25 Best Restaurants in Tulum

For all the foodies out there, we’ve curated the best restaurants in Tulum: ranging from hip brunch spots to authentic taquerias and upscale contemporary cantinas.

As more and more nomads and residents flock to Tulum, the beachtown is experiencing a shift in its culinary scene – evolving from handful of streetside taco stands and rustic beach shacks into a world of vegan cafes, hip brunch spots, eclectic seafood joints and stylish contemporary restaurants. 

Tulum is blessed with a beachfront location along the Caribbean Sea, so it comes as no surprise that there’s a medley of seafood restaurants in Tulum. They serve anything from Baja-style shrimp tacos to grilled octopus, tostadas, fresh ceviches and Sinaloan seafood towers. Here’s a look at some of the best restaurants in Tulum; I’ve personally tried them and given them a thumbs up!

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Best Breakfast in Tulum

Tulum is big on breakfast, and you can easily tell from the number of breakfast joints in Tulum. Breakfast is usually served all the way till 12 or 1pm, so there’s no hurry!

1. Káapeh Tulum $

One of my favorite breakfast spots in La Veleta, Káapeh Tulum is a cozy cafe slinging smoothie bowls and yummy brunch dishes at incredibly reasonable prices. Even though many famous cafes in Tulum have hiked up their prices in recent years, Káapeh has kept its prices down, continuing to offer great value with its power-packed brunches.  The smoothie bowls here are the best in town and there’s a host of Mexican breakfast dishes to choose from: including chilaquiles, sincronizadas and molletes.

• 💲 Main course from 90 MXN (US$4.5)
• 🗺️ Calle 7 sur, Esquina 16 sur, La Veleta
• 🕗 Everyday 12-10pm
• 🔗 Instagram page

2. Matcha Mama $$

An icon in Tulum’s culinary scene, Matcha Mama has made a name for itself and become one of the most popular smoothie brands in Tulum. Matcha of course plays a leading role on its menu, that features a range of smoothies, açai bowls and ice cream – all made with matcha flavor. 

With fun, quirky decor and pastel colors, Matcha Mama is a popular Instagram spot that is great for taking photos. My daughter loves the swinging chairs here and ‘I love Tulum so matcha’ surfboard sign. Matcha Mama has become so popular that they have opened 3 cafes in Tulum now – one in the Hotel Zone, and one in Centro and the newest one in Aldea Zama.

• 💲 Main course from 180 MXN (US$9)
• 🗺️ Andromeda Ote lt 6, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 8am-6pm
• 🔗 Website

3. Ki’bok Tulum $

Almost all Tulum locals will agree that Ki’bok serves the best coffee in town. Ki’bok, whose name means “good aromas” in Mayan language, stays true to its local roots serving coffee sourced from the town of Coatepec, Veracruz, grown by a co-op of organic farmers. The coffee they serve is a single origin, 100-percent Arabic proprietary blend, featuring notes of almond, oak, and earth. 

While the menu lists the typical offerings —espresso, cappuccino, cold brew— there are a few surprises, including the roaster’s signature Hemingway, a Cuban cortado double espresso served with an infusion of brown sugar and a touch of foam. Ki’bok also serves a series of breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros, enchiladas and burritos, as well as lunch classics like focaccia sandwiches and  burgers.

• 💲 Main course from 120 MXN (US$6)
• 🗺️ Avenida Zamna, Calle 12 Sur
• 🕗 Everyday 7am-5pm
• 🔗 TripAdvisor

4. Alfonsina Coffee Tulum $$

Part bakery, part brunch spot, Alfonsina serves a repertoire of breakfast classics, from fruit bowls to bacon hotcakes and salmon toasts. But what appeals most to Tulum locals are the baked goods, lauded as the best in town. My favorite is the pistachio pastry which goes down well with the matcha latte. 

On a rainy or particularly hot day, Alfonsina is a great hideout spot with its chic, cosy and air-conditioned indoor area. Those who like to be outdoors can still opt to sit in the leafy terrace. Alfonsina has also recently opened a new branch at Selecto Chedraui along Avenida Coba.

• 💲 Main course from 120 MXN (US$6)
• 🗺️ Guerra de castos, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 7am-7pm
• 🔗 Instagram page

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Best Vegan Food in Tulum

As a digital nomad hub, Tulum has a strong vegetarian and vegan scene, Every month there seem to be new vegan cafes popping up, vying for attention with leafy interiors and ingenious creations. 

