This post contains one or more references to our advertisers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. For our full advertising policy, click here.
The resorts of Quintana Roo have a bad reputation for showing something of a cold shoulder to the culinary traditions of its vibrant corner of Mexico. Tourists to Cancun, in particular, are notorious for demanding the comforts of home instead of the unique flavors of Yucatan.
Thankfully, Tulum has attracted a wave of exciting new chefs who are leaning hard into the region’s heritage, resulting in an array of exceptional eateries. From humble taquerias to modern experimental takes on Mexican food, there’s no excuse for missing out on the unequaled flavors of the country.
These are the best restaurants in Tulum.
Location: Calle Acuario Nte. 3, Tulum Centro,
Price: $
What to get: Yucutan-style tacos al pastor
The rundown: Start your culinary journey with a deep dive into Yucutan’s staples. The unassuming Antojitos la Chiapaneca has been churning out tacos for years, cementing its place in the stomachs of locals and tourists alike. Its hottest commodity is its al pastor taco – spit-roasted pork and pineapple on a corn tortilla.
The Al Pastor taco finds its roots in Lebanese immigrants to Mexico, and while it’s more associated with the central regions around the capital, Antojitos la Chiapaneca makes a worthy competitor
Location: Satélite Sur Tulum
Price: $
What to get: Tortas de Lechon (suckling pig sandwiches)
The rundown: Another hole-in-the-wall that’s found fame on Instagram thanks to the influx of tourists devouring its wares. It’s likely to be packed when you arrive and with good reason. The suckling pig – a staple of Yucutan – is to die for. Slow-cooked in an underground brick oven overnight, the resulting pork is succulent, screaming with flavor, and decadent to a fault.
Grab a torta or two, then sample some of their excellent tacos. They’re a feast on the eyes, too.
Location: Calle Jupiter Manzana 5
Price: $$
What to get: Tostadas mixtas or a seafood tower
The rundown: You’d be remiss in your duties as a traveler if you didn’t sample the finest seafood the Mexican Caribbean has to offer. To guarantee you knock it out of the park, spend an evening at Sabor de Mar. The tostadas are piled high with fresh fish, while the very much in-trend seafood towers do justice to their name.
Skip breakfast and lunch to turn your time at Sabor de Mar into a feast.
Location: Beach Road, Km. 7
Price: $$$
What to get: Everything
The rundown: Gitano has multiple locations dotted around Tulum (plus NYC and Miami), but the atmospheric jungle spot is the pick of the bunch. Fully embracing the boho aesthetic that now defines the city’s nomadic inhabitants, it doubles as a restaurant and mezcal bar.
For the best experience, grab a selection of small plates and share (or don’t) with your crowd. Don’t skimp on the excellent mezcal cocktails on offer, either.
Location: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila 7.6Km
Price: $$$
What to get: Whatever the server suggests
The rundown: Arguably the best restaurant in Tulum, Hartwood is a bastion of fine eco-dining. Opened and operated by New York natives Eric Werner and Mya Henry after they fell in love with Tulum in 2010, the couple has carved Hartwood from an idyllic slice of jungle, creating a completely off-grid restaurant that ebbs and flows with the daily availability of produce.
As such, you’ll never know what’s on the menu. Just anticipate that it’ll be flame grilled on an open fire, impossibly delicious, and instantly memorable. It may be one of your heavier splashes, but it’ll be worth it.
Location: Calle itzamna
Price: $$
What to get: Fish tacos or any breakfast
The rundown: A laid-back Mexican eatery in a chic residential neighborhood, Safari has become a fast favorite. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; there’s every reason to keep coming back. The tacos are vibrant, the tortas are decadent, and the cocktails pack a punch.
Dig in.
Location: KM 7.5, Av. Boca Paila
Price: $$$
What to get: Whatever’s caught fresh
The rundown: Unapologetically rustic, Casa Jaguar is a delight for every one of your hipster tendencies. Fusing traditional Yucatan cooking with a modern Mexican slant, expect fresh to be the word on the lips after every bite.
Seafood sings in particular here, but seasonal patterns dictate the menu, so don’t be afraid to indulge in something a little different. Go on a Thursday evening to catch some of the cultural presentations.
In their own gloriously absurd words, it’s “a jungle castle of culinary voodoo.”
by travelers, for travelers.
