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Stopped by Don Cafeto for second dinner as we weren't quite full from our first one. It was pretty empty when my friend and I dropped by on a Monday evening evening around 9:15 pm. The restaurant is a no frills spot popular with tourists and locals alike. We walked by many times through the course of our trip and it was always full of customers. The menu is your standard Mexican fare - soups, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, steak, various seafood dishes, etc. It's definitely not veggie friendly so don't come here if there's a vegetarian in your group. Since neither of us were that hungry, we shared the pollo a la parrilla, i.e. grilled chicken, for 210 pesos. To start, each table gets a huge bowl of nachos with some incredibly spicy salsa and spicy pickled veggies on the side. Both were too spicy for me so I didn't go anywhere near either. The grilled chicken was okay, but I didn't realize it'd be breast meat. Found it a bit on the dry side. It only came with a small scoop of rice, so it's good that this wasn't our main meal. I would recommend this spot for folks looking for a more authentic feel rather than some of the overpriced touristy restaurants in Tulum.
Might be the best food we had in Tulum! It was our final meal, and we went hunting for enchiladas. These were amazing! I went out on a limb and got the mole enchilada and my husband got the roja one. This is the best mole I've ever had - it seemed to have a peanut base and was well rounded - no bitterness from over toasted spices or coffee, no over sweetness from chocolate, just flavorful nutty deliciousness. The roja was also great, it tasted much more like freshly made sautéed tomatoes. The pickled blistered veggies and salsa and chips that come with each order was also so delicious, we chomped down on seranos, nibbled habaneros, and added the potatoes, carrots, and onions to our dishes. The drinks tasted fresh and light, we got a pina colada and tequila sunrise. There was live music but not intrusive, and was a generally jolly place to be! Highly recommend coming here!
Came here for the enchiladas and wasn't disappointed. They make a really great mole. Not too sweet but still super rich. Absolutely loved the chips and dip they brought in for the table. The pico was a bit spicier than your normal fair + I think they said they used habanero. The pickled veggies were great and included a lot of garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes and serranos. Staff was great and got us our drinks super quickly. They had some love music which was at a nice level for a lunch - not too loud like some other places. A big fan of this place
I was so hesitant to go to this restaurant. Although it appeared on all the lists of "Places to eat in Tulum," I thought it would be touristy, which in my mind meant meh. In fact the only reason I ended up going to this restuarant is because I ended up having a late dinner on my last night in Tulum, and the other places I was thinking about going already closed their kitchen for the evening.. After dining there and having a lovely experience, I know I was very wrong. In fact, had I eaten there earlier in the trip, I most likely would have dined there multiple times. Unline some of the other restaurants in tulum (and in Riveria Maya in general), the food at Don Cafeto was really tasty, not overcooked, and had soul -- tasted like yummy home cooking. I had a chicken soup - awesome, flavorful, bright, and hearty just like it should be and chicken with mole - not as great as in Oaxaca proper, but better than most others I've tried! I also tried some of the Carne Asada and that was also really good and the meat was not tough or rubbery. They also had live music at least for part of the time we were there. Always appreciate that added level of ambiance. Don't be like me and have any doubts about this place. just go!
I tried this place since I love enchiladas and saw a recent review so I tried it out. The enchiladas was as good as the reviewer said it was!! The only complaint that I would have is that they were out of sugar Coke. Without my favorite Coke I was going to downgrade it but it wouldn't be fair for them. A solid place at a very good price in Tulum Mexico
Rode our bikes out to tulum centro and stopped by here. Looked at reviews and glad we went and tried it out. We ordered Plato the Mexicano. Big plate to share for two people. It has pretty much everything In there. So good. So flavorful. Taquitos were crunchy. The chili rellenos made of sweet pepper and sauce was amazing. I had to dip my quesadilla on that sauce. Margarita amazing and mint lemonade was nice and refreshing. Suri was sooooo nice. So friendly and just made things happened with seating us and everybody else who were waiting. Great great cheap find this place.