5. Tierra at Hotel Holistika $$

A wonderful stress-free zone in the jungle, Holistika is a magical retreat center with breathtaking architectural designs. One step through the portal at Holistka and you feel like you’ve entered a new dimension. Its jungly space is dotted with treehouses, art sculptures, workshops and yoga studios.

Their in-house restaurant also gives a sense of peace with gorgeous mosaic tiles, high ceilings and a wide, open space filled with greenery. Their all-vegetarian menu promotes conscious healthy eating, featuring fresh raw ingredients and nutritious superfoods. Their avocado toasts, açaí bowls and power-packed buddha bowl all taste as good as they look.

• 💲 Main course from 140 MXN (US$7)
• 🗺️ Calle 10 Sur, Zona 11, La Veleta
• 🕗 Everyday 8am-10pm
• 🔗 Website

6. Raw Love Cafe $$

This all-vegan cafe is hugely popular for good reasons: their mouth-watering vegan dishes are all ridiculously good and photogenic. Plus, its dishes are 100% plant-based, free of refined sugar, diary and preservatives. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, with organic and local ingredients.

Don’t miss the the holy cacao smoothie bowl – a hearty blend of banana, cacao, dates, and almond milk, topped with a smorgasbord of superfoods. This bowl is the embodiment of what Raw Love stands for – foods that are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.

Raw Love Cafe is such a big hit that it has two restaurants in Tulum: one in Tulum Centro and one on the beach. Raw Love Beach is actually a part of Ahau Tulum, one of the most beautiful beachfront hotels in Tulum. Here is also where you’ll find the Ahau sculpture park where the famous Ven a la Luz wooden sculpture stands.

• 💲 Main course from 185 MXN (US$9)
• 🗺️ Carretera Tulum a Avenida Boca Paila Km. 7.5, Zona Hotelera
• 🕗 Everyday 9am-6pm
• 🔗 Website

7. Liefs Van and Farm $$

The motto of Liefs reads: “For a kinder world, one meal at a time.” Liefs mean ‘love’ in Dutch, which is at the heart of all they do. Dutch owners Thomas and Fem aim to popularize plant-based lifestyle here in Tulum to normalize conscious consumption.

And so they started Liefs Van and Farm in 2019, cultivating their own produce at a ranch and offering delicious and completely cruelty-free vegan dishes out of two vintage turquoise Volkswagen vans. You can sit out on their wooden picnic tables and enjoy healthy organic meals in a lush garden setting, with fairy lights hanging over the green vans. It’s such a photogenic spot you can’t miss it!

• 💲 Main course from 195 MXN (US$10)
• 🗺️ Avenida Coba 107, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 9am-9pm
• 🔗 Website

8. Alma Verde $$

Alma Verde, which translates to mean ‘Green Soul’, is the latest addition to Tulum’s vegan scene. This chic and hip restaurant is part of a chain, but it completely blends in with the rest of Tulum – with its beautiful white linen Tulum-style decor and healthy menu that focuses on fresh, organic ingredients.

Prices are not cheap here, but the eggs benedict here are the best I’ve had in Tulum. Its smoothies and fruit bowls are amazing, and my daughter especially loves the kid brunch options. Its air-conditioned interiors also make it a great respite on hot sweaty days!

• 💲 Main course from 230 MXN (US$11)
• 🗺️ Avenida Coba Sur-local 1A, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 8am-11pm
• 🔗 Website

9. Hoja Verde $$

With a prime location along Avenida Tulum, this central spot serves great vegetarian food with a pleasant atmosphere. Its extensive menu features breakfast dishes, Buddha bowls as well as vegan pastas and burgers. If you don’t want what to choose, I highly recommend their pesto pasta and aguachile. It’s a great spot for an evening out, with a great atmosphere and outstanding cocktails!

• 💲 Main course from 230 MXN (US$11)
• 🗺️ Avenida Tulum, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 8am-11pm (closed Wednesdays)
• 🔗 Website

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Best Tacos in Tulum

Tacos are the pride and joy of Mexico – even in touristy Tulum. Get ready for some finger-licking action at these dynamic taco houses.

10. Antojitos la Chiapaneca $

An institution in Tulum, Antojitos Chiapaneca is the go-to taqueria for locals and visitors alike. As its name implies, this budget joint dishes out the most popular Mexican antojitos (street food). Here you’ll find Yucatan-style tacos al pastor: marinated meat grilled on the flames of a Lebanese shawarma grill, served on a handmade tortilla and garnished with tomatoes, onions, and coriander.

