Tulum’s dining scene goes way beyond taco huts (although those do exist and are awesome). Add some fine dining to the ocean views, candlelight tables, and extensive wine and cocktail lists, and you have some amazing romantic dinner options. These 5 restaurants are perfect for honeymooners. Play your cards right at dinner and you might just get lucky…
-
Hartwood
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila 7.6Km, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Tulum’s most coveted (and difficult) reservation to secure, Hartwood is renowned for its farm-to-table fare. Started by two transplants from New York, the open air kitchen (which runs on solar power, BTW) is dedicated to local sources. While the chalkboard menu changes daily, according to what’s fresh, you’re likely to see some iteration of wood-fired favorites like pulpo (octopus) and pork. Diners line up at 5:00 pm for a chance to score a table, so even if you have a reservation, be prepared to wait. Thankfully, a nice cocktail or two from the bar will make the time fly by.
farm-to-table
Arca
CARRETERA TULUM-BOCA PAILA KM 7.6 77780 TULUM, QUINTANA ROO MEXICO
Arca feels like a tropical oasis: think lots of plants with enormous leaves, long wooden tables and hanging light fixtures. This jungle-side restaurant marries retro Californian and authentic Mexican cuisine—with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Check out the prawn crudo with orange, purslane, lime yoghurt and crustacean oil is an inspired way to start your meal. If you feel like dessert (go crazy: it’s your honeymoon), try your sweet tooth with the lima soufflé cake with hibiscus black pepper syrup and vanilla whipped cream.
Casa Banana
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km. 8.5 Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Exotic flavors and warm ambiance abound at Casa Banana. The Argentinian-Mexican fusion menu emphasizes wood-fired fare: think steak, homemade chorizo and fresh-caught fish. The mezcal- and tequila-infused craft cocktails will go down nicely, especially when the heat acts up. A word about paying: like many of the restaurants in the area, credit cards aren’t accepted. Be sure to bring enough cash.
Posada Margherita
Posada Margherita, Tulum, Mexico
Italian food is not what you were expecting. In such a tropical Mexican paradise, you’d probably scoff at the idea of pizza or heavy pasta dishes. But Posada Margherita is the real deal, and not be missed. The laid-back, beachfront dining room is the perfect setting for enjoying an order of house-made mozzarella, fresh pasta and a bottle of vino. By the end of your meal, you’ll be singing “That’s Amore” and talking with your hands.
El Tábano
El Tábano, Tulum, Mexico
