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Bal Nak'
Review
About
BAL NAK' is an esteemed Mexican restaurant, characterized by its contemporary approach to traditional cuisine. Its culinary oeuvre is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, meticulously crafted with only the finest 100% locally sourced ingredients. The expert fusion of flavours and textures yields an extraordinary gastronomic experience, designed to delight the palate. As a socially responsible enterprise, BAL NAK' prides itself on cultivating a harmonious relationship with various indigenous communities. We steadfastly adhere to the principles of fair trade, fostering an environment of mutual growth and prosperity.
Features
CUISINES
Mexican, Latin, Seafood, Contemporary, Healthy, Central American
Meal types
Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Does this restaurant offer takeaway or food to go?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 5:30 PM
Sunday
5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Monday
5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Friday
5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday
5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Contribute
4.8
316 reviews
Excellent
281
Very good
14
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
6
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Mariel R
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • couples
Both taste and presentation were excellent!! We got the grilled octopus entree as an app, catch of the day in the most delicious mole sauce, and lastly the celstun shrimp. WOW
the drinks were 10/10 too. try the ba'acknostle and the mexican elderberry. so worth it we seriously enjoyed our time here. the waiter was so friendly and answered all our questions about the menu and which drinks to try. 1000% would come back here. loved sitting outside major jungle vibes :)
Written February 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous A
Indianapolis41 contributions
Nov 2023 • friends
Many restaurants in this area of Tulum are big, play loud music, or have eye catching design. Bal Nak' doesn't have any of this, but their unassuming presence shouldn't put you off. It's small, tastefully designed, and the food is very good. We started with appetizers and the broccoli dish was a standout. We could tell right away that all the ingredients were fresh, but the broccoli was cooked perfectly and had a delicious sauce. For entrees, we can recommend the loin steak which cut like butter, and the shrimp that had an amazing sauce. The most Instagram worthy dessert we tried at our table was the coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell. Each one in our group was extremely satisfied with the taste and quality of everything they ordered.
Absolutely recommend.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your detailed and glowing review of BAL NAK'! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our tastefully designed, intimate setting and that our unassuming presence added to your experience. It's wonderful to know that you found our food to be very good and that the fresh ingredients stood out.
We're glad the broccoli dish and its delicious sauce made an impression, and that the loin steak and shrimp entrees were to your liking. The coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell is indeed a favorite, and we're pleased it added an Instagram-worthy touch to your meal.
Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you and your group back to BAL NAK' soon.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather S
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
Dinner was breathtaking! The server did such an amazing job of recommending dishes and explaining each one. The food was the best we had all week. My husband is a chef in California and he was blown away, he had to go back and thank the kitchen! The restaurant is modern and in the heart of the hotel zone but not one that plays incredibly loud music. Definitely worth dining here!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your phenomenal dining experience at BAL NAK'! We're delighted to hear that our server provided excellent recommendations and explanations for each dish. It's an honor to know that your husband, a chef himself, was impressed by our food and took the time to thank our kitchen team.
We appreciate your kind words about our modern setting and our ambiance. We're glad you found it worth dining with us and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KARLA LOPEZ
Mexico City22 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
APPALLING!!! We made a reservation to go to dinner and when making the reservation I was given the choice between the Bar and the Patio, we chose the patio; When we arrived the waiter told us that they have closed the patio area for the season and that they only had 10 open tables at the bar (which are not as nice as in the patio), the waiter's attitude was terrible even though he was not They had people in the restaurant. The attraction of the place is its jungle patio, if they are not going to have it open they have to clarify it. Besides, the waiter must not be rude and started telling me that parking costs $600 pesos and things that it really didn't make sense for him to tell me.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Lamentamos mucho escuchar sobre tu experiencia negativa en BAL NAK'. Agradecemos que te hayas tomado el tiempo de compartir tus comentarios, ya que nos ayudan a mejorar.
Nos disculpamos sinceramente por cualquier malentendido con respecto a la disponibilidad del área del patio y por la actitud del mesero. Este no es el tipo de servicio que queremos ofrecer a nuestros clientes. Hemos tomado nota de tus observaciones y tomaremos medidas para asegurar que esto no vuelva a suceder.
Esperamos que nos des otra oportunidad para brindarte una experiencia más agradable en el futuro.
Saludos cordiales,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caitlyn C
San Francisco198 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Honestly - based on all the other reviews, I feel like I need to give this place another try? We ate here on our second night in Tulum. Unfortunately it was raining so we had to sit right next to the bar and then a large party came in and took up the remaining covered seats. We did peek at the garden seating in the back and it did look lovely! (I guess reschedule if it's raining?)
The cocktails were good, and our food was fine. We ordered the Grilled Broccoli and the Smoked Short Ribs. The broccoli had nothing special going on to warrant the $15 price tag besides the fact that it was arranged nicely...it didn't even taste grilled. The short rib was somehow both fatty and tough.
