Finding delicious and affordable places to eat as a family can be a challenge, especially when you’re traveling. If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, Mexico, and wondering where to find the best cheap eats that everyone in the family will enjoy, you’re in the right place. While Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches and trendy spots, it also boasts a fantastic array of budget-friendly restaurants perfect for families. Forget about breaking the bank to feed your crew – Tulum has plenty of options that are both wallet-friendly and kid-approved. Let’s dive into some of the best cheap family restaurants in Tulum, ensuring your family vacation is packed with flavor without emptying your pockets.
Tulum Pueblo: Budget-Friendly Family Dining Hotspots
Tulum Pueblo, the town center, is where you’ll discover a treasure trove of affordable and authentic Mexican restaurants. These spots offer delicious food at prices that won’t make you gasp, perfect for feeding hungry families.
Taqueria Honorio
Assortment of tacos at Taqueria Honorio, a popular and cheap family restaurant in Tulum.
Taqueria Honorio is a must-visit for any family looking for authentic and cheap eats in Tulum. This taqueria is a local favorite, and for good reason. They specialize in pork dishes, particularly Cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted Yucatan pork that is incredibly flavorful and tender. Kids and adults alike will love the tacos, tortas (sandwiches), or quesadillas filled with this delicious pork. They also offer other options like turkey and vegetarian fillings, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, perfect for families with kids. Just be sure to arrive early as they are only open for breakfast and lunch, from 6:30 am to 3 pm. It’s an ideal spot for a hearty and affordable family meal to start your day or refuel after exploring Tulum.
Another angle of Taqueria Honorio's setup, highlighting the casual and accessible dining experience for families.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
Antojitos La Chiapaneca is another fantastic option for families seeking cheap and authentic tacos in Tulum. Known for their tacos al pastor, a flavorful marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, La Chiapaneca offers a truly local experience. The open kitchen allows you to see the chefs in action, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Families can choose from tacos, sopes (thicker tacos), or gringas (with cheese) and customize their toppings with chicken, al pastor, beef, or vegetables. A topping bar with sauces, onions, cilantro, and limes lets everyone personalize their meal to their taste. This spot is incredibly budget-friendly, making it perfect for larger families. While cheese is an option, consider skipping it on the tacos al pastor as it can become a bit stringy. Focus on the delicious, flavorful meat and fresh toppings for a truly satisfying and cheap family meal.
Another view of tacos being prepared at Antojitos La Chiapaneca, showcasing the bustling and authentic atmosphere.
Taqueria Maya
Don’t let the unassuming exterior of Taqueria Maya fool you – this is a hidden gem for families looking for delicious and cheap Mexican food in Tulum. Located on the north side of the main road in Tulum Pueblo, it’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth seeking out. Taqueria Maya offers a spacious interior and a welcoming, family-friendly service. Their menu features a variety of tacos and tortas, including Cochinita pibil and lechon (roast pork), as well as panuchos, a regional specialty of refried tortillas stuffed with black beans. The friendly and fast service makes it easy to dine with kids, and the diverse menu ensures everyone will find something they enjoy. It’s a great spot to experience authentic Yucatecan cuisine without spending a fortune, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
Interior of Taqueria Maya, showing the spacious and comfortable setting suitable for families dining on a budget.
Encanto Cantina
For a slightly more upscale but still family-friendly and reasonably priced option in Tulum Pueblo, consider Encanto Cantina. While it’s a bit chicer than the taquerias, Encanto Cantina maintains a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes families. They have a lovely backyard seating area, perfect for a relaxed family dinner. While known for their cocktails, they also offer a delicious menu with options that appeal to both adults and kids. Their taco selection includes unique options like a tuna ceviche taco, offering a twist on traditional flavors. They also serve classic Mexican dishes and breakfast options. While guacamole might be a bit pricey for a large family, consider sharing a portion as a starter. For breakfast, they offer smoothies, eggs, and healthier options like acai bowls, providing choices for different tastes and dietary needs within the family. Encanto Cantina strikes a good balance between ambiance and affordability, making it suitable for a family meal that feels a bit special without breaking the bank.
