31 Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico in 2023 (Locals’ Guide)
Looking for the best Merida restaurants?
With so many amazing restaurants in Merida Mexico, locals and visitors have a lot of options. However, it can also be overwhelming to have so many great options — so I’m here to help you pick.
I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and I also lived in Merida for three years, so I make a great source of info. I also happen to be a bonafide foodie, so please allow me to be your guide to the best Merida Mexico restaurants.
From the best places to eat Yucatan food in Merida, to the best tacos and the best brunch — you’re about to discover the perfect place to eat on this list of the 31 Best Restaurants in Merida.
The 31 Best Restaurants in Merida
1. Manjar Blanco — As Seen on Netflix
🎥 One of the Merida Netflix restaurants! You can see Manjar Blanco in Taco Chronicles, Season 2, Episode 2, “Cochinita.”
Wondering where to eat in Merida for authentic Yucatecan food?
According to many (including me), Manjar Blanco is definitly one of the Best Restaurants in Merida for Yucatan food. This popular place is also one of the Merida restaurants on Netflix, and you may have seen it on T.V.
Led by Yucatan Chef Miriam Peraza, Manjar Blanco is a Merida institution. Chef Miriam gathered a group of other abuela (grandma) chefs who prepare Yucatan food by hand, using ancient methods.
When you eat at Manjar Blanco, you’re tasting the real deal regional cuisine of Yucatán. Need recommendations?
The cochinita pibil tacos are a must-try at Manjar Blanco restaurant in Merida, as well as their signature queso relleno negro dish, lomitos de Valladolid, and longaniza de Valladolid.
📍 Manjar Blanco Merida Address: Calle 47 #496, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
2. La Chaya Maya
You probably won’t ever see a Best Restaurants in Merida list that doesn’t include La Chaya Maya.
Beloved by visitors and locals alike, this is one of the top Merida restaurants to eat authentic Yucatan food — including sopa de lima, poc chuc, papadzules and cochinita pibil.
La Chaya Maya got so popular that they opened a second location, but they are both in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida City Center).
This one is your standard restaurant setup, but for the best ambiance, head to the La Chaya Maya Casona location, linked below.
📍 La Chaya Maya Merida Address: Calle 50 #510, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
3. Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca
Both the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy (MUGY) and La Chaya Maya serve similar food, but this museum restaurant offers a great experience that’s interactive.
Head out to the back to tour the traditional Mayan village and get to know Yucatec cuisine more (and don’t miss the gift shop).
📍 MUGY Merida Address: Calle 62 #466, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
🍽🍷 For a truly unique experience, you’ll love trying Yucatan food at one of the real Mexican haciendas near Merida. Located just 15 minutes downtown, head to Casa de Piedra restaurant at Hacienda Xcanatún by Angsana. | Book a room
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
4. Kuuk Merida — Best Fine Dining in Merida
Looking for one of the best restaurants in Merida for dinner (upscale dinners, that is)?
If you’re someone who looks to accolades and great press, then you already know Ku’uk is the best Merida fine dining restaurant located near Centro Historico.
It is run by one of the two most famous Merida and Yucatan chefs — Pedro Evia. The other being Roberto Solis, who runs Néctar, #7 on this list, which is located outside of Centro Historico.
🤔 Wondering, Are there any Michelin Star restaurants Mérida Mexico has? For now, no — but hopefully soon!
For foodies, Ku’uk is a must-try Merida restaurant. They have been featured by some of the biggest names in the food world, including Food and Wine Magazine and Wine Spectator Magazine.
The 10-course Chef’s Tasting is the way to go, so you get to sample the best of Chef Pedro Evia’s modernist Yucatan cuisine. Chef Evia is one of the best Mexican chefs working today, and after the tasting, you’ll see why.
📍 Kuuk Merida Address: Av Rómulo Rozo 488, Itzimná, Merida 97100 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
5. Picheta — Best Rooftop Bar in Merida
If there were a Best Merida Restaurants with a View award, Picheta would win!
Enjoy re-imagined Yucatan food made with local ingredients, creative cocktails, and a view of the San Ildefonso Catedral. The 16th Century Merida Cathedral is among the oldest churches on the continent.
📍 Picheta Merida Address: Calle 61 #501, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
👩🍳 Want to try a cooking class in Merida, or take some Merida food tours? Head here for information on those.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
6. Sonora Grill — Best Steak in Merida
Sonora Grill is a Mexican chain restaurant, albeit an upscale chain. It is the only chain restaurant on this list, but many agree they have the best selection of steaks in Merida.
