Tulum, with its mesmerizing beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, is also a haven for food lovers, especially when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Like many, I’ve often found myself searching for “Top Rated Mexican Food Near Me” while traveling, and Tulum truly delivers on this front. While my Spanish is a work in progress, my appetite for incredible tacos and traditional Mexican dishes is fluent! I’ve explored countless Tulum restaurants and taquerias, and I’m excited to share my curated list of favorites with you.
Eating tacos in Tulum isn’t just a meal; it’s an essential part of experiencing the city. In fact, I believe taco tasting should be high on everyone’s list of things to do in Tulum. Initially, Tulum and I had a bit of a rocky start, but the amazing food, alongside the delicious Mexican drinks and world-class scuba diving, quickly won me over.
My love affair with Mexican food began years ago, thanks to my amazing Mexican roommate, Gladys. She set my standards incredibly high, and ever since, I’ve become a discerning judge of Mexican cuisine, often finding fault with many Tex-Mex imitations. Gladys taught me what real, authentic Mexican food should taste like.
Recently, I spent another two glorious weeks in Tulum, dedicated to exploring as many restaurants as my stomach could handle. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive, encyclopedic guide to every single eatery in Tulum. You’ll find plenty of guides that mention high-end spots like Casa Jaguar, RosaNegra, and Hartwood. While those might be fantastic, I wanted to focus on sharing my personal, first-hand experiences at Tulum restaurants that I genuinely tried, loved, and can wholeheartedly recommend. These are the places that came to mind when I was searching for “top rated Mexican food near me” in Tulum.
The Best Tacos in Tulum & My Favorite Tulum Restaurants
Quick Tulum Trip Tips:
- Where to Stay in Tulum: (This section would be expanded with hotel recommendations if needed for a longer article, but for this focus, we’ll prioritize restaurants)
- Foodie Activities in Tulum: (Similarly, this could be expanded with cooking classes, food tours, etc., but for now, restaurant focus)
Restaurants in Tulum Pueblo (Town)
Taqueria Honorio
For me, Taqueria Honorio has to be the top contender for my favorite restaurant in Tulum town. I stumbled upon this gem on a blog – perhaps it was Yelp, honestly, the source is a happy blur now! I first went for lunch and was blown away. Years later, I returned for breakfast, and the magic was still there, if not even stronger.
It’s always buzzing with people, and since my last visit, they’ve upgraded the interior. It might be my imagination, but the food seems to have gotten even better. If you’re a pork lover, this place is your paradise. They have other options like turkey and some vegetarian fillings, but their pork is legendary.
Choose between tacos, tortas (Mexican sandwiches), or quesadillas filled with Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted Yucatan pork) or young, slow-cooked pork with crispy crackling. Both are absolutely divine. They even offer a chicken Milanese, a breaded chicken, which is genius on a taco! Who doesn’t love a crispy breaded chicken taco?
Prepare to leave wanting more, probably because you physically can’t eat another bite – what is your taco capacity?
Get there early! They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, from 6:30 am to 3 pm.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
La Chiapaneca is often called the “godfather of tacos al pastor,” and it’s as authentically local as it gets. “Al Pastor” refers to meat cooked shwarma-style on a vertical spit, and you can see right into their bustling kitchen – grills, spit grills, and mountains of meat in action.
Choose tacos, sopes (thicker tacos), or gringas (with cheese) and your filling: al pastor, chicken, beef, or vegetable. You can also add cheese on top. Once you get your plate, there’s a self-serve bar with a fantastic array of sauces, toppings, and limes.
For an incredibly cheap and delicious meal, La Chiapaneca is unbeatable. I was a huge fan. My one tip? Skip the cheese here. While I usually believe cheese enhances everything, here it melts and gets a bit stringy in a not-so-pleasant way. Go cheese-free and enjoy the pure taco goodness.
Taqueria Maya
The moment I saw Taqueria Maya, recognition sparked! We had stopped here before a dive trip to grab food for the road. It’s located on the north side of the main road through Tulum, so you might not just stumble upon it unless you’re looking. But trust me, you should seek it out!
Don’t let the small facade fool you; it’s surprisingly spacious inside. The service is friendly and quick, even for clueless tourists like myself. The menu features a great selection of tacos and tortas with Cochinita pibil, lechon (another type of roasted pork), and other meats, plus panuchos – refried tortillas stuffed with refried black beans.
