Mateo's

No choice but to give it 5 as we came here last night for smoothies, today for breakfast tacos,…read moreand again for a sunset dinner and then one more snack on the way out. So yea, we loved it. Tacos are amazing here. And we tried all different kinds from veggie to steak to octopus. Plus we had a lot of other stuff on the menu. Smoothies are great too. And the ambience and service was friendly and fun. Probably will be back again in the next few days of our trip.

Many smoothies and tacos later, I can tell you this place is amazing…read more I tried every juice, and I think all of the vegan things on the menu. It was fresh and very tasty. The staff was nice and had several good recommendations of what we should see while in town. We went almost every day while in town. My friend and fellow yelper agreed that it was really amazing.

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Potheads Beach Road

4.4(255 reviews)

0.2 km

If you need a breakfast spot in Tulum, Potheads is it. We landed here more than once because the…read morevibe is just RIGHT for the morning.. easy, sunny, unhurried. The smoothies and burritos hit, the mimosas do not hurt, and the coffee is exactly what you want before a day on the bikes. My favorite move is heading upstairs to the little bar that overlooks the street and people-watching while you sip. Friendly and laid-back, a great way to start the day. I particularly loved the juices.

We came here on a whim the first morning of our stay in Tulum. It was open early and had coffee…read more It's a cute , family operated cafe with a jungle-like seating area in the far back and an upstairs. They do light a mosquito repellent fog which is helpful. We arrived around 745a and no one else was around. Only some stragglers from the prior night still getting after it. We ordered two lattes with almond milk and two breakfast burritos. The one I had was really good, beautiful presentation for breakfast. The ratio of potatoes:eggs:bacon was a little off and it seemed like a little more potatoes than other stuff in my partners. Overall, though it was super convenient and they do have some really good specials for fish tacos and drinks later on in the afternoon. We only had one meal here during our stay so can't speak too much else. They did seem to be reasonably busy throughout the day when we would drive by though.

All Day Brunch - Chicken & Waffles, French Toast and Pancake Stacks

Vegetarian Omelette

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Loaded Bagel with Salmon

Antojitos La Chiapaneca

4.6(426 reviews)

4.3 km

Stopped by a little after 12pm on a weekday. Had a large order of 60+ tacos to go, which they…read morecranked out within 15-20 min. Got a mix of al pastor and chicken, all of which came with many bags of salsa (red and green). General consensus was the al pastor was great, chicken was a bit dry and passable. Washed it down with some horchata (which was also fine). Skip if you don't eat pork, but 5 stars for the al pastor in terms of flavor and value.

I loved the taste of their food! It was a very good price for authentic tasting tacos! No frills…read morejust simple tasting and friendly service thats super fast... I highly recommend the sopes & tostada.

Inside

Al pastor gringas

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Front

La Malinche

4.7(85 reviews)

2.6 km

Came here based on photos others had shared and we loved it. Ordered the Esquites, Melted cheese w/…read moresteak, cucumber agua fresca, el pastor taco--which was stuffed with meat and topped with pineapple--and a tempura fish taco--with two good sized pieces of fish, tomato, onion and avocado. All for less than $40 USD! Everything was so good! The fresh tortillas with melted cheese were a hit, as were the tacos, and the service was great. They even gave us on the house mezcal shots with crickets and seasoned lime. We also loved the atmosphere. We went in the evening (late November) and it's wasn't crowded, plus there was good music and nice decor. It was too dark to take decent photos of the food but it looked just like everyone else's photos and was delicious!

Came here for a nightcap after dinner. We ordered a Pina Colada and Passion fruit Margarita with…read moreMezcal. The Pina Colada was watered down and the taste of alcohol was absent. I hardly drink and did not get even a baby buzz from the drink. The Margarita was OK. The service was OK. Each drink was $300 MXN or around $17 USD. Maybe I visited on an off day? There's plenty of other places in the area, this place would be a last resort.

