A Guide to Tulum’s Best Restaurants in 2023
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Located right on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum has become one of Mexico’s hottest vacation destinations. With ancient Mayan ruins and gorgeous white sand beaches, the city has everything you need for a relaxing getaway.
In response to the bustling tourism scene, the restaurants in Tulum town have raised their standards to provide visitors with a luxury dining experience during every meal. Complete with fresh, local ingredients plucked from the earth and the sea, you’ll dream of the meals you ate in Tulum long after you return home.
In this article, we present some of the restaurants in Tulum, according to travelers who love discovering new places to eat. From the most upscale eateries to the hole-in-the-wall spots, these restaurants all have one thing in common: they will give you a unique experience that can’t be found elsewhere.
11 Best Restaurants in Tulum
Check out any of these best Tulum town restaurants while you’re in the city for exquisite service and amazing food – from freshly caught seafood and authentic Mexican food to the best vegetarian dishes and vegan options.
1. Macario
This contemporary kitchen offers a unique take on classic Mexican cuisine. At Macario, your favorite Mexican food is given a gourmet twist for a memorable dining experience. From grilled octopus to Mayan tacos, each dish is crafted to highlight the fresh seasonal ingredients and elevate their natural flavor.
Enjoy your meal beneath the warm light of the tastefully-decorated dining room, where servers are waiting to meet your every need. Praised worldwide for its outstanding menu and delicious food, Macario is easily one of the best restaurants Tulum has to offer.
2. Mamazzita
Glamorous and vibrant, Mamazzita is the perfect place for both a romantic evening and a night out with friends. Known as the restaurant “where the night comes alive,” Mamazzita is designed to exist in union with the jungle around it. Surrounded by natural mangroves, the restaurant’s atmosphere is both trendy and mystical.
The cuisine at Mamazzita blends traditional Mexican techniques with modern trends to create a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience. From the lobster ceviche to the duck carnitas, the quality of each ingredient is palpable at Mamazzita. How about some Mexican spirits with your delicious dishes? We think Mammazzita is one the best Tulum restaurants.
3. Fresco’s
For a meal that is as nourishing as it is delicious, reserve a table at Fresco’s—one of the best restaurants in Tulum for a healthy breakfast and lunch. With everything from homemade pastries to freshly squeezed juices, you’ll leave your meal feeling energized and eager for what the day will bring. Dine in the open air with your feet in the sand and the breeze on your face—Fresco’s will have you jumping out of bed the next morning for more.
4. Funky Geisha
Enjoy a fresh and innovative dining experience at Funky Geisha. Serving Asian-inspired street food with an elevated twist, Funky Geisha is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its menu and chic bohemian atmosphere. Featuring Asian staples such as donburi, noodles, and sushi, each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients that highlight their complex flavors and expert preparation.
Complete your delicious meal with a specialty cocktail to celebrate good food and good company in a beautiful coastal city.
5. Norita
Classy and romantic, Norita has perfected the dining experience on every level. From the al fresco dining space to the live jazz entertainment, Norita’s atmosphere is perfect for celebrating life and loved ones as you enjoy a fabulous meal. Offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant features a variety of comforting dishes each with its own elegant flair. For a luxury meal any time of day, visit Norita and leave feeling satisfied by the uplifting atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
6. Loco Tulum
For authentic, upscale Mediterranean cuisine, visit Loco Tulum and experience the best from acclaimed chef Idan Lifshitz. The seasonal tasting menu serves to present the freshest local ingredients only when they are at their most flavorful. Each dish, from the lamb masbaha to the fish tacos, is meticulously crafted to achieve the most masterful presentation and flavor profile on every plate. The Mediterranean fare is infused with Mexican flavors to reflect the textures and aromas of the surrounding jungle.
7. La Corriente
One of the best seafood restaurants in Tulum, La Corriente offers some of the freshest, most elegant dishes you’ll ever eat. Enjoy authentic Central American cuisine in the open-air dining room, where attentive servers will provide you with the perfect cocktail to sip while your food is prepared. With fabulous grilled octopus, ceviche, oysters, and more, you’ll be awed by the outstanding quality of each aspect of your dining experience. Order the catch of the day for a unique dish plucked from the Caribbean sea just hours before.
8. Elixyr
For a truly unique night out, visit Elixyr and enjoy what the restaurant proudly calls “a hermetic and mystical experience.” Featuring contemporary Mexican cuisine, the gastropub invites guests into its trendy atmosphere for memorable dishes such as pasta kundalini and passionfruit mousse. Relax with live music on the rooftop lounge, and be sure to try one of the restaurant’s specialty cocktails.
9. Tora Tulum
Creativity has no limit at this Japanese fusion restaurant. Tora Tulum invites guests into its warmly-lit dining room for a contemporary dining experience and an inventive menu. The restaurant’s menu is served izakaya-style, meaning there is no ordering protocol, and plates can be enjoyed individually or shared amongst guests. From tartare to king crab, to cheesecake, every dish at Tora Tulum is prepared and presented with complete originality.
10. Chambao Fashion Grillhouse
With an extravagant menu featuring a variety of steak and seafood dishes, Chambao Fashion Grillhouse is easily one of the best restaurants in Tulum. Step into luxury the moment you enter Chambao, with its warm lighting, cozy seating, and indoor river. The restaurant serves Takamori, the world’s most exclusive brand of Wagyu beef, which is a true delight for meat-lovers taste buds.
With all the other protein choices such as lobster, Kobe beef, and Senegal shrimp on the menu, you’ll have difficulty choosing which luxurious entree to order. Complete your meal with a specialty cocktail inspired by local ingredients for a truly immersive dining experience.
11. Hartwood Restaurant
Take your dining experience to the next level with Hartwood Restaurant in Tulum, Mexico. The off-grid open-air restaurant is dedicated to sustainable practices, powering all lights and music with solar energy and composting waste for use in regenerating the local mangrove environment. Enjoy your meal cooked over an open fire within our hand-made wood-burning oven and grill, made from ingredients sourced locally and sustainably.
Relax in a rustic outdoor environment full of fresh air, tropical plants, and warm lighting for an unforgettable experience. Choose from an ever-changing extensive menu featuring perfectly grilled meat, local seafood, vegetables, and fruits for a meal tailored to your individual preferences. Our favorites are the Ceviche Tropical and Jicama Salad, which are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The vegetarian options also don’t disappoint!
Many blogs mention Hartwood as one of the best restaurants in Tulum and while we agree that it’s worth a visit, it’s also worth noting that the restaurant is 20 driving minutes away from Tulum Centro and it’s often very busy, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Tulum Is A Great Destination For Delicious Food
Each with a unique flavor and atmosphere, these ten best restaurants in Tulum are sure to provide you with the dining experience of a lifetime. We hope our Tulum restaurant guide helps you to find your favorite restaurant. No matter which of these best restaurants you choose to visit, you’ll be counting down the days until your Tulum beach vacation.