Tulum, with its mesmerizing beaches and ancient ruins, is also a haven for food lovers. When hunger strikes in this vibrant town, the question isn’t if you’ll find something delicious, but where to find the Best Food Near Me Now. Luckily, Tulum’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delightful, offering everything from authentic Mexican street food to chic beachfront dining. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tulum Pueblo or relaxing on the stunning shores of Tulum Beach, incredible eats are always within reach.
This guide is your passport to navigating Tulum’s gastronomic landscape, ensuring you discover the perfect meal, exactly when you need it. Forget endless scrolling and guesswork; we’ve explored Tulum’s must-try spots, from hidden gems to local favorites, so you can quickly satisfy your cravings and get back to enjoying your Tulum adventure. Consider this your personal culinary compass, pointing you directly to the best food experiences Tulum has to offer, right now.
Best Food Near Me Now in Tulum Pueblo
Tulum Pueblo, the heart of Tulum town, pulses with local life and boasts an array of eateries that promise authentic flavors and unforgettable meals. If you’re in Tulum Pueblo and searching for “best food near me now,” prepare to be spoiled for choice.
Taqueria Honorio
For many, including myself, Taqueria Honorio is the answer to the “best food near me now” question in Tulum Pueblo. This taqueria is a local institution, famed for its traditional Yucatan-style pork dishes. I stumbled upon Taqueria Honorio years ago and it instantly became my top Tulum restaurant. Returning recently, I found the food even more exceptional.
Pork is the star here. Indulge in tacos, tortas, or quesadillas filled with cochinita pibil, slow-roasted Yucatan pork, or the equally delectable young slow-cooked pork with crispy crackling. They also offer turkey and vegetarian options, but the pork is truly what makes Taqueria Honorio legendary. Don’t miss the chicken Milanese taco – breaded chicken in a taco is pure genius!
Be warned: you might leave wanting to eat more, even when you’re completely full. Taqueria Honorio is open for breakfast and lunch only, from 6:30 am to 3 pm. Arrive early to beat the crowds and experience arguably the best tacos near you in Tulum Pueblo.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
If you’re craving tacos al pastor and want to experience truly local Tulum flavor, head to Antojitos La Chiapaneca. Known as the “godfather of tacos al pastor” by many, La Chiapaneca is as authentic as it gets. You can see directly into the bustling kitchen with its various grills and spit roasts, a testament to the constant demand for their incredible food. For cheap eats nearby, this is a prime location.
Choose from tacos, sopes, or gringas and customize your meal with toppings like chicken, al pastor, beef, or vegetables, with optional cheese. Once you have your plate, explore the topping buffet with various sauces and limes.
La Chiapaneca offers seriously delicious food at incredibly affordable prices. A local favorite, it’s perfect when you’re searching for tasty and cheap food near you. My personal tip: skip the cheese, as it can become stringy and detract from the taco experience.
TAQUERIA MAYA
TAQUERIA MAYA is another excellent option when you are seeking “best food near me now” in Tulum Pueblo, particularly if you are venturing towards the north side of town. Located on the north side of the main road, it might be slightly off the beaten path for casual tourists, but it’s absolutely worth seeking out. I recognized TAQUERIA MAYA from a previous trip when we stopped for takeaway before a dive excursion.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; TAQUERIA MAYA has ample space inside, friendly and fast service, and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists. The menu features a great selection of tacos and tortas with cochinita pibil, lechon, and other meats, as well as panuchos, tortillas stuffed with refried black beans. It’s a fantastic spot for a quick and satisfying meal when you’re looking for good food nearby.
Encanto Cantina
For a slightly more upscale experience while still being conveniently located in Tulum Pueblo, Encanto Cantina is a fantastic choice. This “proper” restaurant offers a chic ambiance with a lovely backyard and an impressive cocktail menu. If you are searching for a nice restaurant near you, Encanto Cantina provides a relaxed yet stylish setting.
It was here that I first tasted truly exceptional Mexican guacamole – so smooth and silky, it felt like it was blended with cream. Their taco selection is smaller, but the flavors are bold and creative. I recommend the tuna ceviche taco, served on a folded tostada and filled with cochinita pibil – a surprising yet delicious combination. Be mindful of portion sizes; the guacamole is generous, perfect for sharing.