Breakfast dish at Encanto Cantina, showcasing the variety of family-friendly food options beyond just tacos.
El Capitan
Seafood lovers in the family will appreciate El Capitan, known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes at reasonable prices in Tulum Pueblo. This restaurant is a great option for families wanting to enjoy the flavors of the sea without overspending. Their fish tacos are a highlight, and the portions are generous – perfect for sharing. Start with a prawn ceviche tostada, which could be a meal in itself due to its size. The fish tacos come in sets of four and are quite large, featuring battered fish, guacamole, salsa, and limes. While the batter might be a bit heavy for some, the fish is juicy and the overall value is excellent. Despite being slightly pricier than basic taquerias, the portion sizes and quality of seafood at El Capitan make it a worthwhile and affordable family dining experience, especially if your family enjoys fish tacos and ceviche.
Shrimp ceviche tostada at El Capitan, highlighting the fresh seafood options available for a family meal.
Sabor de Mar
Exploring the north side of Tulum Pueblo will lead you to Sabor de Mar, a modern backyard restaurant with a relaxed and family-friendly vibe. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with big tables and benches perfect for families. Friendly service and refreshing margaritas add to the enjoyable dining experience. Sabor de Mar is known for its seafood, and their ceviche and prawn tacos are particularly popular and reasonably priced. Like El Capitan, the portions are generous, and the prices are fair for Tulum. The complimentary sauces and dips they bring to the table add extra flavor and variety to your meal. Consider ordering tostadas with ceviche or prawn tacos for a delicious and affordable family meal at Sabor de Mar. The laid-back atmosphere and tasty seafood make it a great choice for families dining in Tulum Pueblo.
Another seafood dish at Sabor de Mar, emphasizing the variety and appeal for families seeking affordable meals.
OLa Taco!
Ola Taco! is another excellent seafood taco option in Tulum Pueblo that’s perfect for families seeking casual and cheap eats. This spot is laid-back and welcoming, even if you happen to be the only customers, as mentioned in the original article, indicating a relaxed and unpretentious environment. They offer affordable guacamole and a variety of tostadas and tacos, including the unique smoked Marlin tostada. While they might not have a wide beer selection, they offer family-size bottles of beer at a reasonable price, which can be a budget-friendly option for adults. The casual atmosphere and tasty, affordable seafood make Ola Taco! a great choice for a relaxed family dinner in Tulum Pueblo. Plus, if you have kids who love animals, they might enjoy the local cat that frequents the restaurant!
Guacamole at Ola Taco!, highlighting the cheap and delicious appetizer option for families.
Campanella Cremerie
For a break from tacos or for a sweet treat, Campanella Cremerie is a delightful cafe in Tulum Pueblo that families will enjoy. While not strictly a restaurant, it offers affordable and kid-friendly options like sandwiches, waffles, and ice cream. Their tuna sandwich on focaccia is a good option for a light meal, and their ice cream is award-winning, making it a perfect dessert for the whole family. They also serve great coffee and offer takeaway options, which can be convenient for families on the go. Campanella Cremerie is a great place to stop for a casual and affordable snack or light meal in Tulum Pueblo, especially if you have kids with a sweet tooth.
Assortment of Mexican dishes, representative of the variety of family-friendly food available in Tulum, including tacos and ceviche.
BOTANICA Garden Cafe
Botanica Garden Cafe provides a lovely garden setting and non-Mexican breakfast and lunch options, which can be a welcome change for families seeking variety in Tulum Pueblo. Located a bit off the main strip, this cafe offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. They are known for their toast with various toppings, including chicken salad, smoked salmon, and roast beef. While it’s toast (one slice) and not a sandwich (two slices), it’s a satisfying and affordable option for breakfast or lunch. They also have gluten-free bread available, catering to dietary needs within the family. If your family is looking for something beyond Mexican food for breakfast or lunch in a pleasant setting, Botanica Garden Cafe is a good and reasonably priced choice.
