Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants and gastronomic experiences in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, as well as our nightlife recommendations!
TULUM:
Top 5 Luxury Gastronomic experiences:
BAK - specialize in meat cuts. Wonderful location, unique style.
TORA - contemporary Japanese
https://torarestaurant.com.mx/en/places/tulum-restaurants
PAROLE - Italian rustic cuisine specializing in romantic dinners, with violin player.
https://parole.mx/en/location-tulum-restaurant
KIN TOH - Mayan Mexican cuisine - open sky sitting, suspended on top of the jungle.
https://www.azulik.com/gastronomy/kin-toh
MI AMOR - oceanview - international cuisine with fresh ingredients in a fresh, casual style hotel.
https://tulumhotelmiamor.com/es/bar-restaurante/
Top 5 Authentic Tulum Lifestyle Gastronomic Experiences: (not necessarily luxury service, but a great experience none the less!)
HARTWOOD - open sky surrounded by jungle - menu changes every day based on availability of fresh fish and fresh ingredients.
https://www.hartwoodtulum.com/
(INSIDE NOMADE - TWO RESTAURANTS)
MACONDO - holistic cuisine of the Middle East - shared big plates and shared table
LA POPULAR - beach restaurant - sitting on cushions or simple wooden chairs facing the sea - food right rom the grill
https://www.nomadetulum.com/cuisine.html
POSADA MARGHERITA - Italian homemade pasta right on the beach in a beautifully decorated little place
https://www.posadamargherita.com/
MEZZANINE - Thai food on a terrace facing the rocky part of Tulum beach - romantic
Top 5 Nightlife spots:
CASA JAGUAR - jungle cocktail bar, particularly good on Thursdays
https://www.casajaguartulum.com/
GITANO - jungle cocktail bar, particularly good on Fridays
PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT - most Saturdays, and every time that there is full moon, they organize full moon parties with electronic music and Dj
https://www.papayaplayaproject.com/
TANTRA - beach club, but stays open until late
CONFESSIONS - mixology and DJ
PLAYA DEL CARMEN:
Top 5 Luxury Gastronomic experiences:
SONORA GRILL - steakhouse, great cuts - music and cocktail bar
https://www.sonoragrill.com.mx
THE CATCH - a restaurant on a rooftop. You can enjoy the view of Playa. Specialize in fish and contemporary sushi.
https://catchrestaurants.com/catchplayadelcarmen/
LA MAREA -(inside Viceroy Hotel) - fine international dining in a very quiet resort just a few minutes away from Playa Center.
https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/riviera-maya/dining-nightlife/la-marea
ALUX - located inside a dry cavern cenote and serves Mexican contemporary cuisine
https://www.aluxrestaurant.com/en/
AMBASCIATA D’ITALIA - Italian cuisine right on 5th avenue (Playa del Carmen nightlife)
https://ambasciataditalia.com/en
Top 5 Authentic Playa Lifestyle Gastronomic Experiences: (not necessarily luxury service, but a great experience none the less!):
TRUJILLOS - beautifully located inside the jungle on the way to the beach - mostly grill
https://www.trujilloscantinadeselva.com/menu
LAS HIJAS DE LAS TOSTADAS - best fish tacos and fish tostadas. It is a franchise but quite pleasant and authentic.
https://www.lashijasdelatostada.com/
MU BURGER HOUSE - not a great website, but a beautiful little restaurant which serves only gourmet burgers.
https://www.muburgers.mx/sucursales
LA CUEVA DEL CHANGO - traditional Mexican cuisine
https://www.lacuevadelchango.com/en/
CASA SOFIA - Italian homemade pasta and pizza, excellent quality . No website, but a FB page
https://www.facebook.com/CasaSofiaPlayadelCarmen/
Top 5 Nightlife spots:
COCO BONGO - disco with live shows
THE THOMPSON ROOFTOP BAR
MANDALA - PALAZZO -LA VAQUITA - all crazy nightclubs located on the same road in Playa (calle 12)
https://grupomandala.com.mx/playa.html
ZENZI - beach bar and live music every day
TEQUILA BARREL - tequila bar right in the middle of 5th avenue