Hello, fellow taco fanatics! Welcome to the ultimate guide to Tulum’s taco scene, where every bite is a fiesta for your taste buds.
Dive into this delicious world of street food and uncover the top spots serving up the most mouthwatering tacos in this colorful Mexican paradise. From humble street stands to classy beachside eateries, Tulum offers a taco extravaganza like no other.
Tantalize your taste buds with juicy meats, zingy salsas, and handmade tortillas that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether new to the taco world or an aficionado, embark on this delicious journey through the best local tacos Tulum offers.
Best Taco Spots in Tulum
1. La Taquería – Pinches Tacos Shop
Location: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM10.2, Tulum Beach
In 2009, La Taqueria appeared on the food scene as a humble taco stand but captured the authentic taste of street tacos across Mexico. They’re even committed to using organic, local, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. All their tacos and quesadillas are made using traditional recipes to encapsulate the essence of Mexican tradition.
Embark on a culinary journey through Flavor Town with their famous shrimp, fish, pastor, roast chicken, and pork tacos. If that’s not enough, sink your teeth into a mouthwatering pastor, shrimp, or chicken burritos.
And there’s more. La Taqueria doesn’t leave anyone out, offering vegan and vegetarian options for you to enjoy. And if you’re dining as a group, you must try their delectable nachos topped with pastor, pork, chicken, or an irresistible mix.
This hole-in-the-wall joint is the real deal. From crispy, juicy pork belly tacos to the heavenly Verde sauce paired with fried cheese tacos, each bite is a flavor-packed adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.
2. Taqueria Honorio
Location: Satélite Sur 19, Tulum Centro
Looking for the ultimate taco experience in downtown Tulum? Look no further. Taqueria Honorio is a true gem on Calle Satelite Sur that serves authentic Southern Mexican delights that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Get ready to try their mouthwatering specialties like relleno negro (black turkey stew), POC chuc (grilled pork), and the true star of the show – Cochinita Pibil tacos (barbecued pork).
Picture this: tender pulled pork marinated in a zesty naranja agria and achiote, slow-roasted to perfection in an underground oven for 12 hours, and wrapped in a fresh tortilla.
Of course, it’s a hotspot among locals and tourists, so expect a bustling atmosphere. Make sure you get there in time as they close at 3 pm, and more often than not, they sell out before that.
Also, try the lechon tacos and save some room for their velvety flan to round off your feast. This isn’t just any taco stand; it’s a flavor fiesta that’ll have you returning for more.
3. La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar
Location: Tulum Beach, Hotel Zone
Unleash the taco enthusiast in you every Thursday evening at La Zebra Beach Restaurant in the La Zebra Tulum Boutique Hotel. Their all-you-can-eat Tulum tacos await you from 6 pm to 10 pm like you have never seen before.
Prepare for a culinary adventure spanning Mexico’s gastronomic regions, from North Mexico’s juicy sirloin steaks to Baja California’s tantalizing shrimp and fish tacos. Then, take a journey through central Mexico’s mouthwatering lineup, including tacos el pastor, poblano chile relleno (stuffed peppers), and much more.
But that’s not all. You can also enjoy Southern Mexican delights like Yucatan classics; cochinita pibil and poc chuc. You’ll find loads of authentic flavors from all over the country.
They even add to the ambiance with live music, making it the ultimate hotspot for taco lovers in Tulum Beach. You should take advantage of this fiesta.
4. Antojitos la Chiapaneca
Location: Avenida Tulum
Hungry to taste Tulum’s late-night delights? Antojitos la Chiapaneca is a blessing from the taco gods. This taco stand is a legendary ticket to taco paradise located on Calle Acuario Norte.
Step into a world where every taco is a masterpiece in its own right. Perfectly seasoned and piping hot, and all of that for just $1 each. You read that right! Indulge in some of the best cheap tacos Tulum offers without breaking the bank.
Despite its humble appearance, this hold-in-a-wall place delivers a flavor explosion in every bite. Their tacos el pastor will blow your sombreros off. They even offer traditional taco toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and house-made green and red salsa. It’s a great experience for all taco aficionados.
Though limited parking is behind the stand, don’t let that discourage you. They have occasional music, a menu in English and Spanish, and a classic Tulum street food experience. So much so that they only accept cash payments.