Toast with toppings at BOTANICA Garden Cafe, showcasing the non-Mexican and affordable meal options for families.
Del Cielo
Del Cielo is a popular breakfast spot in Tulum Pueblo, offering both classic and Mexican breakfast dishes in a charming setting. With a lovely patio and indoor area, it’s a pleasant place to start your family’s day. They serve familiar breakfast favorites like Eggs Benedict and avocado toast, as well as Mexican options like Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles. While fresh juices can be a bit pricey, they offer a range of options to complement your breakfast. Del Cielo can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. It’s a great option for families seeking a more traditional breakfast experience with both international and local choices, though be mindful of the juice prices if you’re on a tight budget.
Patio seating at Del Cielo, depicting the charming and family-friendly breakfast spot in Tulum Pueblo.
El Camello
El Camello is another highly recommended seafood restaurant in Tulum Pueblo, known for its fresh and affordable seafood. Located next to a fish market, you can be assured of the freshness of the ingredients. Families can enjoy tacos, tostadas, and ceviches with various seafood options like fish, shrimp, and octopus, prepared grilled or battered. The fish tacos a la plancha (grilled) are particularly praised, and the mango margaritas are a refreshing addition for adults. El Camello offers delicious and simple seafood dishes at reasonable prices, making it a great choice for families who love seafood and are looking for a budget-friendly meal in Tulum Pueblo.
Fish tacos at El Camello, emphasizing the fresh and affordable seafood options for families in Tulum.
Los Aguachiles
Los Aguachiles is a favorite seafood restaurant in Tulum Pueblo, offering a wide variety of seafood dishes at prices that are accessible for families. They serve whole fish, grilled octopus, and a range of tacos and tostadas. Their tuna tostadas and fish and prawn tacos are highly recommended, as is the vegetarian cauliflower tempura taco, offering a vegetarian option for families with diverse needs. The dishes are flavorful, thanks to light tempura batter, delicious sauces, and scallion straws. They also have mezcal cocktails for adults. Los Aguachiles provides a diverse and tasty seafood menu at reasonable prices, making it a top choice for families dining in Tulum Pueblo.
Vegetarian cauliflower tempura taco at Los Aguachiles, highlighting the vegetarian options for families with dietary needs.
La Hoja Verde
For vegetarian and vegan families, La Hoja Verde is a great find in Tulum Pueblo. This restaurant offers both breakfast and lunch with a focus on vegan options. Their vegan Chilaquiles are a standout breakfast dish, and they are praised for their vegan tacos at lunch. They also have an extensive juice and smoothie menu, allowing for customization based on preferences. La Hoja Verde provides healthy and flavorful vegetarian and vegan meals at reasonable prices, making it an excellent option for families with specific dietary needs or preferences in Tulum Pueblo.
Vegan tacos at La Hoja Verde, highlighting the restaurant as a great choice for vegetarian and vegan families.
Wang
Wang offers a delightful change of pace from Mexican food, serving amazing Chinese dumplings and noodles at very affordable prices in Tulum Pueblo. This roadside spot has been transformed into a simple restaurant with authentic plastic stools and a small menu. The focus is on quality and value. Their cucumber salad is a refreshing starter, and the biang biang beef noodles are a highlight. They offer pork, vegetarian, and vegan dumplings that can be ordered as a plate or added to your noodle dish. Wang is a fantastic option for families looking for cheap, delicious, and different food in Tulum Pueblo. The casual and friendly atmosphere adds to its appeal.
Dumplings at Wang, highlighting the variety and affordability of Chinese cuisine for families in Tulum.