For breakfast, Encanto Cantina offers healthy options like acai bowls and muesli, alongside more indulgent choices. However, my breakfast visit was accompanied by surprisingly loud techno music, which felt a bit out of place at 8 am. Nonetheless, their fresh smoothies, served in charming clay pots, and casserole-baked eggs are excellent. If you’re seeking a healthier breakfast or brunch option near you, away from the Instagram crowds at Matcha Mama, Encanto Cantina is a great alternative.
El Capitan
When the craving for seafood hits in Tulum Pueblo, El Capitan is frequently hailed as the go-to spot for fresh fish and seafood. Looking for the best seafood near you? El Capitan lives up to its reputation, particularly for its fish tacos. I started with the prawn ceviche tostada, a crispy, deep-fried taco piled high with prawns – a portion so generous it could easily be a full meal.
The fish tacos, served in sets of four, were equally substantial. Tulum tacos often come doubled – likely for durability and because corn tortillas are readily available and affordable here. Each double taco at El Capitan is loaded with three large battered fish pieces, accompanied by guacamole, salsa, and plenty of lime. While the portion size is impressive, I personally found the batter a bit too doughy for my taste, although the fish itself was still juicy and crispy.
At 120 pesos for four tacos, El Capitan is on the pricier side for tacos, but the enormous portions justify the cost, especially if you are very hungry for seafood near you.
Sabor de Mar
Venturing further north in Tulum Pueblo, you’ll discover Sabor de Mar, another excellent seafood option with a relaxed, modern backyard vibe. If you are looking for a casual seafood restaurant near you, Sabor de Mar offers a welcoming atmosphere.
Sabor de Mar greets you with an impressive array of sauces and dips to complement your tacos. Similar to El Capitan, I opted for the ceviche tostada, which was again a generous serving of fresh fish at a lower price than a full ceviche. I also tried the prawn taco, which featured two prawns on two tortillas – essentially two tacos for the price of one.
Overall, Sabor de Mar provides lovely food, a pleasant atmosphere, and prices that are reasonable for Tulum, making it a solid choice for seafood near you.
OLa Taco!
Ola Taco! was my second seafood taco discovery in Tulum Pueblo, conveniently located near my hotel. Arriving slightly early for dinner, I was the only customer, but the service remained attentive. For a quick and easy seafood meal nearby, Ola Taco! is a great option.
Ola Taco! boasts one of the most affordable guacamole bowls I encountered in Tulum, and it was delicious. I also tried the smoked marlin tostada, a welcome change from the typical ceviche-style tostadas. While they don’t serve regular beers, they offer family-size bottles for a reasonable 120 pesos. A unique perk: they welcome you to share your meal with the friendly local cat!
Campanella Cremerie
For a break from tacos and a taste of something different in Tulum Pueblo, Campanella Cremerie is a delightful cafe. Just a block from my hotel, it became a frequent stop for coffee and light bites. If you are looking for a cafe near you for coffee and pastries, Campanella is a great choice.
Campanella offers excellent coffee, a small selection of sandwiches and waffles, and award-winning ice cream. While I’m not a huge ice cream fan, I tried some and it was indeed very good. My go-to was their tuna sandwich on focaccia, perfect for takeaway, along with their coffee (served with biodegradable lids!). For a change of pace from tacos, Campanella hits the spot.
BOTANICA Garden Cafe
Sometimes, you might crave something other than traditional Mexican breakfast fare like chilaquiles. For those mornings, BOTANICA Garden Cafe in Tulum Pueblo is a perfect alternative. Tucked away from the main street in a charming backyard garden, it offers a tranquil escape. For a peaceful breakfast spot near you, consider BOTANICA Garden Cafe.
BOTANICA specializes in toast with various toppings, using really good bread (including gluten-free options). It’s important to note that they serve toast as a single slice with toppings, not sandwiches. I opted for the chicken salad toast with avocado and an egg on top – delicious and satisfying when you want something non-Mexican. They also offer smoked salmon, roast beef, and other toppings.
Keep in mind that venturing beyond local taco spots in Tulum Pueblo generally means higher prices.
