I love a great taco. Simple fresh made tortillas filled with all types of delectable treats were top of mind for my first meal in Mexico. But if you stop at tacos when you visit Tulum, you will miss out on some of the best food in Latin America. You could walk in any direction, throw a stone and hit a dozen restaurants. It’s the gift and the curse of the new found popularity of this hotspot. However, to find the best restaurants in Tulum Mexico you will need to look a bit deeper.
Tulum has quickly become a top destination for travelers looking for something outside of popular spots like Cancun and Cozumel. Travelers looking to disconnect from their fast paced lives head south of Cancun to enjoy a more simple getaway in Tulum. Surprisingly, there are no high rise buildings or large sprawling hotels here. Tulum is focused on sustainability and goes to great lengths to maintain its laid back bohemian reputation. Simultaneously, there is quite a bit of development in the neighborhood.
If Not Tacos, Then What?
Mexican food can vary greatly by region. The influence of chefs traveling globally has influenced the culinary scene in Tulum. Consequently, a few culinary creators have been making their mark in Tulum as tourism booms and foodies search for something innovative yet honoring traditional flavors and techniques. Restaurants are pushing the boundaries of tradition to design menus that keep food lovers coming back for more. Every evening sunburned diners flock to a string of open air courtyards for dinner in the zona hotelier. Everyone is searching of that perfect bite to memorialize their time in Tulum. Read on to get some insight to the best restaurants in Tulum Mexico.
Top Three Restaurants in Tulum… Right Now
With so many restaurant vying for your attention, it was hard to narrow the list down to just three. I chose to focus on restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine over everything else. Although those are readily available. If you are on a short trip and can only get to a few restaurants, these are the three you must try.
Hartwood
If you are in search of a cool rustic vibe with top notch cuisine, Hartwood is your spot. It was established in 2010 by two expatriates from New York City, so this isn’t your average Mexican restaurant. The setting is an outdoor courtyard with a bustling vibe.
A menu written in chalk on a self standing blackboard makes its way around the restaurant while knowledgable servers help guide your decisions. The focus here is on local and fresh ingredients which changes daily showcasing the creativity in the kitchen. You can rest assured you always have the freshest seafood around. Everything is cooked in a wood oven or over a wood-burning grill that adds a different depth of flavor.
If you want a reservation, you have to work extra for it. That’s because, this restaurant is not on any famed booking sites. Reservations can only be made direct. Check the Hartwood website for details. Plan ahead because spots are snagged up a month in advance.
Arca
If you missed your opportunity to dine at Noma during its glory years in Copenhagen, you are in luck. The Executive Chef of Arca was a part of the Noma crew and has brought his culinary excellence to create this standout in Tulum. The undeniable skill in the kitchen shines clearly through creative dishes like Octopus al Pastor and Soft Shell Crab tacos. Every plate is a masterpiece. Consequently, you will take pictures.
At Arca, you get elevated Mexican cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The food is creative, the kitchen is pristine and the service friendly yet efficient. All of this has helped to earn Arca a spot on the Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants.
There are three seatings at Arca. Subsequently you only get 90 minutes to dine but you never feel rushed. Take the early seating and afterwards step away to the well appointed bar to enjoy one of the decadent cocktails on offer. There is a chef’s tasting menu but you must reserve that experience in advance. Nevertheless, the Ala carte menu is simply delightful and will leave you coming back for more.
Wild
Tucked away in the jungle behind lots of foliage and natural wood you will find the entry to Wild. But don’t get distracted by the decor as the cuisine is definitely the star of the show. Wild reminds you that you are in Tulum while somehow dining like you are in New York.
Don’t be afraid to order a cocktail as you settle in. Nicholas Baptiste designed the menu and he knows a thing or two about cocktails. I had the Wildfire and it was absolutely amazing. It was also on fire.
If you want to try a little bit of everything, take a run at the 9 course tasting menu. Here you will get to experience the depth of creativity in the kitchen. Whatever you do, save room for the churro. It’s unlike any churro I’ve had before. You will not regret adding these extra calories to your day. I practically inhaled them.
You can access the reservation system easily through Open Table. But securing one of the highly sought after tables for the night, might not be easy.
My Perspective
There are so many restaurants in Tulum Mexico competing for the chance to secure your dollars. This is certainly not an all inclusive list. But if you want to ensure you get culinary genius using the finest ingredients around and the innovation of some of the best bartenders in Mexico, these three will not disappoint. I’m sure others will have their perspective on the best restaurants in Tulum Mexico but these did it for me.
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