Gitano Jungle Tulum — Restaurant in Tulum

Is the hype worth it... Gitano is known for it's parties on Friday nights. But when you factor in every penny pinching process its really hard to like this place. So a group of us, six to be exact, went out for dinner. We made reservations and arrived on time (you have a 15min grace period to make your reservation). When we got there, 7:30pm, they sat us at a table that was less than desirable. It was located in the front of a speaker and the trees were blocking some of the spots to sit comfortably. At the time it wasn't packed so I asked if we could be moved to the table next to ours that wasn't occupied... That within itself was a process. 30min later we were told no and that we could upgrade to a table closer to the DJ for 4k mxn a person (235 USD give or take). I, for one, didn't feel like dropping 200+ dollars on dinner before the night began. We stayed at our table and made it work. The internet never worked while we were there, drinks were weak but expensive. The food was good but no where near worth the price. They charge you to use your card when paying and automatically charge 18% for a tip. Now I'm fine paying for tip, as it's common in America but 18% in Mexico and when service isn't up to par is ridiculous. Let alone a service fee of 25 dollars to use a card... Really!? Who is caring and 10-20k mxn in cash? No one. Music was good but extremely loud while eating. One of the people at the table asked to get change to tip the magician (yes there was a magician and he was talented). They told him no they wouldn't give him change. All in all a...

One of Tulum's trendiest spots, reservation is a must—it's a hotspot that's perpetually buzzing. While my reviews typically focus on food, the signature drink here, "Kisses in the Car," is a mezcal lover's dream. Crafted with mezcal, rum, passion fruit, orange, and habanero, this concoction is a flavor explosion worth experiencing. Now, onto the main event—the food. If I were to endorse just one dish from their extensive menu, it'd undoubtedly be the Beef Birria, slow-roasted for a whopping 12 hours. Served with condiments, corn tortillas, and that famous birria broth, it's a true delight. However, the slight letdown was the small portion of beef served in a big clay pot. Additionally, the roasted cauliflower was a pleasant surprise, perfectly complemented by the side dish of mushrooms al ajillo. However, I must note that the service, unfortunately, didn't match the excellence of the food. Our waiter's overly friendly demeanor felt a bit intrusive, introducing himself and asking for our names as soon as we sat down, which felt somewhat off for an establishment of this caliber. Furthermore, their persistent upselling approach wasn't subtle, aiming to encourage us to order more than we could consume. In summary, Gitano's food exceeded expectations, but so did the bill, unfortunately. While the culinary experience was exceptional, the service and somewhat aggressive upselling tactics left a slightly...

Gitano truly rekindled my sense of aliveness. It felt as though I had been invited to a celebration in a lush, magical forest. Words truly fall short when it comes to describing the design and atmosphere Gitano is nothing short of exceptional.

The space is filled with vitality, joy, and natural beauty. The abundance of plants, the charming clay pots that radiate warmth, the green foliage cascading throughout the space even the leaf murals on the walls all came together in perfect harmony. The wooden tables were elegant, and the chairs delicately crafted, all designed with remarkable attention to detail.

The entire environment exuded warmth and creativity. The music, the dancing, the energy of the staff all of it felt vibrant and alive. Every team member was kind, welcoming, and genuinely enthusiastic. A special mention goes to the incredibly charismatic bartender, whose beautiful tattoos and gracious demeanour added even more charm to the evening.

The churros were delightfully crisp, and the tuna tostada was simply outstanding. While I personally don’t drink cocktails, my friends were genuinely impressed by the beverages.

I sincerely hope to return to this beautiful, soul-refreshing place in my future travels, and once again experience its magical hospitality.

With deepest appreciation and warm...