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Batey's
Identifiable by the lime sorbet–green vintage Volkswagon bug parked outside, Batey's is the best spot in town for cocktails. They specialize in mojitos using raw sugar cane juice made from a handcrank (that is incidentally set in the Beetle's backseat). Most nights feature live music and there are yummy, simple snacks, like tomato bruschetta available.
Casa Banana
Set on the jungle side of the beach road, Casa Banana is an open-air restaurant that serves delicious dishes and snacks throughout the day (breakfast is heavenly) and night. Specialties include the grilled meat, seafood and vegetables that are cooked over open wood-burning fires. There is also a small bar that serves elegant takes on margaritas.
Casa Jaguar
Casa Violeta
A perennial favorite, the restaurant of this cabana hotel is a lovely spot for a late lunch. The small dining room faces the sea, its windows are flung open, inviting in a breeze, and the menu includes delicious thin-crust pizza and large salads. Breakfast is also served until late morning.
Cetli
Locals and plugged-in visitors craving authentic Mexican fare, especially incredible mole, head to this laid-back spot in town. The friendly chef and owner is passionate about sourcing the best local ingredients and her menu and the restaurant’s setting is perfect for a local, delicious dinner. The restaurant is located one block north of Avenida Tulum. (Credit cards are not accepted.)
El Camello Jr.
Plastic chairs and tables spill onto the dusty sidewalk in front of this seafood restaurant and shop, where diners sit under whirring ceiling fans, surrounded by colorful murals on the wall depicting sea life. Camello’s ultra-fresh fish tacos, coconut shrimp and grilled octopus are famous. It’s a wonderful, laid-back spot for lunch or early dinner (they also do take-out).
El Tabano
For authentic Mexican fare with a gourmet twist, head to El Tabano, on the other side of the beach road (where all the beach bungalow hotels are located). The food is delicious and the place popular; reserve a table a couple days before.
Hartwood
Run by two displaced New Yorkers who made the “why not just move here?” vacation dream a reality, Hartwood is Tulum’s de facto hot spot. The open-air restaurant is packed every night, and diners happily wait up to an hour for one of the wooden, candle-lit tables. (It helps that the edge of the restaurant has comfortable benches and chairs, where you can sip strong cocktails as you wait.) Everything is prepared atop a grill or in a pizza oven, and the menu changes almost daily depending on what’s in season (vegetables) and caught that day (seafood). Make a reservation to ensure you don't have a long wait (some items sell out and watching your pick get crossed off the blackboard is a let-down).
La Zebra
According to one Tulum insider, the restaurant of this beach bungalow hotel serves the best breakfast-brunch in Tulum. Another good tip is to come by on Sunday night when the hotel hosts its weekly Salsa party. Even for families, this joyous dance fest is a must.
Las Estrellas
This restaurant at Cabanas La Luna Hotel (not to be confused with Villa Las Estrellas Hotel) is a casual hip place. The Chef is Danish and pure cool; he appears from the kitchen before service begins and walks you through his menu of Moroccan-style dishes, which may include a delicious mint couscous with Osso bucco. This is also a great choice if you are in the mood to lounge by the bar with friends for the night.
Mateo's
Discounting this place due to its gimmicky vibe is a mistake, as Matteo's serves some of the best tacos in Tulum, and is an excellent option for meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day and well into the evening. Set on the jungle side of the beach road, the outdoor eatery consists mostly of picnic tables and offers casual—and sometimes very limited—service. There is often live music at night and the vibe is relaxed and friendly.
Mezzanine
For the nights when you need a break from Mexican fare, head north along the beach road to the Hotel Mezzanine, which features a delicious Thai restaurant. The chef, who hails from Thailand, consistently creates innovative dishes utilizing local ingredients with Asian flavors. The hotel and restaurant are set on a raised piece of land with spectacular views of the water, so go during sunset for a cocktail and stay for an early dinner.
Oscar Y Lalo
No-frills beachside Oscar Y Lalo, located at the end of a bumpy road about a 15-minute drive outside Tulum, is a great place for seafood, particularly for fresh ceviche.
Que Fresco/Zamas
This open-air restaurant at one of Tulum’s most popular cabana hotels serves ultra-fresh Mexican seafood and strong margaritas. It draws crowds of jovial customers, many of whom are staying at bungalows down the beach.
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