Craving authentic Mexican flavors in Tulum? You’re in the right place! As a content creator for gaymexico.net, and a devoted fan of Mexican cuisine, I’ve explored Tulum’s vibrant food scene to bring you a curated list of the top-rated Mexican food spots near you. Forget Tex-Mex imitations; we’re diving deep into the real deal, from traditional tacos to regional specialties, right here in Tulum.
My love affair with Mexican food started thanks to my amazing Mexican roommate, Gladys. Her home-cooked meals set the bar incredibly high, making me a harsh critic of anything less than authentic. So, when I say these Tulum restaurants are good, trust me, they’ve passed a tough test!
On my recent trip, I made it my mission to sample as many Tulum eateries as possible. This isn’t just another generic list; it’s a personal guide to the places I genuinely enjoyed and recommend. While Tulum can be pricey, especially in tourist hotspots like Casa Jaguar and Hartwood, this guide focuses on accessible and delicious options, sharing my firsthand experiences to help you discover the best Mexican food Tulum has to offer.
Discovering Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Tulum Pueblo
Tulum Pueblo, the town center, is a treasure trove of authentic Mexican flavors without the inflated beach prices. Here, you’ll find everything from humble taquerias to charming cantinas, all serving up incredible Mexican food.
Taqueria Honorio: My Absolute Favorite Tulum Taqueria
Taqueria Honorio was, hands down, my favorite culinary discovery in Tulum Pueblo. Stumbled upon via a blog recommendation (or maybe even Yelp!), this taqueria instantly won me over at lunch. Years later, returning for breakfast, it was just as phenomenal.
Authentic Mexican tacos at Taqueria Honorio in Tulum
Taqueria Honorio is a Top Rated Mexican Food Near Me for pork lovers. Though busier than ever and recently renovated, the food quality has only improved, if you can believe it. Pork is the star here, with Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted Yucatan pork) and young, slow-cooked pork with crackling being the must-try options. They also offer turkey and a few vegetarian choices, but the pork is why people flock here.
Choose your pork in tacos, tortas (sandwiches), or quesadillas. The chicken Milanese taco – breaded chicken – is another surprisingly delicious choice. Be warned: you’ll likely leave wanting more, already planning your next visit.
Taqueria Honorio is open for breakfast and lunch only, from 6:30 am to 3 pm. Get there early to beat the crowds and savor the best pork tacos in Tulum.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca: The Taco Al Pastor King
For a truly local and budget-friendly experience, head to La Chiapaneca, often hailed as the “godfather of tacos al pastor.” This spot is as authentic as it gets, with an open kitchen showcasing various grills and spits piled high with meat.
Tacos al pastor grilling at Antojitos La Chiapaneca, a top rated mexican food near me in Tulum
La Chiapaneca offers tacos, sopes (thicker tacos), or gringas (with cheese) with your choice of chicken, al pastor, beef, or vegetables. Once you have your plate, a self-serve buffet inside offers sauces, toppings, and limes to customize your meal.
This is the place for seriously cheap and delicious Mexican food. My tip? Skip the cheese here. While cheese usually enhances most dishes, in this case, it can become stringy and detract from the taco experience. Focus on the flavorful al pastor and fresh toppings.
Taqueria Maya: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Taqueria Maya, located on the north side of the main road, is a bit off the beaten path but absolutely worth seeking out. I recognized it instantly from a previous stop for pre-dive trip snacks.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; Taqueria Maya has plenty of space inside, friendly and fast service, and a welcoming attitude towards tourists.
Delicious tacos from Taqueria Maya, a local favorite for top rated mexican food near me
The menu features a great selection of tacos and tortas with Cochinita pibil, lechon, and other meats, along with panuchos – refried tortilla stuffed with black beans. Taqueria Maya is a fantastic option for a satisfying and authentic Mexican meal away from the main tourist hustle.
Encanto Cantina: Chic Vibes and Delicious Twists on Mexican Classics
Encanto Cantina offers a more upscale dining experience in Tulum Pueblo, with a charming backyard and an impressive cocktail menu. This is where I had my first taste of truly exceptional Mexican guacamole – so smooth and creamy, it was almost otherworldly.