🥩 Don’t love chain restaurants? 130° SteakHouse (AKA 130 Grados, or 130 Degrees) is another great option, and located just off Paseo de Montejo. It is one of the best restaurants in Merida Centro for a steak.
Sonora Grill is located in North Merida, so it gives you the perfect reason to check out this posh part of town. If you want to go shopping in Merida, this is definitely the best part of town for that.
They have everything from wagyu beef burgers to tomahawk steaks and a selection of yummy side dishes. When visiting, try the jugo de carne, a rich soup made with meat drippings.
As with any great steakhouse, Sonora Grill has a nice wine section, but being Mexico, you’ll also find plenty of artisanal tequilas and mezcals.
📍 Sonora Grill Merida Address: Calle 37 215, Monterreal, Merida 97133 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
7. Nectar by Chef Roberto Solis
Chef Roberto Solis is the biggest name in Yucatan fine dining. He’s also a classically-trained chef who used to work at what’s been called the best restaurant in the world, Noma.
He has two restaurants in Merida, Néctar and Huniik, where his Nueva Cocina Yucateca (New Yucatan cuisine) shines.
Chef Solis has also consulted on different menus, including Fronto Restaurant at the Diez Diez Collection. This is of the best boutique hotels in Merida, which makes their restaurant one of the top restaurants in Merida!
After eating at any of the above restaurants, you’ll see why he’s known as one of the most famous Mexican chefs of our time — and you’ll also see why he’s known to serve some of the best food in Merida.
📍 Nectar Merida Address: Avenida Andrés García Lavín #334, San Antonio Cucul, Merida 97116 | Google Maps
Note: If you go a bit further north, you’ll be at Dzibilchaltun Ruins, the closest Mayan Ruins near Merida.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
8. El Catrin Merida
Looking for the best restaurants in Merida for dinner — an upscale yet casual dinner, that is? El Catrín Merida is a hip Yucatecan food gastropub with a lively vibe and funky artwork on the walls.
It is located on trendy Calle 47 (47th Street), just off Paseo de Montejo, and a popular place for a fun night out to enjoy creative cocktails, tapas-style eats and their friendly service.
📍 Catrin Merida Address: Avenida Andrés García Lavín #334, San Antonio Cucul, Merida 97116 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
9. Mercado 60 — Merida Food Hall
Mercado 60 is the perfect place for dinner in Merida when everyone wants to eat something different.
This popular food hall in Merida has 18 dining options and live music or events on most nights. Mercado 60 makes an ideal Merida nightlife option for dinner, drinks and dancing.
📍 Mercado 60 Merida Address: Calle 60 #461, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
11. La Bottega Merida
The perfect place for wine and craft beer, small plates and decadent desserts.
La Bottega is located right next to the Monumento a la Patria, so head there for photos at sunset, then make your way to the restaurant for a classy-casual dinner of pizzas, salads and charcuterie boards.
📍 La Bottega Merida Address: Calle 56A (Paseo Montejo), Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
10. Flamante — Best Burgers in Merida
When talking about the best Merida burgers, most people will say it’s Flamante Burgers all the way 🍔 In short: If you’re craving a burger, Flamante is among the best restaurants Merida Yucatan has for you to satisfy your hunger.
They have a fun menu with several types of gourmet burgers, including a Juicy Lucy (burger with cheese inside the meat), as well as vegetarian options and vegan burgers.
Flamante is a modern diner — but they always play vintage movies and cartoons projected on the walls, so it feels a bit like going back in time.
Besides the burgers, enjoy milkshakes made in the old-school milkshake blenders, and even yummy sweet potato fries. 🍻 Fancy a beer after your burger? Head to La Negrita Cantina just around the corner, one of the best bars in Merida.
📍 Flamante Merida Address: Calle 64 #403, Parque Santa Ana, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
You’ll also love these places for dinner in Merida
• Apoala: Local favorite for Oaxacan Mexican cuisine, one of the most beloved of all Mexican foods. Enjoy mole, tlayudas and more at Apoala Merida.
• Rosa Sur 32°: Hip restaurant with a classy ambiance, located in Parque Santa Lucía. This is an ideal place for tapas and cocktails at Happy Hour.
• Cadadía Bar Café: Enjoy the low-light ambiance, boho decor, small plates and Instagram-worthy cocktails at this Merida hidden gem restaurant.