Other must-tries include panuchos (bean and meat-filled tortillas) and salbutes, a slightly puffed fried tortilla topped with chicken in Mayan spices and vegetables.  Even on busy days, they serve their tacos in minutes!

• 💲 Tacos from 20 MXN (US$1)
• 🗺️ Calle Acuario Nte 3, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 10-11am (closed Mondays)
• 🔗 TripAdvisor

11. Taqueria Honorio $

This hugely popular taqueria became a viral sensation when owner Rene Redzepi’s became a resident chef at Noma Mexico in 2017. Foodies from around the world started pouring into Taqueria Honorio, feasting on their Yucatán-style tortas de lechón (suckling pig sandwiches), tacos de cochinita pibil (roasted marinated pork tacos), and relleno negro de pavo (marinated turkey). Join the crowd at this eatery and snack on the essential flavors and colors of the Yucatán.

• 💲 Tacos from 20 MXN (US$1)
• 🗺️ Avenida Satélite Sur 19, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 6.30am-3pm (closed Tuesdays)
• 🔗 TripAdvisor

12. Aca Tacos de Canasta $

If you’re looking to eat on the streets, head to the intersection of Avenida Satélite and Avenida Tulum (the main drag) that’s always bustling with activity. Of all the competing food trucks lined up on the curbside, Aca Tacos de Canasta draws in the longest lines.

This simple stall, sporting a bright yellow banner, is known for its tacos de canasta (steamed tacos) topped with huevos revueltos (scrambled eggs), chicken mole (a rich savory sauce), or chicarron (pork marinated in adobo). As they steam, the tortillas absorb the flavors and colors of the fillings.

• 💲 Tacos from 20 MXN (US$1)
• 🗺️ Avenida Tulum y Avenida Satélite, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 12-10pm
• 🔗 Facebook page

13. Taqueria la Eufemia $$

Perched right on Tulum beach in the Hotel Zone, this is one of the most popular beach hangouts in Tulum – for its great prices and free beach access. Offering incredible value, it’s one of the very few spots where you can spend less than $10 on a meal and get to lounge on the beach benches all day.

While other beach clubs charge a minimum consumption of US$50 or more, this humble taco joint has no restrictions and offers tacos for around 55-80 MXN (US$3.25 to 5) per piece. That is pricier than other taquerias but it’s MUCH cheaper than any other beach club in Tulum. 

After having closed down for a while, La Eufemia is now back in business, at a new location next to Coco. Enjoy a caguama (40 oz beers) and a taco al pastor while watching the waves crash on the beach and listening to Cafe del Mar music in the backdrop – Taqueria la Eufemia is definitely not your ordinary taqueria next door.

• 💲 Tacos from 50 MXN (US$2.5)
• 🗺️ Carretera Boca Paila Km. 6.2, Zona Hotelera
• 🕗 Everyday 11am-8pm
• 🔗 Facebook Page

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Best Seafood in Tulum

In a beach town like Tulum, seafood is the star of the show. Expect to find the freshest and tastiest fish here, as well as oysters, shrimps and chipolata clams cooked in all kinds of styles.

14. Ola Taco! $$

This newish seafood taco joint is my favorite budget place in town! With playful turquoise interiors and a palapa-roofed garden, this casual, simple taqueria serves the best seafood tacos in Tulum in my humble opinion. 

You get to feast on fresh Baja style shrimps, char-grilled octopus and Marlin fish al pastor style on warm handmade black-corn tortillas. And they all come with a variety of spicy and tangy sauces, pico de gallo (chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro), and preserved pickled red onions. Plus, the prices are surprisingly affordable! Currently, there’s a promo of 3 shrimp or fish tacos with a Corona beer for just 150 MXN (US$7.50).

• 💲 Tacos from 40 MXN (US$2)
• 🗺️ Calle Polar Poniente, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 2-10pm
• 🔗 Instagram page

15. Crazy Fish Tacos $$

Another cheap yet surprisingly good seafood spot, Crazy Fish Tacos slings up crispy breaded fish and shrimp tacos as well as ceviches and quesadillas. The eatery is located in the heart of town, along the main drag, Avenida Tulum. I’ve been here countless times and I always make sure to order their fish burger. Currently, they have a promotion: two fish burgers with fries and two beer for 420 MXN (US$21)!