Breakfast smoothie and eggs at Encanto Cantina, Tulum
While they have a smaller taco selection, the tuna ceviche taco on a folded tostada with Cochinita pibil was a surprising and delightful fusion. Portions are generous – the guacamole is best shared.
Encanto Cantina also serves breakfast, with delicious smoothies in clay pots and flavorful egg casseroles. For healthier options, they have acai bowls and muesli, offering a less crowded alternative to the Instagram-famous Matcha Mama.
Mexican breakfast eggs in tomato sauce at Encanto Cantina, Tulum
El Capitan: Seafood Sensations in Tulum Town
El Capitan is renowned for its fresh seafood in Tulum Pueblo, making it a must-visit for fish taco aficionados. I started with a prawn ceviche tostada – a generous and incredibly flavorful portion that could easily be a meal on its own.
Shrimp ceviche tostada at El Capitan, Tulum
The fish tacos, served as a set of four, were equally substantial. Tulum tacos often come doubled up, likely for better structure and because corn tortillas are readily available here. Each double taco was loaded with three large battered fish pieces, guacamole, salsa, and plenty of limes. While the batter was a bit doughy for my personal preference, the fish was juicy and the portion size impressive, especially for the price.
Expanding Your Culinary Horizons: More Top Mexican Restaurants in Tulum
Beyond tacos, Tulum offers a diverse range of Mexican culinary experiences. Venture further into Tulum Pueblo and discover these gems:
Sabor de Mar: Backyard Charm and Fresh Seafood Delights
Exploring the north side of Tulum Pueblo led me to Sabor de Mar, a modern backyard restaurant with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Large tables, friendly service, and cold margaritas set the stage for a great meal.
Outdoor seating at Sabor de Mar, Tulum, a great choice for top rated mexican food near me
Sabor de Mar starts you off with an impressive array of sauces and dips for your tacos. Their ceviche tostada is a highlight – packed with fresh fish and a great value. The prawn tacos, with two prawns per double tortilla, are also a delicious and satisfying choice. Overall, Sabor de Mar offers delicious food, a pleasant atmosphere, and reasonable prices for Tulum.
Ceviche tostada at Sabor de Mar, Tulum
OLa Taco!: Seafood Tacos and Budget-Friendly Guacamole
Ola Taco!, another excellent seafood taco spot, was conveniently located near my hotel. While I was the only customer when I visited (perhaps a bit early for dinner), the service was still welcoming.
Exterior of Ola Taco! restaurant in Tulum
Ola Taco! boasts one of the most affordable and delicious guacamole bowls in Tulum. The smoked marlin tostada offered a tasty alternative to the typical ceviche tostada. They also offer large-format beers at a great price. Bonus points for being cat-friendly – they didn’t mind me sharing a little with the local feline resident!
Guacamole bowl at Ola Taco!, Tulum
Campanella Cremerie: Beyond Tacos – Coffee, Sandwiches, and Sweet Treats
For a break from tacos, Campanella Cremerie, just a block from my hotel, was a frequent stop. They serve excellent coffee, sandwiches, waffles, and award-winning ice cream.
Diverse Mexican dishes including tacos and ceviche, available near me in Tulum
While not strictly Mexican food, their tuna sandwich on focaccia was a satisfying and delicious change of pace, and their takeaway coffee with biodegradable lids was a thoughtful touch. If you’re looking for something other than tacos, Campanella is a great choice.
BOTANICA Garden Cafe: Toast and Tranquility
Sometimes, you crave something other than chilaquiles for breakfast. BOTANICA Garden Cafe, tucked away in a peaceful backyard garden, offers a welcome alternative.
Garden setting at BOTANICA Garden Cafe, Tulum
Their specialty is toast with various toppings, featuring delicious bread (including gluten-free options). I opted for the chicken salad toast with avocado and an egg – a flavorful and satisfying non-Mexican breakfast. They also offer smoked salmon and roast beef toast options.
