We were supposed to be six at the upscale Arca restaurant from executive chef and owner Jose Luis Hinostroza. This farm-to-table Tulum restaurant opened in 2015, offering open-fire cooking of small plates intended to be shared. Their food represents the flora and fauna of the area.

With six, we would have experienced many more dishes.

One of our group became ill, and three others opted to stay in their hotel room with him. (He’s fine now!)  So the two of us only had room for a  couple of the chef’s creative dishes. 

I started with their mezcal El Solar cocktail ($7.75), which wasn’t too sweet. I’d recommend. 

We couldn’t resist the waiter’s description of Dzikilpak, a dip from a Mayan recipe with roasted pumpkin seeds, charred tomatoes and onions, fermented tomatillo juice, cilantro oil, heirloom cilantro and crispy pumpkin blossoms ($29) topped with coriander flowers served with large corn chips. We followed instructions, combing everything and spreading the mixture on the crispy tostadas. A perfect start to an unexpected meal. 

Our next unusual dish was their crispy soft shell crab “taco” ($28) cooked in an amaranth and mezcal tempura batter. Two sauces— an aioli plus pickled habanero salsa — are served on an edible Mexican leaf to hold and eat the taco! 

Next, we shared the six seared prawns ($30) in spicy chili butter, topped with a banana chip sprinkled with chili Manzano and chaya power. Our friendly waiter told us to remove the head, enjoy the prawn then use the head to scoop up the sauce. 

We were thrilled with our choice of the marquesita ($15.50). It contained a reduction made from coconut milk, hibiscus and elderflowers, topped with a Napoleon of ice cream and mousse made from goat and “Holland” cheeses, plus a compote of guava and strawberry, all topped with a cracker with hibiscus dust. Irresistibly delicious.

If you find yourself in or near Tulum, I highly recommend going with a large group to experience more of the unusually delicious offerings.

Arca
Tulum
Av. Boca Paila, Tulum Beach,
77766 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
+52 984 177 2231