El Bodegón — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

Sometimes, discovering a restaurant reshapes your entire perspective on food. El Bodegon is one of those rare, transformative experiences. During our week-long trip to Tulum, we couldn’t stay away—we dined here every day and managed to try every single dish on the menu.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Oysters and mussels this far from a major coastal city? Risky orders, I thought. But we took a chance, and wow, it was worth every bite. The oysters—Kumamotos, flown in fresh every Friday—were exceptional: plump, juicy, and impossibly fresh. These were some of the best oysters I’ve had in years. And the mussels? Immense, succulent, and bathed in a perfect white wine sauce. Over the course of a few days, we ended up ordering at least 100 oysters. Yes, they are that good.

And the surprises didn’t stop there. The pork belly was a revelation: tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The shrimp, impeccable. Every dish we tried embodied freshness and skill. And then there was the paella. Available only on Sundays, it was the best I’ve had since a memorable dinner almost a decade ago. In fact, we extended our stay in Tulum just to enjoy it one more time.

But El Bodegon isn’t just about the food—it’s an experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with an unmistakable sense of care and passion woven into every detail. The owners, Hunter and Julio, are the heart and soul of this place. Their deep love for food, travel, and especially seafood radiates in every conversation. They personally introduced us to each dish, shared stories about their suppliers, and even clinked shots with us. By the end of our trip, it felt like we’d found a home away from home.

And then there’s Tai, the bartender extraordinaire. Her charm and talent behind the bar are unmatched. She knows every classic cocktail—even the obscure ones—and crafts them with precision and love. Tai’s creations elevated each evening into something truly special.

El Bodegon is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of food, community, and passion. They even accommodated our gluten allergies with incredible care, proving their dedication to every guest’s experience. Oh, and their logo? A charming walking oyster—a perfect symbol for the personality and playfulness of this place.

If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, plan around El Bodegon. Stay close, make time for a Sunday paella, and be ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure. This isn’t just dining—it’s a...

5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

El Bodegon was an unforgettable experience from start to finish, all thanks to a recommendation from my sister, Tamiko. The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic—intimate yet vibrant, capturing the essence of Tulum. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the owner, Hunter, who made us feel like family. He even shared his story of how he ended up in Tulum, which added such a personal touch to the experience.

The service was top-notch, with every detail thoughtfully attended to. Hunter crafted a specialty cocktail for us, and it was hands-down one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. You can tell he’s passionate about what he does, and that energy fills the whole space.

If you’re looking for a spot with incredible drinks, great vibes, and exceptional hospitality, El Bodegon is a must-visit. 5...

I’ve lived in Tulum for 9 years. This little gem is a find. We sat at the bar and Checo the bartender took care of us, we were starving and he recommended the patatas bravas and the special of the day which was tuna ceviche like you have never had before. We were only two and would have ordered more options but these two dishes were out of this world. Delicious. He recomendado a white wine that we tested but my partner asked for the tinto de verano and we went for that instead. I rated the white wine and it was excellent. We followed with the recommended frozen cheesecake which had its own deli flair/cajeta and something else. We ate everything and left nothing. Had we been 4 we would have shared 4 Tapas. Highly recommend. Sit at the bar if you fancy that. We had a great time. Highly recommend. And I’ve been...