Chicken salad toast at BOTANICA Garden Cafe, Tulum
Keep in mind that venturing beyond local taco spots in Tulum generally means higher prices.
Del Cielo: Breakfast Bliss in Tulum Pueblo
For the best breakfast in Tulum Pueblo, head to DelCielo. This popular spot has a lovely patio and indoor seating, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early.
Eggs Benedict at Del Cielo, Tulum
DelCielo offers classic breakfast fare like Eggs Benedict and avocado toast, along with fresh juices, turmeric milk, and specialty lattes. For a Mexican breakfast, they have Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles. While slightly pricier, DelCielo is a top choice for a delicious and varied breakfast menu.
El Camello: Fresh Seafood and Mango Margaritas
El Camello, highly recommended for its fresh seafood, lived up to the hype. Located next to a fish market, you can watch the seafood being prepped while enjoying a mango margarita.
Fish tacos at El Camello restaurant, Tulum, showcasing top rated mexican food near me
They offer tacos, tostadas, and ceviches with fish, shrimp, or octopus, prepared grilled or battered and fried. I opted for the grilled fish tacos, which were some of the best food I had in Tulum – fresh, simple, and flavorful, especially with the spicy bean sauce. And don’t miss their amazing mango margaritas!
Los Aguachiles: My New Favorite Seafood Restaurant in Tulum
Los Aguachiles quickly became my new favorite seafood spot in Tulum, so much so that I visited twice on my last trip. They offer whole fish, grilled or stewed octopus, and a variety of tacos and tostadas.
Cauliflower tempura taco at Los Aguachiles, Tulum, offering vegetarian top rated mexican food near me
I sampled their tuna tostadas, fish and prawn tacos, and even a vegetarian cauliflower tempura taco – all incredibly delicious, thanks to light tempura batter, flavorful sauces, and a sprinkle of scallion straws. Their mezcal cocktails, especially the passion fruit with a chili salt rim, are also excellent.
La Hoja Verde: Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
Looking for vegetarian or vegan Mexican food in Tulum? La Hoja Verde is a fantastic option. They offer breakfast and lunch with mostly vegan choices.
Vegan tacos at La Hoja Verde, Tulum
I tried the vegan Chilaquiles, served with spicy sauce, nut crumble, and avocado mousse – a satisfying and flavorful breakfast. For lunch, their trio of vegan tacos is highly recommended. Juice lovers will appreciate their extensive juice and smoothie menu, made to order with customizable ingredients.
Wang and Casa Dumplings: A Taste of China in Tulum
For a change of pace, Tulum also offers excellent Chinese food. Wang, recommended by a local dive instructor, is a roadside spot serving incredible dumplings and noodles at amazing prices.
Biang biang noodles at Wang restaurant, Tulum, offering diverse top rated food near me
Wang has a small menu, but focuses on quality. The cucumber salad is refreshing and spicy, and the biang biang beef noodles – hand-pulled and brothy – are a must-try. You can add dumplings (pork, vegetarian, or vegan) to your noodle dish. This place is a hidden gem and might just become your new Tulum favorite, even without tacos!
Dumplings at Wang restaurant in Tulum
Casa Dumplings is another great Chinese option in Tulum, with a charming backyard and a focus on dumplings.
Backyard dining at Casa Dumplings, Tulum
Choose from prawn, vegetarian, beef, or pork dumplings, steamed or fried, in sets of 6 or 12. They also offer noodle and wonton soup, katsu chicken, and rice bowls. While perhaps not quite as exceptional as Wang, Casa Dumplings still hits the spot, especially with soy sauce and chili oil.
Steamed dumplings at Casa Dumplings, Tulum
Burrito Amor: Burrito Innovation (with a Grain of Salt)
Burrito Amor comes highly recommended, but my experience was a bit mixed. They specialize in burritos wrapped in banana leaves, with many vegetarian options, fresh juices, and a cool ambiance.