Encanto Cantina
Encanto Cantina is a step up in chicness, a more “proper” restaurant with a beautiful backyard and an impressive cocktail menu. This is where I had my first truly exceptional Mexican guacamole. It was so incredibly smooth and silky, I was half-convinced they blended it with fluffy kittens or at least a generous amount of cream.
They have a smaller taco selection, and I tried their tuna ceviche taco, served on a folded tostada and filled with Cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork). A wonderfully strange and utterly delicious combination. If you’re dining solo, maybe skip the guacamole to save room for other delights, as the portions are generous.
I also sampled their breakfast, which was lovely, although the blaring techno music felt a little out of place at 8 am. They make fantastic fresh smoothies served in charming clay pots, and their casserole eggs with crunchy tortilla bits, mushrooms, and other goodies are divine. For healthier options, acai bowls or muesli are available, offering a peaceful alternative to the Instagram crowds at Matcha Mama.
El Capitan
El Capitan is known for having some of the freshest seafood and fish in Tulum town, a perfect reason to try their fish tacos. I started with a prawn ceviche tostada – a deep-fried, crispy taco piled high with prawn ceviche. This portion alone was incredibly filling and delicious, and they certainly don’t skimp on the prawns here!
The fish tacos, which come in a set of four, were even more substantial. I’ve noticed tacos in Mexico often come doubled up – probably because it holds the fillings better and corn tortillas are cheap here, unlike in places where you pay a premium (Germany, I’m looking at you!). Each double taco was loaded with three huge battered fish sticks, guacamole, salsa, and plenty of extra lime (another luxury in my home country). While I’ve developed a slight aversion to overly battered and deep-fried dishes recently, the fish was still juicy and crispy, though perhaps a tad too doughy for my current taste.
While 120 pesos for four tacos is on the pricier side, the portion size was truly enormous and well worth it.
Sabor de Mar
Venturing further north in Tulum Pueblo, I discovered Sabor de Mar. This area has several trendy backyard restaurants, and I love the laid-back vibe. Expect large communal tables, friendly service, and refreshing cold margaritas.
They start you off with an impressive array of sauces and dips for your tacos. I often find a tostada and ceviche to be a perfect, lighter meal – plenty of fish for a lower price than a full ceviche dish. Sabor de Mar was no different. I also had a prawn taco with two generous prawns served on two tortillas, essentially giving you two tacos for the price of one.
Overall, Sabor de Mar offers lovely food, a great atmosphere, and prices that are reasonable for Tulum standards!
OLa Taco!
Ola Taco! was the second seafood taco spot I found in Tulum Pueblo, conveniently close to my hotel. I arrived a bit early for dinner, as I was the only customer, but the staff was welcoming and didn’t mind at all.
They have one of the most affordable guacamole bowls I encountered in Tulum, and it was absolutely delicious. I also tried their smoked marlin tostada, a delightful change from the usual ceviche-style tostadas.
While they don’t serve regular-sized beers, they offer family-size bottles for only 120 pesos. And the best part? They don’t mind if you share a little snack with the local cat under the table!
Campanella Cremerie
Campanella was another cafe I frequented, just a block from my hotel. They serve excellent coffee and a small selection of sandwiches, waffles, and ice cream. While I’m not a huge ice cream person, I tried some and it was quite good, even winning awards according to their wall of accolades.
I mostly enjoyed their tuna sandwich on focaccia and grabbed my takeaway coffee from here (they use biodegradable lids!). If you’re craving something other than tacos, Campanella is a perfect choice.
BOTANICA Garden Cafe
Sometimes you crave chilaquiles for breakfast, and sometimes you don’t. For those “don’t” days, BOTANICA Garden Cafe is a fantastic breakfast spot in Tulum. It’s tucked away from the main strip in a charming backyard garden.
Their specialty is toast with various toppings, using really good bread (gluten-free options available too). Important note: it’s toast as in a single toasted slice, not a sandwich. One reviewer complained about this, expecting a sandwich for takeaway. Perhaps it’s my European background, but to me, a sandwich is fillings between two slices, and toast is toppings on one slice.
