Tulum’s Culinary & Cultural Gems: An Unforgettable Travel Guide for Food Lovers and Adventurers

Oh, Tulum! Friends, if I didn’t already live in such a beautiful place, Tulum would undoubtedly top my list of dream destinations to revisit. Even after experiencing the grandeur of Paris and dining within the iconic Eiffel Tower, Tulum retains a unique, almost ethereal magic that’s truly unparalleled. Our first wedding anniversary trip to this Mexican paradise felt less like a vacation and more like a beautifully crafted dream. Everything about it, from the stunning natural landscapes to the vibrant culinary scene, was simply perfect.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Tulum, especially for those with dietary preferences, is its incredible food culture. Over half of the town’s restaurants are exclusively vegetarian or vegan, and even those that aren’t offer an abundance of plant-based choices. For a food enthusiast like myself, it was an absolute culinary heaven. Join me as I recount our enchanting journey through Tulum, filled with delectable dishes, breathtaking sights, and cherished memories.

Planning Your Tulum Adventure: Where Ancient Mysticism Meets Bohemian Bliss

Last July, my husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary in Tulum. We envisioned a tropical escape, and Mexico, being a perennial favorite and a strong contender for our second honeymoon, was the obvious choice. Our decision was swiftly cemented after watching a single captivating YouTube video that showcased Tulum’s mesmerizing scenery, exquisite cuisine, and pristine beaches. I am thrilled to report that our expectations were not only met but vastly exceeded.

Nestled within the heart of the rainforest in Quintana Roo, Tulum is steeped in Mayan history and is famously home to ancient ruins. What truly sets Tulum apart is its profound commitment to preserving its natural environment. The town goes to great lengths to protect its unique flora and fauna; for instance, toxic bug sprays are strictly prohibited when swimming in the sacred cenotes. This dedication to ecological sustainability permeates every aspect of life here. You’ll also notice a strong emphasis on supporting local vendors, making it nearly impossible to find corporate franchises or fast-food chains, which further contributes to its authentic charm.

Our Enchanting Accommodation and Tulum’s Dual Personality

During our stay, we opted for a magnificent Airbnb boutique hotel in the town of Tulum, beautifully integrated with its natural surroundings. Words scarcely do justice to the sheer beauty of this place. Our room featured a remote-controlled sky roof, allowing us to gaze at the twinkling stars from the comfort of our bed – a truly magical touch. Its location was ideal, perfectly situated between the bustling town restaurants and the serene beachside eateries, both of which we adored.

Tulum is essentially divided into two distinct areas: the “town strip” and the “beach strip.” The town offers a more authentic, down-to-earth experience, boasting incredibly delicious and affordable food. We discovered countless fantastic eateries and an array of wonderful local vendors. It was here that we purchased many of our souvenirs, knowing they were 100% locally made, and there was an incredible sense of satisfaction in buying directly from the artisans themselves.

In contrast, the beach strip exudes an ethereal, almost otherworldly ambiance. Stepping onto this strip feels like being transported to a modern-day hippie sanctuary. We found the food options along the beach to be not only healthier but also more predominantly plant-based. Regardless of the location, every single meal we had in Tulum was an absolute delight.

A Culinary Journey Through Tulum: Flavors That Danced on Our Palate

Breakfast Delights

Burrito Amor

Burrito Amor was a happy accident, a delightful discovery one early morning. We were en route to Chichen Itza and needed a quick breakfast. Fearing that only a 7/11-type store would be open, we were surprised and thrilled to see the lights on at Burrito Amor around 6:30/7 AM, directly across the road. Despite having no prior recommendations, its inviting appearance drew us in, and what a fantastic surprise it was! Not only was the food exceptional, but their sauces were absolutely divine. The Jamaica hibiscus flower dressing, in particular, stood out – spicy, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly complementary to my dish. The avocado in Mexico is truly out of this world, and Burrito Amor showcased it beautifully. The prices were great, making it an excellent value. I savored the aguacate tostada (avocado toast) topped with fresh pico de gallo, smoked salt, and that unforgettable hibiscus sauce.

