MEZE Tulum — Restaurant in Tulum

Our friends were supposed to hold their wedding reception at Gitano in a private area, but due to complications with the venue were moved to Meze within days. We were more than willing to adapt, but our bad experience began right from the start. Upon entering, we were shaken down by the bouncers. Cash stolen, searched extensively. (Open your wallet, empty your pockets, open your makeup compacts) After your money has been stolen, it’s tough to want to spend $18 a drink. But it’s our friend’s wedding, so we do. We are served apps and drinks in a public area (not private as our friends has booked- that’s their beef, not ours, I digress…) and the food is mediocre. The waiters were absolutely fantastic. I have to say, some of the best in tulum. EXCELLENT SERVICE. But, unfortunately as I said, the experience at the door and outside of our table service was terrible.

After dinner, as the dance party at Meze gets going, it just gets creepier and creepier. Tables are crowded within the dance floor (felt bad for them), the crowd vibe is the kind that makes you want to be sure you have an eye on your drink every second for fear of getting roofied, the line for the bar (for your next $18 drink) is extensive, and if you need to go to the bathroom, be prepared to wait in line while being harassed to buy overpriced drugs- not my jam but I’m no fool- (perhaps the ones stolen from patrons on the line on the way in by the bouncers?)

Long story short, if you doing mind getting stolen from only to again pay high prices for mediocre food, wait in lines with possible predators and pay ridiculous prices for drinks- this is your place. The music was great, the waiters fantastic. But yuck. Much better places in...

This place is where you hang out if it’s not your first rodeo. Gitano will always be fun but if you’re looking for a hotter, slightly better dressed crowd, Meze is for you. The space itself is beautiful. We were there twice on our week long trip. The first time we were a little bit early and had a lovely drink at the beautiful little bar out front. Then we sat down to a truly fantastic meal for 6 people. The restaurant isn’t overcrowded, the inside is huge. The pulpo and the meatballs were my two favorite mains. Just go ahead and order all the meze’s. There really isn’t one worth skipping, they are all fantastic.

The second time we came was for New Year’s eve. The crowd was so good looking! And the food was so good! Alex the chef made this incredible suckling pig over a huge fire and it was life changing. Which is actually surprising, i wasn’t really expecting much from a New Years dinner. After dinner the DJ came on and we danced until... well, i really can’t remember when. Late. And it was lovely.

This spot is not to be missed! Make a rez in advance if you go during...

Ambience is very chic and festive with fun, and highly entertaining people watching, as people really dress up for dinner at this popping joint in Tulum garb. Our starters were delicious: greek salad and hummus but one of our main vegetarian Orzo dishes was strange tasting and the final bill was very expensive for what it was..$400 for two and we only ordered two alchoholic beverages. Way over our New York Restaurant prices, which left us scratching our heads.Plus, the otherwise darling Argentine waitress, when adding the 20 percent tip we agreed upon added an additional US$10 and when questioned said with a very charming smile, "It's just a little more" and then gave us the charge to sign. That has never happened to us before and we have eaten high/low in all kinds of places literally across the globe. That moment left a bad final taste in my mouth (which coupled with the hefty prices)brought down my rating to the three stars. Having said that, we will go back for drinks and appetizers. Plus, their desserts were top notch, especially the...