Casa Dumplings
Casa Dumplings is another great Chinese option in Tulum Pueblo, specializing in dumplings and other Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. This restaurant has a tiny but charming backyard and a cozy interior. They offer prawn, vegetarian, beef, and pork dumplings, steamed or fried, in sets of 6 or 12. They also have noodle and wonton soup, katsu chicken, and rice bowls. While perhaps not as highly praised as Wang by the original author, Casa Dumplings still provides tasty and affordable Chinese food, especially if your family enjoys dumplings. It’s a good alternative if you’re in the mood for Chinese food in Tulum Pueblo and want a family-friendly budget option.
Interior of Casa Dumplings, depicting the intimate and family-friendly dining space.
Burrito Amor
While Burrito Amor doesn’t serve tacos, it’s worth mentioning as a highly recommended and relatively affordable option in Tulum Pueblo, especially for families who enjoy burritos. They offer a variety of burritos, including many vegetarian options, wrapped in banana leaves. They also have fresh juices and a cool setup. Although the original author had mixed feelings about the taste, many others rave about Burrito Amor. If your family is in the mood for burritos and wants a slightly more trendy but still reasonably priced spot in Tulum Pueblo, Burrito Amor is worth checking out. It’s important to note it is not traditional cheap tacos, but it can still be a budget-friendly family meal, especially if you share burritos.
Burrito wrapped in banana leaf at Burrito Amor, highlighting the unique presentation and family-friendly meal option.
Tulum Beach: Family-Friendly Options (With a Beach Vibe)
Dining on Tulum Beach generally means higher prices, but there are still family-friendly options that won’t completely break the bank, especially if you are willing to share dishes or opt for lunch instead of dinner. While street food is less common here, you’ll find some more casual beach clubs and restaurants that offer relatively affordable meals with the added bonus of ocean views.
Papaya Playa Project
Papaya Playa Project (PPP) is a hip hotel and beach club in Tulum Beach, and while it’s on the pricier side, it can still be a family-friendly option for a special beach day. They often have a minimum consumption requirement, but during low season it can be manageable, and you can consider it as paying for beach access and amenities as well as your meal. They offer both a beach club menu and a restaurant menu with options like ceviches, tacos, tostadas, and salads. Portions are generous, so families can consider sharing dishes to manage costs. The fish ceviche and tuna tostada are recommended options. PPP provides a stylish beach experience with good food, and if you plan to spend a whole day at the beach, it can be a worthwhile splurge for a family beach day in Tulum.
Fish ceviche at Papaya Playa Project, highlighting the fresh seafood options available at this Tulum beach club restaurant.
Coco Tulum
Coco Tulum Beach Club is a more budget-friendly beach club option in Tulum Beach, making it a better choice for families watching their spending. They also have a minimum consumption, but it is typically lower than PPP. Coco Tulum offers a relaxed and casual beach atmosphere with good quality food. Their menu includes typical beach fare, and the portions are generous. The fish tacos are recommended and come with tasty salsas and guacamole. Sandwiches, like the deep-fried prawn sandwich, are also substantial and come with a side of potatoes. Coco Tulum provides a good balance of beach ambiance, food quality, and relative affordability on Tulum Beach, making it a solid choice for families. Interestingly, beer might be cheaper than water here, so consider that when ordering drinks.
Fish tacos at Coco Tulum, emphasizing the quality and value for families seeking beachside dining.
Ukami
Ukami offers a unique Japanese-Mexican fusion cuisine on Tulum Beach, which could be an interesting and family-friendly dining experience. While not strictly cheap, it can be a fun option for families looking for something different with a beach view. The menu features tostadas with Japanese flavors and sushi rolls with Mexican ingredients, like a California roll with grilled octopus and plantains or a tuna sashimi tostada. The fusion of flavors can be appealing to adventurous eaters in the family. Ukami is located on the beach and offers a stylish setting. Be aware of a potential service charge added to the bill. If your family is open to trying fusion cuisine and wants a beachside dining experience that is not the typical Tulum beach prices, Ukami could be a worthwhile option.
