Arca Tulum is Fire! 🔥🌴

Hey besties! Guess what? I had an amazing vacation in Tulum, Mexico! 🇲🇽 It was at Christmas and I am only writing about it now, but it was so much fun with the beaches and the cenotes the ruins but most all .... The food!

One night we went to this super restaurant (and a bit overly fancy) restaurant called Arca.

It's a cool place by the beach where you sit outside and hope it doesn't rain. Thankfully for us, it didn't. But there were lots of trees so it felt like sitting in the jungle. It felt like we were having dinner in a super fancy backyard. My parents said the style was "bohemian chic," whatever that means. 🤷‍♀️

Okay, now for the part I like to talk about … the food! It was all "farm-to-table" and influenced by ancient Mayan cuisine. I had never had ancient Mayan food before, but it was mostly delicious. We had 10 courses (which was too much) and while I can't remember it all, there are a few dishes that I just can't forget.

We had a seafood ceviche. It was an acidic and tangy delight, with the bright citrus of freshly squeezed lime juice infusing every bite. It was so nice and really made the natural flavors of the seafood shine through while being perfectly complemented by a medley of crisp herbs, fresh vegetables, and a touch of heat. The combination is vibrant and flavorful, offering a refreshing and satisfying experience with every forkful.

Rating: 8/10

Beautiful Ceviche

We also had some Camarones tacos. Truth told, these might have been from another restaurant on the same street, but I am giving credit to Arca because they were delicious. It was a simple bite that and a feast of textures all in one. The shrimp were coated in a light, golden batter, fried to perfection, and offering an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy seafood inside. They were wrapped within warm, soft tortillas, they’re topped with a crisp, tangy slaw that adds freshness and a delightful crunch of its own. A drizzle of creamy, spiced sauce ties it all together, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty burst that lifts the entire dish.

Rating: 9/10

Crazy Tacos

But the best dish (definitely from Arca) was the seared halibut. It was beautifully cooked, with a golden, crisp exterior and a tender, flaky inside that was packed with flavor. It was paired with a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables that added a delightful burst of texture and brightness to the dish. The vibrant green sauce, though flavorful and aromatic, had a touch more spice than I usually like, but I ate it and despite the heat, the dish was well-balanced and delicious.

Rating: 8.5/10 a little bit too spicy for me but it was still delicious! 

Delicious Halibut

Now, was Arca a good place to go with your family? 🤔

Well, the restaurant was a bit overly grown-up and the menu was too big and it was all fixed course and it was expensive. But the waiters were still really nice and it's beautiful and its an amazing experience so even if there are some downsides, I would recommend it.

If you're ever in Tulum, you should totally check it out! Just maybe ask your parents to see the menu first if you're a super picky eater. 😉

Here are my ratings! ✨

Food🍕🍕🍕🍕

Vibe🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

Family-Friendliness👍👍👍