• 💲 Main course from 50 MXN (US$2.5)
• 🗺️ Calle Júpiter Norte esquina Avenida Tulum, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 1.30-9.30pm (closed Wed)
• 🔗 Instagram page

16. El Camello Jr $$

A long-established fixture in Tulum’s food scene, El Camello Jr is always packed with hungry locals eager to dive into their affordable yet indulgent seafood. This locals’ favorite may not look like much from the outside, but its glorious seafood dishes will be sure to impress. The restaurants’ headliners are the seafood soup, tangy ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and whole fried mojarra fish that crunches on the outside and melts on the inside. 

• 💲 Main course from 150 MXN (US$7.50)
• 🗺️ Carretera Chetumal-Cancun, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 10.30am-10pm (closed Wednesdays)
• 🔗 TripAdvisor

17. La Negra Tomasa $$

Ask Tulum locals where the most fun seafood restaurant in Tulum is and most will point you to La Negra Tomasa. This funky, colorful joint has cool vibes, great music, and a modern seafood-centric menu. Hot favorites include fresh oysters (we had 6 for 300 MXN or US$15), the mar y tierra tostadas (surf and turf on a toasted tortilla) and the torresona, a show-stopping Sinaloan seafood tower of raw and cooked shrimp, tuna, cooked octopus, and mahi-mahi.

On our last visit there, the restaurant was celebrating its 4th anniversary and they had a whole fountain of mezcalita (cocktail made with mezcal) by the entrance for guests to enjoy! There was live music and a fun, vibrant atmosphere.

• 💲 Main course from 180 MXN (US$9)
• 🗺️ Andromeda Ote 14, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 12-11pm
• 🔗 Instagram page

18. Las Hijas de la Tostada $$

The chain restaurant is known for its fun, contemporary Mexican seafood dishes like tuna carnitas, shrimp tartar, and grilled octopus. What steals the show here is the tostada, a toasted tortilla topped with all kinds of seafood, from chipotle caramelized shrimps to chili marinated tuna on a bed of guacamole. Its location in town, along the main Avenida Tulum, is bright and airy and spread out across two floors.

• 💲 Main course from 140 MXN (US$7)
• 🗺️ Avenida Tulum, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 12-10pm
• 🔗 Website

19. Mocambo  $$

Located across the road from the Tulum Ruins, this newish seafood restaurant is spread out over two levels. It has a great ambiance and decor, and awes with its extensive menu. It features seafood staples like shrimp cocktail, seafood soup and camarones al ajillo (shrimps cooked in dry chili).

We sampled a few of their dishes recently and my favorites were definitely their pulpo enchipotlado tacos (spicy octopus stew tacos) and pescado zarandeado (grilled fish marinated with chili and beer). Prices were decent especially if you stick to their tacos and tostadas.

• 💲 Main course from 120 MXN (US$6)
• 🗺️ Avenida Tulum, across the Tulum ruins
• 🕗 Everyday 12-10pm
• 🔗 Instagram page

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Best Contemporary Mexican in Tulum

20. Burrito Amor $

A fixture in Tulum’s dining scene, Burrito Amor is one of my favorite spots in Tulum. The headliners here are burritos, and they undoubtedly serve up the best burritos in Tulum. Their burritos are wrapped in aromatic banana leaves, but you can also choose to have them in bowls. There are all sorts of burrito fillings available, from shrimp to pork al pastor – all packed firmly with beans, rice and pico de gallo (diced onions, tomatoes and cilantro).

While most places in Tulum have hiked up their prices with inflation, Burrito Amor has kept their prices the same for awhile now. They consistently dish out delicious, comfort food along with yummy juices and cocktails. The atmosphere here, especially at night, is perfect for a date night!

• 💲 Main course from 120 MXN (US$6)
• 🗺️ Avenida Tulum, Zona Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 8am-10pm
• 🔗 Website

21. Encanto Cantina $$

Located along the main Avenida Tulum, Encanto Cantina has curb appeal with its attractive jungly entrance and sexy ambiance. Spotting a slick and stylish decor, Encanto puts a modern spin on the Mexican cantina – traditional watering holes that were historically only for men (women were prohibited entry by law until 1988)!

Grab a seat in the enchanting backyard garden of this contemporary cantina for a serious dive into the world of Mexican spirits: mezcal, raicilla, sotol and pox, a Mayan corn distillate from Chiapas. The menu has a hodgepodge of tacos, ceviches, and botanas and refreshing cocktails to wash them all down with. Mixology is definitely Encanto’s strong suit – you won’t be disappointed with their creative drinks. 