Entrance

Welcome Tequilla Shot , their region's tradition is paired with fried crickets ...yes you read that correctly

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La Malinche

La Coqueta

4.5(214 reviews)

4.3 km

The best CEVICHE I've ever had! Also try their octopus sautéed in cream! We returned here three…read moretimes during our stay! P.S. also recommend passion fruit margarita

I went out looking for another establishment, which I couldn't find. I searched Yelp and Google and…read morethey appeared promising so I stopped by. I parked next door in front of the store. But as I approached I was a little annoyed with the dogs and cats that appeared to be lingering around outside of their place. So I hesititantly came in anyway. (IM NO PET LOVER AND DONT LIKE EATING WITH ANIMALS NEAR MY FOOD! ) I ordered and my drinks and food came quickly. 2 HUGE dogs wandered in and started begging for food. A patron at another table decides to feed them. ***EYE ROLL*** Now the dogs are looking for everyone to feed them. Going table to table. I DO NOT PLAY WITH ANIMALS!!!! So I'm instantly irritated that I have to keep showing these dogs off while I'm trying to enjoy my meal. Loss of 2 stars for the dogs. The food was ok. Wouldn't probably return because the animals roam Free and I dont like that.

03/17/2025 - Complimentary Chips

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03/17/2025 - Pirate Morgan $125

Restaurant Piedra Escondida

4.6(45 reviews)

0.1 km

This is a sweet little gem away from the "strip" in Tulum, each item I ate or drank was fantastic…read more We went with other recommendations and got the lobster pasta (yum) and the tuna nachos (double yum). The fish ceviche was fresh and delicious. Word of warning for sensitive tummies: the mixed ceviche does have raw shrimp, so if that makes you squeamish, stick with the fish ceviche. I lost my mind for a moment and ate some salad which I think may have given me food poisoning, but that's my fault, I should have known better. For sure try to sit on the patio for the gorgeous view!

The food, the service, the scenery 10 out of 10 would recommend. Love the music the space they have…read morea beach and hammocks to relax at as well. We were a walk in party of 15 the restaurant was pretty much empty at the time. The only thing is the kitchen is smaller than most so the food did take awhile which makes sense for a party of our size, but they were very accommodating. All the food and drinks were amazing. The pina colada was the only thing that people said was okay because it melted extremely fast and the texture was more icy than smooth and creamy. They had amazing service and we would definitely go back.

Outdoor

PARRILLADA DE MARISCOS 2 PAX Seafood grill mix

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Mezcal al pastor - roasted pineapple, jalapeño, mezcal Bruxo 2, lemon, agave

Casa Maria

4.5(65 reviews)

2.3 km

My family and I stopped at Casa Maria for lunch after spending the morning at the beach in Tulum…read more The whole complex, including the hotel and restaurant, was amazing and beautifully designed. When we arrived, there was no one else at the restaurant yet. The server informed us that they were only accepting cash because the credit card machine was not working. Despite this, the staff was very attentive, frequently checking on us and taking our orders promptly. My kids got lemonade, and my wife and I enjoyed Victoria beers. We ordered fish, shrimp, and sirloin tacos, with the fish tacos being my favorite. My kids had chicken with mole and cheese empanadas. The food was delicious! I'll definitely come back here on my next trip to Tulum.

While the views and ambiance here are wonderful, that's pretty much where the experience stops. I…read morecame here for a bachelorette party and I have to say everything from the drinks to the food were extremely disappointing. The drinks were extremely sour (I got a margarita and an espresso martini and both were not good) and the food was overcooked and lack flavor (I got the shrimp tacos which were inedible). To add to this, the service was extremely slow. This dinner took 4 hours and it was terrible to leave hungry while spending a good amount. I would go elsewhere than come here.

Tulum Vibes

Traditional guacamole and house salsa and chips

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Entrance

Kitchen Table

4.5(264 reviews)

1.0 km

•$$$

Kitchen Table just reopened in Tulum, and it instantly reminded me why it's such a standout. The…read morestaff was amazing--genuinely friendly, incredibly attentive, and clearly passionate about what they're serving. You can tell they really know the food and love talking about it. One of the best parts of eating here is the feeling that you're right in the kitchen. The open-fire setup, the smells, the sound of everything cooking--it all makes the experience feel personal and relaxed, almost like you're hanging out with friends who just happen to be phenomenal chefs. I tried the tetelas and the short rib, and both were fantastic. The tetelas had that comforting, handmade feel with rich, local flavors. The short rib was ridiculously tender, full of smoky depth, and easily one of the highlights of the night. Kitchen Table's reopening feels like a win for Tulum. Great food, thoughtful staff, and an atmosphere that pulls you straight into the heart of local cooking--I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Absolutely amazing! This is a must! The food, service, and over experience was top tier! Love,…read moreLove, love!

