Arca Tulum Takes Its Place Among the 50 Best
TULUM, Mexico – In the vibrant tapestry of Latin American gastronomy, one cannot overlook the prestigious “50 Best Restaurants” list, swiftly establishing itself as the continent’s foremost culinary ranking. Launched in 2013, its award ceremonies stand as the annual gathering of chefs, restaurateurs, media, and elite members of the food industry.
Yearly, the list paints a portrait of opinions from over 300 industry experts, utilizing a voting system and procedure overseen globally by Deloitte.
This extensive voting process spans five regions: Mexico, Central America, South America (north), South America (south), and Brazil. These regions encompass countries such as Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
The unveiling of the 11th edition of “Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants” occurred in a live awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Peru claimed the coveted #1 spot, while Mexico triumphed with an impressive 50 representations.
Arca’s Seafood Symphony in Tulum Nights
Arca stands out as a unique gem in Tulum’s culinary landscape, a unicorn in every sense. Its story unfolds over the years, transitioning from an extraordinary jungle-to-beach bar to its current status as a world-class restaurant. The transformation occurred when the highly successful Noma Tulum pop-up brought Chef José Luis Hinostroza on board.
Under Chef Hinostroza’s guidance, Arca evolved into a culinary haven. It is perhaps the only destination in Tulum where expertise and mastery seamlessly blend with the mystical ambiance—smoky copal, sandy floors, and the jungle’s nightly embrace, setting the stage for the most exquisite seafood preparations that tantalize palates and create lasting memories.
Flavors of wood, beach, Mayan heritage, and, above all, fresh local catch come together in dishes of breathtaking beauty. Examples include their octopus terrine in black recado, pepper tartare, or soft-shell crab in amaranth tempura. These not only showcase a brilliant chef but also reveal a soul attuned to its surroundings.
Arca’s mixology legacy is equally evident, boasting some of the region and country’s finest bartenders. The likes of Peter Sánchez, captain of the liquid helm, bring their expertise to the lengthy queues of tourists, adding another reason to visit Tulum. Sánchez, with a short yet consistent career, garnered experience at renowned bars like Fifty Mils in Mexico City’s Four Seasons Hotel and clinched titles such as Best Bartender of Mexico in 2019 at Bartenders Awards Mexico.
Undoubtedly, a visit to Arca, whether at the main bar observing the mesmerizing drink-making dance or in the back courtyard under Tulum’s starlit sky, is a worthwhile experience. Here, snacks harmoniously complement cocktails like the Naked in the Desert (sotol Flor del Desierto, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lemon) or El Solar (mezcal, hibiscus, chipotle syrup, piloncillo, with lemon and a rim of grasshopper salt).
Noteworthy is Arca’s younger sibling, Atila, a Mayan brasserie also helmed by Chef Hinostroza. It offers a more casual setting with an array of small bites and excellent natural wines.
Congratulations to Arca from The Tulum Times for this well-deserved recognition!