Lunch & Dinner Experiences

La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Every trip has that one restaurant that steals your heart, and for us in Tulum, it was unequivocally La Zebra. Its picturesque beachfront views and the world’s friendliest staff were enough to win me over instantly. Then, the food arrived, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. On our first visit, I ordered the vegan ceviche and the cauliflower vegetarian tacos, which instantly reminded me of my own cauliflower wings, but with a lighter batter and surrounded by an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Both dishes were incredibly delicious! Our meal came with complimentary house chips and a trio of salsas, infused water, and delightful cane sugar Mojitos. We loved it so much we returned. I can’t recall what we had the second time, likely devoured too quickly for photos, but suffice it to say, we enjoyed it just as much, and the staff even remembered us. Our third visit was purely for dessert on our last night in Tulum, a testament to its enduring charm.

La Coqueta

La Coqueta isn’t your typical roadside restaurant; it’s an experience in itself. Adorned with vibrant native Mexican colors, captivating Frida Kahlo sugar skull paintings, and lively music playing throughout the day, La Coqueta immediately captivated us with its authentic, down-to-earth vibe. We stopped here for breakfast before heading to Gran Cenote, drawn by its reputation as the #1 rated restaurant on the town strip. One bite, and I understood why. The portion sizes are astonishingly generous; the dish you see above was just my breakfast, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t finish even half. It’s a fantastic place to share a meal! This was also our most affordable meal in town, and it was undeniably delicious. It was at La Coqueta that I developed an unwavering love for Mexican corn chips, corn tortillas, and anything corn-based – the freshness in Mexico is simply unmatched! Once again, the priceless Mexican avocado beautifully topped my chilaquiles, a dish I had tried making at home before. It was an absolute treat. We loved La Coqueta so much that we returned later in our trip just for dessert!

Hartwood

Hartwood was an absolutely unbelievable dining experience! If you’ve heard anything about Tulum, you’ve likely heard of Hartwood. It’s renowned as the premier dining destination in the entire town, and I can confirm it did not disappoint. We were fortunate enough to secure a reservation – a good thing too, as it was fully booked within ten minutes of opening! I indulged in pumpkin/butternut squash stuffed empanadas and a flavorful stuffed poblano pepper. This meal stood out as one of my absolute favorites of the entire trip. The *platanos* (plantains) are an absolute must-try, which my husband and I shared. While it’s not the ideal spot for a quiet, romantic dinner due to its lively hustle and bustle, it was perfect for us. The staff’s friendliness was extraordinary; they even posed for photos as I captured the beauty of the restaurant. What a truly remarkable location.

Gitano

Gitano quickly became my husband’s favorite spot of our entire trip. It was actually the very first place we ventured to after landing in Mexico, settling into our Airbnb, and heading out for dinner. Walking into Gitano is akin to stepping into a magical fairyland. The ambient lighting is dim and inviting, a DJ spins the coolest, most chilled-out music, and people are dancing barefoot amidst the twinkling fairy lights that adorn the entire restaurant. To illustrate the profound impression these restaurants left on me, I didn’t even write down my orders – I vividly remember them from July 2016! We indulged in gorgeous blackberry and dragonfruit cocktails, a delightful jicama guacamole, and I once again enjoyed a superb poblano stuffed pepper. I honestly never wanted to leave Gitano. If I could have, I would have slept there under the stars. It was utterly enchanting.

Restaurare

Ah, Restaurare! By this point (perhaps our third night), we had come to fully appreciate that Tulum restaurants do not skimp on portion sizes. Everywhere we went, we struggled to finish our delicious meals due to their generous quantities. Restaurare particularly stood out to me for two key reasons: it is 100% plant-based (a huge thank you to my darling husband for finding it!) and exceptionally eco-friendly. Following Tulum’s ethos, their bug repellent was a natural smoking log, passed through the restaurant to deter mosquitoes, always with the paramount goal of protecting the rainforest. I truly loved this commitment. Restaurare even offered natural bug repellent oil for guests to use – I wished I could bottle it and take it home! We started with corn chips accompanied by a variety of exquisite sauces, and I then enjoyed the Pibil Tacos. My husband opted for the plant-based ceviches. While our meal was fantastic, the dessert here (which I’ll describe below) was truly the highlight for me!