We came at a time of day were there was a lot of open seating and some live music. The food was good, I thought the Marinara pasta was missing a bit more of seafood for what the price is but it tasted good. The other plate we ordered was the Tampiqueña, and that was a very good steak dish that came with some rice, plantains, enchiladas and a two tostadas, one with beans and another with guacamole. The price is a lot for what you get, this is why I wasn't 100% sold on this place
This is a must stop when in Tulum. I stumbled on this place 3 yrs ago and eat here every time I'm here. I got the mole enchiladas and the favor was out of this world. My wife got fish tacos and she said the fish tasted fresh and perfect light breading on them. The other couple in our group got the seafood platter for two, which is wife's favorite but I wanted to try something different this time. The shrimp in the platter were huge. They give marinated carrots, garlic, and others vegetables with the chips, everyone loved but I skipped for the pico de gallo which has fresh jalapeños and is spicy. The girls got the chayagra drink which I guess they are famous for. Must have been good as they both ordered another one. Great authentic Mexican food. Great Service!
Absolutely loved coming to don cafeto while in tulum. Came across this place walking down the street and we decided to walk inside. Being from Miami, I am a queso fondito expert and this place hands down had the absolute best tasting queso fondito I've ever had. Perfectly melted cheese with bacon and mushrooms . I then got the ribeye which was a giant chunk of meat to have after stuffing my face with melted cheese The servers were very attentive to us and the price is very reasonable for the quality and amount of food you get. At the end of the day I will be back to don cafeto to have their queso fondito. You will not be disappointed here.
Don Cafeto is on the main Tulum downtown area on the main commercial street. We came as a group of six and were able to sit fairly fast during the main rush hour. There was live music for the breakfast time which was a guy on a keyboard playing Mexican music classics to add to the ambiance. The breakfast selection is huge and they have all the staples. I ordered the huevos motuleños which are pretty much fried eggs in a tostada smothered in salsa but they were delicious and came out super fast from the kitchen. The coffee was standard American coffee (no espresso drinks available) and I topped it off with a fresh fruit smoothie (licuado) which was really good. The prices were excellent and would definitely come back and recommend it to other people visiting the area.
Came here for lunch after visiting the cenote so you can bet we were hungry! There wasn't a wait when we got here and we were able to sit at a table outside. They took your temperature and gave you hand sanitizer before you get seated. They bring out fresh pico de gallo and pickled veggies (carrots, potatoes, peppers, garlic) for each table. We asked for the pico to be extra spicy so they added in some spicy habaneros, which was so good! The pickled veggies were also delicious! For appetizers, we decided to order chorizo queso, mixed ceviche, and sopa azteca to start off. The queso had plenty of chorizo bits in it but the cheese congealed super quick to where it became one lump of cheese so I wasn't a fan. The ceviche was pretty good but it definitely could've been seasoned a little bit more. The sopa azteca is their tomato broth with fried tortilla but it was super bland and flavorless. Definitely would not recommend that. For our entrees, we ordered the steak tacos, garlic shrimp, and mole enchiladas. The tacos were pretty good and there was a generous portion of meat that came with it plus cilantro, onions, and limes. I did ask if they had some spicy salsa or sauce but they didn't have anything besides their pico. The garlic shrimp was very delicious and had a great buttery garlic flavor and the veggies that accommpanied it was also buttery and tasted amazing! The mole enchiladas were pretty tasty, if you like mole. I'm not a huge fan of mole myself so I did not eat too much of this dish but I will say, it is probably one of the best mole enchiladas I have tried. Overall, this place has a wide selection of food to choose from so everyone will find something they can enjoy here. Definitely check it out if you're in Tulum and want a quick and casual meal.