Tuna sashimi tostada at Ukami, highlighting the unique fusion dishes and beachside dining experience for families.
La Onda
La Onda, proclaiming to have the “best pizza on earth,” offers a more casual and relatively affordable dining option on Tulum Beach, especially if your family loves pizza. They have a 2-for-1 happy hour for Margarita pizza and cocktails, which can be a great deal for families. Pizzas are generously sized and come with various toppings, including seafood options. While still pricier than pizza elsewhere, it’s more affordable than many other Tulum Beach restaurants. La Onda provides a relaxed atmosphere and a family-friendly food option (pizza!) right on the beach. If you’re looking for a casual and relatively budget-friendly meal on Tulum Beach and pizza is a family favorite, La Onda is a good choice.
Another pizza option at La Onda, emphasizing the variety and family-friendly appeal of pizza on Tulum Beach.
Ziggy’s
Ziggy’s Beach Club is a lovely and somewhat unpretentious option on Tulum Beach, though it does have a minimum consumption. While it’s a splurge compared to Tulum Pueblo restaurants, it can be justified for a full day of beach enjoyment with family-friendly amenities and good service. The minimum consumption includes beach bed access, clean toilets, and attentive service. Their menu features tacos, guacamole, salads, and the recommended tuna ceviche nachos. Ziggy’s is a good option if you plan to spend the entire day at the beach and want a comfortable and well-serviced beach club experience with family-friendly food options, even if it’s not the cheapest option overall.
Tuna ceviche nachos at Ziggy's, highlighting the family-friendly food options available at this Tulum beach club.
Zebra
Zebra Beach Club is another well-known hotel/beach club on Tulum Beach and a more affordable option compared to some others, with a lower minimum consumption. It’s a good choice for families seeking a beach club experience without excessive costs. They offer lunch and a great cocktail menu. Zebra has a relaxed atmosphere and is a good place to enjoy the sunset after lunch. If you’re looking for a beach club experience that is somewhat more budget-friendly on Tulum Beach, Zebra is a solid option for families.
Beach beds and palm trees at Zebra Beach Club, depicting a more affordable beach club option for families in Tulum.
Tips for Dining in Tulum with Family on a Budget
- Eat in Tulum Pueblo: Restaurants in Tulum Pueblo are significantly cheaper than those on Tulum Beach. Focus your dining experiences here for budget-friendly meals.
- Look for Taquerias and Local Spots: Authentic taquerias and local restaurants offer the best value for money and are often the most delicious options.
- Share Dishes: Portion sizes in Tulum can be generous. Sharing dishes, especially appetizers or larger plates, can help reduce costs for families.
- Lunch Specials: Some restaurants offer lunch specials that are more affordable than dinner menus. Consider having your main meal at lunchtime.
- Cook Some Meals Yourself: If you have accommodation with a kitchen, consider cooking some simple meals yourself, especially breakfast or snacks.
- Drink Local Beers and Water: Imported drinks and sodas can be expensive. Opt for local beers and bottled water to save money.
- Eat Away from Tourist Zones: Restaurants slightly off the main tourist streets are often cheaper and offer more local experiences.
- Look for “Menu del Dia”: Some restaurants offer a “menu del dia” (menu of the day), which is a set meal at a fixed, lower price, often available at lunchtime.
- Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of happy hour deals for drinks and sometimes food, especially if you are dining earlier in the evening.
Dining in Tulum with your family doesn’t have to be expensive. By focusing on local spots in Tulum Pueblo, being mindful of portion sizes, and taking advantage of budget-friendly options, you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending. Tulum offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to all budgets, ensuring your family vacation is both flavorful and affordable. Enjoy exploring these cheap family restaurants near you in Tulum and have a fantastic foodie adventure!
