I have been to Jungle Fish twice. First experience was in 2019 and I was thoroughly impressed. The service was excellent, the staff was inviting and friendly, food and drinks were excellent and atmosphere relaxed and laid back. I had discovered a gem. Now jump forward to present (2025) and immediately as I walked into Jungle Fish with my husband and friend, the staff barely welcomed us. They immediately told us we couldn't sit in the restaurant (never got the reason why; we were the only ones there). We were ushered out back next to the pool to a table that was half in sun, half shade so pretty warm and we had to play a bit of switching seats to find a comfortable spot. Almost immediately a group of 8 people were seated next to us and they became the waiter's priority. Our waiter spoke little English and seemed put off by our presence there. He never smiled and didn't speak much or come around often. We ordered drinks that we had to wait 10 minutes for, which were very watered down. My favorite food is seafood and due to the huge amount of five star reviews I had read about previous to our arrival, I ordered garlic shrimp -- which shockingly, took quite a while to come to the table and was extremely overcooked like flavorless rubber. I ended up sending it back after two bites - something I never do! However my friend and my husband enjoyed their meals of octopus (which was good) and the fish of the day which my husband enjoyed. They would have been completely done with their meals if I had ordered something else and I didn't want them to wait for me, so I didn't order a lunch. I just ordered a drink, a different one this time (again it was weak and watered down). To the staff's credit, they didn't charge me for the shrimp meal, but the final bill was expensive --- no discount even though I own a condo in the area, and all of our drinks seemed impotent and I left hungry. All in all, we were not that impressed. I doubt...
Read moreI was about to give this place a great review until I got my bill. Tried to overcharge me on non alcoholic drinks and did a switch a roo on my entree. I ordered a traditional fish dish Tikin-Xic for 300 pesos and the waiter asked if fresh sea bass was ok without mentioning any change in price. I of course said that is fine. They charged me 450 pesos. I asked the waiter and he told me I ordered the fresh fish that cost 450 pesos . I asked him isn't all your seafood fresh or do you you serve no fresh fish. The fish I ordered was clearly stated 300 pesos but the manager in the end did not honor the price. I thought this would be a regular place to go since I live here but as so many untrained people in the service industry do 150 pesos was more important than trying to obtain a regular paying customer.
I was charged 90 pesos for a nonalcoholic limonada when the price says 50 pesos but he claimed since I added a few mint leaves they charged me more. Not sure if I had stupid tourist written on my face but they at least removed this from the bill. As a big tipper here and the manager not recognizing their error, the correction of 150 pesos was taken from my usual 20-25% tip. I will not return here and will stick to the " La Barracuda" in downtown Tulum for this fish dish at 200 pesos or 260 for the barracuda Tikin-Xic speciality and is always served fresh.
Also note that the beach is quite bad here so swimming can be quite difficult with all the rocks you have to walk over so bring...
Read moreTitle: A Hidden Gem by the Shore: Jungle Fish Beach Club
Review:
If you find yourself near the beach and in search of a unique dining experience, the Jungle Fish Beach Club is a must-visit spot. Nestled away from the usual tourist hustle, this small restaurant offers a refreshing escape into tranquility.
The first thing you'll notice at Jungle Fish Beach Club is the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. They make you feel welcome right from the moment you step in, adding a personal touch to the entire experience.
As for the food, it's quite enjoyable. While it may not reach the heights of culinary excellence, it certainly is satisfying and worth trying. The menu offers enough variety to have a pleasant meal by the beach.
What really sets this place apart is its relaxed atmosphere, perfect for sipping a cold beer or a cocktail. It's the kind of off-the-beaten-path spot where you can unwind, away from the crowded tourist areas.
In conclusion, Jungle Fish Beach Club is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience in itself. For those in the area, I highly recommend dropping by for a meal or just to enjoy a drink in a serene beachside setting. It's definitely worth the visit for a taste of...
Read more