Arca Tulum

While planning our trip to Tulum, we searched for the best restaurants to try, being the foodies that we are. We came across Arca, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and knew we had to make a reservation. Dining there was one of the best decisions we made! The food was outstanding, and the presentation was impeccable. Each cocktail was unique and delicious—one even came with a grasshopper! Definitely not something I was planning on trying, but in the spirit of the moment, I decided to go for it. My favorite dish was the bone marrow—it was incredibly flavorful and tender. The suckling pig was also fantastic, and the dessert was a delightful surprise with a blend of sour, sweet, and crunchy textures. The atmosphere was perfect, with great music and just the right vibe. If you’re looking for a romantic, sit-down dining experience in Tulum, Arca is a must-visit.

Let me put this way, given the price, the food is supposed to / should be good. I found the flavor very creative, different combinations of the sauces definitely entertained my taste buds. Well done to the chef. Each dish is small, averagely $600 - 700 peso each. The price does feel a bit sharp even coming from NY, and the outdoor sitting with smoke / mosquito does not match the high end positioning. Three of us orders five dishes, which was quite plenty. The waiter suggested 6-7 dishes, I would suggest start with a few and see how you doing. Overall, they do seafood better than the meat. We ordered soft shell crab tacos, whole squash, prawn, suckling pigs, and bone marrow. Really loved both crab tacos and prawns, must try in my opinion. Squash is also good with a lot of different ingredients and texture. Suckling pigs and bone marrows were just okay, had better ones in many other places. The waiter / services is nice, averagely they would expect 20% tips. In summary, worth trying, order seafood than meat dishes, and bring some mosquito sprays.

My husband and I dined here in early October 2024 and had a spectacular meal! The dishes were creative and beautifully presented, with perfectly sized portions. The cocktails were outstanding and expertly crafted.

Arca had fantastic food. Their bass dish had some of the best sauce I have ever eaten and I loved the cocktails. Probably my favorite cocktails in all of Tulum because they knew how to work with the flavors of the alcohol! Unfortunately, the atmosphere really hindered the food experience as we had to constantly shoo flies and mosquitoes away from us and our food. As my friend said "shooing these flies feels like a part time job". I would recommend that they put candles and smoke at each table, if not a fan to push the bugs away as much as possible to better assist with the problem. They did try to use smoke every now and then but the bugs kept coming back. Given the price, I'd hope they would have a better solution for their patrons to enjoy the food.

Expensive but worth it. Artsy level 5000. Get the soft shell crab tacos for sure. Broccoli was also an unexpected hit. Bone marrow is overrated. The military style shouts from the kitchen staff were inspiring.

I recently visited ARCA in Tulum with my partner, and while we had a good time overall, the experience left me with mixed feelings. The restaurant is undeniably beautiful, tucked right in the middle of the jungle, with outdoor seating that creates a magical and intimate vibe. However, in my opinion, ARCA is overpriced and a bit overrated. The menu focuses on “fusion Mexican dishes,” but the concept didn’t fully land for me. It felt like they tried to take elements from Mexico’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and present them in a new way – which, unfortunately, didn’t always work. Some of the textures and spices felt overdone, overshadowing the natural flavors. It’s one thing to innovate, but sometimes reinterpreting such a rich food culture results in something that feels disconnected from its origins. While the flavors were unique and the presentation was thoughtful, it didn’t really taste “Mexican” to me. For the high price point, I expected more balance and refinement in the dishes. In some cases, it felt like the novelty of the approach came at the expense of harmony on the plate. Overall, if you’re looking for an elegant, scenic night out, ARCA certainly delivers on ambiance. But if you’re after authentic flavors or value for money, you might leave feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Visited while on my bachelorette. The ambiance and atmosphere was very intimate and the service was exceptional. I will point out that this restaurant has a tapas style menu rather than plated meals. You’ll most likely order at least 5-6 dishes for the table (we dined as 3) to share. In our opinion, loading up on protein helped with satisfaction, this isn’t the place you’d want to come extremely hungry. ARCA is definitely more on the pricier side of dining in Tulum.The dishes are individually expensive (so be prepared to spend $$$) though most dishes bursted with flavor. Table favorites: -Soft shell crab taco -Prawns -Bread (esp. dipped in sauce from prawns) -Cocktails & mocktails Overall, I would recommend for the fine dining experience in Tulum.