Anyway, I opted for the chicken salad toast with added avocado and a fried egg on top. It was delicious and exactly what I wanted when I needed a break from Mexican food. They also offer smoked salmon, roast beef, and other toppings.
Just remember, venture beyond the local taco spots in Tulum, and you’ll likely pay significantly more.
Del Cielo
Searching for the best breakfast in Tulum? Look no further than DelCielo! They have a lovely patio and indoor seating, both of which fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early.
If you’re in the mood for classic Eggs Benedict or avocado toast, this is the place. They also offer great fresh juices, though a bit pricey, along with turmeric milk and specialty lattes.
For those who prefer a Mexican breakfast, they have Huevos Rancheros or Chilaquiles with eggs and all the traditional fixings.
El Camello
El Camello is another highly recommended spot for fresh seafood, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s next to a fish market, so you can watch the seafood being prepped while you sip on a mango margarita. They offer the usual tacos, tostadas, and ceviches with your choice of fish, shrimp, or octopus, prepared battered and fried or grilled “a la plancha.”
I had the fish tacos “a la plancha,” and they were some of the best food I had in Tulum. Fresh, simple (with a delicious spicy bean sauce), and reasonably priced. And did I mention the mango margaritas?!
Los Aguachiles
While Tulum boasts many fantastic seafood restaurants, Los Aguachiles is my new favorite. I visited twice during my last trip. You can order a whole fish, grilled octopus or octopus stew, and a variety of tacos and tostadas.
I tried two of their tuna tostadas, fish and prawn tacos, and a vegetarian cauliflower tempura taco. All were incredibly delicious thanks to light and airy tempura batter, flavorful sauces, and crispy scallion straws sprinkled on top.
Their menu also features excellent mezcal cocktails – my favorite was the passion fruit margarita with a spicy chili salt rim.
La Hoja Verde
Looking for vegetarian or vegan options in Tulum? Sadly, my favorite vegan cafe closed and was replaced by Raw Love Cafe Tulum (raw food isn’t my thing). When I needed healthier choices, I tried La Hoja Verde instead.
They offer breakfast and lunch, mostly vegan options. I ordered the vegan Chilaquiles, served with a spicy sauce, a nut crumble, and avocado mousse. Even without eggs, it felt like a truly indulgent breakfast.
For lunch, try their trio of tacos, considered some of the best vegan tacos in Tulum. Juice lovers can enjoy their extensive juice and smoothie menu, with drinks made to order – perfect for a green juice without celery!
Wang
I’m eternally grateful to Brandon from Infinity 2 Diving for recommending Wang. This is the spot for incredible Chinese dumplings and noodles at amazing prices.
They transformed a small roadside spot into a restaurant with a few tables and authentic tiny plastic stools. Order at the window from a concise menu – which is helpful for quick decisions!
I started with a refreshing and spicy cucumber salad and then had the biang biang beef noodles. The noodles are hand-pulled, and it’s more of a brothy noodle dish than a soup – perfect for me. You can order a plate of dumplings (pork, vegetarian, or vegan) or add individual dumplings to your noodle dish.
Honestly, I loved Wang – the concept, the food, the friendly service. It might be my new favorite restaurant in Tulum, and who would have guessed since they don’t even serve tacos?!
Casa Dumplings
Casa Dumplings is another excellent option when you’re in the mood for Chinese. I love the name! They have a small but charming backyard and a few indoor tables. As the name suggests, dumplings are the star. Choose from prawn, vegetarian, beef, or pork, steamed or fried, in sets of 6 or 12.
They also offer other dishes like noodle and wonton soup, katsu chicken, and rice bowls. I, of course, went for the dumplings, trying both prawn and pork. While not quite as amazing as Wang, they definitely satisfied my dumpling craving, especially with soy sauce and chili oil.
Burrito Amor
I feel obligated to mention Burrito Amor as it’s highly recommended by many friends and readers. To be honest, it might be my Tulum version of Alchemy in Bali – either I need to try it again, or I’m the only person who finds it overrated.
Technically, they don’t serve tacos, but burritos with many vegetarian options. While I loved their concept of burritos wrapped in banana leaves, fresh juices, and cool setting, the food itself wasn’t the greatest for me. I’m not a huge burrito fan in general – the double carb load of rice and tortilla isn’t my preference. And their sauces, while tasty, left me feeling… well, a bit gassy (sorry for the overshare!).