• La Bierhaus: Great Merida beer bar serving authentic German food and European beers. The owner is German, so he keeps things authentic.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
12. Wayan’e Tacos Merida — Best Tacos in Merida
You won’t ever see a Best Merida Tacos list that doesn’t include Wayan’e (pronounced why-en-ay, and meaning “here it is” in Maya).
A local’s favorite, they have about 25 different things on the menu, but many favor the castican (crispy pork belly), available as a taco or torta (sandwich).
Wayan’e is very popular, and they have locations all over town and they serve some of the best food in Merida Mexico.
There are two on opposite ends of Centro Historico (Downtown Mérida) — this one in the south part of downtown and this one in the north part. For the best ambiance, head to the one linked below.
📍 Wayan’e Merida Address: Calle 59 #408, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
13. Taquería La Lupita — As seen on Netflix
🎥 One of the Merida Netflix restaurants! You can see La Lupita in the “Acid” episode of the show Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, hosted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Samin Nosrat.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
14. Los Trompos Mérida
After living in Mexico since 2018, I know “these are the best tacos” are fighting words!
I won’t go so far as to say Los Trompos has the best tacos al pastor in Merida, but I will say I used to live in Mexico City, which has the country’s best pastor tacos, and Los Trompos is a solid option.
In case you’re unfamiliar, tacos al pastor are the most popular of all Mexican tacos.
It is pork meat marinated in various spices and cooked on a spit. They are actually a Lebanese-Mexican fusion food, as you may have noticed by the Middle Eastern-style spit the meat is cooked on.
You’ll also love these Merida taco spots
• Taqueria de la Union: Numerous types of tacos (including vegan options) and a nice beer selection in a hip setting.
• El Pastor Suizo: With locations all around town, this is another contender for the Best Tacos al Pastor in Merida award.
• El Rey del Trompo: Located in Mercado San Benito, this is the perfect place for anyone who wants to eat with the locals, street food style.
• Maiz de lo Alto: Delicious tacos that are more gourmet than street, but your taste buds will definitely thank you for trying them.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
15. Oliva Enoteca — Best Italian Restaurant in Merida
Looking for the best Italian restaurants in Merida? Then don’t miss this beautifully-designed Merida Italian restaurant, with a really extensive wine list of about 150 bottles.
Enjoy authentic Italian pastas, brick oven pizzas, antipasti, main courses and carpaccios — especially the fish carpaccio at Oliva Enoteca, a house specialty. Save room for dessert because Oliva Enoteca has a delicious selection.
📍 Oliva Enoteca Merida Address: Calle 47 & Esquina con 54 S/N, Centro, Merida, 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
16. Trattoria La Pasta Montejo
Located right on Paseo de Montejo, the best street in Merida, Trattoria La Pasta Montejo is a local’s favorite.
Beyond the authentic food (this restaurant is owned by an Italian expat), the people-watching is great. If you want to dine on a weekend, arrive by 7 p.m., or expect a long wait!
📍 Trattoria La Pasta Merida Address: Paseo de Montejo #481, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
17. Pizza e Core — Best Pizza in Merida
You can’t go wrong with a pizza place that has a brick oven! Charming Pizza e Core is owned by an Italian who imports high-quality ingredients from Italy.
Enjoy their Venetian-style margarita pizzas and other gourmet options with Italian meats and fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese.
📍 Pizza e Core Merida Address: Calle 64 #408a, Parque Santa Ana, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
18. Micaela Mar y Leña — Best Seafood Restaurant in Merida
When it comes to the best seafood restaurants in Merida with the freshest catch, nothing beats Micaela Mar y Lena on trendy Calle 47 (47th Street).
This gastropub-style seafood restaurant in Merida has a creative menu of local fish and seafood items — like my personal favorites, the oysters Rockefeller and arroz mulato (grilled shrimp with black rice and lemon aioli), one of their signature dishes.
As many of the best beaches near Merida are about an hour away, the city has constant access to fresh seafood, and Micaela Mar y Lena lets it shine with simple yet elevated preparations.
📍 Micaela Mar y Leña Merida Address: Calle 47 #458, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
19. ASAI Japanese Cuisine — Best Sushi in Merida
ASAI Japanese Restaurant is located in the hip Villa Mercedes Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel — one of the best hotels in Merida. It is is among only a very small selection of sushi restaurants in Downtown Merida.
