CETLI TULUM

Kitchen and History

Cetli: 20 Years of Flavor, Tradition, and Culinary Excellence in Tulum

Nestled in the jungle heart of Tulum, Cetli is not just a restaurant: it is a living homage to traditional Mexican cuisine. For over 20 years, this iconic space has witnessed the gastronomic transformation of the Riviera Maya, always remaining true to its roots while delighting national and international palates.

Founded with the vision of preserving and elevating Mexico's ancestral recipes, Cetli has been a pioneer in providing an authentic culinary experience, set in an environment filled with art, history, and soul. Every dish that leaves its kitchen reflects deep respect for the ingredients, many of which are grown in their own gardens, following sustainable practices and embodying an artisanal approach.

One of the cornerstones of their offerings is the mole, made entirely from scratch using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Whether it’s the almond white mole, the black mole, or regional variants, each one tells a story, representing a region and its culture.

This commitment to authenticity and quality has led Cetli to receive one of the most prestigious recognitions in the culinary world: the Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. This distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer exceptional food at affordable prices, and in the case of Cetli, it confirms what hundreds of diners have known for years: that dining here is an experience for the soul.

Over two decades, Cetli has built a solid reputation as one of the best restaurants in Tulum, not just for its food but for its warmth, its carefully curated aesthetic, and its profound love for Mexico.

Today, visiting Cetli is more than a culinary experience: it is a cultural journey, a celebration of Mexican cuisine in its most honest and heartfelt form.

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Menu

In Cetli, the menu is a sensory journey through the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Each dish, meticulously crafted, honors ancestral recipes with fresh local ingredients, many grown in our own garden. From artisanal moles of deep complexity to soups, salads, and delicately seasoned fish, each preparation reflects a balance between technique, history, and flavor. The use of herbs, chilies, and authentic spices elevates the experience, offering a cuisine with soul that excites and comforts. In Cetli, the table is an altar of identity and memory, where every bite pays tribute to the most authentic and endearing Mexico.

PACHIUKI
Stuffed poblano pepper with huitlacoche
(corn fungus), corn kernels, and squash flower, served on a bed of red mole with peanuts.
CHILE EN NOGADA
Stuffed poblano pepper with pork, beef, dried plums, raisins, pineapple, cinnamon,
coated with a walnut sauce, fresh cheeses, sherry liquor, with a touch of chopped parsley and pomegranate.
TLILITLITCI
Shrimp with skin, prepared with huitlacoche (corn fungus) with epazote and corn grains.
NIMBE
Vanilla and chocolate cake filled with ice cream, coated with a mezcal cream, adorned with a bitter chocolate sauce.