Del Cielo
For the best breakfast food near you in Tulum Pueblo, DelCielo is a highly recommended destination. This popular breakfast spot features a lovely patio and indoor seating, both of which fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a table.
DelCielo offers classic breakfast favorites like Eggs Benedict and avocado toast, along with fresh juices, turmeric milk, and specialty lattes, though these come with a steeper price tag. For those who prefer a Mexican breakfast, they also serve Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles. If you are seeking a diverse breakfast menu near you, DelCielo is a top choice.
El Camello
El Camello is another highly praised seafood restaurant in Tulum Pueblo, known for its incredibly fresh seafood. Located next to a fishmonger, you can watch the seafood being prepared while enjoying delicious mango margaritas. For fresh and local seafood near you, El Camello is a must-try.
They offer the usual selection of tacos, tostadas, and ceviches with fish, shrimp, and octopus, prepared grilled or battered and fried. I chose the fish tacos a la plancha (grilled), and they were some of the best food I had in Tulum – fresh, simple, and flavorful, enhanced by a delicious spicy bean sauce. And the mango margaritas are not to be missed!
Los Aguachiles
While Tulum Pueblo boasts numerous excellent seafood restaurants, Los Aguachiles has become my new favorite. I visited twice during my last trip, and it consistently impressed. If you want to explore diverse seafood options near you, Los Aguachiles is a standout.
Los Aguachiles’ menu includes whole fish, grilled or stewed octopus, and a variety of tacos and tostadas. I sampled their tuna tostadas, fish and prawn tacos, and a vegetarian cauliflower tempura taco. All were incredibly delicious, thanks to light tempura batter, flavorful sauces, and a sprinkle of scallion straws. Their mezcal cocktails are also noteworthy, especially the passion fruit mezcal margarita with a spicy chili salt rim.
La Hoja Verde
For vegetarian and vegan options in Tulum Pueblo, La Hoja Verde is an excellent choice. While my previous favorite vegan cafe is now replaced, La Hoja Verde offers a great alternative for healthy and plant-based food near you.
La Hoja Verde serves both breakfast and lunch, with a predominantly vegan menu. I tried their vegan Chilaquiles, served with spicy sauce, a nut crumble, and avocado mousse. Even without eggs, it was a satisfying and indulgent breakfast. For lunch, their trio of vegan tacos is highly recommended. Juice lovers will appreciate their extensive juice and smoothie menu, with customizable options.
Wang
A surprising culinary highlight in Tulum Pueblo is Wang, recommended by a local diving instructor. If you’re in the mood for amazing Chinese dumplings and noodles at great prices, Wang is the place. For delicious and affordable Chinese food near you, Wang is a hidden gem.
Wang is a small roadside spot transformed into a restaurant with a few tables and authentic tiny plastic stools. Order at the window from a concise menu featuring hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. I started with a refreshing cucumber salad, followed by the biang biang beef noodles – a flavorful brothy noodle dish. You can add dumplings (pork, vegetarian, or vegan) to your noodle dish as an extra.
Wang quickly became one of my favorite Tulum restaurants, despite not serving tacos! The concept, food quality, and friendly service are exceptional.
Casa Dumplings
Casa Dumplings is another excellent Chinese option in Tulum Pueblo, particularly if you’re craving dumplings. The name says it all! Casa Dumplings offers a small but charming backyard and a cozy interior. For a cozy dumpling spot near you, Casa Dumplings is a great alternative to Wang.
The menu focuses on dumplings – prawn, vegetarian, beef, or pork, steamed or fried, in sets of 6 or 12. They also offer noodle and wonton soup, katsu chicken, and rice bowls. I tried both the prawn and pork dumplings, and while not quite as outstanding as Wang’s, they were satisfying, especially with soy sauce and chili oil.
Burrito Amor
Burrito Amor is a Tulum Pueblo institution, highly recommended by many. While technically not serving tacos, Burrito Amor specializes in burritos with numerous vegetarian options. If you are interested in burritos near you, it’s a popular choice.
I appreciate their concept of burritos wrapped in banana leaves, fresh juices, and cool ambiance, but the food itself wasn’t my personal favorite. I’m generally not a burrito fan, finding the double carb load of rice and tortilla too heavy. While their sauces were good, they were a bit rich for my liking.
