A lovely family owned Argentinian restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio and mid-range pricing. You’re here for the empanadas and cocktails! Order one each of 6-7 different fillings and split them so you can try a variety- 3 will fill you up! Avoid the “Sfija”, and only order the “Cebolla” if you love blue cheese. The rest are all amazing. Personal favorite is the “Choclo (Humita)” and the “Mediterraneana”. 

Approximate cost: Varies. Empanadas are roughly 60 pesos each. However the cocktails are mid range. Can be cheap, can be expensive, up to you :)

Google Map - El Sudaca 

Cheap, local restaurant with authentic tacos, served sit-down style. Many different meat options, with lots of ways to wrap it (taco, gringa, sope, salbute, etc). Try 1 each of the al pastor, it’s their specialty. And if you’re thirsty, order a glass of the “agua Jamaica” (hibiscus juice), for a sweet, refreshing treat!

Approximate cost: 200 pesos / person

Google Map - Cheapaneca

Think outdoor food truck courtyard with a spectacular bar! The spot to go when you want fresh air dining, and lots of options. Great for big groups so everyone can find something they will like. Live music often, and salsa lessons on Tuesday nights. Also has a jungle gym for kiddos and is dog friendly! 

My two favorite food trucks inside are Asian Bodega and Todo Pita! Also really good micheladas (lime, salt, and assorted sauces and spices) and cheladas (simply lime and salt) at the bar. Order one with your beer of choice, pour the cerveza in and enjoy. Michelada is something like Bloody Mary, chelada is mostly lime and happiness.

Approximate Cost: 300 Pesos / Person

Google Maps - Palma Central 

Off the beaten path, only open on Saturdays and Sunday mornings, only 3 things on the menu. Lamb tacos, Lamb (or cheese) quesadillas, lamb soup. They don't do a lot, but what they do they do WELL. Homemade - to order tortillas for their tacos and quesadillas. This little pocket of heaven is a locals favorite and you rarely find tourist here.

They open for only two days because for the days leading up to the weekend the lamb is slowly cooking in an underground firepit. If you are in Tulum on a weekend, it is a must have breakfast option.

Los Hidalgenses - IG 

Google Maps - Los Hidalgenses 

Whether it's classroom time at Protec or a late night meal if you're staying at The Basecamp, Aracely has you covered. Aracely is a family owned restaurant that is actually two different restaurants at the same time.

From midmorning to early afternoon it functions as a mexican kitchen with different platters for sale all of which are delicious. 

Then the restaurant closes around 5, but reopens at 730 (ish) as solely a taco restaurant and is open until... they feel like closing. Often times past 11pm. 

Approximate Cost: 150 Pesos / Person

Google Maps - Aracely 

Las BBQ is one of the best BBQ joints in Tulum (possibly THE best). It offers a fun outdoor sit down environment, a simple menu, and a very nice bar selection.

Normally when we go we get a large platter to share, and it is always enough for two people. Great for group settings and relaxed evenings alike. You cant go wrong on the menu, try it all, it is all amazing!

Approximate Cost: 500 Pesos / Person

Instagram - Las BBQ

Google Maps - Las BBQ

Breakfast, Brunch, Midday meal or late night hang out Bateys has your back. They are popular for their mojito options but for me, I'm there for breakfast.

A little bit of a slower paced place. Not something I would do before a dive, but after or on a dry day - 100%

Google Maps - Batey 

Batey - IG 

Located inside of the Biwa Hotel, Don Tomas offers a more traditional American sitdown style breakfast. They have a rather large menu that provides other options as well. Highly recommended when you want a relaxed start of the day either in airconditioned inside or in the outside sitting area.

Approximate Cost: 250 Pesos / Person

TripAdvisor - Don Tomas

Google Maps - Don Tomas

 If you want high end, authentic Mexican cuisine, this is the place. Colorful atmosphere and crazy good food. It’s on the Coba road (heading to Carwash cenote), but very close to town. By far the most upscale restaurant on my recommendations list!

Approximate cost: With a drink, approx $60 USD / person. High end prices, high end food.

Google Maps - Cetli 

Sweet treat? Delicious sandwhich? Breakfast quiche? El Abasto has it all. One of my favorite post-dive treats is a Media Luna or two... or three. A media luna is a sweet pastry topped with Dulche de Leche and powdered sugar and I challange you to eat only one.

Dont miss out on their extensive breakfast and lunch options as well!

El Abasto - Google Maps 

El Abasto - IG 

While Parota names itself as a "juice bar" it has MUCH more than just juices on the menu. The menu includes several different bowl options all with locally sourced produce. Dont let the majority (entirely?) vegan menu fool you, the bowls are fresh, filling, and delicious. 

Hard to spot direclty behind the Oxxo, consider it a well hidden gem in Tulum.

Approximate Cost: 200 Pesos / Person

Google Maps - Parota

Head to Avenida Satelite, the double road that leads from ScotiaBank to ProTec. After about 7pm, Wednesday - Sunday, this road completely transforms to nonstop street food heaven! 

Start at the stoplights on the main road and walk along the right hand side toward protec. Stop at every taco cart that looks good to you, spend 20-40 pesos, and order whatever looks good. You’ll be happily full before you reach the end of the street. My favorite is “El Flako”, the black cart with white lettering, awesome garlic habañero salsa. Kristin’s fav is “El Jarocho”, the costilla just melts in your mouth. If you’re craving a burrito bigger than your head, check out Many’s- tons of options, including vegetarian. And we highly recommend the one and only churro cart for dessert.

Approximate Cost: 200 Pesos / Person

Google Map - Satalite 

Yes, you can order delivery food here. Download the “Tomato.mx” app or go straight to the website and create an account. Just like Uber Eats or Doordash, but in Mexico. 

You can pay cash on delivery, and drivers alway appreciate tips. If you want a great American burger try Billy Bob’s, for sushi order from Barú (we’ve tried so many other sushi places and been disappointed). You can also visit these places if you’d like, but they are on Tomato for a lazy night in.

Approximate Cost: you’ll see the price in the app, easy peasy.

Tomato.Mx