Tulum is a spectacular, pre-Columbian Mayan retreat along the Caribbean. Many people who travel to this destination fall in love with the delicious cuisine and exciting shopping spots. If you plan on visiting Tulum, here are the most delightful foodie spots and shops you can see.
Foodie Spots
Arca
One of the best places in town for mouthwatering, upscale Mayan cuisine is Arca. The menu frequently changes, giving you a fresh take every time you visit. This spot is one of our “must-go” eateries while in Tulum because you won’t find anything else like it anywhere else.
Ocumare
Ocumare is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Tulum. This Michelin-starred place serves up elegant Mexican fare, taking you on a journey through the country’s many regions. The flavors that head Chef Elias Silva creates there are bold, intriguing, and delicious. We highly recommend visiting Ocumare while in Tulum.
Posada Margherita
If you’re looking for a break from eating Mexican food, the Posada Margherita is the best Italian restaurant in town. This upscale eatery offers tasty Italian bites overlooking the ocean. You can eat freshly prepared pasta, pizza, and gelato with some refreshing cocktails prepared by their mixologists.
El Asadero
Steak fans rejoice! El Asadero is Tulum’s top steakhouse. At this downtown gem, you’ll find juicy steaks and tasty tacos. They also have great surf-and-turf options and vegetarian choices for your meatless friends. The restaurant is a beautiful place to spend an evening and soak up the ambiance.
Gitano
Travelers who enjoy fusion food will love the mouthwatering creations at Gitano. In addition, the restaurant has a stunning oceanside locale next to the beach that blends into the surrounding jungle. The food is a modern version of traditional Mexican flavors using seasonal and local ingredients. Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing Mezcal cocktails.
Rosa Negra
A place where you can find delicious dining during the day and exciting nightlife when the sun goes down is Rosa Negra. It is a bit pricey but well worth the splurge. This place blends all the best flavors from different Latin American countries. Everything is delicious, and the service is outstanding.
Charly’s Vegan Tacos
A great place to sample if you want some outstanding plant-based tacos is Charly’s Vegan Tacos. Even if you aren’t vegan, you’ll enjoy the complex flavors in these tacos. Their food incorporates many traditional Mayan flavors and uses delicious meatless ingredients like corn, seitan, and potatoes. Everything is fresh and satisfying.
Humo
Humo is a memorable dining experience only a few minutes away from the central Zona Hotelera. It has a laid-back ambiance and lovely outdoor seating areas. The food you can sample at this restaurant is a mix of traditional Mexican flavors and international inspiration. One highly recommended dish is the chilaquiles.
Habitas
Habitas is a hotel right at the start of the Zona Hotelera with outstanding dining options. We loved grabbing lunch at Moro, their signature restaurant headed by Chef Horacio Dardano. This eatery combines Spanish and Moorish flavors that will tantalize your tastebuds. Their dishes use seasonal ingredients and spices to build unique flavors.
Hartwood
You can’t get much more exclusive than Hartwood. It isn’t easy to get a reservation at this fine-dining establishment, but it is worth the effort. You’ll be in for a surprise when you visit because their menu changes daily depending on the catch of the day. Diners can make reservations as early as one month in advance, so book early! Keep in mind it’s only open for dinner and is cash only.
Shopping
Azulik
A “cannot-miss” art gallery and clothing store in Tulum is Azulik. You can rent a nido, or floating table at this unique space and enjoy breathtaking views. Not only can you buy some one-of-a-kind items at the shop, but it is also a fantastic place to grab a sunset drink.
Ahua Tulum
Ahua Tulum is the perfect place to visit if you want to snap some Instagram photos. One of their main attractions is a wooden sculpture of a woman opening her chest. Unfortunately, there is a long line to take a picture with this statue, but it is well worth the wait.
Tuluminati
Somewhere that you would enjoy visiting is Tuluminati, a local hat shop with immaculate Tulum vibes. You’ll find beautifully curated fashion accessories and clothing at this store to protect you from Tulum’s intense sunshine. There is a hat here to fit everyone’s personality and style preferences.
Josa Tulum
Josa Tulum is one of Tulum’s most well-known women’s clothing boutiques. The styles sold at this place have a timeless boho-chic aesthetic. You’ll find the perfect pieces to bring back home with you. The décor at this shop is also charming, with a beautiful white wooden porch at the front.