Tulum, with its white sandy beaches and bohemian atmosphere, has become a paradise not only for nature lovers and nightlife enthusiasts but also for foodies and gastronomic critics. As a culinary destination, Tulum has attracted attention worldwide. Let’s explore the essential Tulum restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide.
- Arca Tulum
- Known for its micro-seasonal cuisine that reflects the local flora and fauna.
- Dishes are designed for sharing, following the Mexican tradition of communal dining.
- Open-fire cooking is fundamental to their menu.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Spider crab flauta: Coconut and crab soup, yucca flauta, chive emulsion, and caviar.
- Grilled shrimp: Made with morita chili, plantain vinegar, shrimp butter, and manzano chili ferment.
- Mestixa
- Fuses Asian Street food and Mexican cuisine while respecting the authenticity of each.
- Eating with hands is part of the experience, honoring the ancestral connection between the two gastronomies.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Shrimp and crab wonton with Thai green curry.
- Waffle Taco: Yuzu semifreddo, dried plum, and caramelized white chocolate.
- Casa Banana
- With Argentine roots, it offers a warm and rustic ambiance where food takes center stage.
- Their wood-fired kitchen imparts flavor to cuts of meat, fish, and vegan options.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Roasted short rib: Slow-cooked with black pepper sauce and domino potatoes.
- Grilled asparagus: Topped with balsamic emulsion, goat cheese, and crispy garlic chips.
- Autor
- Located in Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, it specializes in contemporary Mexican haute cuisine.
- Chef Jersaí Miranda Sánchez elevates traditional dishes with modern techniques.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Smoked duck: Duck breast with cabbage foam, lime, duck and sour orange juice, and pickled purple spring onions.
- Pink mole: Raspberry mousse with coconut financier, almond, pine nut praline, and freeze-dried raspberry.
- Cetli
- Situated on the outskirts of Tulum, it offers an authentic Mayan experience in a colorful rustic setting.
- Chef Claudia Pérez Rivas creates dishes that reflect the gastronomic heritage of the region.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Yeyetzi: Fish prepared in tamarind sweet and sour sauce.
- Lime Metzli: Chicken breast stuffed with plantains, black plantain mole, sesame, and sour cream.
- Hartwood
- Based on local and sustainable ingredients, it uses open-fire cooking techniques.
- The menu changes daily based on available harvests and fresh market ingredients.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Hartwood’s menu varies daily, but it consistently offers innovative and fresh flavors.
- Margherita Ristorante
- Combines traditional Italian recipes with local Yucatán ingredients.
- Homemade focaccia and Italian wine pairings enhance the gastronomic experience.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Gamberoni in guazzetto: Oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and brandy.
- Acqua pazza: Garlic, oil, cherry tomatoes, and lemon.
- Nü Tulum
- Inspired by the Mayan word “Nuhuk,” Nü celebrates community, nature, and culinary arts.
- The menu focuses on local and sustainable ingredients.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Local fish crudo: Citrus salt, green tomato juice with green apple, and local herbs.
- Caribbean catch of the day: With yucca chips, creamy yucca, and dried chili salsa.
- Wild Tulum
- Pays homage to the Mexican Caribbean landscape with a unique design.
- Their international menu with a Mexican twist uses fresh local products.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Campeche shrimp: Chorizo, mirepoix, tajín, and Nayarit salsa.
- Cochinita pork belly: Achiote, rice chicharrón, black lime, and crispy tamal. 9-course tasting menu.
Source: Hot Book
