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.

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).

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.

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.