Tulum’s Posada Margherita…a recipe for success.

We recently spent a week in paradise. Sun and surf by day and delicious meals by moonlight. One restaurant in particular resonated.

Posada Margherita is a lovely, eclectic oasis on the waterfront in Tulum. The entranceway is long and winding past foliage, a candle shop and then you ultimately drift into an intimate, open walled dining area that embraces your beach senses and invites you to partake in straightforward cuisine, embellished by a tropical breeze and ocean views.

After being warmly greeted by the staff we waited just a moment before being seated at an adorable distressed table and chairs.

We immediately ordered a bottle of Italian Sangiovese (495 pesos, $38.18) and gazed at the ocean view and relaxed in the cool, tropical breeze. The night before we ate on the jungle side of the road and it was hellishly hot.

The charming owner, Alessandro Carozzino, energetically approached our table and settled in for an animated discussion. We liked him immediately.

Our NY friends, the dynamic duo of Chloe and Fede, made the connection. Ale is a dedicated restaurateur and escapes Tulum with his dancer wife and 2 young children every once in a while for some down time in Los Angeles.

I like the friendly approach to discussing the menu. The server sits with you and goes over the menu which is written on wooden hinged planks that resemble an old fashioned culinary bible.

The wine arrived at the same time as a wooden tray filled with homemade focaccia bread brushed with EVOO and thin slices of roasted tomatoes, accompanied by crisp fresh cauliflower, pistachio nuts and chunks of tangy parmesan cheese.

We kicked off the meal with a simple mixed green salad with onions, tomatoes, carrots, avocado and cauliflower. Our salad indulgence in Tulum had been less than stellar and always soaked in dressing so it was lovely to enjoy a crunchy, fresh salad. The bottle of EVOO and balsamic vinegar were placed on the table and we were able to dress the salad at our own discretion.

The pastas are all handmade and include the traditional pasta al pomodoro fresco ($15) embellished with tangy fresh parmesan cheese. We chose fettuccine with fresh mushrooms and broccoli ($22)…fabulous and plentiful.

It was so rich it was difficult to believe that there was no cream as the restaurant does not use dairy in their preparations. Additionally, they also offer a pasta with zucchini and shrimp ($23).

The night we dined at Posada Margherita the fresh catch of the day was red snapper ($23). We passed in favor of the gamberoni alla griglia (giant prawns) grilled to perfection with the head’s on and with a side salad ($27).  BTW, the restaurant does not serve meat.

Other gamberoni options are prepared in a wine sauce ($27) and gamberoni in a brandy sauce ($29). The gamberonis were beyond sweet and delicious.

The night ended with a rich special delivery from Ale, a fabulous tiramisu sinfully accompanied by chocolate mousse and creamy vanilla and chocolate gelato.

The evening was so memorable that we spent our farewell dinner at Posada Margherita and again enjoyed the exact same meal in the company of the gracious and appealing owner, Ale.

Tulum’s Posada Margherita adheres to my life edict…less is more. The food shows that simple and fresh is the best.