Welcome to Hacienda Chekul. We are so happy to share the magic of our secluded four-bedroom beachfront villa with you. We live right where the wild jungle meets the crystal clear waters of Sian Ka’an. When you stay with us, you get to experience the ultimate peaceful escape. But we also know that a huge part of any great vacation is the food.
If you are looking for the best Tulum restaurants, you are in the right place. The local food scene has grown so much in recent years. Today, it is a world class food destination. You can find everything from cheap street tacos to high end jungle dining.
In this guide, we will share our favorite spots to eat. We want to help you enjoy every single bite during your trip.
The Jungle Fine Dining Scene
Dining in the jungle is a truly magical experience. The lights are low, the music is soft, and the food is amazing. When our guests ask us where to find the best fine dining in Tulum, we always point them to the beach road.
WILD Tulum
WILD Tulum is a beautiful spot right in the heart of the jungle. It even earned a spot in the 2025 Michelin Guide. The setting feels very romantic with candlelight and green plants everywhere. Our guests always tell us how much they love the fun cocktails and the creative menu. The ravioli with truffle sauce and the blue fin tuna tostadas are absolute favorites here.
- Price Level: Luxury
- Location: Jungle side, Tulum Beach Road
- Hours: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Insight: Try the mezcal cocktail served with a traditional crispy grasshopper for a truly unique local flavor.
Learn more about WILD Tulum
Hartwood
Hartwood is easily one of the most famous restaurants in the area. They cook everything over an open wood fire. Their menu changes every single day based on what the local fishermen catch. The food is always fresh and full of rich flavors.
- Price Level: Luxury
- Location: Jungle side, Tulum Beach Road
- Insight: They focus on sustainable cooking and use solar panels to power their lights.
Learn more about Hartwood
Arca
Arca is the place to go if you want very creative plates. The chef uses local Mexican ingredients to make beautiful, modern dishes. The plates are meant to be shared with the table. We highly suggest ordering the soft shell crab tacos and the roasted pepper tartare.
- Price Level: Luxury
- Location: Jungle side, Tulum Beach Road
💡 Local tip: High season runs from December to April. During these months, the top restaurants book up very fast. We highly suggest making reservations at least a month before your trip.
Learn more about Arca
Authentic and Affordable Local Eats
You do not need to spend a lot of money to eat well here. In fact, some of the best food is found right in the center of town. When comparing Tulum vs Cancun, the authentic local food is one big reason many travelers choose to stay here.
Taqueria Honorio
This is our favorite spot for an authentic local breakfast or lunch. It started as a small street stand and grew into a busy local favorite. They serve slow roasted pork that simply melts in your mouth. Get the cochinita pibil tacos and ask for their homemade salsas.
- Price Level: Budget
- Location: Tulum Pueblo (Town Center)
- Hours: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Learn more about Taqueria Honorio
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
If you want cheap and delicious food for dinner, you have to visit this spot. It is very famous for tacos al pastor. You can watch the cooks slice the warm, spiced meat right off the grill. You can eat a great meal here for less than five dollars.
- Price Level: Budget
- Location: Tulum Pueblo (Town Center)
Learn more about Antojitos La Chiapaneca
💡 Good to know: Most small taco stands only accept cash. It is always a good idea to carry some Mexican Pesos with you when exploring the town.
Unique Dining Experiences
Sometimes you want dinner to be a full adventure. There are many unique things to do in Tulum, and dining in magical spaces is definitely one of them.
Kitchen Table
Kitchen Table feels like eating in a rustic treehouse. The restaurant is built right into the trees. They have an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your meal. The vibe is very warm and relaxing. Their octopus carnitas is one of the best seafood dishes we have ever tasted.
- Price Level: Mid-range to Luxury
- Location: Jungle side, Tulum Beach Road
Learn more about Kitchen Table
Gitano
Gitano is the perfect choice if you want great food and fun music. They have a massive selection of local mezcal. The drinks are fresh and unique. It is a great place to start your night with a quiet dinner. If you go on a Friday, the space turns into a fun dancing spot later in the evening.
- Price Level: Mid-range to Luxury
- Location: Jungle side, Tulum Beach Road
Learn more about Gitano
Enjoying Local Flavors at Your Villa
Going out to eat is wonderful, but sometimes you just want to relax at home. At our property, we love giving our guests the option to stay in. When you book your private Tulum villa with a chef, you get the best of both worlds.
Our private chef can prepare fresh, authentic Mexican meals right in your kitchen. You can enjoy incredible local flavors while listening to the ocean waves from your own private dining table.
Wrapping Up Your Food Journey
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect meals during your stay. From high end jungle dinners to authentic town tacos, there is a flavor for everyone here.
At Hacienda Chekul, we love helping our guests discover the beauty and taste of our region. If you want to wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy pure barefoot luxury, we would love to host you. Come experience the wild beauty of Sian Ka’an and eat some of the best food in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Tulum known for?
The area is famous for fresh seafood and traditional Mayan dishes. You will find lots of fresh fish tacos, ceviche, and slow roasted pork called cochinita pibil.
Is it expensive to eat out in Tulum?
It depends on where you go. High end jungle restaurants on the beach road can cost over $100 per person. However, you can also find amazing street tacos in town for just $1 to $3 each.
Do I need reservations for Tulum restaurants?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended. During the busy season from December to April, popular spots can book out a month in advance.
What is the tipping etiquette in Mexico?
It is standard to leave a 10 to 15 percent tip for good service at sit down restaurants. Some places may add a service charge to your bill, so check your receipt before leaving extra cash.
How much is $1000 in Tulum, Mexico?
Because the exchange rate changes, $1000 US dollars is usually around 17,000 to 18,000 Mexican Pesos. That is plenty of money to enjoy several nice dinners and plenty of fun activities during your trip.