5. Onyx Tulum Restaurant Bar
Location: Calle Orion sur 630
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tulum town and step into the world of Onyx, where the laidback boho vibes invite you to unwind and indulge in a culinary experience like no other. A hop, skip, and jump away from the Archeological Zone, this restaurant and bar is a refreshing change from the flashy hotel zone.
With only a few seats available, Onyx is the ideal place for an intimate dining experience that is very calm and cool, matching the outdoor vibe. You must try their shrimp and fresh tempura tacos, and I promise you’ll do a happy dance.
Besides its delicious menu offerings, Onyx is known for its charming atmosphere, friendly staff, and creative cocktails that tick your tastebuds with every sip.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or carnivore; there’s something on the menu for everyone. Make a reservation before you go, as their seats tend to fill quickly.
6. El Asadero
Location: Av. Satelite Nte. Mz 23 Lt.5 entre Sagitario y, Calle 2 Ote
This place can be considered a symphony of flavors serenaded by street music and tantalizing aromas. El Asadero is where culinary dreams come true.
Get your tastebuds ready for a journey of epic levels with their mouthwatering tacos featuring succulent meats like top sirloin, arrachera (steak), chorizo (sausage), and chicken topped with grilled jalapenos for that extra kick.
But that’s not it. Things don’t stop at just tacos over here. You’ll even indulge in their exquisite selection of wines and margaritas to elevate your dining experience. This Argentine steakhouse is a beacon of gastronomical excellence in Tulum.
Tucked away on a charming street in the downtown area, this place even lets you feast your eyes on as they cook up a storm right in front of you. Surprisingly, their actual claim to fame is not tacos but burgers.
Pro tip: Parking is a breeze here thanks to the street parking, which is truly rare in Tulum.
7. Mezzanine Thai Restaurant & Bar
Location: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 4.4, Hotel Zone
Step into the iconic Mezzanine, where panoramic views of Tulum Beach and chill house beats are just a bonus for being at the restaurant. Having been around for 19 years, this Thai restaurant has been wowing the taste buds of its patrons with authentic flavors crafted by Chef Garn Surasak.
Its menu draws inspiration from the shared latitude between Thailand and Mexico, offering dishes made using housemade coconut milk and local ingredients. From fragrant curries to fresh ceviche, every bite culminates the two cultures. You must try their battered avocado, fish and cabbage, and flank steak tacos to understand their concept.
But there’s more! You can start your day with a healthy breakfast of acai bowls and fresh juices. As the sun sets, Mezzanine starts serving its beach menu, which is all about tropical delights like guacamole and ceviches.
So whether it’s Thai cuisine or beachside delights, Mezzanine has it all and then some.
8. El Camello Jr.
Location: Carretera Chetumal-Cancun
Prepare for a happy dance at El Camello Jr, where seafood dreams come true in a picture-perfect open-air setting. This Tulum gem boasts generous portions (I mean huge), a chilled-out ambiance, and a welcoming staff that elevates your dining experience.
You must try their grilled octopus, mouth-melting shrimp tacos, zesty fish dip, and some of the freshest ceviche Tulum offers. And to top that? All the dishes come with generous servings of rice, beans, and plantains. Then wash it with their signature cocktails, ice-cold micheladas, or popping agua frescas with natural fruit flavors.
The place is relatively easy to find if you follow the directions on Google Maps. And remember their neighboring restaurant, Los Aguachiles, another famous place for seafood delights. So you can taste-test a taco from both places and settle for the one you like best. But you should definitely take advantage of El Camello Jr.
9. Fit-a-licious
Location: Andador Paseo Zama MZ 26 LT 166
This is where healthy eating meets delicious dining in the heart of Tulum. This place specifically caters to health-conscious individuals and foodies alike. They’re all about serving nourishing and flavorful meals that’ll make your tastebuds dance a little happy.
From tuna tacos, and vibrant salads packed with veggies to protein-rich bowls and drool-worthy plant-based options, they have something for everyone, catering to a diverse taste bud. Every dish is perfectly crafted to make a balanced and nutrient-rich experience, using extra fresh and local ingredients to ensure sustainability.
Whether you’re a vegan, fitness guru, or just looking for good food, Fit-a-Licious has covered you. Prepare yourself for a guilt-free meal with all the taste and yumminess.
10. Pepe’s Best Tacos Tulum
Location: Calle 7 sur con
Gear up for a taco extravaganza at Pepe’s Best Tacos in Tulum, where flavors and fun collide. This is a vibrant food truck, a brainchild of none other than Pepe himself – a taco genius with a side of humor.
