Hartwood Tulum

Hartwood restaurant is one of the most highly-rated restaurants in Tulum and is considered by many to be among the best. Back when Tulum was still a quiet off-the-grid beach town, Hartwood was the very first to put it on the world culinary map. In fact, it’s the only Michelin star restaurant in the Yucatan almost a decade later.

The only shortcoming about this restaurant is that they don’t take reservations, so you’ll have to join the waiting line outside before you can be seated.

But don’t let that discourage you from trying the food here. You only need to take one look at their reviews to know that this place is worth the wait.

2. Casa Banana Tulum

While this restaurant is famous as an Argentinian steakhouse, they do have a very diverse menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Casa Banana is similar to my previous recommendation in the sense that it doesn’t have reservations.

Though you can easily avoid waiting in a line by doing what I usually do; go before 7:30 PM, especially in high season, and you’ll get in very quickly.

Best restaurants in Tulum, where to eat Tulum, Top places to eat in Tulum Mexico by insiders

3. Cenzontle Tulum

Cenzontle is a lovely restaurant with an intimate vibe. This is one of the places you’ll want to try if you’re going out with that special someone. The quaint, candle-lit setting in the garden combined with excellent music and delicious food provides a wonderful experience.

And they do accept reservations. So no more waiting in lines!

casa jaguar tulum best restaurants Tulum updated list

4. Casa Jaguar

Casa Jaguar is world-famous for its amazing boho-chic ambiance, fresh fair and sultry cocktails (begging to be photographed if you ask us!) They also host epic parties every Thursday night, without fail.

The dining area is spread over a garden and there are palm trees all over the place, giving the impression that you’re dining immersed in nature. The candles really add to the intimate and cozy feeling of the place.

The menu here is quite creative, with both meat and vegetarian options available. If you go for wood-fired fish, you can watch them being cooked right before they’re served.

5. Posada Margherita Tulum

Posada Margherita is situated right on Tulum beach. This is easily one of the best Italian places you can try in Tulum, with handmade pasta and authentic Mediterranean cuisine and fresh food.

The rustic and quiet atmosphere is enhanced by the candles in and around the restaurant and going all the way to the beach.

During the day, you can lounge under one of the cute beach huts and enjoy a cold drink or an ice cream, then get into the restaurant in the evening for an intimate candle-lit dinner.

6. Arca

This restaurant is famous for its delicious and spectacular food, and there’s a very good reason for that.

José Luis Hinostroza Arca, the internationally renowned chef, is the co-owner of this ambiance-rich restaurant. Open-fire cooking is integral to their menu, which is composed of small plates intended to be shared, a way of eating that is so present in Mexican culture.

Whether you’ve got a special occasion or are just celebrating the richness of life, we highly recommend dining at Arca at least once while in Tulum.

7. Mezzanine Thai Restaurant

Located directly on Tulum Beach, Mezzanine offers stunning views from its glass and wood patio and an even better dining experience. The authentic Thai cuisine here is one of the best you’ll find, not just in Tulum but the whole Riviera Maya.

We highly recommend the drunken noodles and pad thai. Actually anything you order will be something to write home about, presentation included.

While you can go here at any time of the day, the best choice could be to visit for an early dinner. The sunset turns the already stunning setting into something magical.

Best Restaurants in Tulum Pueblo

8. Canova Tulum

La Veleta is an up and coming and charming part of Tulum downtown, and Canova is one of this area’s recommended restaurants on our list. The atmosphere of Italian restaurant Canova is laid back, and you will find mouthwatering vegan dishes on the menu to choose from.

Apart from the vegan options, the restaurant is also known for its amazing Italian cuisine and pizza in particular.

So, if you find yourself in the mood for some delicious pizza in a very laid-back and chic restaurant, Canova is definitely the place for it.

9. Burrito Amor

A very popular casual restaurant both for lunch and dinner specialized in burritos of all kinds, including vegan and vegetarian versions and gluten-free. Try the coconut-flour tortilla for an even more mouthwatering experience.

