I recently traveled to Tulum in search of Tulum’s best hotels. I was not disappointed. The design and architecture is unique and interesting. I stayed at some amazing places. But I kind of expected to be wowed by the design of the place. I wasn’t expecting incredible restaurants in Tulum, but that’s what I got. If I look back over the past five years and ask: what were my top ten restaurant experiences, I’d have to say three were in Tulum. In a matter of one week. I’ve never had so many great restaurant experiences in such a short amount of time.

I’m not a food critic – but have travelled all over the world and like to think that I have a fairly sophisticated palate. But I can’t prove it – and I won’t try and convince you.

Before I go on – I should define what I think “a great dining experience” is. To me it of course includes great food. But maybe here’s where I’m a bit different from many, a great dining experience also has to include great ambiance. I’m married to someone who puts a lot more emphasis on the food – in his mind – the food – including how it looks and is presented – would be weighted at roughly 90 percent – of a restaurant experience. For me – it’s more like 55 percent food and 45 percent décor and ambience. It’s the whole package: food, décor, music, vibe, service. It’s all very subjective – I know.

I wish I could explain why Tulum has such a great restaurant scene. Maybe it’s because there are so many dining options to start with – the pure competitiveness of the place means that – to stand out – you’ve got to be good. Maybe it’s that restaurants have to be good to lure people out of their fancy hotels. Maybe there’s always been a creative culture here – it certainly started out as a much more mellow – down to earth – spiritual kind of place – with a lot of creatives getting this place started. Maybe it’s all these things.

I’m going to share my two favorite dining experiences in Tulum. I know I said there were three great meals. The third restaurant is kind of a private – invite only – thing. I just happened to be there because I was reviewing the hotel that sits on the same grounds as this secret restaurant. Anyway – look out for that in our Tulum video series.

The first restaurant is Hartwood (www.hartwoodtulum.com). It’s hard to categorize the cuisine – it’s not Mexican but there are Mexican flavors – it’s not French but there are European influences, they draw form local Mayan cuisine, but I don’t think it’s Mayan either. The food and the flavors are driven – I suspect – by what works best in their wood-fired grill; that’s what this restaurant is all about. It’s grilled seafood, meats, and fresh vegetables. Subtle and flavorful.

As for ambiance, you be the judge:

By the way, these guys get bonus points for being carbon neutral. That’s unusual for a restaurant.

I’d define ARCA (www.arcatulum.com) as a fusion Mexican restaurant with some very unique, local, flavors. I’m not enough of an expert to say I know Tulum – or Mayan – cooking well enough to define it much better than that. Although the restaurant says it’s Mexican – it’s not at all like the type of Mexican food you experience in many parts of Mexico – or outside Mexico for that matter. It’s unique. Like Hartwood – open fire cooking dominates. It a tapas experience – mostly small plates with everything designed to be shared. It’s my favorite way of eating. Sharing small dishes means I get to try more things, and it just makes for a more expansive – interesting – experience. Asian food; same deal.

And of course, there was great ambiance – good music, lighting, décor, open air:

You can book by emailing these two restaurants up to one month in advance. The sooner the better me thinks.