Prepare your taste buds for a fiesta of flavors that are the talk of the town with authentic chicken and mixed meat tacos. And don’t forget the homemade salsa bar that’ll elevate your taco experience to the next level.
But that’s not where the goodness stops; these mouthwatering tacos are inexpensive, so feel free to indulge in every delicious option on the menu. And the best way to wash it all down is with a frosty glass of nutty horchata (sweet cinnamon rice drink), straight from Mexico’s flavor playbook.
Join this taco party in the Veleta area at 7 pm, where Pepe and his team serve up tacos with a side of personality. It’s not just a regular meal; it’s a magical experience with abundant good food.
11. Restaurante Estrada
Location: Calle Gama Oriente y C. Asteroide
Nestled in Tulum’s heart, along the Rivera Maya, Restaurante Estrada is a hidden gem for foodies who are looking for a fine dining experience without burning a hole in their pocket. With cozy interiors and an intimate setting, it’s a perfect venue for date night or catching up with friends.
The brainchild of Chef Alejandro Estrada, an icon in the culinary universe, their whole menu is all about fresh, local ingredients paired with innovative flavors. From lobsters to red snapper, and octopus, you can also choose your day’s catch and prepare for a seafood extravaganza.
Indulge in must-try dishes like seafood tacos, garlic grilled octopus, and fried red snapper, all bursting with flavor. And remember to order a shrimp cocktail and mixed ceviche.
Pair these dishes with drinks, from crisp white wine to a passion fruit mojito, for the ultimate dining experience. Try and snag an outdoor seat for the ultimate Tulum experience.
12. El Carboncito
Location: Av. Tulum 7, Tulum Centro
It has to be great if the locals are willing to line up for something. So get ready to queue up with locals at El Carboncito, where the secret to their success sizzles on the grill.
This place truly lives up to the hype of being one of the best local tacos, by cooking up mouth-melting treats over charcoal for the flavor riot. Each taco is made using fresh and local ingredients and loaded with generous portions of meat that’ll have you coming back for more.
Experience Tulum’s best cheap eats with their mouthwatering tacos el pastor and indulgent queso fundido (cheese dip) – it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. Then, sink your taste buds in chorizo and beef tacos paired with a glass of sweet jamaica (hibiscus tea) or chilled horchata (sweet cinnamon rice drink).
Be prepared to wait a little as the seating is always full, and orders constantly flow. To save yourself hassle, remember that they only accept cash for payment.
13. Fresco’s
Location: Tulum Beach, Hotel Zone
Fresco’s is where freshness meets flavor in every bite. Suppose you’re sick of having heavy and fatty meals. In that case, this is where you’ll find a rich-tasting menu bustling with healthy delights – from scrumptious breakfasts to homemade bread to lip-smacking ceviches and mouthwatering smoothies.
But what makes them different from all the other places that claim to have the same food? They make everything with only the freshest ingredients from local sources, ensuring every dish is a culinary masterpiece.
And top it all – if you’re staying at the Cabana Hotel, lucky you! Breakfast is included to start your day with their delectable delights. Picture this: you get seated at Fresco’s, place your order, and while you wait for it to come, you’ll be served complimentary bread infused with dates, coconut, and nuts, along with some house-made jam and peanut butter.
Remember to order their tuna tacos; they’re life-changing. And if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of yummy options, too!
14. Tacos y Tortas El Tío
Location: Tulum Centro, Col Huracanes
Craving flavor-packed tacos that scream local? Look no further than Tacos y Tortas El Tio; it is the ultimate budget-friendly spot. Located in downtown Tulum Centro, this place is a paradise for your tastebuds.
Get ready to have your mind blown at mind-blowingly low prices and a delicious menu. You can be hooked at the first bite, from juicy roasted pork to savory chorizo and tender hanger steak.
Want to try something a little different? Dive into a torta, a Mexican sandwich straight out of your dreams. And don’t forget to pair these culinary delights with a crisp, cold beer.
Seating may be limited here, but even if you’re curbside, it’s worth it for the delicious, authentic street food served here. They have only 5 seats, so it’s best to get your order to go. El Tio parks in front of the Oxxo Convenience Store and is open on nights, weekends, and the occasional weekday too!
15. Burrito Amor
Location: Av. Tulum Mz 05-Lote 03, Tulum Centro
To tantalize your tastebuds with the taste of paradise, Burrito Amor is where you should go. This is where flavors, affordability, and beach vibes conspire to make the perfect dining experience. Known as one of Tulum’s high-rated spots, they serve up sublime dishes with a chilled-out atmosphere that’s pure bliss.
Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like yummy fish tacos, hearty burritos (served in banana leaves for that extra oomph), and a huge range of meats, seafood, and vegan options.
But wait! There’s more! From salads and pizzas, Burrito Amor offers many food options, even for those who don’t want to have tacos or burritos.
So next time you’re in the mood for a steak burrito bowl, a refreshing chicken carrot coconut almond salad, or simply craving the best lunch in the town of Tulum, this is the place to be. This place is liked by visitors and locals alike.
16. Tacon’Madre Jr.
Location: Calle Beta Nte. 736, Tulum Centro
Get ready to have your taste buds blown away at Tacon’Marfe Jr. – where tacos reach a new height of taste and deliciousness. Led by a taco maestro, Tania, this pace is immaculately clean, and each bite here is a taste of perfection.
Prepare for an explosion of flavors where each bite is perfectly crafted with the right amount of seasoning, grilled pork, and chorizo tacos, bursting with love and freshness in every bite. And if you’re a vegetarian, you need not worry, there are mouthwatering options for you, too!
From meat lovers, pescetarians, and vegans alike, Tacon’madre caters to all tastes with dishes crafted with passion and local ingredients, including the freshest seafood available on the coast.
This place ranks high on the top dinner spots for budget-conscious foodies and a culinary adventure that’ll keep you returning to Tulum.
17. La Negra Tomasa
Location: Andromeda Ote 14, Tulum Centro
Get ready to step into one of Tulum’s hottest cevicheria, inspired by the legendary song by Cuban composer Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe, and immortalized by Mexican rockers Caifanes in ‘89. This mod Sinaloan spot is where cumbia meets rock and roll.
Under a cool corrugated steel roof and vibrant salmon umbrellas, dive into the Torresona – a seafood tower extravaganza featuring a medley of cooked and raw shrimp, octopus, tuna, and mahi mahi, crowned with layers of fresh avocado slices, purple onions, and cucumbers drenched in zesty lemon juice and salsa negra.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. You also get to indulge in fiery agua chiles, Sinaloa seafood tacos, and seafood tostadas, like a gobernador with gooey Gouda and grilled shrimp. Then wash it down with cold brews and fun cocktails like an old-fashioned or espresso martini.
So, if you’re looking for laidback vibes and mouthwatering dishes, this spot is a must-visit spot in Tulum. And don’t miss out on their Taco Frito de Atun – they’re a real game changer.
18. Papaya Playa Project
Location: Tulum Beach
Looking for luxury with a side of tacos? Swing by the beach club at the Papaya Playa Project, where tacos get a haute couture makeover.
With chef and culinary wizard, Edher Cervantes bringing his A-game to the table, he crafts tacos that redefine gourmet indulgence. You’ll find culinary gems like beer-battered tempura shrimp and soft-shell crabs, all tacos are like flavor explosions like no other—and even innovative options like sushi rice tacos in jicama tortillas that are so divine.
The prices are also a tad fancy, but trust me; the experience will be worth every penny spent. Get ready to savor these complex flavors and textures of Tulum’s street food with a high-end twist.
But the Papaya Playa Project is not just a restaurant; it is also a beach club, eco-chic hotel, and party center with monthly bashes featuring top DJs from all over the world. So you’ll probably come for the tacos and stay for the vibes – this is the perfect place where street meets class.
FAQs
How Much Are Street Tacos in Tulum?
Ans: If you’re visiting one of the late-night street places, most tacos will cost you about $1 or approximately 17 MXN, making it the best cheap street food in Mexico.
What Tacos is Tulum Known For?
Ans: Tulum is mostly known for its taco varieties like pulled pork, de asador (grilled steak), tacos el pastor (marinated pork), and Pescado (grilled or fried fish). But you’ll be able to find all popular Mexican varieties in Tulum.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve embarked on this journey through Tulum’s tantalizing taco landscape, it is pretty evident that this Mexican gem is truly a taco haven. Whether looking for chic, upscale taco places or $1 taco street stands, this place has it all.
Whether you’re craving classic al pastor or adventurous fresh seafood creations, the flavors of Tulum’s tacos will always have you coming back for more. So, the next time you’re in this tropical paradise, be sure to embark on your own taco hunt and discover what the hype is all about.