Arca Tulum is a destination in its own right, offering more than just a meal. Nestled amidst the teeming embrace of the Tulum jungle, the restaurant itself effortlessly blends into its open-air surroundings. With its interplay of natural light and shadows, it creates an ambiance that is both intimate and expansive. The evening commenced with house cocktails - ​a smoky mezcal drink and a botanical gin-based cocktail. Then the food journey kicked off with the dzikilpak. A nice prelude consisting of smoky pumpkin seeds, imbued with a vibrant chive oil atop a crisp heirloom corn tostada, while the xoconostle added a tangy, tropical bite of complexity. The bluefin tuna crudo was a study in great balance. The silky tuna was a canvas for the hibiscus and fermented plum aguachile. The morita chili added a subtle heat that elevated the dish without overpowering it, while the dulce seaweed and purple basil brought a harmonious composition. The softshell crab taco was the evening’s crescendo. The tempura battered crab was the epitome of crispness, paired with the fermented habanero and salsa to achieve an impeccable balance of sweet, heat and umami - truly satisfying. The bone marrow was a rich, sweet and smoky creation. The grilled pulque sourdough, with its subtle tang, and the serrano salsa provided the right counterbalance. It was a dish that demanded to be savored, slowly and deliberately. The striped sea bass was yet another seafood dish defined by elegance. Seared in coconut oil, the fish and the accompanying green mole exhibited complex and nuanced flavors. The coconut and jícama slaw added a refreshing crunch and sweetness, balancing the dish. While the details of the specific dessert have faded, the lingering impression of its sweet and overly satisfying finale remains. Arca Tulum is a place where the service is precise. A place where the jungle and the sea come together on your plate. A place that you cannot help but linger long after the last bite.

While planning our trip to Tulum, we searched for the best restaurants to try, being the foodies that we are. We came across Arca, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and knew we had to make a reservation. Dining there was one of the best decisions we made! The food was outstanding, and the presentation was impeccable. Each cocktail was unique and delicious—one even came with a grasshopper! Definitely not something I was planning on trying, but in the spirit of the moment, I decided to go for it. My favorite dish was the bone marrow—it was incredibly flavorful and tender. The suckling pig was also fantastic, and the dessert was a delightful surprise with a blend of sour, sweet, and crunchy textures. The atmosphere was perfect, with great music and just the right vibe. If you’re looking for a romantic, sit-down dining experience in Tulum, Arca is a must-visit.

Let me put this way, given the price, the food is supposed to / should be good. I found the flavor very creative, different combinations of the sauces definitely entertained my taste buds. Well done to the chef. Each dish is small, averagely $600 - 700 peso each. The price does feel a bit sharp even coming from NY, and the outdoor sitting with smoke / mosquito does not match the high end positioning. Three of us orders five dishes, which was quite plenty. The waiter suggested 6-7 dishes, I would suggest start with a few and see how you doing. Overall, they do seafood better than the meat. We ordered soft shell crab tacos, whole squash, prawn, suckling pigs, and bone marrow. Really loved both crab tacos and prawns, must try in my opinion. Squash is also good with a lot of different ingredients and texture. Suckling pigs and bone marrows were just okay, had better ones in many other places. The waiter / services is nice, averagely they would expect 20% tips. In summary, worth trying, order seafood than meat dishes, and bring some mosquito sprays.

My husband and I dined here in early October 2024 and had a spectacular meal! The dishes were creative and beautifully presented, with perfectly sized portions. The cocktails were outstanding and expertly crafted.