Dessert

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Cocoa liqueur made in house

ARCA

4.3(351 reviews)

3.2 km

•$$$

This place is amazing , the ambiance is incredible, the service is even better and the food…read more...takes the top prize! Bone marrow is a must Tip, book the drink tasting experience.

Second time at Arca and much better than our first! We had…read more* our go-to soft shell crab tacos- lightly breaded and served with local edible leaf as a taco shell * prawns with curry sauce- perfectly grilled with the head on * grilled octopus * scallop ceviche that was amazingly presented and seasoned, served with in-house crackers * sea bass filet * dessert- coconut/passionfruit/ mango ice cream served in a husk. Great mixture of flavors! Chocolate ice cream - beautifully presented and some rich chocolate ice cream as well, and another dessert that I forgot. So maybe that one may be just okay LOL * drinks - Miami Nice (passionfruit) and a no name drink that the resto blends into a clear drink, served with a guava block. You take a piece of the guava block and leave it on your tongue, and sip your drink. Very very smooth! Would highly recommend this unknown drink. Michelin starred, reservations highly recommended. Better to come without heels since the flooring is made out of pebbles, dim lighting contributing to the dining experience, and fantastic service.

Kitchen

Mexican Wagyu Tlayuda

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Suckling pig

Richarito's Tex-Mex Grill

5.0(1 review)

4.1 km

Fantastic food! Veggie quesadilla was very good. It's a flawless presentation with great flavors…read more The fish filet (garlic) was also very good. Comes on a bed of fresh veggies with a side of guacamole and pico de gallo. The fellow running the show is also very hospitable. He speaks English pretty well. Drinks are slammin'. Get a mojito! Overall amazing service and much fresher, cleaner, friendlier than many places in the area.

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Tom K.

12 years ago

Mateo's was the best, we spent most nights there while on vacation watching March Madness. I really enjoyed the food and spirits; Free Willy was the best waiter we have ever had! Free Willy hope you are still there in March 2015!!!! OH and by the way Free Willy what were the Shoes you wanted from the U.S.???? Best Place ever!!! Tom and Wendy from Michigan. Free Willy E-mail me and I will look into the shoes! AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN MARCH 2015. read more

Stephanie E.

532

4 years ago

Loved this place so much that we had to stop by twice before leaving Tulum! The carne tacos were the best I've had during my stay. Thank you, Santos, for taking such good care of us! He was attentive and engaging! I'm looking forward to returning during my next trip to Tulum. read more

Kim S.

11 years ago

Dangerous - Do not go there! They have an employee that rapes women in the parking lot at night. They have done nothing about it.

Danielle F.

134

9 years ago

Amazing food and atmosphere. We ended up eating here 3 times on our trip. Great prices and great view for sunsets.

Mateo's - mexican - Updated October 2026

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La Coqueta

4.5

(214 reviews)

The best CEVICHE I've ever had! Also try their octopus sautéed in cream! We returned here three…read moretimes during our stay! P.S. also recommend passion fruit margarita

La Zebra

4.3

(246 reviews)

We posted up on a beach bed (no minimum during the slow season, super nice), ordered a pina colada…read moreand a pizza because that was exactly the kind of day it was, and spent hours reading while the staff took great care of us. I'll be honest, the seaweed was heavy this trip so I didn't get the swim I had last time, but that is a seasonal Tulum thing, not the restaurant's fault. One small note, the beach menu is a bit more limited than the full restaurant. None of it changed how lovely the afternoon was. Beautiful spot, kind people, I'll keep coming back.

Easy and breezy! While this restaurant is right next to La Zebra Hotel, you don't have to stay…read morethere to eat here. It's a covered, open-air restaurant right on the beach with breezy seating and great ocean views. The food is consistently good to great, and the drinks are well made. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each with its own menu. Highlights include excellent tableside guacamole with garlic oil, fresh ceviche, fruit and veggie smoothies, and plenty of kid-friendly options, even if they're not clearly labeled. Service was friendly and apologetic the few times a dish came out late. Overall, it's a convenient, relaxed beachside spot with solid food and a beautiful setting.

