Tulum might be known for its boho beach clubs and boutique hotels, but what really surprised me? The food scene. From rooftop jungle dining in human-sized bird nests to tacos that made me emotional (in a good way), Tulum’s restaurant game is next level.
Even as someone from Los Angeles who’s used to trendy dining and steep prices, Tulum still managed to wow me—in both good and “wait, how much?” ways. While the Zona Hotelera is packed with over-the-top hotspots and bucket-list ambiance, Tulum Centro is where I found authentic, mouthwatering meals for a fraction of the price. The contrast between the two zones made the food hunt even more exciting.
Whether you’re here to splurge on cocktails set on fire or dive into the best tacos of your life, these are the restaurants that made my trip—and that you absolutely need to check out.
Table of Contents
Zona Hotelera Dining Highlights
Kanan Tulum Rooftop Restaurant
I’m starting strong with what might just be the ultimate bucket list dining experience in Tulum: Kanan Tulum Rooftop Restaurant. Picture this—luxury jungle dining in massive human-sized “bird nests” perched above the treetops, with the Caribbean Sea sparkling in the distance. The atmosphere? Total pinch-me-is-this-real moment.
There are only 10 nest tables, and it’s dinner only, so reservations are a must. We were lucky to book through the hotel front desk at check-in, but if you’re visiting during high season, absolutely make your reservation in advance on OpenTable.
From the moment we sat down, it was clear this was going to be something special. We took hundreds of photos, and our waiter even became our unofficial photographer, helping us capture every angle. Watching the sun set in a fiery orange glow over the jungle, while the full moon rose over the ocean behind us, felt straight out of a movie.
As for the food—it lived up to the view. I ordered the Sea Duo plate with octopus and shrimp (630 pesos / ~$34 USD), which was one of the priciest options outside the steak options. Non-hotel guests should note there’s a $150 USD minimum spend per person, but it’s waived if you’re staying at the hotel. So, if you’re coming as a guest, it’s a steal. Otherwise, be ready to order a few rounds of cocktails and appetizers—come hungry and thirsty.
The only downside? The drinks were beautiful and tasty but criminally low in alcohol content. That seems to be a common trend at these upscale beach resorts like Kanan & Papaya Playa Project. Still, the overall experience was so magical, I’d go back in a heartbeat—even if just for the sunset views alone.
You can read more details about the restaurant, as well as my stay at Kanan Tulum Hotel—here!
Ilios
lios was a happy accident that turned into one of the most unforgettable nights of our trip. Since it was the slow season, the original restaurant we planned on going to was completely dead—so we decided to walk down the street and follow the energy. We stumbled across Ilios Tulum, and even though the idea of eating Greek food in Mexico felt a little wrong… it was packed. That was all the convincing we needed.
We barely managed to snag two seats at the bar, which ended up being another happy surprise (you’ll see why in a second). With vibrant Mediterranean music blasting and gorgeous people everywhere, the atmosphere was an instant 11/10. While we were still trying to decide on drinks and apps, the lights suddenly dimmed… and out came a very attractive man dressed like a Greek warrior, holding a flaming torch.
From that moment, dinner turned into a full-blown show. Acrobats flew through the air, fire dancers lit up the space, and women dressed as Greek goddesses floated through the restaurant handing out flowers. It went on for over 20 minutes! At first, we were bummed because a giant tree blocked part of our view—but to our surprise, the performance moved through the whole restaurant. Every seat got a front-row experience. At one point, a buff fire dancer climbed on top of the bar and spun flaming rods just inches from us!
After the show wrapped, we finally ordered our drinks. Ilios has a section of Greek-themed cocktails—mine was literally set on fire when it arrived, and my friend’s came served in Achilles’ golden foot. I live for a good theme. We also ordered the ceviche, which was way bigger than expected, and a complimentary bread basket with dips showed up, too. The value for what we got was unmatched, especially in such a high-end spot.
And the fun didn’t stop there. Throughout the night, the whole restaurant got involved in what I like to call “audience participation.” At one point, everyone started spinning their napkins over their heads like we were partying in Mykonos. And yes—plates were handed out. We joined the conga-line-style procession to smash ours into a giant treasure chest at the front of the restaurant. I missed and almost hit my own foot, but it was worth it for the thrill.
That night at Ilios Tulum was hands-down one of the most fun dining experiences ever. Whether you’re going for drinks, dinner, or the full flaming spectacle, this place is an absolute must-visit in Tulum.
Tacos Papi
On our very first night, we were taco-hunting in Zona Hotelera and surprisingly few options surfaced—until a local pointed us toward Tacos Papi.
- Outdoor and simple with that jungle-roadside charm.
- Their signature Taco Diamante Negro (black marinated pork, mushrooms, pineapple, cheese, chipotle) was absolutely sublime!
- Prices are mid-range, but the portion size and unique flavor made it a fantastic find with great cocktails too.
Gitano Jungle
Gitano is one of those places that you absolutely can’t skip if you’re looking for the full Tulum nightlife experience. With its signature disco jungle vibes, it’s the ultimate spot to start your evening with dinner and drinks and end the night dancing under the stars.
We ended up at Gitano for dessert and cocktails, but I honestly regret not ordering a full meal after seeing the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Everything looked incredible. Yes, it’s on the pricier side—but trust me, the ambiance and entertainment value make it more than worth it.
Early in the evening, Gitano hosts live dance performances that are full-on showstoppers. But as the night heats up, the back room transforms into a buzzing dance floor. People are dancing at their tables, climbing onto the stage, and just fully embracing the party. It’s chaotic in the best way.