Arca had fantastic food. Their bass dish had some of the best sauce I have ever eaten and I loved the cocktails. Probably my favorite cocktails in all of Tulum because they knew how to work with the flavors of the alcohol! Unfortunately, the atmosphere really hindered the food experience as we had to constantly shoo flies and mosquitoes away from us and our food. As my friend said "shooing these flies feels like a part time job". I would recommend that they put candles and smoke at each table, if not a fan to push the bugs away as much as possible to better assist with the problem. They did try to use smoke every now and then but the bugs kept coming back. Given the price, I'd hope they would have a better solution for their patrons to enjoy the food.

Expensive but worth it. Artsy level 5000. Get the soft shell crab tacos for sure. Broccoli was also an unexpected hit. Bone marrow is overrated. The military style shouts from the kitchen staff were inspiring.

I recently visited ARCA in Tulum with my partner, and while we had a good time overall, the experience left me with mixed feelings. The restaurant is undeniably beautiful, tucked right in the middle of the jungle, with outdoor seating that creates a magical and intimate vibe. However, in my opinion, ARCA is overpriced and a bit overrated. The menu focuses on “fusion Mexican dishes,” but the concept didn’t fully land for me. It felt like they tried to take elements from Mexico’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and present them in a new way – which, unfortunately, didn’t always work. Some of the textures and spices felt overdone, overshadowing the natural flavors. It’s one thing to innovate, but sometimes reinterpreting such a rich food culture results in something that feels disconnected from its origins. While the flavors were unique and the presentation was thoughtful, it didn’t really taste “Mexican” to me. For the high price point, I expected more balance and refinement in the dishes. In some cases, it felt like the novelty of the approach came at the expense of harmony on the plate. Overall, if you’re looking for an elegant, scenic night out, ARCA certainly delivers on ambiance. But if you’re after authentic flavors or value for money, you might leave feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Visited while on my bachelorette. The ambiance and atmosphere was very intimate and the service was exceptional. I will point out that this restaurant has a tapas style menu rather than plated meals. You’ll most likely order at least 5-6 dishes for the table (we dined as 3) to share. In our opinion, loading up on protein helped with satisfaction, this isn’t the place you’d want to come extremely hungry. ARCA is definitely more on the pricier side of dining in Tulum.The dishes are individually expensive (so be prepared to spend $$$) though most dishes bursted with flavor. Table favorites: -Soft shell crab taco -Prawns -Bread (esp. dipped in sauce from prawns) -Cocktails & mocktails Overall, I would recommend for the fine dining experience in Tulum.

Arca Tulum is a destination in its own right, offering more than just a meal. Nestled amidst the teeming embrace of the Tulum jungle, the restaurant itself effortlessly blends into its open-air surroundings. With its interplay of natural light and shadows, it creates an ambiance that is both intimate and expansive. The evening commenced with house cocktails - ​a smoky mezcal drink and a botanical gin-based cocktail. Then the food journey kicked off with the dzikilpak. A nice prelude consisting of smoky pumpkin seeds, imbued with a vibrant chive oil atop a crisp heirloom corn tostada, while the xoconostle added a tangy, tropical bite of complexity. The bluefin tuna crudo was a study in great balance. The silky tuna was a canvas for the hibiscus and fermented plum aguachile. The morita chili added a subtle heat that elevated the dish without overpowering it, while the dulce seaweed and purple basil brought a harmonious composition. The softshell crab taco was the evening’s crescendo. The tempura battered crab was the epitome of crispness, paired with the fermented habanero and salsa to achieve an impeccable balance of sweet, heat and umami - truly satisfying. The bone marrow was a rich, sweet and smoky creation. The grilled pulque sourdough, with its subtle tang, and the serrano salsa provided the right counterbalance. It was a dish that demanded to be savored, slowly and deliberately. The striped sea bass was yet another seafood dish defined by elegance. Seared in coconut oil, the fish and the accompanying green mole exhibited complex and nuanced flavors. The coconut and jícama slaw added a refreshing crunch and sweetness, balancing the dish. While the details of the specific dessert have faded, the lingering impression of its sweet and overly satisfying finale remains. Arca Tulum is a place where the service is precise. A place where the jungle and the sea come together on your plate. A place that you cannot help but linger long after the last bite.