Top 6 Places to Eat in Tulum

Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
Stunning beach view at Tulum, Mexico featuring turquoise waters and ancient ruins.
Camilo Laverde, Pexels

Tulum's dining scene presents a dynamic range of culinary experiences, from authentic local flavors to sophisticated international dishes, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

1. Taqueria Honorio

Cuisine: Traditional Mexican Tacos

Visiting Taqueria Honorio offers an authentic taste of local Mexican cuisine. This popular spot is known for its delicious and incredibly affordable tacos, especially the flavorful tacos al pastor. It is often bustling with both locals and visitors, indicating its genuine appeal. It is advisable to arrive earlier in the day as they are known to sell out.

Price: Less than 200 MXN (Under $10 USD) per person

Getting There: Located in Tulum Centro, it is easily accessible by walking if staying in the town area.

2. Antojitos La Chiapaneca

Cuisine: Yucatecan Snacks and Tacos

Antojitos La Chiapaneca provides a genuine local dining experience in Tulum Pueblo. I found their Yucatecan snacks, such as salbutes and panuchos, to be particularly flavorful, alongside their highly-regarded tacos al pastor. The atmosphere is casual, with standing room only, making it ideal for a quick and authentic meal. Remember to bring cash as it is the only accepted payment method.

Price: Less than 200 MXN (Under $10 USD) per person

Getting There: Situated in Tulum Centro, it is within walking distance from the main town area.

3. Burrito Amor

Cuisine: Mexican Burritos (with Vegan/Gluten-Free options)

Burrito Amor is a reliable choice for a satisfying and filling meal. Their signature burritos, wrapped in banana leaves, are generously sized and flavorful. It stands out for its extensive options catering to vegan and vegetarian diets, which is a welcome feature. The restaurant offers a comfortable and inviting setting for breakfast or lunch.

Price: Around 100 MXN (Approx. $5 USD) per burrito

Getting There: Located on the main street in Tulum Centro. Bicycle racks are available outside for convenient access.

4. ARCA

Cuisine: Modern Mexican, Farm-to-Table

Dining at ARCA is an experience set within the enchanting Tulum jungle, offering a romantic and intimate open-air ambiance. The menu is a testament to creativity, with dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and seasonal availability, often featuring unique twists on modern Mexican cuisine. Their cocktails are also a notable highlight. Due to its popularity, securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

Price: 800+ MXN (Over $40 USD) per person, with plates ranging from $17.50 to $53 USD and cocktails around $20.50 USD.

Getting There: Located in the Hotel Zone (Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.6). Taxis are typically used for transport to this area from Tulum Centro.

5. Hartwood

Cuisine: Sustainable Seafood, Wood-Fired Mexican/Mayan

Hartwood provides a distinct dining experience, known for its commitment to sustainability and its open-fire cooking. The restaurant operates off-grid, utilizing solar power, and its menu changes daily based on the freshest seafood and produce sourced from local markets. The flavors are consistently vibrant and the seafood exceptionally fresh, cooked in their wood-burning oven. Obtaining a reservation here can be challenging due to its high demand, so planning well in advance is essential.

Price: 800+ MXN (Over $40 USD) per person

Getting There: Located in the Hotel Zone (Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7.6). Taxis are the standard mode of transportation to reach this part of Tulum.

6. Posada Margherita

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Posada Margherita offers a uniquely romantic beachfront dining experience, with tables positioned directly on the sand overlooking the ocean. The Italian cuisine is simple yet refined, focusing on fresh, homemade pasta and pizza. This serene setting makes it an ideal choice for a special evening. Be aware that the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis.

Price: Considered pricey, generally 800+ MXN (Over $40 USD) per person.

Getting There: Situated in the Hotel Zone. Access to this area is primarily by taxi.

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