As I was looking forward to my trip to Tulum the one thing I was most excited to experience (besides the beach) was the food scene! Anyone who has done their research on Tulum knows that there are some very exciting dining experiences to indulge in when visiting Tulum.

In this Foodies Guide to Tulum I’ve rounded up all the can’t miss restaurants in Tulum that not only serve up delicious healthy bites, but also provide you with all the jungly vibes and stringed lights that your heart desires! Below are my personal picks of the best restaurants and wellness eateries in Tulum.

Kin Toh

Kin Toh located at Azulik, is a dining experience that is worth the splurge. With a menu created to represent elevated Aztec cuisine, and a beautiful tree house ambiance with nets all around it will be a night to remember! This property is lit only by candle light so it is ultra romantic. Try the chef’s tasting menus to get a well rounded dining experience. If you are interested in dining in a nest you will have to reach out to Kin Toh directly, but fair warning, the experience will cost you around $1,000.

Tseen Ja

Tseen Ja is also located at the Azulik property. Come here for a fabulous night out and enjoy upscale Japanese fusion. Tseen Ja also offers a sunset nest experience if you are wanting to experience the Azulik property on a budget. You can book your dinner through Open Table, or inquire directly for a nest experience. The sunset nest experience is cash only and runs on a first come first serve basis at 5 pm every night. I do have to be honest and share that I personally did the sunset nest experience prior to dinning at Azulik, and the drinks were not very great so do not go with high expectation for their cocktails, however it was very cool to get to walk across the bridge and view the sun setting over the jungle.

Raw Love

Visit Raw Love at Ahau Hotel to find yummy raw vegan/gluten free menu items. Along with hammocks and hippie beach vibes you will find beautiful acai bowels, smoothies, and delicious coconut lattes to indulge in.

Macondo

Mocondo is the stylish Moroccan inspired restaurant located inside of Nomade hotel. Sit on patterned pillow poofs on the floor while you indulge in healthy quinoa bowls, or perhaps their famous beet hamburger. This is another great spot for a healthy lunch!

Matcha Mama

I will tell you that I was worried Match Mama was going to be all Instagram hype and nothing more, I was wrong. Such a cute little coffee bar also serving up both gorgeous and delicious acai bowls and smoothies that match this spots colorful vibes.

Rosa Negra

Rosa Negra is a upscale Spanish restaurant which menu pays tribute to Latin food culture. Count me in! Come here to find traditional dishes from countries like Peru, Argentina, and Mexico. I did have a chance to dine here and what also stood out to me was that the servings were very generous compared to a lot of the other restaurants I visited so come hungry! Be sure to make your reservation through Open Table in advance if you want to enjoy a dinner at Rosa Negra.

Kitchen Table

Kitchen table is another highly rated Tulum restaurant known for putting a unique upscale flair on local finds. You will really feel like you are eating in the jungle here because of the way the restaurant has been built into the jungle side of Tulum. You will see all the culinary magic happening in front of your eyes because you have a full view of the kitchen. Watch as the chefs prepare your meal in their famous wooden oven. Reservations accepted  directly 1 week in advance for 6 and 9:30 seating only.

Hartwood

Tulum’s most famous restaurant. I can not say enough good things about Hartwood! If you make one reservation let it be to Hartwood!! This simple open air restaurant is known for offering up a daily menu based on the fisherman’s catch of the day. As the night goes on and they run out, the menu items are crossed off the chalkboard menus so be sure to book an early reservation. Also, don’t skip out on dessert when offered. Hartwood’s honey cake was unexpectedly mind blowing! Hartwood accepts reservations directly one month prior so make sure to get on their list so you don’t risk missing out!

Arca

Arca prides themselves on their fire to table concept and seasonal menu. The ambiance is simple and romantic with candles burning around you as you dine in the open air and share delicious small plates.

Gitano

Come here for drinks and delicious small bites. Gitano put a unique flair on Mexican classics paired with really fun mezcal cocktails to choose from. This was by far my favorite spot for cocktails and live music! If you are in town on Friday make sure you plan to be at Gitano that night because they usually always have a DJ who starts spinning at 10pm.

Humo (Tulum Town)

If you are staying in Tulum town and you are looking for an upscale dinner without having to make your way to the Hotel Zone. I highly recommend adding Humo to your list. Humo offers delicious Mexican classics and a really pretty ambiance for a night out as you sit under their distinctive bamboo palapa.

Posada Margherita

You are bound to need a break from Mexican food at some point and when that happens Posada Margherita is where you need to be! This is the cutest little Italian restaurant and they make all their pasta fresh in house. Make sure to leave room for dessert because they make their own coconut Gelato from the local coconut trees.kitchen table tulum

Casa Jaguar

Casa Jaguar certainly has the reputation for being a great spot to grab a cocktail, but they should not be overlooked for dinner. They have a large wood-fired brick oven that is ready to serve you the catch of the day and much more.