You can either stay in if you find space or take your meal away. The atmosphere is very friendly and service is fast…but because of its popularity, it’s always bustling.

It’s located on the main street at the end of Tulum Down Town heading towards Chetumal.

10. Palma Central

Palma Central is a hot spot in Tulum for visitors and locals alike. It’s basically an enclosed open-air court with food trucks and vendors. There are food trucks with delicious cuisine of all sorts, from sushi to Argentine arepas, tacos, ice cream, pizza, burgers, empanadas and more.

Grab whatever looks the most drool-worthy and enjoy it on the clean-kept picnic tables. On weekends they always have live music and additional vendors selling boho-chic clothing and local treasures. It gets packed, so make sure you go early if you want to avoid spending time in food lines.

11. Nimeno Bread Lab & Bakery

Brand new mid-2023, giving londtime favorite Italdo a run for its money as the best bakery in Tulum. Air conditioned interior and fresh bistro menu make it a popular place for meetings, breakfast and brunch. Great coffee and pastries to go or stay for a full meal. Generous smoked salmon on a freshly baked bagel with cream cheese anyone?

Must try: the carrot cake and miniature almond croissants. Last time we visited they didn’t have gluten-free options, just to note (Italdo does!).

12. Tres Galeones

A charming and unique ambiance from exterior garden to wooden interior - shaped like the inside a galley ship! Tourists and locals both have this restaurant on their must-eat list because of the fish tacos and rich sauces that make it a repeat experience no-brainer.

Simple, easy and delicious, this restaurant embodies the laid-back spirit of beach life with its warm decoration and fresh seafood dishes.

The staff is lovely, the service is fast and food is best in class.

Tulum Restaurants: Vegetarian and Vegan Options

13. Tierra @ Holistika Hotel

Tierra @ Holistika offers more than your regular dine-and-dash experience common with most restaurants.

The place is a hugely popular pillar amongst Tulum restaurants, and it’s unique for a lot of reasons, not to mention one of our favorite restaurants. You’ll spot local expats having meetings, taking Zoom calls as well as international guests who have rolled into town for a wellness retreat.

The food is definitely one of the top reasons, but you can also enjoy the holistic experiences of Tierra @ Holistika by taking the yoga classes offered here.

Or just soak in the atmospheric vibe of the restaurant nestled in a lush garden and bustling with a big crowd of fascinating people working from their laptops while having their healthy smoothy or vegan biscuits.

14. Pasha

Pasha is a well-known and loved restaurant in Tulum because of its unique, Mediterranean-style atmosphere and Middle Eastern cuisine.

The menu also has many options from various international cuisines, so you can choose from lots of vegan dishes. It’s an amazing space for birthday parties and anniversaries, right in the heart of Tulum town.

The restaurant is run by a couple from Cyprus, and its authentic “Moroccan style” setting and service really match the quality of the food. We recommend the Meza platter to start!

15. Nomade Hotel

Another remarkable hotel on the beach, Nomade Tulum features a restaurant with lots of vegan dishes on its menu.

The incredible music and hip vibe of the restaurant go well with its Moroccan architecture and brightens the atmosphere.

However, just keep in mind that it’s a bit lively in Nomade Tulum’s restaurant, so if you’re in the mood for a quiet meal, I’d suggest somewhere else.

16. El Bajon

One step up from a hole-in the wall, this is a casual restaurant in downtown Tulum with the craziest yummy vegan tacos in Mexico. No exaggeration!

Don’t be fooled by the vegan punk exterior, humble wood tables or unexpected music choices. Inside El Bajon awaits a flavor of explosion that even the most stalwart meat-lover can’t deny. We love to visit it on a Saturday afternoon on the way home from the beach as we drive through town.

Must try: Huarache - little known thicker big sister of the taco. Fill it with the Green Sausage (Chorizo Verde) and top with extra avocado for a heavenly dose of Mexican flavour. You’ll be shocked any food, not just vegan food can be this good.

Thanks for reading our top 16 best restaurants in Tulum 2023 list! Send us a DM if you give them a try.