• 💲 Main course from 140 MXN (US$7)
• 🗺️ Avenida Tulum 21, Zona Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 8am-11.45pm
• 🔗 TripAdvisor

22. Hartwood $$$

Led by famous chef Eric Werner, Hartwood is one of Tulum’s most loved restaurants. Their respect for the community and environment shines through in their menu that changes daily. All cooking is done by open fire within their hand-made wood-burning oven and grill. They source their ingredients from local markets in inland Yucatan from small Mayan communities. 

Hartwood’s menu features freshly grilled sea bream filets, Caribbean lobster, and arrachera cuts of Angus beef served simply with bitter greens and roasted vegetables. With seating under simple white awnings on a gravel floor, the restaurant is a throwback to the old Tulum before fame took over.

• 💲 Main course from 360 MXN (US$18)
• 🗺️ Carretera Tulum Boca Paila 7.6km, Zona Hotelera
• 🕗 Everyday 5.30-10pm (closed Mondays)
• 🔗 Website

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Best International Food in Tulum

Considering how many nomads and expats live here, it comes as no surprise that Tulum has a myriad of international restaurants on offer. So if you’re taco-ed out, here are some of the best places we’ve tried!

23. Palma Central $$

A popular and lively gathering spot for locals, Palma Central is a vibrant food truck park just off the main drag of Tulum. It’s always a hive of activity and surprisingly untourist – there’s always something going on here, whether it’s Salsa Tuesdays (where you can learn and dance salsa for free), live music or DJ spinning. On weekends, you’ll also find artisans selling jewelry and handicraft. If you’re finding for things to do in Tulum at night, this is the best spot to go!

There are around 15 food trucks here serving street grub from around the world. The Asian food is not the most authentic, but it’s pretty affordable and curbs my cravings. The burgers and pizzas here are really good and you can get giant Micheladas (beer with tomato, Worcestershire sauce and lime) at a good price too.

• 💲 Main course from 120 MXN (US$6)
• 🗺️ Av. Kukulkan 6, Palma Central
• 🕗 Everyday 9am-2pm, 5-11pm (closed Wednesdays)
• 🔗 Facebook page

24. Wang Tulum $

By coincidence, I stumbled upon Wang Tulum recently and was completely blown away by the authentic Chinese street foods served here. The simple, no-frills joint looks like it belongs more in hutongs of Beijing or Chengdu – with grey walls, low tables and tiny stools – but it’s located just one block behind the main road in Tulum Centro. 

Run by a Chinese couple, this humble spot serves comfort food from northwestern China at affordable prices: from spicy dumplings to biang biang noodles (hand pulled noodles) and Shanghai noodle soup. I’m Asian, and can vouch that this is the best Chinese food I’ve had in Mexico!

• 💲 Main course from 90 MXN (US$4.5)
• 🗺️ Calle Sol Ote. 1621, Tulum Centro
• 🕗 Everyday 12-10pm
• 🔗 Instagram page

25. Foro Hydra $$ 

The concept of Foro Hydra: come for a movie, stay for the pizzas and wine! When my local friend first brought me here, I fell in love – with the dreamy setting, atmosphere and amazing food. Nestled in a lush jungle garden, this charming open-air theater screens a curated selection of classics and modern films every night at 7pm. All movies are shown in their original format with subtitles. 

They have an impressive selection of freshly made pasta and woodfire oven baked pizzas, plus they’re well-priced and generous in portions. The theater is outdoors but sheltered, perfect for an escape on hot or rainy days. They also play kids’ movies – we love hanging out here with other families! For their program schedule, check out their Instagram page.

• 💲 Main course from 180 MXN (US$9)
• 🗺️ Avenida Mercurio Poniente esquina, Av. Kukulkan, La Veleta
• 🕗 Everyday 3-10.45pm
• 🔗 TripAdvisor

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Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Tulum!

So there you have it, my guide to the best restaurants in Tulum. Foodies will be thrilled to know that Tulum has such a wide selection of culinary flavors available: from streetside taco carts to organic vegan cafes to upmarket contemporary Mexican cantinas.

Buen provecho! Do you have any other recommendations on where to eat in Tulum? Share them with us in the comments below!

Don’t forget to check out our other articles on Tulum:

• Tulum Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Time to Visit Tulum
• My Guide to Ek Balam Ruins
• My Guide to Coba Ruins
• My Guide to Cenote Calavera
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere: Tulum’s Best-Kept Secret
• Kaan Luum Lagoon: Tulum’s Most Beautiful Swimming Spot
• 20 Day Trips from Tulum
• How to Get from Cancun to Tulum
• 15 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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