Chef Yasou Asai is from Nagoya, Japan, though he lived in Mexico City for years and ran ASAI Kaiseki Cuisine, before opening his ASAI Merida restaurant.
It is now considered one of the best sushi restaurants in Merida, also serving fried rice bowls and ramen.
ASAI Merida is located near Paseo 60, a shopping, dining, entertainment complex on Paseo Montejo, which makes a nice place to go after dinner.
📍 ASAI Kaiseki Merida Address: Avenida Colón #500, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
20. La Pigua Mérida
La Pigua has been around for almost 20 years — and is a Merida restaurant institution, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy fish, shellfish and seafood dishes, with ingredients delivered fresh daily from the nearby Yucatan Coast, so you know everything will be delicious at La Pigua.
📍 La Pigua Merida Address: Avenida Cupules #62, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
21. El Marlin Azul
El Marlin Azul (The Blue Marlin) is a no-frills place that’s very popular with locals, and as there’s only about five tables, you might encounter a wait.
However, it’s worth it because their fish is fresh, and they serve one of the most unique Merida seafood specialties — ceviche de pulpo frito.
This means “fried octopus ceviche,” and it does use pan-fried octopus instead of uncooked fish, but the same diced veggies and lime juice you’ll find in any Mexican ceviche.
The cooked octopus adds some heat to the veggies and lime juice, which brings out their flavors even more.
📍 El Marlin Azul Merida Address: Calle 62 #488B, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
You’ll also love these Merida Seafood Restaurants
• Agua de Mar: Enjoy locally caught, fresh seafood in this foodie favorite — the only restaurant in Merida serving natural wines. | Facebook page
• La Casita del Cheviche: Funky Merida ceviche chain restaurant with colorful decor, fresh seafood, cold beer and reasonable prices. | Instagram page
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
22. Marago Coffee — Best Cafe in Merida
IMO, there’s one place that completely dminates the rest when it comes to the best cafes in Merida — Cafe Marago on Paseo Montejo. For the coffee lover (or even, ahem, coffee snob ☕️), there’s just no place better.
They have all the fancy coffee gadgets, like a Chemex, Gem Dripper pour over coffee and Japanese Siphon. The Marago Merida owners have their own roasting plant, so you know the beans are always freshly roasted.
👩💻 ATTN digital nomads in Merida, or anyone who has to get some work done: Marago Cafe is ideal, as they have comfy seating, strong WiFi and air conditioning.
Besides coffee, they have a nice tea selection, as well as smaller plate offerings and sweet treats. Marago has some great breakfast specials, with an egg or pancake dish, plus a cup of coffee, for only about $100 MXN pesos ($5-7 USD).
After their original location on Paseo Montejo got super famous, they ended up opening a second Marago Merida Café in downtown. Both locations are open all day, from 8 am-10 pm.
📍 (Original Location) Marago Merida Address: Paseo de Montejo #481, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
📍 (Newest Location) Marago Merida Address: Calle 60 #491, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
23. Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese
Another Merida coffee shop option that offers freshly roasted beans, with a rotating line-up of varieties from all Mexico’s top coffee regions.
Enjoy Mexican coffees from states including Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla and Veracruz, considered the best Mexico state for coffee.
They really only do coffee and a few small snacks here, so come for the coffee but know you’ll have to eat elsewhere.
For those who want to get some Merida souvenirs for the coffee lover in your life back home, Manifesto Cafe Merida is a great place to buy bagged coffee to take home.
📍 Manifesto Merida Address: Calle 59 #538, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
24. Latte Quattro Sette
One of the cutest cafes in Merida, and located on one of the nicest streets in town, Calle 47. Latte Quattro Sette covers all the basics — coffee, tea, granola bowls, avocado toast and yummy pastries.
For those who love taking food photos, this is an Instagram-worthy Merida cafe.
📍 Cafe Latte Quattro Sette Merida Address: Calle 47 #465, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
You’ll also love these Merida cafes
• Sukra Cafe: Located on Paseo Montejo Avenue, Sukra Cocina + Café has great food and also makes the perfect place to do some people-watching.
• Pan & Kof.feé: Beautiful Merida cafe/bakery with stylish decor and great food. You may also see it spelled as Pan & Køf.fée, Pan y Koffee, Pan & Koffee.
