Hartwood - Esmeralda K

I think it's just a well named place. Some plates are amazing but others are just ok for the price. The service is pretty cool!

Between storms we walked over, got seated right away, we got one of the last two tables. Typically this place has a long wait. My husband ate the ribs, I had red snapper, both were delicious! I like that the menu changes daily.

After reading lots of reviews, I was a little skeptical about this place. But since my husband (former chef) and I are into food (especially when we travel), we wanted to try this type for dining. It was in July--not possible to make a reservation via email, so I thought we had about 50% chance to get in. We stopped by on Sunday night to ask about a reservation for Wednesday. We were told we could come in at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, which worked perfectly. According to the website, the restaurant was supposed to open at 5:30 p.m. Knowing the place may be packed, we showed up at 5:35 p.m. for the 6:00 p.m. reservation to find out they did not open until 6:00 p.m. anyway and we had an opportunity to watch the staff go through the final stage of their dinner prep. About 2 minutes after us other people (without reservation) started showing up and forming a line. Since we were the first ones there and already had a reservation, we were also the first party seated and they let us select our table. We sat right in front of the kitchen, so we could observe how they work in this type of setting. I was amazed by how fast everybody moved and how coordinated they all seemed. (This was different type of cooking than what you have available if you work in big commercially equipped kitchens in the USA.) The service was surprisingly fast, the food and its preparation were simple and good and we enjoyed their signature cocktail as well. We had a carafe of their signature cocktail, mineral water, two lobster salads, two fish of the day entrees, beet and plantain for our sides and mango custard and cheese & corn ice cream for dessert. Our bill was 3065 MXN (about 180 USD) including tip. I recommend showing up really early, being nice to the staff, and I think they will get you in. Also, use some repellent before you go and bring it with you. You may encounter mosquitoes. (FY: a taxi ride from downtown Tulum to Hartwood was 130 MXN one way.)

So so yummy! There were 19 of us..all girls and we were a lot to handle. The food was sooooo scrumptious. Order the ribs!!! Staff was very nice and VERY patient with our group of gaggling girls! Worth the wait. As silly as this sounds be very nice to the hostesses and ask their opinion on everything :)

I have been to Hartwood twice while visiting Tulum and it was wonderful each time!! GREAT fresh food and great service. It is usually very busy, but it's worth it!