La Zebra Restaurant — Restaurant in Tulum

Our family of four, including kids ages 2 and 9, went for lunch, drinks, and beach. Based on our research and friend's experience, we knew going on that using the beach may use some negotiation if it's busy. Also, typically, if you act with confidence and act like you should be somewhere knowing you shouldn't, people don't confront you. So with that, here's our experience:

The food was good, the kids liked the playground, and the vibe was chill. The cocktails and margaritas were also good. Parking was easy and free if you eat at the restaurant. It's just past the restaurant entrance to the right. The hotel lobby said they were just told they were full but that we could still go to the restaurant and ask. Seems reasonable given we arrived around 1pm.

We asked the restaurant host if we could eat lunch order drinks and use the beach and he said yes no problem and sat us at a table on the deck outside. Lunch and drinks came and went just fine and the kids played in the sand and playground for a bit during. Once we got ready to settle the bill, we asked if we could walk down to the water and use the beach. This is when things got a bit strange. The manager stopped by, and while friendly, told us that the beach was closed (for our access through them) because it was full and they only had one chair left. However, the chair would require us to spend a minimum of 1300 pesos per adult, or 2600 pesos for our family of four. Well this was interesting given that we already spent 2800 pesos, before the tip, at our table. Thus, after a bit of back and forth and neither of us willing to budge, our family decided to just walk down to the beach anyway since the beach by the water is a public space. Ultimately we were able to use the beach and my wife "snuck" back in to order a couple drinks for us to drink on the beach. No problem. After a couple hours we wrapped up and went back on the property to rinse off on the outdoor shower near the bathrooms. My wife and our oldest made it in just fine but I and our youngest were stopped by security/man who asked where we were staying but I kindly told him we ate at the restaurant and paid the minimum and showed the receipt. He looked at the receipt and said okay. You'll also need the receipt to show the parking attendant to leave parking for free.

So we ultimately did what we originally set out to do even if it was a bit of an annoyance and hassle. Also, while we were using the beach, a party of four adults showed up off the beach to use the chairs and they were told a minimum of 300 pesos per adult :) a big difference no?

Do I recommend the restaurant and amenities if you have kids? Absolutely. Do I recommend listening to their rules/requirements 100%? Not really. Just know you may need to bend them a bit to make it...

La Zebra Restaurant experience is unique in so many ways. Tulum is a magical place where you instantly feel at ease. The restaurant overlooks the ocean, where you can see and hear the picturesque setting. Stress drifts away, and the scene is set with the floor manager Jairo. He and his team make sure you have everything you need while dining - whether on the beach, in the restaurant, or the comfort of your room if staying on-site.

This restaurant blends delicious food and an incredible atmosphere while welcoming couples and families alike - for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Our 7-year-old feels right at home here. The waiters, managers, and bartenders are so friendly. The staff is a team, and it feels like family. We have stayed with the hotel 3 times, and it is obvious that people are passionate about working here. From Guti, Mario, Jonathan, and German (to name a few), they truly cater to your every need.

Twice, we have done an amazing cooking class - the Salsa and Tortilla class - where you get to literally make your own salsa, tortillas, and even juice the sugar cane for mojitos with Sous Chef Jacob. He is so friendly and knowledgeable- it's neat to learn the history of Mexican food and a fun way to get the kids engaged in a family activity. Bonus - eating the to-die-for tacos when you are done!

Everything here is scratch-made, and you can tell. Each ingredient is hand-chosen .. the flavor unparalleled. Our son asks to come back here specifically for the food and the experience with the team. He feels comfortable, and we are happy he wants to eat such healthy, delicious food (without complaints!).

La Zebra is a must-visit for your time in Tulum. The interactive cooking class is a fun, relaxing family activity.

Highly...

100% recommended : in short, laid-back atmosphere with upscale service & settings, good food, good cocktail, great service & decent prices ! More details below.

We went there 2 nights in a row, each time on a table facing the beach (really nice views, and good breeze). 1st time we only went for drinks : they have good cocktails, and very decently price for Tulum. We decided to go back for drinks & dinner the 2nd night, not knowing it was the "all you can eat taco night" on Thursdays. Good thing we could order tacos by the piece (though it's a tad expensive) because we're not big eaters so the all you can eat price was not worth it for us. Tacos options were varied, from differents regions of Mexico, and it was good. Good surprise : there was a concert (great group with multi-instrumentalists musicions, playing salsa, cumbia & mexicain classics) and also a lucha-libre type animation (more aimed at family with kids).

They have free parking with security just in front.

Didn't have the time to try their beach club, but honestly it looked less expensive & better value for money than other options in the area : around 80$ USD (as of march 2024) in food/drink order value, for the full day, which is a little more than 3 cocktails.

If you want a calm, chill place, with good food and cocktails & laid-back atmosphere, that's the place to go, and overall very good value for money for Tulum (which we found very over-priced overall). This place saved our 2 nights in...