Are you someone who loves trying new dishes when you go on vacation? If so, you are going to have a blast when you spend time in Tulum, Mexico. No matter how many times you visit, you’re sure to find a new favorite that you can’t wait to come back for. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for vegan raw food, authentic Mexican cuisine, or homemade pasta, this town has you covered. We’ll share a few places you absolutely should dine at while you’re in the city.
Charly’s Vegan Tacos
Unlike some locations where there’s a token vegan restaurant or two, Tulum has plenty of them to choose from. What makes Charly’s worthy of this list is that the place doesn’t necessarily feel like a pretentious hipster vegan joint. Anyone can walk in and order and enjoy the food, whether they typically eat a meat-based or plant-based diet.
All of the dishes served here are made with healthy components in a traditional Mexican style. The best part is that you can chow down on your tacos in an open-air setting. We recommend trying the taco trio if you want to experience three unique flavors during one meal.
Rosa Negra
There aren’t a huge number of restaurants in Tulum that take reservations, but Rosa Negra is one of them. While making a reservation might feel like a hassle, it’s worth it to have the chance to experience the amazing food they offer. Set a time during an evening while you’re vacationing in the town and find out exactly what all the fuss is about.
No matter what you order, it’s going to have an extra factor that makes it go beyond great to exceptional. The portions are large, the Latin American flavors are out of this world, and you can even choose to order some creative cocktails that you won’t find elsewhere. This is the perfect eatery if you’re having a party and want to try tons of food while sharing it around the table.
Taqueria Don Beto
While you’ll hear tons of people recommending various spots for authentic tacos, believe us when we say that the best are at Taqueria Don Beto. It might be a little harder to find than some of the other options but it’s well worth the effort to step inside its doors. It might not look like much but as soon as you put your fork to your mouth, you’ll realize exactly why it’s a showstopper.
The simple restaurant offers amazing cooks who create slow-roasted pork in a vat that has layers of banana leaves. If you want to try the most popular dish, give the cochinita torte a try, but some people find that it’s a bit dry. The real surprise here is how good the tacos are so grab a handful and experience them for yourself. While the traditional meat is pretty greasy, you can ask for something leaner.
Casa Jaguar
Casa Jaguar isn’t the typical Mexican restaurant and it doesn’t serve the expected cuisine. What you can expect when you visit are salads, ceviche, and wood-fired veggies and proteins that pack a punch. The restaurant has a jungle feel and is the perfect solution for a place to grab a meal before or after seeking out drinks at one of the many Tulum bars or nightclubs.
Just go in and take a stool and order food and drinks to your heart’s delight. If you prefer a place with more drinking and less food, the owners of Casa Jaguar also own Todos Santos in town, where you can enjoy mezcal and fresh fruit mixed into cocktails. Either way you go, you aren’t going to regret it since the flavors are out of this world.
Hartwood
One of the restaurants that almost everyone will recommend in Tulum is Hartwood and for good reason. It has an American owner and chef who has worked at luxurious eateries in New York City in the past. The restaurant focuses on wood-fired, earthy dishes that incorporate the true flavors of Mexico. Even though it opened back in 2010, you can still expect long lines because the food is just that good.
The good news is that you can make a reservation now to have a more convenient meal. Just send in an email and find out if there’s room for your group to dine on the night of your choice. Regardless of when you drop in, you’ll see a chalkboard menu that tells what is being served for the night. In most cases, the dishes incorporate local seafood, prepared as ceviche or grilled, along with local vegetables and beef.
Posada Margherita
Want to take in some great Italian food? Visit Posada Margherita and get that along with some outstanding views. The is an intimate spot where you can dine on homemade pasta using fresh fish from the waters outside. Try the pasta with shellfish for a dining experience that you can’t get outside of Tulum. There are also plenty of other dishes if you aren’t big on seafood and fish. This restaurant is located on Tulum Beach in Pueblo and is open from morning until evening.
In addition to having some of the best pasta around, this restaurant also has an extensive list of wines. You can also nosh on homemade pizza or grab some gelato at the end of the meal to get a touch of sweetness. No matter what you order, you can be sure it’s made with great ingredients and appealing to the palate.
Staying in Tulum for Your Next Vacation
The food in Tulum is reason enough to visit the city, but when you consider the culture, the attractions, and the wildlife – there’s no reason not to spend some time there. In between fantastic meals, trips to the beach, and taking in entertainment, you’ll need somewhere excellent for your party to stay. Consider a luxury villa with top amenities to ensure you have everything you need when you aren’t out on the town.