Mestixa Tulum — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

This place was highly recommended by a local friend - unfortunately we did not have a good experience. From being ignored during the booking process (called 5 times and my friend called 3 times, only to go to voicemail. Additionally messaged multiple times on whatsapp [the only way to book a reservation directly from their website] never hearing a response even though we could see they had been online) we decided to show up anyway in the off chance we could get on a list. Upon arrival, we discovered there were several tables available, yet were told we could only sit outside or they had one table inside with a “gap” (we only had 3 in our party) we decided to sit outside. We waited 15 minutes before we had to ask for a menu, once a menu was brought out(QR CODE) we were told they were out of several key menu items, including all wines, and all cocktails besides lychee and Paloma. Additionally, we were told there were no baos or cochinita dumplings. We looked over the menu and yet again had to flag someone down to take our drink and appetizer order. We asked for a sake sample, that we never received, along with our drink and appetizer orders. Yet again, we had to flag our waiter down to put our food order in (at this time we had yet to still receive our appetizers and it was past the 25 min mark). Once we put our entree order in, we patiently waited and 20 minutes later. we were told that 2/3 entrees were not available (at this point we had yet to receive our appetizers and it had been around an hour since we had been seated). We decided to ask for our check and speak to the manager. The person who came over was extremely dismissive and combative, stating they were only in charge of reservations. Which we then explained we had been attempting to make reservation all afternoon and had been ignored (no answer to this). We closed out our tab and went to have tacos from a street vendor for a 3rd of the price with much better customer service....

I am a foodie - so I was extremely excited to try this place. As a caveat- I have no issue spending money on food. I have dropped over $65US at Giraffe Tulum a few days ago and it was great. I have lived in different parts of Asia ( China, Korea, Japan) and different parts of South America ( Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil etc). So this place really was perfect for my eccentric tastes- or so I thought.

I ordered the soft shell bao. They were 2 tiny ones for $15US // 280 pesos. They were crispy crunchy, with good flavor but it got lost in the thick tasteless bao bun.

I was going to order another dish - but my drink was taken away and my check given to me.

After a beer and bao it was 320. I put 500 down and asked for change.

I was then scowled at and told that a tip is mandatory ?

I get that I did look like a hapless tourist with my flip flops and ponytail - but I have been in Tulum for months- so I am aware that tipping is needed by the waitstaff. I have worked in kitchens my entire life.

20% of 320 would be 64 pesos - which I had in change.

I needed the 500 broken since I was planning on grabbing fruit later at my favourite stand and they can’t break bills that big.

180 peso tip ($9) would be almost 40%!

It ended my meal on a very sour note. Many restaurants write the tip amount at the bottom of the tip for you - as a reminder - which I enjoy.

Mestixa wants to be something amazing - and they are almost there - just some tweaks and kinder staff and it would be not just a dinner but...

I can’t say enough great things, let me break it down a bit. First, concept: Mexican Asian. very well thought out and unique, combining locally sourced items with what I would imagine are hard to find Asian ingredients. They have a short simple menu, this is always a good thing if you’re looking for top tier food.

Second, execution: the kitchen is on point to say the least. Food always comes out perfectly cooked. Whether it be texture, salt, acid, sugar. They NAIL it. You hear them back there calling out orders and ready times. The chef has them working together very well.

3rd: waiters, waitresses and bar. All of them know what’s going into their product and they eat and drink it all the time. They can guide you in every way. Just talk with them. Drinks are incredibly well balanced and so tasty every time. Have a question about sake? they know the answer. Can’t say enough about Marcelo, this guy knows his stuff. … can probably help out with other local places as well ;-)

This place rocks, if James beard is paying attention, come eat here. If there isn’t a line out the door all the time I’d be surprised. The best in the area that I could find. An easy five stars. Can’t wait to travel back here and see what they’ve come...