Where to Eat in Tulum Mexico: Restaurants Guide

Mexico is generally an affordable travel destination, thanks in part to the favorable USD-to-peso exchange rate. So, when I visited Tulum, I was surprised to find that it is a little pricier! That said, you can absolutely balance budget-friendly bites with luxurious five-star meals. This post breaks down everything you need to know about Tulum Mexico restaurants, including a guide to where to eat from my time there.

If you enjoy this article, you'll love my Tulum solo travel guide, too!

Tips for Dining in Tulum

Tulum's dining scene is as diverse as it is stylish. This destination caters to trendy, international travelers and the cost and variety of dining options definitely reflect that. There's a heavy focus on wellness and culinary influences from all over the world.

It's not exactly like dining in Mexico City but it's close!

For this trip, I balanced budget-friendly bites with some popular, pricier spots--including a Michelin Guide eatery--for a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re craving authentic street tacos, beachfront cocktails, or Ayurvedic healing foods, this guide covers some of the best places to eat in Tulum.

Depending on where you stay in Tulum (downtown/pueblo or hotel zone), you can get to many places by walking or on a bike, however, I recommend renting a car. Here are my tips on driving to Tulum and my Tulum boutique hotel review.

Check out your rental car options in Tulum!

Antojitos La Chiapaneca ($)

This place is so nice I ate there twice—and it should really get half a dollar sign because it’s that inexpensive. I’m talking fifty-cent tacos!

My first night in town, I asked a kind stranger ¿Donde comer en tulum barato? and he recommended Antojitos la Chiapaneca as the best place to eat on a budget.

At this authentic Mexican restaurant, I had four tacos and an Indio beer for under $5, including tip. Everything is authentic, and the restaurant is always busy because it’s that good. Here's Antojitos La Chiapaneca on Google Maps.

Locals and visitors alike love this spot, but Google Maps doesn’t always direct you properly. For reference, it’s at the corner of Tulum Road and Acuario. Get the tacos al pastor and agua horchata. Cash only.

Batey Mojito y Guarapo Bar ($)

Go for the live music and amazing mojitos in every fresh flavor imaginable. There’s a big green VW Beetle inside where they cut fresh sugarcane to sweeten the drinks.

Batey's a top-rated hot spot that tourists love for nightlife. Here's Batey Mojito 7 Guarapo Bar on Google Maps.

Fun fact: The Beetle is the original Batey’s—the owner used to drive around town making mojitos before opening the bar. Cash only.

Paleteria Michoacana ($)

A cute, colorful, no-frills paleta and ice cream shop in Tulum Pueblo. I found it by Googling “Tulum paletas” on my last day in town, and there was just one other person there when I stopped in.

Here's Paleteria Michoacana on Google Maps.

The paletas come in several delicious flavors and are super affordable. They’ve only got a handful of reviews right now—one of which is mine. Cash only.

If you enjoy paletas as much as I do, you'll love Cozumel. Here's my guide to dining on Cozumel!

Bonita Burger Bar ($$)

You might not think to grab a burger in Mexico, but Bonita’s came highly recommended by a fellow Houston creator—and looked too good on Instagram to pass up.

Here's Bonita Burger Bar on Google Maps.

I stopped in late one night after maybe too many margaritas 🙂 and had the peanut chipotle burger with Parmesan house fries and multiple melon aguas frescas. Everything was good, but the aguas frescas were my fave. Food is also available to-go or for delivery!

Coco Beach Club ($$)

Coco Beach Club has a super chic, almost all-white aesthetic and is one of the most popular Tulum beach restaurants. Think: swings, a stylish bar, group tables, and a Moroccan-style seating area with pillows and low tables.

Here's Coco Beach Club Tulum on Google Maps.

Coco is known for its craft cocktails, and I ordered the Pink Pulpo—both pretty and potent. Cash only.

Matcha Mama ($$)

This place is Instagram gold and has the influencer check-ins to prove it. On my first morning in Tulum, I spent about an hour (and $20) at the Tulum Pueblo location for an acai bowl and kombucha. It's a great place to eat breakfast in Tulum.

Here's Matcha Mama Tulum Pueblo on Google Maps.

There’s are two more Matcha Mama location including one in la zona hotelera, aka the Hotel Zone. I loved the aesthetic and went back on my last full day for more Bruja Isleña kombucha.

Raw Love Cafe ($$)

A funky, organic vegan café serving raw foods—think smoothie bowls, wellness shots, and teas. If you're looking for healthy food with vegan options, Raw Love will be your calm, quiet spot.

Here's Raw Love Tulum on Google Maps.

I went to the Tulum Centro location for lunch and had the Healthy Belly Bowl and a chai tea latte on their breezy, enclosed patio. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are colorful, quirky, and full of cute photo ops.

Playa Esperanza Beach Club ($$)

This hotel has a cute outdoor bar and beach club on Las Palmas Public Beach, where I spent hours lounging, eating, and sipping.

The minimum spend was 500 pesos to chill in one of their hammocks or beach bed cabanas. For a little more than that, I enjoyed the Bee Sting cocktail, fresh ceviche, and a huge fruit-topped salad.

They also have a stand selling fresh coconuts--and you know I can't pass up un coco frio! Check out Playa Esperanza Tulum on Expedia.

Philosophy at Casa Malca ($$$)

Located inside Pablo Escobar’s famous former mansion (now a luxury hotel), I went here on my last night for fancy dinner and drinks.

Here's Philosophy Tulum on Google Maps.

The food was good, but the real draw is the art installations, sculptures, and paintings everywhere—even in the restrooms. Philosophy is considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in Tulum.

Go during the day, buy a cocktail, and wander around for the photo ops—like the iconic suspended furniture flanked by wedding dresses at the lobby entrance.

The dress code at Philosophy is resort casual and you'll want to dress to impress here. Read my Tulum look book and packing list to get your outfits together!

Posada Margherita ($$$)

I know, I know—Italian food in Mexico? But it came highly recommended! Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed, which was a major let down since I love Mediterranean cuisine.

The menu is super simple (just 10 unchanged items in 20 years), and while I appreciate the effort, nothing impressed me.

Here's Posada Margherita on Tripadvisor.

I spent about $50 on still water, a cocktail, and mushroom & broccoli pasta. The beach view is nice, but not unique. Cash only.