Of all the places we visited in Tulum, Gitano came in a very close second to Ilios for the most fun we had at a restaurant. If you’re planning a night out in Tulum, this spot is a must—whether you’re here for dinner, drinks, dancing, or all of the above.
La Zebra Tulum
La Zebra Restaurant, tucked inside the La Zebra Hotel, is the best place for breakfast in Tulum’s Zona Hotelera. I discovered it by chance during a morning beach walk on our last day and knew I had to check it out, especially since we had almost stayed at La Zebra Tulum (it was sadly sold out for our dates).
The setting is dreamy. The restaurant sits right on the beach under a breezy, tropical palapa with a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. The vibe is relaxed, elegant, and exactly what you want your last morning in Tulum to feel like.
The menu has a nice variety of both savory and sweet options, but I went with the açaí bowl and a “pink sombrero” agua fresca—because of course I had to hit my daily agua fresca quota. And wow. I’ve had my fair share of açaí bowls (hello, I’m from LA), but this one was exceptional. The texture was perfect, the toppings were fresh and generous, and the temperature was just right—not frozen, not melted. Add the ocean breeze and the sound of crashing waves, and it was the ultimate breakfast experience.
If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to start your day, La Zebra is it. Delicious food, ocean views, and peaceful vibes.
Tulum Centro: Real Flavor, Real Value
Taquería Honorio
This local-famous spot blew us away—so good, we visited twice in one week. Taquería Honorio wasn’t just the best food we had on the trip—it was also the most affordable.
We first heard about Taquería Honorio Tulum from our scuba diving guide, who didn’t hesitate for a second when we asked for the best place to eat in town. This place is beloved by both locals and travelers, and the line out the door proves it. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a no-frills, authentic taco joint: simple tables packed into an open-air space, no AC, just fans working overtime and the mouthwatering smell of sizzling meat greeting you as you wait on the sidewalk.
Once seated, your waiter drops off a spread of fresh salsas, lime wedges, and crunchy chips to get things started. You can order their meat in several different forms—tacos, salbutes, tortas, or quesadillas. While they’re known for their pork, Taquería Honorio also serves turkey, chicken, and beef. Both times I ate there, I went for a mix of tacos and salbutes. Out of pure curiosity, I tried the turkey taco (relleno negro de pavo)—and while it was actually pretty tasty, the various pork options totally stole the show.
Oh, and don’t sleep on the drinks! They serve some of the best agua frescas in Tulum—simple, refreshing, and full of flavor. I even got one to go because I couldn’t get enough. Whether you’re on a budget or just want to eat where the locals do, Taquería Honorio is an absolute must.
La Coqueta Tulum
In the same affordable and authentic spirit as Taquería Honorio, La Coqueta Tulum is another must-try for budget-friendly tacos in town. This casual, open-air taco spot serves up fresh, flavorful eats without any of the pretense—and the atmosphere is pure charm.
The whole place is a visual delight, with quirky murals of luchadores in dresses, Frida Kahlo on the wall, and brightly colored chairs that make the space feel like a little art explosion. It’s an outdoor seating only setup, which gives it that laid-back, local feel that I love when traveling.
I went with the fish tacos, and let me tell you—they were flakey, fresh, and flavorful. And the best part? The entire plate cost just 195 pesos (around $10 USD). It was the perfect reminder that you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in Tulum—you just need to know where to look.
If you’re after a fun, affordable meal that still feels like a hidden gem, La Coqueta Tulum is it.
🍽️ Tulum Restaurant Cheat Sheet
| Restaurant | Vibe | Cuisine | Price Point | Best For | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanan Rooftop | Romantic, surreal jungle sunset | Upscale seafood | $$$$ | Bucket list dining, special occasions | Reserve in advance for bird nest tables. Hotel guests skip the minimum spend. |
| Ilios | Dinner + theatrical show | Greek-Mediterranean | $$$ | Lively night out with entertainment | Expect a full show, dancing, fire, and themed cocktails. Don’t skip the plate smashing! |
| Gitano | Jungle disco glam | Modern Mexican | $$$ | Dinner + nightlife combo | Come for dinner, stay for the dancing. Show up early for the performances. |
| Tacos Papi | Laid-back, roadside jungle feel | Mexican fusion | $$ | Casual tacos + cocktails | Try the Diamante Negro taco with pineapple + pork. |
| La Zebra | Calm, breezy beachfront | Brunch + tropical bites | $$ | Best breakfast in Zona Hotelera | Order the açaí bowl + agua fresca. |
| Taquería Honorio | Local, no-frills, authentic | Traditional tacos | $ | Best tacos in Tulum, hands-down | Go early! Pork is king here. |
| La Coqueta | Artsy, funky, open-air | Mexican comfort food | $ | Budget eats with personality | Order the fish tacos. |
Tulum’s food scene isn’t just about taste—it’s about the experience. One night you’re drinking a mezcalita in a candlelit bird nest in the jungle, the next you’re dancing with strangers after smashing plates in a Greek fever dream. And somewhere in between, you’re sitting in a sweaty, no-frills taquería in Centro, thinking it might be the best meal of your life.
Whether you’re chasing sunset views, low-key taco gems, or full-blown dinner parties disguised as restaurants, Tulum delivers. So bring your appetite, your camera, and a little flexibility in your budget—because once you taste what Tulum has to offer, you’re going to want to try it all.