Sweet Endings: Tulum’s Desserts

La Coqueta

At La Coqueta, we discovered a truly unique treat: corn ice cream, served charmingly in a corn husk! As a lover of natural, artisanal ice cream, this was an absolute revelation. It boasted such a pure, fresh taste and, consistent with La Coqueta’s style, came in a generous serving. I’ll confess, one day I enjoyed this divine ice cream for lunch – it was that good. Having never experienced corn ice cream before, I’m incredibly glad I seized the opportunity to try it.

Restaurare

Though I have a photo of my Restaurare dessert, it was taken in a dimly lit Airbnb room, so I won’t share it here. However, I can wholeheartedly recommend their banana cake. It was incredibly light, fluffy, and undeniably delicious – a perfect end to a plant-based meal.

La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Our third and final visit to La Zebra was on our last night in Tulum, just before our crazy 6 AM flight. This visit followed a minor culinary misadventure at the only place in Tulum we didn’t enjoy (whose name I’ve thankfully purged from my memory, though I’ll add it if it ever resurfaces). We should have known better, and thinking back, it still brings a chuckle. It felt utterly unlike any other Tulum restaurant, boasting a generic “Friday night franchise” vibe. Drawn in by a happy hour sign, I ordered a veggie burger, which, to put it mildly, was a clearly frozen, reheated patty. We didn’t finish our food or enjoy it, swiftly disappearing after paying to cleanse our palates back at La Zebra. The ironic part was that we were heading to La Zebra anyway and made an impromptu stop. Yet, I don’t regret it; the shared laughter with my husband – “of course this would happen on our last day!” – and the tears of mirth made the trip even more unforgettable. When we recounted this experience to the staff at La Zebra, they genuinely apologized on behalf of the other restaurant for our solitary bad experience, truly highlighting the warmth of the local people.

This anecdote speaks volumes about the heart of Tulum, Mexico. Leaving the country, I found myself in tears, so deeply touched by the kindness and welcoming nature of its people. I never once felt like an intrusive tourist; instead, they welcomed me into their home and expressed genuine sadness over our single negative encounter. That meant the world to me. A few mezcal drinks and slices of lemon meringue pie later, I was back in my Tulum bliss. We spent the remainder of that evening simply relaxing on La Zebra’s beach, doing absolutely nothing – a perfect, serene end to our unforgettable journey.

To wrap up your Tulum culinary experience, without a doubt, ensure you eat/drink:

• A Tulum-style taco: Savor the authentic local flavors.
• A spicy cocktail: Embrace the vibrant Mexican zest.
• An avocado-based dessert: Experience avocado in a surprisingly sweet and delightful form.
• Homemade corn chips AND homemade chip sauces: The freshness is unparalleled.
• Something you’ve never tried before: Be adventurous! Think corn-based ice cream, cactus, or a unique spicy cocktail.

Beyond the Plate: Must-See Tulum Attractions

Because this post wouldn’t be complete without including some of our favorite attractions, here’s a glimpse into the natural and historical wonders that captivated us.

Cenotes

Cenotes are natural sinkholes, often found within underwater caves and caverns, brimming with crystal-clear fresh water and diverse sea life. The water clarity is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed, surpassing even the famous waters of Negril, Jamaica. As you can see from the photo, you’re looking directly at the very bottom of the cenote – it’s that transparent! Gran Cenote is an absolute must-visit in Tulum. It’s difficult to articulate the sensation of being underwater there; you truly need to experience it firsthand. Everything is so incredibly clear, it feels as if you’re still above ground.