Fueling up with a hearty breakfast before exploring the Mayan ruins was the perfect start to our adventure. The spread offered a delicious mix of freshly squeezed juices, tropical fruits and savory local dishes. With the right balance of nutrients and flavor, we were energized and ready to explore the fascinating ruins with enthusiasm and vitality.
5 months ago
The most phenomenal tacos I've ever had in my life. On the spicier side for the average tourist, probably about right for your average local. Wasn't cheap, wasn't expensive. Vibes were immaculate - open air dining overlooking La Avenida Tulum, quick and friendly service, and conveniently located close to a taxi station. read more
2 years ago
This was an FANTASTIC spot to stop at for a quick lunch before heading into the Tulum ruins. Gabriel was our server and he did a fantastic job. We were able to get the wifi to access tickets and keep family updated from home and partake in some of the specialty cuisines this place has to offer. My sister ordered the quesadilla which was really good with the type of cheese that really melts and sticks right into the tortilla. As an accompaniment we were served chips with these carrots, onions, and peppers marinated in olive oil. The pepper was on fire and was spicy as hades but still good. I ordered the Enchiladas Rojas and they were so good. I highly recommend that dish for sure. The restaurant had a lot of shade which was very much appreciated here in this touristic square on a day without many clouds. The music was nice and they have coffee options as well for those that need a little pick me up. My last piece of advice is to order a pitcher, not a glass, but a pitcher of the Mexican Chamoy green juice. It was such a health kick in butt I needed after all the mezcalinas I've been drinking. Thanks for a great meal! read more
7 months ago
Stopped by Don Cafeto for second dinner as we weren't quite full from our first one. It was pretty empty when my friend and I dropped by on a Monday evening evening around 9:15 pm. The restaurant is a no frills spot popular with tourists and locals alike. We walked by many times through the course of our trip and it was always full of customers. The menu is your standard Mexican fare - soups, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, steak, various seafood dishes, etc. It's definitely not veggie friendly so don't come here if there's a vegetarian in your group. Since neither of us were that hungry, we shared the pollo a la parrilla, i.e. grilled chicken, for 210 pesos. To start, each table gets a huge bowl of nachos with some incredibly spicy salsa and spicy pickled veggies on the side. Both were too spicy for me so I didn't go anywhere near either. The grilled chicken was okay, but I didn't realize it'd be breast meat. Found it a bit on the dry side. It only came with a small scoop of rice, so it's good that this wasn't our main meal. I would recommend this spot for folks looking for a more authentic feel rather than some of the overpriced touristy restaurants in Tulum. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
Might be the best food we had in Tulum! It was our final meal, and we went hunting for enchiladas. These were amazing! I went out on a limb and got the mole enchilada and my husband got the roja one. This is the best mole I've ever had - it seemed to have a peanut base and was well rounded - no bitterness from over toasted spices or coffee, no over sweetness from chocolate, just flavorful nutty deliciousness. The roja was also great, it tasted much more like freshly made sautéed tomatoes. The pickled blistered veggies and salsa and chips that come with each order was also so delicious, we chomped down on seranos, nibbled habaneros, and added the potatoes, carrots, and onions to our dishes. The drinks tasted fresh and light, we got a pina colada and tequila sunrise. There was live music but not intrusive, and was a generally jolly place to be! Highly recommend coming here! read more
Came here for the enchiladas and wasn't disappointed. They make a really great mole. Not too sweet but still super rich. Absolutely loved the chips and dip they brought in for the table. The pico was a bit spicier than your normal fair + I think they said they used habanero. The pickled veggies were great and included a lot of garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes and serranos. Staff was great and got us our drinks super quickly. They had some love music which was at a nice level for a lunch - not too loud like some other places. A big fan of this place read more
4 years ago
