Tulum is a tranquil paradise located less than two hours south of Cancún, known for eco-friendly boutique hotels, travelers from around the world and, most importantly, authentic local cuisine. I spent five days in this tropical escape and had more than enough time to satisfy both my wanderlust and my appetite.
Before I arrived, a friend described Tulum as “a hipster mecca with man buns around every corner.” That sounded odd coming from someone raised in southern Connecticut, but instead of putting me off it made me curious. After my visit I wouldn’t call Tulum a hipster enclave so much as a youthful destination for people who love travel, beaches and great cocktails—basically a place to relax, explore and eat well.
Me at Hartwood restaurant sipping on their watermelon mojito—yum!
Packing was simple: most people in Tulum wear little more than bathing suits, cut-off jeans and sunglasses, though I packed a maxi dress just in case. I ended up spending more time researching where to eat than what to wear. Below is a concise, reader-friendly guide to the restaurants I loved while in Tulum.
Hartwood’s ceviche appetizer and octopus entrée
Hartwood. Hartwood is frequently the top recommendation for Tulum dining, and for good reason. The reservation process is part of the experience: put your name on the list around 2 p.m. and return at your assigned time. The restaurant focuses on Mayan-inspired dishes crafted from local ingredients, and everything we tried was impressive. Highlights included a bright tuna ceviche, fall-off-the-bone ribs and a tender mackerel served with grilled pineapple and sautéed spinach that soaked up the sweet juice. The desserts were equally memorable—the cinnamon and cheese ice creams were surprising and delightful, but the standout was the cheesecake. It had a light, almost meringue-like texture with a tangy lime note, a thick buttery graham-cracker crust and a pecan brittle topping that tied everything together.
The rustic chic Posada Margherita
Posada Margherita. This charming Italian spot came highly recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. With much of the staff from Italy, Posada Margherita delivers fresh handmade pasta and thoughtfully prepared drinks in a rustic, seaside setting. I enjoyed zucchini pasta with grilled shrimp in a white wine garlic sauce—simple and elegant. Dessert was particularly impressive: the tiramisu featured creamy mascarpone and a homemade espresso-soaked cookie base with a fine dusting of bittersweet cocoa. Its texture and balance of flavors made it one of the best tiramisus I’ve had, even after spending time in Italy.
I think La Taqueria Eufemia’s sign says it all
La Taqueria Eufemia. If a beach sign reading “Relax and eat some fucking tacos” doesn’t entice you, the food will. Locals recommended this taqueria, a roughly 25-minute walk along the beach, and it was worth the stroll. The fish tacos are fresh and customizable from the salsa bar—add onions, avocado and more, then take your tacos to a lounge chair on the sand. Drinks come in generous portions; the watermelon margarita was my favorite. The taqueria’s playful vibe extends to its Wi-Fi password: “fuckingtacos.”
The Kitchen Table. Tucked a little north of Tulum National Park, this open-air restaurant is a perfect spot for a last-night meal. I started with a deviled avocado—a half avocado filled with a creamy egg-aioli mixture served with tortilla chips—and for the main course ordered the octopus, served whole on an iron skillet with caramelized onions and roasted sweet potatoes. The presentation is bold, and the flavors are well executed. If a whole octopus feels like too much, the ribs and tuna steak come highly recommended as alternatives. Reservations are advisable to avoid a long wait.
Other restaurants worth mentioning: Gitano offers a bohemian jungle ambiance and a mezcal bar with creative cocktails. Zamas, right on the beach, is ideal for breakfast or sunset dinner with live music—try the huevos rancheros. Mateo’s across the street runs a 2-for-1 happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and serves solid tacos. For plant-based diners, Restaurare is among the best vegan options in the area.
Final note for solo travelers: I highly recommend trying a solo trip. If a young woman from New York can travel to Tulum and return safely, most people should feel comfortable doing the same. If you have questions about solo travel or Tulum, feel free to reach out to the original author through the contact details on her site.