Best restaurants in Tulum

After a week of magical sunrises, beachfront yoga sessions, and deliciously healthy food, I’m leaving Tulum with a happy heart and a full stomach. Here are some of the best restaurants to check out on your next trip to Tulum—from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to raw vegan perfection.

Raw Love

Husband and wife Nikki Vascimini and Adan Messineo have turned their passion for raw vegan cooking into Tulum’s most buzzed about raw vegan restaurant, Raw Love. Tucked away in a boho hideaway at Ahau Tulum, Raw Love began as a community kitchen for the hotel staff, but as the duo began sharing their favorite recipes, word got out and their colorful hut is now a destination for both locals and travelers looking for the healthiest eats on the playa. For me, Raw Love has become a daily Tulum ritual where I can swing in a hammock and indulge in raw vegan goodness.

Start your day with Raw Love’s frappuccino, an icy blend of organic coffee, coconut milk, cardamom, and cacao. Round out your breakfast with one of their tropical kiss smoothie bowls and you’ll feel amazingly energized.

For lunch, the living pizza on a sprouted seed crust is a perfect snack and the raw pad thai is a deliciously filling dinner. To satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar, Raw Love serves up some of the most popular cakes, raw chocolates, and pies in Tulum. One of the best is their mamey chai pie made with creamy mamey fruit, which is part of the sapote family, and a nutty crust with cashew, cacao butter, and dates.

Arca

This open-air jungle oasis will quickly become one of your favorite hangouts in Tulum. The Arca team has managed to execute a perfect balance of beautiful food, minimal design, sexy music, and laid-back attitude. There are a few musts to be ordered from Chef Maya’s elevated Mexican menu. For an appetizer, try the braised suckling pig. As an entree, the whole roasted fish packs an insane amount of flavor, and the octopus is perfectly cooked—both great to share. And even for someone who doesn’t typically like sweets, I took a taste of the mamey crème brûlée and contemplated ordering a second.

Even if you don’t come for dinner, you should hang out at the Arca’s gorgeous candlelit bar, which is quickly becoming known for its inventive cocktails like the Machin Pichu with sage-infused pisco, or the Har Mar Superstar with mescal, ginger, lemon and thyme. There are super good vibes all around at Arca. Can’t wait to come back!

Viewfinder Tip: Villa Pescadores has two unique restaurants. One is right on the beach, where lighter fare is served while you look out on a stretch of pristine white sand and turquoise water, and the other is a rustic, breezy retreat that serves a more elaborate seafood menu!

Villa Pescadores

If you’re heading up to the Tulum Ruins, make a stop at Villa Pescadores for some of the freshest fish in Tulum. Located on Playa Pescadores, Chef Angel Aguilar can walk down to the beach and get his fish directly from local fisherman who launch their boats right from the shore. One of the best appetizers is the tiradito, raw tuna sashimi with fresh avocado. Also try the fish tacos and beautifully presented grilled vegetables. One of the most simple and delicious dishes is the corn on the cob with lime, chili, cheese, and a dab of mayo. It’s a perfect beach treat.

Taqueria La Eufemia

For no frills tacos in a prime beachfront setting, head to Taqueria La Eufemia. Heavy on the chilled out vibes, this casual spot draws more locals than tourists. A single palm tree is the centerpiece of a loungy area where La Eufemia’s regulars spend hours soaking in the sun and mescal with their toes in the sand.

Posada Margherita

Curious to see how well Tulum does Italian, Posada Margherita was one of the first Tulum restaurants I ever visited. It has become one of my favorites. Rustic Italian decor blends seamlessly with the tropical beach setting. When the ocean breeze blows, it’s simply magic. Homemade fresh pastas and understated seafood dishes are the specialties. It’s cash only, so hit one of Tulum’s roadside ATMs before you go.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Tulum?