FOOS & DRINK
6 Delicious Restaurants in Tulum to Add to Your Itinerary
Sarah Kesterson
One of the best parts of traveling to a foreign country is getting to experience local cuisine and try new foods. Besides being a gorgeous travel destination, Tulum is also home to many excellent food joints. If you’re hunting for a place to grab some amazing food, check out any one of these delectable restaurants in Tulum.
Photo via Antojitos la Chiapaneca
Antojitos la Chiapaneca is the best place in Tulum to find affordable, truly authentic street tacos. This restaurant specializes in Yucatan-style tacos and is very popular with locals and visitors alike. There are several meat, sauce, and topping options available, so you can make your tacos *exactly* how you like them. For the meat-averse traveler: Antojitos la Chiapaneca also has vegetarian options available. Most of the waiters don’t speak English, so be sure to brush up a bit on your Spanish before eating here!
Photo via Gitano
Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and wonderful food at the same time at Gitano. Gitano is a stunning restaurant located on the jungle side of Tulum. Most of the dining is outdoor, but there is some indoor seating as well. The wide array of food is a new twist on classic Mexican food. Live music and dancing are a feature at this restaurant all week long. Gitano is also well-known for its mezcal bar—a cocktail made from agave— which makes it a great stop for a fun night out! Just be sure you’re ready to shell out a decent amount of money; Gitano is undoubtedly one of the luxury restaurants in Tulum.
Photo via Hartwood
If you’re craving a getaway from the people and noise of central Tulum, Hartwood is the perfect restaurant for you. This restaurant is completely off the grid, and all the ingredients are sourced from local markets, caught in the ocean nearby, or foraged from the surrounding area. Dishes are also cooked by hand over an open fire to provide a truly authentic dining experience. Only open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, Hartwood is the most famous dining spot near Tulum, so be sure to book your reservation early!
Photo via El Asadero
El Asadero is definitely one of the more modern and upscale dining restaurants in Tulum. The specialty here is *mouthwatering* steak paired with traditional side dishes like roasted potatoes and grilled cactus. This restaurant also has an extensive wine and cocktail list available. Be sure to try one of the local Mexican red wines that will pair well with steak. El Asadero is only open for dinner and reservations are highly recommended.
Photo via Posada Margherita
If you’re looking for a break from the normal Mexican cuisine found in Tulum, Posada Margherita is a great Italian restaurant to try. This eatery overlooks the beach and has great seafood dishes, handmade pasta, and an excellent wine selection. Posada Margherita is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves fantastic gelato besides. The gelato is made from coconuts picked right on the company’s property—it doesn’t get any more local than that!
Photo via DelCielo
DelCielo is a bakery and café in Tulum that makes for an excellent breakfast or brunch outing. The food here is mostly a mix of Mexican and Caribbean culture. With a large selection of foods to choose from, including fresh smoothies, brioche French toast, fresh-pressed juice, and breakfast bowls, DelCielo offers typical breakfast fare with a tropical twist. This café offers vegetarian options, and you can add protein, herbs, and seeds to the smoothies for some extra nutrients on-the-go.
Tips for Dining in Tulum
– Most restaurants here are cash only
– Some accept US dollars, but most require that you use Mexican pesos
– Places that allow credit cards typically have a high surcharge
– Tipping 10-15% is standard here
– The tip may have already been added to the bill—check for the word “propina” (“tip” in Spanish) on your bill
– Tip in pesos as a convenience to the wait staff
Do you have any favorite restaurants in Tulum? Let us know on Instagram @yourherelive!
Looking to create your own international cuisine? Grab our recipes for Italian Bruschetta, Russian Beef Stroganoff, and Austrian Apple Strudel.
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