I was so hesitant to go to this restaurant. Although it appeared on all the lists of "Places to eat in Tulum," I thought it would be touristy, which in my mind meant meh. In fact the only reason I ended up going to this restuarant is because I ended up having a late dinner on my last night in Tulum, and the other places I was thinking about going already closed their kitchen for the evening.. After dining there and having a lovely experience, I know I was very wrong. In fact, had I eaten there earlier in the trip, I most likely would have dined there multiple times. Unline some of the other restaurants in tulum (and in Riveria Maya in general), the food at Don Cafeto was really tasty, not overcooked, and had soul -- tasted like yummy home cooking. I had a chicken soup - awesome, flavorful, bright, and hearty just like it should be and chicken with mole - not as great as in Oaxaca proper, but better than most others I've tried! I also tried some of the Carne Asada and that was also really good and the meat was not tough or rubbery. They also had live music at least for part of the time we were there. Always appreciate that added level of ambiance. Don't be like me and have any doubts about this place. just go! read more
3 years ago
I tried this place since I love enchiladas and saw a recent review so I tried it out. The enchiladas was as good as the reviewer said it was!! The only complaint that I would have is that they were out of sugar Coke. Without my favorite Coke I was going to downgrade it but it wouldn't be fair for them. A solid place at a very good price in Tulum Mexico read more
Rode our bikes out to tulum centro and stopped by here. Looked at reviews and glad we went and tried it out. We ordered Plato the Mexicano. Big plate to share for two people. It has pretty much everything In there. So good. So flavorful. Taquitos were crunchy. The chili rellenos made of sweet pepper and sauce was amazing. I had to dip my quesadilla on that sauce. Margarita amazing and mint lemonade was nice and refreshing. Suri was sooooo nice. So friendly and just made things happened with seating us and everybody else who were waiting. Great great cheap find this place. read more
We came at a time of day were there was a lot of open seating and some live music. The food was good, I thought the Marinara pasta was missing a bit more of seafood for what the price is but it tasted good. The other plate we ordered was the Tampiqueña, and that was a very good steak dish that came with some rice, plantains, enchiladas and a two tostadas, one with beans and another with guacamole. The price is a lot for what you get, this is why I wasn't 100% sold on this place read more
2 years ago
This is a must stop when in Tulum. I stumbled on this place 3 yrs ago and eat here every time I'm here. I got the mole enchiladas and the favor was out of this world. My wife got fish tacos and she said the fish tasted fresh and perfect light breading on them. The other couple in our group got the seafood platter for two, which is wife's favorite but I wanted to try something different this time. The shrimp in the platter were huge. They give marinated carrots, garlic, and others vegetables with the chips, everyone loved but I skipped for the pico de gallo which has fresh jalapeños and is spicy. The girls got the chayagra drink which I guess they are famous for. Must have been good as they both ordered another one. Great authentic Mexican food. Great Service! read more
Absolutely loved coming to don cafeto while in tulum. Came across this place walking down the street and we decided to walk inside. Being from Miami, I am a queso fondito expert and this place hands down had the absolute best tasting queso fondito I've ever had. Perfectly melted cheese with bacon and mushrooms . I then got the ribeye which was a giant chunk of meat to have after stuffing my face with melted cheese The servers were very attentive to us and the price is very reasonable for the quality and amount of food you get. At the end of the day I will be back to don cafeto to have their queso fondito. You will not be disappointed here. read more
5 years ago
Don Cafeto is on the main Tulum downtown area on the main commercial street. We came as a group of six and were able to sit fairly fast during the main rush hour. There was live music for the breakfast time which was a guy on a keyboard playing Mexican music classics to add to the ambiance. The breakfast selection is huge and they have all the staples. I ordered the huevos motuleños which are pretty much fried eggs in a tostada smothered in salsa but they were delicious and came out super fast from the kitchen. The coffee was standard American coffee (no espresso drinks available) and I topped it off with a fresh fruit smoothie (licuado) which was really good. The prices were excellent and would definitely come back and recommend it to other people visiting the area. read more