The servers were all very nice and accommodating on account of the rain, and they offered bug repellent for a more enjoyable time.
Could be that we just had a miss on our menu selections that night!
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about your experience at BAL NAK'. We're sorry to hear that the weather affected your seating and that your food did not meet your expectations. Your comments about the Grilled Broccoli and Smoked Short Ribs are valuable, and we will review these dishes to ensure they meet our high standards.
We appreciate your kind words about our cocktails and the accommodating service you received despite the rain. We'd love to welcome you back for another try and hope to provide you with a better experience next time.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to improve.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen S
Chicago41 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Outstanding food. Service was attentive, explained the menu and dishes well, and gave good recommendations. The value was good as well. The location itself is a bit unassuming compared to other restaurants along the strip- but they’re not playing loud music and it feels intimate. This is a place for people who truly enjoy food without the need for a bunch of other distractions or contrivances. The standouts were the grilled octopus and the churro for dessert.
Written February 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your positive experience at BAL NAK'! We're delighted to hear that you were very happy with your choice to dine with us. It's great to know that you found our food outstanding, service attentive, and the value good.
We appreciate your kind words about our intimate atmosphere, which allows guests to truly enjoy the food without distractions. We're glad you enjoyed the grilled octopus and churro for dessert as standouts.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
familyof2
Toronto3 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
We have eaten at a lot of the higher end restaurants $$$ on the strip… and this by far has been our favorite. It’s reasonably priced and the dishes are so tasty. Wish we found this place sooner. Can’t say enough about the service and the flavors of the food. I would highly recommend.
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at BAL NAK'! We're delighted to hear that we are your favorite among the higher-end restaurants in the area. It's great to know that you found our pricing reasonable and our dishes tasty.
Your compliments about our service and flavors mean a lot to us. We appreciate your high recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elyse LS
Easthampton11 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
My partner and I had one of the most delicious and beautiful dinners of our lives at Bal Nak. It was so fantastic, that we went back a couple of nights later to order the exact meal we ordered the first time. The fact that it's a little hard to find, nestled amongst shops and other restaurants in the Zona Hotelera in Tulum, just made it's intimate, lush setting even more special and unique. The food was absolutely delicious. We shared the Pork Belly Confit and the Catch of the Day Tiradito and spent the whole meal telling each other how happy we were and how incredible the food was. We also had one of the best cocktails either of us has ever had--the Mexican Elderberry. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they created a calming, bug-free atmosphere by burning some lovely copal around the outskirts of the restaurant before we ate. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Thank you, Bal Nak, for two unforgettable evenings!
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your amazing experience at BAL NAK'! We're thrilled to hear that you and your partner enjoyed one of the most delicious and beautiful dinners of your lives with us. It's wonderful to know that you loved the Pork Belly Confit, Catch of the Day Tiradito, and the Mexican Elderberry cocktail.
We're delighted that our intimate, lush setting and friendly staff contributed to your memorable evenings. Your high recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabriela C
Astoria4 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I’ve had my fair share of dinners on the Tulum beach strip and this is by far the worst food I’ve had here and the prices are similar to those at higher end restaurants. We got one of the salads to start which was a small portion of greens which we waited 20+ minutes for. The server let us know food was taking longer than usual since they had to cut down staff due to covid but that was a bit excessive given there was only one other table at the same time. I got the dish with the turkey because the server recommended it’s one of the most authentic Mexican dish and it came with mashes banana and mole. The turkey was so dry I choked on it! It was like swallowing sand!! My boyfriend got the ribs which were also overcooked.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
balnak2018
Good afternoon, thank you so much for your honesty, first of all we apologize for the incovinient you had, we work with the highest quality of ingridients and cooked them carefully with love, we hope you could give us a second chance to prove we are one of the best places in Tulum.
Written August 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tom
Ghent2 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
A great experience from the beginning to the end. Nice cocktails (we took there version of the Mule), our kids had a nice mocktail),, followed by fantastic clamps and a kind of ceviche as starters. The mains were perfectly grilled steak, chicken, octopus and the fish of the day. All had deep flavours and were completely different. It was a blast. Price/quality way better than Arca next door (we had dinner there yesterday). Service was also great, friendly people, nice music vibes in the background and good atmosphere.