Initially, I must admit, it was terrifyingly lifelike. I suffer from a peculiar phobia where looking at Google Earth makes me feel incredibly small, and I experienced a similar sensation here. The views felt almost unreal, and being so close to tiny fish initially unnerved me. Yet, having done something similar last September and thoroughly enjoying it, I quickly overcame my apprehension. I chose to live in the moment, and now I can’t wait for another opportunity to be so intimately close to underwater life. It’s like swimming in a breathtaking underwater cave – simply beautiful.

Chichen Itza

If you can spare a day, a trip to Chichen Itza is highly recommended! I won’t delve too deeply into the details, as discovering the history of this ancient Mayan city is a significant part of the experience itself. We had an absolute blast, learning so much from our excellent tour guide, Santiago. Hearing his personal story, as he hails from a nearby town with some of the last surviving original Mayan families, added immense depth to the visit. As a side note, we bypassed the tourist venue for souvenirs and instead found a local vendor crafting breathtaking pieces. It felt incredibly special to acquire something unique, hear about its origin, and connect directly with the maker. Remember to bring enough cash, as ATM access is very limited here.

The Beaches of Tulum

There’s both so much and so little to say about Tulum’s beaches. The most profound advice is simply this: plan to go to the beach, and plan nothing else. Allow your mind the freedom to decide whether you want to swim all day, nap on the sand, or simply soak in the sun. These beaches are far too beautiful and breathtaking to constrain with a structured itinerary. We spent hours in the water, then drifted ashore to sleep, and even ended up making new friends who were staying at the same Airbnb as us! The spontaneity is part of their charm.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the Mayan ruins in Tulum even more than Chichen Itza. The word “Tulum” itself means “wall,” and this site was a crucial port for the entire region. Learning about the lives of the royalty compared to the common people, discovering ancient inventions, and witnessing how many of the original structures still stand today was utterly intriguing. For these tours, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable sneakers to navigate the historical grounds.

Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Tulum Trip

To truly maximize your Tulum experience, here are five essential tips:

1. Unplug. There’s a reason this post features only iPhone pictures – we made a conscious effort to disconnect for the majority of our trip, leaving our professional DSLR camera at home. I even left my phone behind for an entire day, which felt incredibly liberating. Being away from technology was a true breath of fresh air, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in our surroundings. We took photos to preserve memories, but cherished the ability to simply exist in the moment for so much of our trip.
2. Ask a local for a recommendation. Whether it’s for a restaurant, an attraction, or their favorite drink, the people of Tulum are genuinely some of the nicest individuals I’ve ever met. Even the policemen waved to us! Everyone is friendly and eager for you to enjoy your visit, so strike up a conversation with a local, make a new friend, and get some amazing, authentic suggestions.
3. Roam the beach strip. Many of our favorite dining spots were discovered simply by wandering along the beach strip. Doing this in the evening is especially magical; it’s safe, well-lit, and offers a wonderfully fun nightlife atmosphere with music and twinkling lights.
4. Be crazy adventurous! I had the opportunity to try cactus (nopal) but, to my regret, I didn’t. I’m trying not to dwell on it too much, but the glowing reviews I’ve heard about its divine taste have put it at the very top of my list for our next visit to Tulum. On the flip side, I was initially terrified to swim alongside impossibly tiny fish in the cenotes, but I pushed past my fear and did it anyway! Challenge yourself to try something completely new – you absolutely won’t regret it in this beautiful destination.
5. Have a “keeper” restaurant. I know, this sounds contradictory to being adventurous, right? But it’s wise to have one restaurant that, while perhaps still offering adventurous options, also serves as your comfortable go-to spot. This means you can relax, knowing the food is consistently divine (even if you’re trying something new from their menu), and truly focus on the ambiance. Plus, in case hunger strikes and a misleading “half-off happy hour” sign distracts you, you’ll know exactly where to retreat for guaranteed satisfaction.

I genuinely hope this comprehensive guide proves helpful in planning your unforgettable visit to Tulum, Mexico, anytime in the near future. Until next time, friends!

You can check out all of my travel posts at my hashtag #jitktravelson Instagram. For more exclusive recipes, follow me on Instagram AND on Snapchat: jessinkitchen.