El Cayuco Tulum — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

There are few places that achieve a 5 star AVERAGE review rating when you have 300+ reviews. Most of the time they use fake reviews to achieve this. El Cayuco does not and has earned EVERY star they have. This is easily a top 5 restaurant in Tulum and dare I say, a contender for a Michelin star.

I could not believe how delicious the meal we had here was. Starting off with drinks, I had an absolutely divine Pina Colada while my wife had a very nice Maracuya Mezcalita. We were then given free chips and salsa, which we promptly devoured. I love the green sauces of Tulum and this one was easily my favorite. The plantain salsa was also delicious and perfectly spicy. I do not like spicy foods that make no attempt to be flavorful. Their salsas tasted amazing while giving a proper kick.

For a starter we got the stuffed plantains with cheese mousse filling. OH MY GOD! This is a MUST HAVE here. It was so delectable and savory, yet sweet from the plantains. I couldn't get enough. And the bean and cheese covering just added the perfect moisture kick. It was like a wet burrito in plantain form.

My wife and I both got ceviche. I got the Sea Bass one and she got the green ceviche. The bass one was really interesting and incredible with crackers. It is slathered in mayo and gives this kind of midwestern slaw vibe, but with a Mexico kick with all the lime and fish. It's very unlike most ceviche, but I really enjoyed how thick it was. Nothing goes to waste and you can scoop it super easy. I would 200% order this again. I also couldn't finish it and we saved it for lunch the next day. It was just as good day 2 as it was fresh, so if you want something amazing to go, this is it.

My wife's ceviche I only took a bite of, but it was very much a classic flavor done extraordinarily well. Sharp lime tones and a heaping, heaping dose of shrimp and octopus. It all sat in like a half an inch of sauce, which allowed everything to continue soaking the juices perfectly. I didn't get to try hers the next day, but she said she liked it. Personally, I think my ceviche was better overall, but you'll enjoy either.

Lastly, service was impeccable. I get kind of irritated by service in Mexico. Too often do waiters just ignore you, even when it's not busy, for ages. This place was slammed, even having a single party of like 20 people, and yet we still got extremely personal service. The owner even came out multiple times to greet us and ask us how the food was.

This was a 5 star experience, through and through. Not a single complaint and with an extraordinarily unique menu full of delightful dishes and divine tastes, you will NOT be disappointed by coming here. The only disappointment you'll have is when it's over and...

We stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant that transported us straight to the vibrant flavors of Tabasco, Mexico. This hidden gem, owned by a true culinary maestro from Tabasco, was an unforgettable dining experience that left us raving about its remarkable dishes long after we left. Despite a seemingly upscale menu, the immense portions made every peso spent entirely worthwhile.

As we settled into the cozy ambiance, the aroma of authentic Mexican spices filled the air, teasing our taste buds with the promise of a memorable culinary journey. The menu boasted an array of tantalizing choices, all meticulously crafted to celebrate the spirit of Tabasco's rich gastronomy. One dish that stood out like a shining star was the octopus tacos - a true testament to the culinary genius of the owner. The tender octopus was skillfully seasoned and encased in warm tortillas that complemented the flavors perfectly. With a generous touch of spice, every bite was a burst of delightful textures and mouthwatering tastes.

The portions were beyond generous; we were in awe of the food on our plates. Despite our voracious appetites, we had to admit we couldn't finish it all. But what a delightful problem to have! The fact that the restaurant provided such hearty portions showed that they truly valued their customers and aimed to offer a memorable experience.

Meeting the owner, a passionate culinary virtuoso from Tabasco, made our visit special. Their warmth and hospitality knew no bounds as they talked to us, sharing stories behind the recipes and the essence of Tabasco's culinary traditions. Their passion for their craft was evident in every detail, adding an extra layer of authenticity and charm to our dining experience. While the rain outside might have been less than ideal for some, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us. The comforting ambiance of the restaurant cocooned us from the elements, and the sumptuous dishes on our table made the journey in the rain more than worthwhile.

In conclusion, this Mexican restaurant in Tulum, bringing the flavors of Tabasco to the table, undoubtedly deserves every bit of its five-star rating. From the incredible fish tacos to the immense portions and the gracious owner, it's a dining experience that remains etched...

Impeccable Seafood and Thoughtful Hospitality

This seafood spot in Tulum is easy to miss—hidden behind an unassuming facade that we almost walked right by. But stepping inside felt like finding a secret worth sharing. The open-air setting was comfortable and relaxed, with a beachy, casual vibe. It wasn’t overly polished or trying too hard. It was the kind of place where you could settle in for good food and easy conversation.

The service stood out right away. The owner, Marian, was present, attentive, and genuinely interested in making sure our group had a great experience. She took the time to ask about our preferences and dietary restrictions, walking us through the menu and offering thoughtful suggestions. Instead of pushing us to order more, she encouraged us to start with less, reassuring us we could always add on. We ended up doing exactly that. Her approach made the meal feel relaxed and personal; Marian is charismatic, engaging, and fun to chat with between dishes.

The food was just as impressive. Each dish was plated beautifully and felt approachable. The octopus was a highlight—perfectly tender, with one friend calling it “a revelation”; I said it was “the most tender octopus I’ve ever had.” The sea bass tacos were fresh and flavorful, the shrimp was cooked just right, and the ceviche cayuco stood out for its balance of textures and acidity. Every dish hit the spot, which is rare to find; nothing was overpowering or too rich—just clean, balanced flavors.

The experience went even further with the owner’s personal touch. She shared the inspiration behind each dish, her vision for the space, and how the menu reflects regional specialties of Mexico while staying anchored in Yucatecan ingredients and flavors. The conversation added depth to the experience, making it feel less like dining out and more like being part of a story.

This is the kind of place you hope to stumble upon while traveling—a hidden gem that feels like a real find. If you’re in Tulum, it’s worth...