However, if you’re looking for an innovative twist on a Mexican classic and a more Instagrammable spot in Tulum town, definitely check out Burrito Amor.
Tulum Restaurants on the Beach
When you plan to eat on Tulum beach, be prepared to a) dress the part and b) have a generous budget or credit card limit.
Everything on Tulum beach is significantly more expensive. Street food is replaced by Instagram-ready, trendy food trucks. Eventually, I embraced it.
While prices are higher, and you’re definitely paying for the chic ambiance and ocean views, the food was still consistently good at every beachside spot I tried. There were more places I wanted to explore, but I fell into my usual habit of finding a few favorites and returning repeatedly.
Papaya Playa Project
The Papaya Playa Project, or PPP, is arguably one of Tulum’s hippest hotels and beach clubs. You’ll pay for the privilege of entry. In the off-season, you can often get in with a minimum consumption of $25, which you’ll likely spend quickly.
They offer both a beach club menu and a restaurant menu for lunch and dinner. The beach club menu includes ceviches, tacos, tostadas, and salads. I over-ordered, unsure of portion sizes. You’ll likely be perfectly satisfied with just one main dish, as portions are large and come with a generous side of chips.
For something fresh, try the fish ceviche with onions and avocado. For a more indulgent option, the tuna tostada is amazing. You’ll need a fork – they don’t skimp on the tuna, and the tostadas are piled high with avocado mousse.
Coco Tulum
If you’re visiting Tulum on a budget (relatively speaking for the beach area), Coco Beach Club is a good option with a lower minimum consumption of $25. While it sounds like a lot for lunch, prices are generally much higher along the beach.
Their menu features typical Tulum beach fare, but the quality is excellent. Three fish tacos are a generous portion, served with spicy pineapple salsa, tomato salsa, and guacamole. Sandwiches (deep-fried prawn sandwich, anyone?!) come with a side of potatoes, and they are generous with the good stuff.
My tip: if you want a drink with your meal, beer is often cheaper than water here!
Ukami
For Japanese food in Tulum, Ukami is my recommendation. Their kitchen blends the best of Mexican and Japanese flavors. Think tostadas with Japanese twists and sushi rolls and bowls with Mexican ingredients. Imagine a California roll with grilled octopus and plantains or a tuna sashimi tostada. Spice comes from both jalapenos and wasabi, and you can choose from sake and tequila to drink.
Note that they add a 20% service charge to your bill, which is suggested but not mandatory.
La Onda
During my last trip, I found myself on Tulum Beach near the location of a past heartbreak. Didn’t realize it when I booked!
Almost opposite is a food truck area called Tulumunchies. I read mixed reviews about tips being automatically added to bills there, enough to deter me.
Instead, I went to La Onda, even closer, which claimed to have the “best pizza on earth.” As someone who makes the best pizza on earth myself, I took that with a grain of salt.
Still, La Onda didn’t disappoint. They have a great 2-for-1 happy hour on Margarita pizza and cocktails. I opted for cocktails and just one pizza. I tried the prawn, anchovy, and parmesan pizza, and the rucola and serrano ham pizza (not on the same day!). Both were delicious! Almost $20 for a pizza is pricey, but these are Tulum Beach prices. I was happy to have good pizza and the freedom to tip as I wished!
Ziggy’s
I spent my first three days at Ziggy’s, a lovely and somewhat unpretentious beach club. Many Tulum beach clubs have minimum consumption fees for non-guests, often steep. Ziggy’s is $50 per person, but it gets you a comfy beach bed, clean restrooms, and excellent service. Worth it if you plan to spend the whole day – sunscreen and a good book (or company) are essential.
Tacos, guacamole, and healthier salads are on the menu. A must-try are the tuna ceviche nachos. I discovered them on my last day, and my taste buds were sad I couldn’t have them again.
Zebra
Zebra is another well-known hotel/beach club. If you want a more affordable beach club in Tulum, Zebra is a good choice, with a $35 minimum consumption. I only had lunch there, which was great – have I mentioned my love for Mexican seafood dishes?!
In the late afternoon, you can relax on a beach bed, enjoy the sunset, and their great cocktail menu.
Need more Tulum travel tips?
- Holidays in Tulum on a budget
- The ultimate 3-day itinerary for Tulum
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