The Best Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants in Tulum, Mexico

Located on the Tulum beach road in a lush jungle setting with palm trees and tropical plants, Tunich offers a choice of foreign and locally inspired breakfast and brunch treats. Choose from Western favorites such as bagels loaded with eggs and bacon as well as popular Mexican dishes that include chilaquiles – fresh tortilla chips topped with egg, cheese, onions and cilantro covered in a choice of a mild red or spicy green sauce. For the health conscious, there’s the vitamin-filled fruit bowls, smoothies and juices. Those looking to start the day with a kick can have one of Tunich’s brunch cocktails.

On the menu at this well-established Italian café is a selection of light breakfast bites that include croissants, baked goods and fresh bread that come with a choice of jam, honey or peanut butter. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, the centrally located PaQuino specializes in paninis. There are more than a dozen to choose from. Options include combos like Parma ham, brie cheese, grilled zucchini and mayo, and veggie fillings such as mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula and almond-and-basil pesto.

Set inside a cute bamboo-clad cabin with a thatched roof, Cafetería Hunab Ku can be found on a tranquil back street not far from Tulum’s center. It’s a popular choice for those looking for chilled vibes and good food at reasonable prices. The continental breakfast comes with an Americano coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and either a ham and cheese croissant or a salad and fresh bread of the day. For an energetic boost, try the Tulum frappé – homemade coconut ice cream with a shot of espresso.

Sit outside under a wooden palapa surrounded by verdant jungle at this restaurant located on the Tulum beach road. Enjoy a healthy breakfast of oats with fruit and spice, avocado on toast and smoothies. Try the ciabatta with basil butter, fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato, organic arugula, Iberian serrano ham and chile oil, or salmon on toast topped with cream cheese, parsley, capers and serrano chile. Fresco’s also has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, such as the matchia pudding made with chia seeds, matcha, homemade oat milk and kiwi fruit.

The stylish DelCielo draws a young hip crowd looking for the perfect brunch spot to while away the morning with friends or a good book. The restaurant DelCielo offers a friendly, efficient service, with well-presented food and good strong coffee. The menu includes egg combos, fruit bowls, pastries, sandwiches and breakfast combos that come with orange juice, fruit and coffee. Filled with spinach, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese and a tomato salsa, the omelette is a must.

With a successful restaurant of the same name in Playa del Carmen, Luca y Lara’s owners have now branched out into Tulum. A chic modern eatery with helpful staff, Luca y Lara offers an international menu with a European influence. Everything from the crispy hot waffles loaded with fruit and cream to the perfectly poached eggs in a rich Hollandaise sauce is cooked with care. Breakfast and brunch dishes come with complimentary granola and artisanal yogurt. We recommend this one highly.

Located in a tranquil courtyard – a little oasis of trees and greenery – Lou Café is run by warm and welcoming couple named Paola and David. With a passion for hospitality, the couple take care of their customers by providing outstanding food and service. Start the day with delights such as homemade sourdough bread covered with avocado, heirloom tomato, pumpkin seeds and egg. Those wanting something sweet should try the oatmeal pancakes, which come with bitter orange, blueberries and honey.

For a beachside breakfast followed by a dip in the sea, or a morning soaking up the sun, head to Ziggy’s Beach Club. Offerings include a range of solid Mexican plates like huevos divorciados – two eggs served a red and green salsa separated by tortilla chips – and huevos motuleños – a Yucatecan dish made with eggs, tortillas, black beans and cheese. To put a kick in your step, try Ziggy’s wake-up smoothie – a nutritious mix of dates, plantain, soy milk, coffee beans, cacao and honey.

This tranquil space set in a verdant garden café can be found on a back street just a block away from Tulum’s busy center. Botanica serves up delectable dishes at very reasonable prices. On the menu is the botanical fruit bowl – grape, peach, pear and papaya mixed with homemade granola, natural yogurt and mango cinnamon – and pita with eggplant and a choice of three cheeses. Botanica also offers tartines – such as the salmon cured in salt and coriander seed with dill spread and a confit of cherry tomatoes – which come served on top of sunflower seed bread.

Learning to cook from Italian masters and his Egyptian grandmother, chef Idan Lifshitz artfully fuses Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors in his dishes. Loco Tulum’s menu includes the mimosa breakfasts like the American omelette with mushrooms, onion, tomato, cheese and basil, which is accompanied by a salad, tahini dip, bread and, of course, a mimosa. For a traditional Middle Eastern breakfast dish, try the shakshuka – two poached eggs in a fresh tomato sauce which come with bread and tahini.