Food Lover’s Guide to Tulum

Every health enthusiast and food conscious person’s dream is the variety of foods that this beautiful coastal town offers. From deeply rooted authentic Mexican dishes, fresh grilled Gulf seafood, super foods inspired acai bowls, locally harvested coffee, to tropical fruits, Tulum is one of the best places to tickle your taste buds.

There are two main “zones” in Tulum. There is the beach strip with ocean front restaurants, hotels and boutiques and there is the downtown main road (Avenida Tulum) which is filled with shops and some more food. I tried to cover a combination of both, as it was nice to venture into the bazars and get a taste of local cuisine.

Here are the must go to stops for every hour of the day. If you’re looking for the best cenotes to visit in Tulum, check out this guide.

BREAKFAST

Ki’bok Café – this little shop quickly became a favorite. Mostly because of their amazing variety of coffee – and iced coffee! We later found out that they have phenomenal food. I ordered the Chilaquiles, and they did not disappoint!

DelCielo – Trendy breakfast spot with an assortment of healthy foods. Everything was great, especially enjoyed the simple plates – pancakes, oatmeal porridge bowl and fresh fruit.

Ziggy’s Beach – this is a winner because of the serene ocean view in the morning. Try the Motuleños Styled Eggs. Thank me later.

Humo – a favorite new find, this outdoor bungalow like restaurant is in downtown Tulum but worth the trek. They have ample vegan options, smoothie bowls, contemporary egg dishes and so much more! Get ready to curl up on their matted floors and enjoy a surreal breakfast.

LUNCH

Burrito Amor – you can’t go wrong with Burritos. And here you’ll have dozens of options to chose from. The burritos come warmly wrapped in a banana leaf!

Papaya Playa – Presentation is everything. And Papaya Playa sure knows how to get a food lover’s attention. Their appetizers alone were mind blowing. Order the crab hot cakes breaded in sesame and the sliders!

Casa Violeta – We’re thinking that most likely you’ll be on the beach around lunch time, so why not enjoy a beach club, lunch and a view at the same time? Casa Violeta was by far our favorite lunch in the sun restaurant!

La Zebra – Continuing our theme of eating on the beach! Hit up La Zebra for yet another beautiful oceanside lunch and dip.

DINNER

Fresco’s – hands down the best deep fried Red Snapper I’ve ever had. The charred broccolini was delicious. The flank steak was to die for. But really, their assortment of fresh fish (available both grilled & fried) is an experience you do not want to miss.

La Popular @ Nomade Hotel – the ambience is the perfect Tulum experience, dim lights, seating is right on the soft sand, live calm music and food is perfection. I got to choose the fish I wanted, ordered it grilled and chose two different sauces to be slathered side by side.

La Nave – You might find yourself strolling in downtown Tulum and looking for a great meal. Right on Avenida Tulum, La Nave, meaning The Ship, is a wonderful little Italian restaurant. Yes, it might be odd to have Italian food in Mexico, but order the seafood pasta dishes and you’ll get the best of both worlds in one! We don’t have a photo of food here because I inhaled my plate before it was even fully served.

Don’t sleep on the street side slices of fresh coconuts and the floral mangoes with lime & chili.

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