Came here for lunch after visiting the cenote so you can bet we were hungry! There wasn't a wait when we got here and we were able to sit at a table outside. They took your temperature and gave you hand sanitizer before you get seated. They bring out fresh pico de gallo and pickled veggies (carrots, potatoes, peppers, garlic) for each table. We asked for the pico to be extra spicy so they added in some spicy habaneros, which was so good! The pickled veggies were also delicious! For appetizers, we decided to order chorizo queso, mixed ceviche, and sopa azteca to start off. The queso had plenty of chorizo bits in it but the cheese congealed super quick to where it became one lump of cheese so I wasn't a fan. The ceviche was pretty good but it definitely could've been seasoned a little bit more. The sopa azteca is their tomato broth with fried tortilla but it was super bland and flavorless. Definitely would not recommend that. For our entrees, we ordered the steak tacos, garlic shrimp, and mole enchiladas. The tacos were pretty good and there was a generous portion of meat that came with it plus cilantro, onions, and limes. I did ask if they had some spicy salsa or sauce but they didn't have anything besides their pico. The garlic shrimp was very delicious and had a great buttery garlic flavor and the veggies that accommpanied it was also buttery and tasted amazing! The mole enchiladas were pretty tasty, if you like mole. I'm not a huge fan of mole myself so I did not eat too much of this dish but I will say, it is probably one of the best mole enchiladas I have tried. Overall, this place has a wide selection of food to choose from so everyone will find something they can enjoy here. Definitely check it out if you're in Tulum and want a quick and casual meal. read more
2 years ago
Fueling up with a hearty breakfast before exploring the Mayan ruins was the perfect start to our adventure. The spread offered a delicious mix of freshly squeezed juices, tropical fruits and savory local dishes. With the right balance of nutrients and flavor, we were energized and ready to explore the fascinating ruins with enthusiasm and vitality. read more
4 years ago
Amazing quality tacos and very cold beers Cheers. The service with a smile and tender care was well received. Tell them the Massage man sent you. I highly recommend this place to eat tacos and beers read more
4 years ago
This place is an experience. There is always a happy man playing piano and singing; I bet he's contracted by the restaurant. They bring big plates of food and they have great pickles and sides. A bit touristy and expensive but great taste. It's a tulum must go even at least once! The chicken soup, the enchiladas and the salad are some of the best options on the menu. read more
Worthy of 5 stars after a return visit for consistency. We loved the chips and habanero salsa along with the pickled carrots/jalapeño/whole garlic they bring. Everything we ate was killer, my Cuba Libre was just right and the service was helpful, patient and kind. We went here on a friends recommendation and will continue to pass the word on this place as well. read more
We got to the ruins of Tulum and wanted a quick lunch. We decided to just eat here knowing it's a tourist trap. But also we knew it wouldn't be that bad. I should have learned by now that anything near a tourist location is not great at all. I got their green juice drink. It has pineapple, cucumber, lime, and chiya. It was pretty good and healthy. Just the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the earthy taste of the chiya. We also ordered the seafood platter for two. It came on a hot plate that they rest on top of a fire tin. If you don't eat it fast enough, your food may end up burnt. We learned that towards the end. The platter has fried fish, a spicy shrimp cocktail, shrimp kabob, calamari and a steamed fish in foil. They weren't that great. All the fried stuff was soggy and not crispy at all. I don't think they fried it enough. My favorite would probably be the steamed fish. If you can eat before getting here, do so. read more
3 years ago
The location is ideal for eating on the strip. Don't be fooled by the crowds. Not sure if they pay for the reviews. The food was horrible. The eggs tasted and looked horrible. The service was ridiculously horrible. Asked for a coffee, took almost as long as the food to come out. By the time the waiter came back for the milk it was cold. The fries were fried in an oil that needed to be replaced. Tasted like pure grease. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
This place is amazing for take out or dine in. Very popular place. We got the steak and shrimp plate and beef tacos. Marinated vegetables were delicious! Please check out this place if you get a chance! read more
