Ocho

This spacious semi-circular restaurant perched above the beach on the southern end of Tulum playa is decorated in simple, elegant, warm, white. Hints of natural tones and lots of wood make you feel relaxed and at home. Ocho's reception was prompt and friendly and the service was timely throughout our meal. Lighting was a little brighter than we thought necessary but it was a refreshing change from some of the darker, candlelit places here on the beach. To start, we ordered a bottle of chardonnay from South Africa which was nicely chilled and delicious, 3 little pigs for the wine. However, the Guineapigs were disappointed when they brought slices of toasted white bread with butter to the table. The hungry little pigs prayed the bread was not an indication of what was to follow. Thankfully, the tuna carpaccio was fresh and delicate, lightly dressed to perfection with a sesame soy dressing. We also tried the coconut shrimp wich was tastey. The batter was light and they were toasted to perfection, just like the guineapigs after that bottle of wine. We ordered the Ocho salad as a postre of sorts. It was a beautiful plate of tomoatoes and avocado over a bed of fresh greens. Served with a light cream based dressing it hit the spot. If you happen to be in the area for lunch, it is hard to beat the Ocho club sandwichi which is overstuffed with bacon cooked to perfection if you like it crispy like we do, and fresh tomoatoe, avocado and chicken. The club sandwich comes with fries that are some of the best we have had on the beach, rivalling Tita Tulum. (stay tuned for that review) Having lunch at Ocho, we found the ambiance by day to be warmer and actually more elegant than by night, Overall, day or night, Ocho has friendly, efficient service, nice ambiance, comfortable dining and a view that is worth paying a little too much for. The Guinea Pigs gave them two and a half pigs.