Must-eat Dishes in Tulum
by Emily Harman
Tulum has no shortage of great restaurants. If you’re finding yourself a little overwhelmed with where to eat, this post is here to help guide you.
Bone Marrow at Arca (Hotel Zone). If you come to Tulum, you must treat yourself to dinner at Arca. One of the founding chefs is from none other than Noma Copenhagen, so you know it’s legit. Their menu isn’t huge, but it’s unique and will leave you wanting to come back for more. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, but their bone marrow is an absolute must-have. It honestly tastes like the juiciest cheeseburger.
Pulpo (Octopus) Salad at Casa Banana. Octopus is on almost every menu in Tulum and most places know how to perfectly cook and prepare it. Casa Banana is definitely one of the best I’ve had, and I’m a huge octopus fan!
Chilaquiles at Babel Cafe (Centro). If you are visiting Mexico, you must try chilaquiles. They are a classic Mexican breakfast dish. It’s essentially a dish of tortilla chips soaked in a tomato sauce/salsa (you can choose green or red), topped with cheese, and you usually add chicken or egg as well.
This place was recommended to me by a Mexican friend, so I am taking that as an expert opinion - I’ve also had my fair share of Chilaquiles throughout Mexico, I had to agree with him that these were by far one of the best. This would be my go-to Tulum Restaurant menu to eat like a local!
Raw Pad Thai at Raw Love (Centro or at the Raw Love Ahau in the Hotel Zone). Raw Love is a great spot for vegans, celiacs, and anyone who loves a great smoothie bowl. However, they also have an entire food menu with more hearty dishes. They nailed it with their take on a raw Pad Thai. If you are gluten-free and/or vegan, or neither, this Pad Thai will be one of the most refreshing versions of the dish you’ve ever tasted. There are a few Tulum Thai Restaurants, but this is for sure a healthier take on Thai food if you re craving that while in Tulum.
Beyond the Pad Thai, Raw Love is best known for its smoothies and smoothie bowls. I love the Healthy Belly, bowl because it’s great for fighting against parasites, which is important to ward off Moctezuma’s Revenge or the stomach flu in Mexico!
Marlin Quesadilla at Nomade (Hotel Zone). La Popular at Nomade is their restaurant on the beach where their “seats” are cushions on the sand. They have a seafood-heavy menu, which is why this may be the first time you’ve ever seen a fish quesadilla. It’s so delicious.
Pizza Bianca from Italdo (La Valeta). Craving pizza in Mexico? Italdo better be on your list. Their pizzas are Neapolitan style, and if you happen to be celiac or gluten intolerant, they can make it gluten free.
Street Tacos from Don Honorio (Centro). Looking for authentic Mexican tacos? Go to a local favorite in town and only pay $50MXN per taco! This has always been a favorite on the Tulum Restaurant Map.
King Crab Legs at Ilios (Hotel Zone). So fresh and with just enough butter, I’m obsessed with the king crab legs at Ilios. You may want to check the price before taking my recommendation, but they are worth every penny.
Margherita Pizza at Posada Margherita (Hotel Zone). Just walking into the place is an experience - from the street you step through a winding pathway lined with plants and interesting decorative pieces. At the end of the path is a tiny restaurant and a handful of tables on the beach. Not only is their food great, the ambiance is unique, and I think it’s a great date spot.
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie at The Real Coconut (Hotel Zone). Have a sweet tooth? End your day at The Real Coconut with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie in a skillet. They are big enough to share with a friend or two, but you won’t be judged if you keep the whole thing to yourself. If you are looking for a beautiful place to eat aside from Tulum Azulik Restaurant this place offers amazing food, with a gorgeous beach and must less crowd and more casual than Azulik.
For more on Tulum eats, check out Where to Eat in Tulum and Where to Drink in Tulum.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Harman is a travel and lifestyle blogger based in the West Village of NYC. She relocated to Mexico in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and stayed for seven months, splitting her time between Tulum and Mexico City. Emily launched her blog, EverythingEm.co, in 2020 out of her passions for solo travel, photography, and boutique hotels. She studied finance and entrepreneurship at Fordham University and now works full-time in private equity in NYC.