Tulum Dining Guide: The Best Places to Eat in Tulum

Apr 21, 2024
4 min read

In the heart of Mexico's Caribbean jewel, the Tulum dining scene is an unforgettable experience. From the rhythmic crash of turquoise waves to the vibrant hues of the sunset-soaked skies, Tulum's culinary tapestry mirrors the natural beauty that surrounds it. Join me on a gastronomic journey through Tulum's beachside eateries, rooftops and lively lounges. Enjoy seafood and Mexican cuisine, made with with a commitment to sustainable, farm-to-table practices. Later in the night, most of the eateries turn into a lively nightlife scene. You can't miss the mezcal and tequila cocktails! This is your ultimate guide to exploring the vibrant culinary scene in Tulum.

La Popular at Nomade Tulum

La Popular is a beachfront restaurant with a bohemian ambiance at the Nomade Tulum Hotel. It is the best place to eat lunch in Tulum where you can sit directly on the sand to enjoy your meal with a view of the ocean. You can unwind with a margarita while you take a break from the beach to indulge in the local cuisine.

La Popular specializes in local and sustainable seafood that is caught by fisherman from the surrounding towns. I recommend trying the lobster, shrimp tacos, and ceviche.

Casa Jaguar Tulum

Casa Jaguar Tulum is a jungle-inspired restaurant with eclectic decor and stone walls. Later in the evening, Casa Jaguar also offers a unique nightlife experience with live music and DJ performances. It's known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Casa Jaguar has stellar cocktails, and I recommend trying the Akil, a mezcal margarita made with strawberry and hibiscus. Their cuisine specializes in seafood, and I recommend trying the tuna tostada and grilled shrimp. Make sure to save room for churros for dessert!

RoOf Sunset Bar

RoOf Sunset Bar is a restaurant and bar located on the rooftop of Hotel Panamera. They have classic and elevated cocktails accompanied by a culinary menu by cutting-edge Chef Kane William Sorrell.

I would recommend coming here to watch the sunset where you can enjoy an incredible view of the sun setting over the jungle and the ocean behind you while you enjoy drinks and appetizers. You have to try the kampachi served inside a grapefruit, and Nats cocktail with mezcal and watermelon. They have resident DJs that play laidback music each night during sunset. As the sun sets and the stars come out, the party continues.

Ocumare at Be Tulum

Ocumareis a fine-dining mexican restaurant located at Be Tulum Hotel. The dishes at Ocumare are an interpretation of traditional dishes from all over Mexico. The food is prepared using organic ingredients from a local, sustainable orchard.

My favorite dish was a the soft shell crab taco. The food is complimented with unique cocktails crafted with liquor from local Mexican distilleries. My favorite cocktail is the Tigre de Humo which has mezcal and pineapple juice.

RosaNegra

RosaNegra Tulum is a vibrant culinary experience that features exquisite dining in an upbeat ambiance. Throughout the night the restaurant turns into a lively party, and dancers will hand out sparklers for everyone. I would recommend going to RosaNegra for a late night, upbeat dinner.

The menu specializes in seafood and wagyu beef. Each cocktail is presented with its own unique display.The restaurant is popular, so you should try to get a reservation in advance.

Raw Love Tulum

Raw Love Tulum is a health focused eatery with an emphasis on plant-based and vegan cuisine. It is located in the Ahau Hotel, with both a smoothie stand on the beach and garden restaurant in the resort. The smoothie stand is a great place to grab a juice and smoothie bowl and relax on the white sand beach. The garden restaurant has a bohemian vibe, and offers salads, wraps, and juices made from fresh and natural ingredients. The restaurant is perfect for those looking for a healthy and nourishing food made with fresh produce, super foods and high quality ingredients.

Casa Banana Tulum

Casa Banana Tulum is known for its high-quality Argentinian cuisine prepared in an open firewood kitchen with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu typically features a mix of international and regional dishes, including seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. You can sit on the patio located in the jungle with lush surroundings. I recommend trying the whole fish prepared in wood fire oven with parsley, lemon, and ginger. Casa Banana offers an incredible selection of wines to pair with your dinner.

Matcha Mama

Matcha Mama is a popular and trendy spot known for its refreshing matcha-based beverages and laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. You can order your matcha from the window and enjoy it in the surrounding lush gardens. There also have a few swings seats you can sit on while you enjoy your matcha. Matcha Mama is the perfect early morning place to re-energize on your way to the beach.

Next door is a related stand called Coco Mama that sells fresh coconuts. This is the perfect spot to rehydrate after a day in the sun.

Gitano

Gitano is a mezcal bar and trendy spot in a lush jungle setting that often hosts DJ parties. It is primarily a restaurant int he early evening offering modern mexican cuisine. Later on in the night, it turns into a nightlife venue. There is dance floor and disco ball where you can dance the night away under the moonlight. I recommend having a later dinner here on the jungle patio so you can enjoy the music. You will see a lot of people standing up on the chairs dancing towards the end of the dinner service.

Burrito Amor

Burrito Amor is a low key eatery in Tulum Pueblo known for delicious and generously sized burritos. This is the best burrito spot in Tulum, and offers many options for meat and fillings. I got the shrimp burrito with avocado! Burrito Amor makes the perfect lunch spot with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend stopping here for lunch if you go to the Tulum Ruins and/or Gran Cenote because will need to pass close by on your way to either of those attractions.