Don Cafeto

4.3

(165 reviews)

Came here for the enchiladas and wasn't disappointed. They make a really great mole. Not too sweet…read morebut 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

The most phenomenal tacos I've ever had in my life. On the spicier side for the average tourist,…read moreprobably 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.

Taquería Honorio

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Some of the best food I had in Tulum!…read more It's been a month since I ate here and I'm still thinking about the food. It was so delicious. Literally everything I tried. I particularly loved the relleno sabultes!! It's a must try if you're ever in Tulum. The restaurant itself is open with lots of seating. And the service was super fast and nice. I'll for sure be back whenever I go back to Tulum.

Stopped by on a Sunday morning around 11:30am. Put our names down with the hostess, seated about 15…read moremin later. We were pretty sweaty waiting, but once seated, the fans dried us off. There is a line inside if you placed a phone order. Got 2 coffees (americano + cappucino), chicharrones to start, chilaquiles (add egg) with choice or red/green sauce, and 4 tacos. Chicharrones came with generous amount of guac, and delicious, fresh tortillas. The pork skin itself was alright, but a great vehicle for the guac. Coffee was decent, cheaper than if you get a touristy cafe. Cappucino was very rich and milky with nice layer of foam on top. Chilaquiles were good, and tacos were very good as well. They accept card! Very speedy service. Overall, cheap and authentic.

Encanto Cantina

4.0

(161 reviews)

Lovely ambiance, the giant red love heart decor was so romantic and sensual, definitely a spot for…read moredate night. Food was great , especially the skirt stake tacos , the beef was so tender and seasoning was great, we ordered 2 portions of that. The crispy octopus was also delicious Definitely a must.

The food was ok…read more The encanto burger was really well seasoned. I also enjoyed the home made chips. You mainly will go for the atmosphere. It looks really nice inside and feelings like you are in the jungle in the middle of the city. The service was fairly quick but you don't have a lot of options. If you have a picky eaters it might not be a good experience But everyone was nice and I would go back for the atmosphere alone. Price wise, things are fairly priced.

Antojitos La Chiapaneca

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Tropi Tacos

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Great portions and quality for the price. Nice open canopy to feel the breeze. Food come out…read moreminutes after you get you drink. Really recommend for lunch or dinner. Will fill you up for hours!!! 10/10.

Not sure why it took so long to get two tacos and a quesadilla when the tacos were hella dry and…read morecold. Tried the bistek and al pastor. Only good thing was the cold Coca Cola. Service was very slow. Asked for my check like 3-4 times. There are definitely other places to get better tacos but check them out if you'd like as I know it appears like a popular place to try. Might have a better experience than me. Was going to give it one star but changed to two because the fresh juice was tasty. I ordered the Vitamin C.

Potheads Beach Road

4.4

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Cetli

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Cute restaurant full of Authentic Mexican folklore deco. We came here during our trip to Tulum…read moreafter passing by the night before. The food was amazing and the waiter was super friendly. If you like mole and other Mexican dishes, you should consider eating here. Desserts were also fantastic. You will not be disappointed.

We visited Cetli on a Thursday afternoon for an early dinner, and I was immediately blown away by…read morehow homey and beautiful it felt. You can tell so much thought went into the decor. Culture is seeping out of every corner, and the rustic vibe and images truly make the atmosphere part of the dining experience. Lalo greeted us at the door right away and was just spectacular throughout the entire meal. He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. His care and attention really heightened the whole evening for us. Before our main course, we were surprised with a complementary appetizer dish that was out of this world! It came with small empanadas, sopes, fresco cheese with beet jelly, garlic butter, nut bread, orange with worm salt, and a tomato cream cheese spread. I honestly couldn't believe all of that was on the house. For our main dishes, we ordered the Chile en Nogada and the Metztli. Neither disappointed! Both the nogada sauce and the black mole were addictive and perfectly executed. We finished with the Cetli (the Mexican sweet corn cake) for dessert, and the chocolate Kahlúa sauce tied everything together beautifully. Yes, this place is a bit pricey, but it is worth it from beginning to end. They even include a mazapán with your bill, which is such a sweet touch. I won't hesitate to come back!

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