The Best Restaurants in Tulum: From Tacos to Tasting Menus
Bagatelle
By Eric Barton | Jan. 28, 2025
In less than a generation, Tulum has gone from a sleepy fishing village with a side of tourism to a literal way to explain a style of beachy chic, and nowhere can you find that better than in the city's restaurants. I remember my first visit to Tulum, back when the chilaquiles I had from a market stall was my favorite meal. Now, I'm faced with choices like whether to pair my pre-Hispanic inspired dish with a biodynamic wine or a cocktail infused with local herbs I can't pronounce. It's a far cry from the simple taco stands that once dotted the beach, but don't worry, you can still find those too – if you know where to look. Here then are the best restaurants in Tulum, a city that defines high-end beach dining.
1. Hartwood
If Tulum had a culinary north star, Hartwood would be it. Chef Eric Werner's commitment to cooking everything over open fire has inspired countless imitators, but few can match the original. The daily-changing menu is like a love letter to the Yucatán, featuring whatever is freshest from land and sea. The grilled octopus, when available, is a must-try – tender and kissed by smoke and complemented by vibrant local herbs.
2. Wild
Wild takes the farm-to-table concept to the extreme, with much of their produce coming from their own on-site garden. The restaurant's treehouse-like design, with diners seated on multiple levels among the jungle canopy, creates a truly unique atmosphere. The roasted bone marrow, served with house-made sourdough, is a rich, indulgent dish that captures Wild's ethos of simple ingredients prepared with care.
3. Rosa Negra
With sister club-restaurants in Mexico City and Miami, Rosa Negra is where the party scene meets fine dining. The restaurant's striking design, with its massive tree centerpiece and moody lighting, sets the stage for a night of indulgence. Their seafood tower is an Instagram-worthy spectacle, piled high with fresh catches from the Caribbean. As the night progresses, don't be surprised if the DJ turns up the volume and dining turns to dancing. It's the kind of place where you might come for dinner and leave at sunrise.
4. Arca
Arca has quickly become one of Tulum's most talked-about restaurants. Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza, formerly of Noma, brings his fine-dining pedigree to bear on local ingredients. The result is a menu that feels both familiar and entirely new. Their grilled mamey with fermented honey and chicatana ant salt is a perfect example of Arca's boundary-pushing ethos. Yes, you read that right – ant salt. Trust me, it works.
5. Cetli
Cetli offers a deep dive into pre-Hispanic cuisine, serving up dishes that would make the ancient Maya nod in approval. The intimate, candlelit dining room feels like you've stumbled into someone's home, which, in a way, you have. The menu changes regularly, showcasing ingredients sourced from local markets and producers. It's like a culinary time machine, minus the risk of being sacrificed atop a pyramid.
6. Casa Banana
Casa Banana's wood-fired grill is the heart of this Argentine-inspired restaurant. The aroma of grilling meats and vegetables permeates the open-air dining room. Whole-grilled fish is the headliner here, but Vegan Cannelloni pictured here is evident that Casa Banana keeps everybody happy.
7. Negro Huitlacoxe
Negro Huitlacoxe takes its name from the prized corn fungus that features prominently on its menu. This restaurant is a celebration of Mexico's indigenous ingredients, presented in innovative, modern preparations. The dark, moody interior provides a stark contrast to Tulum's typically bright, beachy aesthetic, creating an intimate atmosphere for serious dining.
8. Bagatelle
Bagatelle brings a touch of St. Tropez to Tulum's shores. This beach club and restaurant is where Tulum's beautiful people come to see and be seen. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican influences, with plenty of fresh seafood options. As the sun sets, the energy ramps up, with DJs spinning and champagne flowing freely.
9. Ukami
Ukami bills itself as “Where Japan meets Mexico and falls in love.” This fusion of the two cuisines proves that sushi rolls and tacos can coexist peacefully on the same menu (and apparently love each other). The shrimp tacos and wontons are standouts, managing to be both familiar and surprising at the same time. It's the culinary equivalent of finding out your latest crush also likes that obscure band you're into.
10. Taqueria Honorio
In downtown, Taqueria Honorio will feel a world away from the glitzy, tourist-focused restaurants on the beach. On Sundays, this no-frills taqueria serves up some of the best cochinita pibil in town. The ceviche highlights the fresh fish that come through the nearby market, and the tortas, stuffed with your choice of slow-cooked meats, are the perfect hangover cure after a night of beachside revelry. It's the kind of place that reminds you that sometimes, the best things in life are simple, cheap, and come wrapped in a tortilla.
11. El Camello Jr.
El Camello was another place which came highly recommended for its fresh seafood, and it did not disappoint. It's adjacent to a fishmonger, so you can watch the guys prepare the freshest seafood while sipping on delicious mango margaritas. I had the shrimp and fresh-catch ceviche: fresh, simple, and inexpensive – a reminder that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don't try too hard.
12. Campanella Cremerie
Campanella Cremerie is where Tulum comes for its sweet fix. This charming ice cream shop serves up artisanal gelatos and sorbets made with local fruits and herbs. There’s also a full menu of coffee drinks, prepared dishes, and baked goods, making this the stop for a croissant fix. The coconut sorbet, creamy and refreshing, is the perfect antidote to Tulum's tropical heat. It's a delightful finale to any culinary tour of Tulum, proving that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most satisfying. And let's be honest, after a week of tacos and tequila, sometimes you just need a scoop of something sweet.
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