Burrito wrapped in banana leaf at Burrito Amor, Tulum
While I appreciate the concept and presentation, the burritos themselves weren’t my favorite – perhaps due to personal preference as a non-burrito enthusiast. If you’re looking for an innovative take on Mexican classics and an Instagrammable Tulum Pueblo spot, Burrito Amor is worth checking out.
Tulum Beach Restaurants: Dining with Ocean Views (and Higher Prices)
Dining on Tulum Beach comes with a different vibe and a higher price tag. Expect chic, Instagram-worthy food trucks and restaurants, where you’re paying for the ambiance and ocean views as much as the food. However, the quality is generally high, even if it comes at a premium.
Beachfront dining in Tulum
Papaya Playa Project: Hip Beach Club Dining
Papaya Playa Project (PPP) is one of Tulum’s trendiest hotels and beach clubs. Entry usually requires a minimum consumption, but the experience is worth it for a splurge.
Tuna tostada at Papaya Playa Project, Tulum
PPP offers both beach club and restaurant menus. The beach club menu features ceviches, tacos, tostadas, and salads. Portions are generous, so one main dish is usually sufficient. The fish ceviche with onions and avocado and the tuna tostada are excellent fresh choices.
Coco Tulum: Budget-Friendly Beach Club with Quality Food
For a more budget-conscious beach club experience, Coco Tulum offers a lower minimum consumption while still delivering excellent food quality.
Deep-fried prawn sandwich at Coco Tulum, Tulum
Their menu features Tulum beach staples, but with a focus on quality. The fish tacos are a generous portion and come with delicious pineapple and tomato salsas and guacamole. Sandwiches, like the deep-fried prawn, are also substantial and satisfying. Interestingly, beer is often cheaper than water here!
Ukami: Japanese-Mexican Fusion on the Beach
Ukami offers a unique Japanese-Mexican fusion cuisine on Tulum Beach. Expect tostadas with Japanese flavors and sushi rolls with Mexican ingredients.
California roll with octopus and plantains at Ukami, Tulum
Think California roll with grilled octopus and plantains or tuna sashimi tostada. Spice is incorporated with jalapenos and wasabi, and the drinks menu features sake and tequila. Note a 20% service charge is added, but is optional.
La Onda: Pizza with a Beach View
La Onda, proclaiming to have the “best pizza on earth,” is a solid pizza option on Tulum Beach. While I maintain my own homemade pizza reigns supreme, La Onda didn’t disappoint.
Pizza with ruccola and serrano ham at La Onda, Tulum
They have a 2-for-1 happy hour on Margarita pizza and cocktails. The prawn and anchovy pizza and the ruccola and serrano ham pizza were both delicious. While pricey for pizza, it’s in line with Tulum Beach restaurant prices.
Ziggy’s: Beach Club Comfort and Tuna Ceviche Nachos
Ziggy’s is a lovely and somewhat unpretentious beach club. Day passes have a minimum consumption, but include a comfortable beach bed, clean facilities, and excellent service.
Beach beds at Ziggy's beach club, Tulum
Their menu offers tacos, guacamole, salads, and the must-try tuna ceviche nachos. These were a last-day discovery that I wish I could have enjoyed again and again.
Zebra: Affordable Beach Club with Great Cocktails
Zebra is another well-known hotel and beach club, offering a more affordable beach club experience with a lower minimum consumption.
Palm trees at Zebra beach club, Tulum
Lunch at Zebra was great, especially the Mexican seafood dishes. In the late afternoon, you can relax on their beach beds, enjoy the sunset, and explore their excellent cocktail menu.
Find Your Top Rated Mexican Food Near You in Tulum
Whether you’re in Tulum Pueblo or Tulum Beach, incredible Mexican food awaits. From budget-friendly tacos to upscale dining experiences, Tulum’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious. Use this guide to discover the top-rated Mexican food near you and embark on your own Tulum food adventure!
For more Tulum travel tips, check out:
- Holidays in Tulum on a budget
- The ultimate 3 day itinerary for Tulum
Gay Mexico – Your guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Mexico
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Thank you for reading! Enjoy exploring Tulum’s incredible food scene.
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