Our Favorite Spots to Eat & Drink in Tulum

During my last trip to Tulum, I spent 9 days exploring places to eat and drink in Tulum. Although this destination in Mexico is known for its high prices, there are ways to get around this for the budgeted travelers.

Tulum is split up into two main sections, Tulum Pueblo/Centro (the town) and Zona Hotelera (the beach). The town is where you will find the more budgeted options for authentic restaurants and bars. This is also where many backpackers tend to handout in hostels and where you will find the greatest number of street food vendors. If you have a scooter and are wanting to get off the main road, there are tons of hole in the wall restaurants, bars, local markets, and street food options on the smaller dirt roads throughout the town and especially in La Valetta. Alternatively, the beach, which is a short scooter or taxi ride away, is where all the more high end restaurants, bars, and beach clubs are.

Below are a few of my favorite spots to eat and drink your way around both the town and beach areas of Tulum for both the budgeted and higher end travelers.

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Restaurants

As mentioned earlier, restaurants by the the beach tend to be expensive, while the town offers more affordable options. We became regulars at both Del Cielo and Potheads Tulum in the town. These both offer amazing breakfast that always cured our tequila hangovers. For the heat lovers out there like me, ask for hot sauce at Potheads - you will not be disappointed. At Del Cielo, you will find some of the best iced coffee in Tulum, according to me. Pair this with fresh squeezed orange juice for vitamin C, water for hydration, and the chilaquiles to fill that belly. When it comes to lunch, Barracuda is a famous spot in town for ceviche and Taqueria Honorio (right across from Del Cielo) is the best for authentic tacos. I do have to say, although I recommend Taqueria Honorio and it's fantastic live music, I do always prefer street food over restaurants for tacos. And finally, for a few fancier spots on the beach, Mivida is the cutest spot right on the sand for lunch. We tucked away here during a big downfall, sipped on a few spicy mezcal margs and ate some of the best food. Lastly, cannot leave without recommending the truly incredible Ambrosia at Pablo Escobar’s Casa Malca. This spot is just a bit further down the strip, so you will likely need to have a taxi driver take you there if you are coming from the town. Make sure to get your reservation far in advance, as this is a hot spot! We first got drinks in the main dining area, and then were taken over to Ambrosia, which is tucked away in a warm, cozy room. Before dinner, our waiter took us for a quick tour around the property and then we settled in for some wine and flaming sushi.

Street Food

If you like street food, you will be very happy in Tulum! The best way to find stands is to ask locals which they recommend. I found some of the best late night, post-beach club spots through our taxi driver, who took us to what is. Our favorites; however, were the vendors right outside the Súper Akí Tulum in the main intersection of the town. Street food is by far the most affordable way to eat in Tulum.

Super Markets

Staying in a rental or comfortable using the hostel kitchen? Make your way to the grocery store or a local market! This is also a very affordable way to get buy in Tulum, especially if you are on a tight budget. We frequented the Aki on the main intersection to cook dinners at our Airbnb. In La Valeta, our favorite local store was Gypsea Market. We would recommend other local markets; however, for cheaper groceries.

Bar & Beach Clubs

Where to even begin! It is very easy to drink your way through Tulum. Similarly to restaurants, the beach will be more expensive, while the town is where you can find cheaper prices. In the town, we spent most of our time drinking at Mayan Monkey Tulum. They have a great bar and pool that is fun to lounge at during the day and night. Aside from here, we spent a few nights bar and restaurant hopping down the main road in town. At the beach, Azulik has a great wine cellar and mezcal bar, Mateo’s is a fun more lowkey bar with a rooftop, Zamas Hotel was a fun beachside spot, and Taboo was the beach club we spent a full day at.