However, if you’re seeking an innovative take on Mexican classics and an Instagram-worthy spot in Tulum Pueblo, Burrito Amor is worth checking out.
Best Food Near Me Now on Tulum Beach
Dining on Tulum Beach comes with a different vibe and price point. Be prepared for chic settings, higher prices, and a focus on trendy food trucks and upscale beach clubs. However, the quality of food remains generally high, often enhanced by stunning ocean views. When searching for “best food near me now” on Tulum Beach, expect a more luxurious and stylish experience.
Papaya Playa Project
Papaya Playa Project (PPP) is one of Tulum Beach’s most iconic and trendy destinations, encompassing a hotel and beach club. Access often requires a minimum consumption, usually around $25 during low season, which is easily spent. For a trendy beach club experience with great food near you, Papaya Playa Project is a top pick.
PPP offers both beach club and restaurant menus for lunch and dinner. The beach club menu features ceviches, tacos, tostadas, and salads. Portions are generous, so one main dish is often sufficient. I recommend the fresh fish ceviche with onions and avocado, or the indulgent tuna tostada, loaded with tuna and avocado mousse.
Coco Tulum
For a more budget-friendly beach club experience on Tulum Beach, Coco Beach Club at Coco Tulum is a good option. Their minimum consumption is often around $25, which, while seemingly high for lunch, is reasonable compared to other beachside options. For a more affordable beach club with good food near you, Coco Tulum is worth considering.
Coco Tulum’s menu features typical Tulum beach fare, but the quality is excellent. The fish tacos are a generous portion and come with delicious spicy pineapple salsa, tomato salsa, and guacamole. Sandwiches, like the deep-fried prawn sandwich, are also substantial and come with potatoes. Surprisingly, beer can be cheaper than water here!
Ukami
Ukami offers a unique culinary fusion on Tulum Beach, blending Japanese and Mexican flavors. If you are looking for unique fusion food near you, Ukami is a must-try.
Ukami’s menu features tostadas with Japanese twists and sushi rolls with Mexican ingredients. Think California rolls with grilled octopus and plantains, and tuna sashimi tostadas. Spice is added with both jalapenos and wasabi, and the drinks menu includes sake and tequila. Note that a 20% service charge is added to the bill, though it is optional.
La Onda
La Onda, proclaiming to have the “best pizza on earth,” is located near a food truck area called Tulumunchies on Tulum Beach. While I take such claims with a grain of salt (especially since I believe I make the best pizza!), La Onda didn’t disappoint. For pizza near you on Tulum Beach, La Onda is a solid choice.
La Onda offers a good 2-for-1 happy hour on Margarita pizza and cocktails. I tried the pizza with prawns, anchovies, and parmesan, and the pizza with ruccola and serrano ham – both were delicious. While nearly $20 for a pizza is pricey, it’s typical for Tulum Beach. The quality and the freedom to tip as desired made it a positive experience.
Ziggy’s
Ziggy’s is a lovely, somewhat unpretentious beach club on Tulum Beach. Day passes have a minimum consumption of $50 per person, which includes a comfortable beach bed, clean facilities, and excellent service. For a full day beach club experience with great food near you, Ziggy’s is worth the investment.
Ziggy’s menu includes tacos, guacamole, and healthier salads. A must-try are the tuna ceviche nachos, a delicious discovery on my last day.
Zebra
Zebra is another well-known hotel and beach club combination on Tulum Beach. With a minimum consumption of $35 per person, it’s a slightly more affordable beach club option. For a cheaper beach club option with good food and drinks near you, Zebra is a solid choice.
I had lunch at Zebra, which was excellent – Mexican seafood dishes are always a highlight. In the late afternoon, you can relax on their beach beds, enjoy the sunset, and explore their cocktail menu.
Find Your Best Food Near Me Now in Tulum
Whether you’re in Tulum Pueblo or lounging on Tulum Beach, incredible food experiences are always nearby. From authentic tacos to innovative fusion cuisine, Tulum’s dining scene caters to every taste and craving. Use this guide to discover the best food near you now and make the most of your culinary journey in Tulum!