6 years ago
This place was recommended by our hotel. Came early morning for breakfast. Place was super crowded so we had to wait a few minutes. Service was fast and super friendly! I ordered chorizo and eggs! It was super good and hot. Well seasoned! Meal came with a natural juice. It was pretty good. We ordered cerviche and it was the best I've ever had!!! My boyfriend ordered a chicken burrito and he said it was super delicious!!! He also had a piña colada and it was pretty tasty! Beware there's no "indoor" seating read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Delicious food, pretty comparable pricing to the States, but a great place to people watch and enjoy authentic mexican food. I enjoyed my chicken fajitas immensely. So much food! And we had live musicians play and sing while we were eating which was pleasurable as well. It did seem catered towards tourists, as everyone in the restaurant was essentially foreign and speaking English, but I'm glad I stopped by here for grub after a long travel day. read more
6 years ago
Delicious! We sat one row back from the outside tables and enjoyed people watching and being inside next to the kitchen. We could see all the dishes coming g out and they all looked good. The pickled carrots and garlic were my favorite. They tasted like spicy sweet pickles. The skirt steak was good quality and one of the best tasting I've had in Tulum. PROS: Chili Relleño Grilled Skirt Steak Pickled carrots Chayagra - spinach & cucumber drink read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
amazing food and the best caipirinha my boyfriend and i have ever had!! We loved it so much we came back for lunch every day of our stay in tulum and were never dissapointed. read more
4 years ago
6 years ago
We had Sunday brunch here!! (It always has brunch available) Mayan or Aztec breakfast or pancakes eggs and, bacon..Yum. Mayan comes with toast and jam, tortillas, pickled vegetables, baked tortillas chips with red sauce and cheese and eggs or Carne...Lettuce and beans and guac. Mayan comes with ham egg and cheese on tortillas. Coffee and orange juice included in the Aztec and Mayan breakfasts...salsa is super spicy good. I highly recommend... read more
10 years ago
My husband and I came here after finding out our original destination was closed on Mondays. It was our last night and we wanted something hearty, boy did we get it! I ordered the Mexican Plate (Plato mexicano) and he had the enchilada mole. Both came out in LESS than 5 minutes. We barely got to touch the complimentary chips/salsa/pickled veggie side dish. I say all this in the best possible way! The price is moderate. We have gone to other places in the area for a better deal but we were starving and the prices weren't anything outrageous. Our total for the dinner was around $22 USD which is even average for a Mexican restaurant in the states. The price is the only reason I gave 4 stars. Remember to look at the receipt. They do charge the tip so no need to put extra unless you are feeling extra generous. read more
3 years ago
Don cafeto is wonderful. Affordable authentic Mexican food right in tulum town. We came for a brief lunch and only had some drinks and a burrito, and did not expect the giant bowl of chips and escabeche on the House. Everything was delicious. I then saw the waiter bring out this drink that looked like a milkshake, and he said it was a frozen cappuccino. I said, not where I come from, but give me one sir please and thank you. It was an incredible coffee flavored chocolate whipped cream mess and I am going back for another one right now because I can't possibly leave tulum without seconds. read more
We came here to have breakfast on our last day in Tulum :( It was a great last hurrah in town to experience beautiful Tulum culture. The food is good, service is great, there's live music, the prices are so cheap, and yes it's hot as hell in the morning (but the restrooms are kept surprisingly cool at 16 degrees Celsius). They serve orange juice to everyone shortly after you're seated, and you can immediately taste the freshness. I got the Desayuno Azteca with eggs (it's a choice between steak or eggs, but you can get both as my sister did). It was good but extremely filling. It came with coffee as well, which I did not get to appreciate, because I like to water my coffee down with cream and sugar. However, I heard it was great. Overall it was a lovely restaurant that I would come back to. Definitely a Tulum staple. read more
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More info about Don Cafeto
Av. Tulum 64
77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo
Mexico
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984 871 2207
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