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GRYON hospitality
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the cocktails, starters, and mains. It’s great to know that our flavors and service stood out for you and that we could offer a memorable meal.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family back for another great experience.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura B
Atlanta15 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
A must for food loving travelers! I discovered Bal Nak on an Eater list for Tulum restaurants and was excited to try this restaurant. The service was amazing, they guided us through the menu, detailing each dish and coursed the dinner perfectly. We tried several cocktails and all were unique and delicious. We had the clams and pork belly appetizers (highly recommended) as well as the pork belly and octopus entrees. Some of the best octopus we’ve ever had. The sweet potato flan with coffee ice cream made for an unforgettable finish. Will make Bal Nak a regular stop on our Tulum trips. The ambiance of the restaurant was also lovely, quiet, and intimate - unlike some of the other ridiculously loud restaurants around Tulum.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your beautiful and intimate dining experience at BAL NAK'! We're thrilled to hear that you discovered us through an Eater list and that your excitement to try our restaurant was met with amazing service and delicious food.
It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed our unique cocktails, clams, and pork belly appetizers, as well as the pork belly and octopus entrees. We're especially pleased that you found the octopus to be some of the best you've ever had. The sweet potato flan with coffee ice cream is indeed a special finish, and we're glad it left an unforgettable impression.
We're delighted that you appreciated the quiet and intimate ambiance of our restaurant. We look forward to becoming a regular stop on your trips to Tulum.
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ilbaldini
Zurich95 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Easily the best restaurant in Tulum for fine dining. The hostess at the front was not only friendly, but efficient too (something lacking in many other places).
The restaurant itself does not really start where you see the bar, but about 5 metres further in. The tables are set among tropical plants, and not too cramped. Music is soft and gentle, and basically you do not hear all the rave music or traffic coming from the main road. Very peaceful and sophisticated.
The manager and waiters are very careful to explain this fine dining concept, which is all about savouring Mexico, both in terms of dishes and ingredients (all sourced from Mexico). They were very kind, and attentive throughout the meal. Excellent.
The menu fits on one page, and there are probably about 15 options for starters and main courses. But my are they amazing. Each plate is carefully crafted to showcase a part of Mexico, and get the most out of the ingredients.
Wine list was small, but very high quality Mexican wines and at a decent price. In fact, prices are very similar to other restaurants which are trendy in the vicinity.
We were in Tulum for three nights, tried this on our second night and decided to come again on our last night. It’s not often you come across such quality across all parameters in a restaurant (especially in Tulum).
I would definitely recommend if the above sounds appealing.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
balnak2018
Thank you for your comments, we are glad you enjoyed your experience at BAL NAK'
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucky Man
New York City12 contributions
May 2021 • couples
This restaurant was a resounding experience to complete our trip to Tulum this busy Memorial Day Weekend. The greeting and reception is warm and extraordinarily hospitable for an area better known for tending to masses. The manager clearly invests time to train the team and it was notable from setting of the table to delivery of every dish like the culinary art work it is. The drink menu is creative and true to local elements. The food menu is not overly long but every dish is unique and special, leveraging local farm products. My wife and I were here twice during our recent visit to Tulum, once for a cocktail and again for a full dinner. The music is hip but not overly loud and the overall experience unforgettable. Prices were fair for the quality. We recommend and will certainly be back.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you so much for your kind words and detailed feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a memorable experience at BAL NAK'. It's wonderful to know that you appreciated the hospitality, the unique and creative dishes, and the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for your support. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to Tulum!
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flonkocito
Montreal4 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
High end restaurant on the beach strip. We were seated in the garden in a beautiful jungle setting. The service was excellent from start to finish. We started off with cocktails and ended up ordering other rounds as they were exceptionnaly good. The owner and waiters are very passionate and took the time to explain the menu in minute details, all ingredients locally sourced and coming from all over Mexico! We ordered the clams as a starter (generous portion to share), the shrimps (incredible sauce) and the roasted piglet. It was all very flavourful and nicely presented. The music matched perfectly the vibe of the restaurant. Dishes vary between 350 to 450 pesos and are definitely worth it. Highly recommend for a nice evening out in Tulum
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
balnak2018
Thank you for your comments, we are glad you enjoyed your experience at BAL NAK'
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabriela F
12 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
The BEST restaurant in Tulum, hands down! We visited 6 different places for dinners and Bal Nak without question took the crown. It is situated in a beautiful courtyard with a lovely bar. We were there on Wednesday night and they had a great love DJ too.
The food is inventive yet traditional of the area, order the octopus and short ribs!! The cocktails are delicious and very well priced. The hostess could not have been nicer and we loved how much time she took to explain the menu and help us pick dishes and drinks that would pair well together.
Book Bal Nak now! We will be back :)
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAL NAK'
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience at BAL NAK'! We're honored to be considered the best restaurant in Tulum by you. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed our beautiful courtyard, lovely bar, and great live DJ on Wednesday night.
We're thrilled that you found our food both inventive and traditional, and that you loved the octopus and short ribs. It's great to know that you appreciated our delicious and well-priced cocktails, as well as the attentive service from our hostess.
Your high praise and recommendation mean a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Warm regards,
BAL NAK'
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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