• Baretto Espresso Bar: A great Italian-style coffee bar, perfect for a quick bite or gourmet coffee to go from the walk-up window.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
25. Rosas y Xocolate — Don’t miss the Sunday Jazz Brunch
Not only is Rosas & Xocolate one of the best boutique hotels in Merida, but it’s also one of the best Merida brunch spots.
Head there for Jazz Brunch, held Sunday mornings from 10am-12pm, to enjoy the live musicians on the outdoor patio. However, if you can’t make it Sunday, they still have the best brunch in Merida any day of the week.
📍 Rosas & Xocolate Merida Address: Calle 47 #465, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
🏩 There are only a handful of rooms in Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa, so if you want to stay in this Merida hotel — don’t hesitate on reserving your room now.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
26. SOCO Merida
Soco Mérida started as just a great bakery, but has expanded into a full brunch operation — with dishes that incorporate their delicious, fresh baked breads.
Enjoy traditional brunch favorites, like Eggs Benedict, French toast and bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese at Soco.
📍 (Downtown Merida) SOCO Merida Address: Calle 51 #492C, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
📍 (North Merida) SOCO Merida Address: Calle 20 #46A, Colonia México Norte, Merida, 97128 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
27. Te Extraño, Extraño
Right off the bat: This place is stunning! Easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in Merida, the cool tropical vibes in Te Extrano, Extrano don’t end at the decor.
The dishes are beautifully-plated, each prettier than the next — and looks aside, everything tastes light, fresh and yummy!
📍 Te Extrano, Extrano Merida Address: Calle 51 #492C, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
28. Chilakilez Morning Food & Treats
Wondering where to eat in Merida for breakfast? This is one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in town.
You know the restaurant’s a good place when they’ve been around for a while, and specialize in just one thing. At Chilakilez, it’s chilaquiles, one of the most popular and best Mexican breakfast foods.
For those who aren’t familiar and wondering What is chilaquiles? — Please let me explain!
Authentic chilaquiles start out with a plate of totopos (tortilla chips). These are covered in a red or green salsa, or even mole sauce, and topped with a fried egg or meat, cheese and crema.
At Chilakilez, you’ll choose from different salsas and toppings to create your perfect breakfast Merida dishes.
📍 Chilakilez Merida Address: Calle 57, Between Calle 56 and Calle 58, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
You’ll also love these Merida brunch spots
• Merci Restaurant Merida Mexico: European and Yucatecan fusion restaurant led by Chef Regina Escalante, who makes an appearance in the “Acid” episode of the Netflix show Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.
• Bistro Cultural Merida: A French restaurant with a Mexican food twist, owned by a French expat in Merida. The ambiance inside this converted house and beautiful garden is just as good as the food.
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
29. Saturday Slow Food Market in Merida
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
30. Mercado Santa Ana Market
This local mercado (market) is right next to Parque Santa Ana (Santa Ana Park in Merida), and it’s beautiful Parroquia Santa Ana Colonial church (AKA Santa Ana Merida church).
There are shops in the market to buy great souvenirs, local handicrafts and artisanal food products, but there’s also inexpensive, no-frills Yucatan food stalls.
Head to the Santa Ana Market to sample all the Yucatan food staples — for cheap!
You can try everything from panuchos and salbutes, to cochinita pibil and sopa de lima, and wash it all down with an agua fresca (fruit water) for about $5-7 USD per person.
📍 Mercado Santa Ana Merida Address: On the corner of Calle 60 and Calle 47, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
31. Mercado Lucas de Galvez — One of the Best Markets in Merida
This is the largest Merida market, and if you want to check out authentic local markets (mercados), this is definitely the place.
A bustling market where locals do their shopping, this market can get a big hectic, but it’s worth checking out and even snapping some photos.
As this is a 100% locals’ place, you can expect authentic, cheap eats.
It isn’t easy to direct anyone to the best places to eat in Lucas de Galvez Market, as it’s so huge, but be on the lookout for Taquería El Amanecer and El Rey del Trompo in the adjoining Mercado San Benito market.
📍 Mercado Lucas de Galvez Merida Address: On the corner of Calle 65A and Calle 56, Centro, Merida 97000 | Google Maps
BONUS: Best Merida Food Tours & Best Merida Cooking Classes
In 2010, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared traditional Mexican food an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind.”
In plain English, this means Mexican food is a cultural treasure worth preserving.
What better way to preserve this cuisine for yourself than by taking a cooking class in Merida so you learn how to cook all the best things for yourself?!
Not up for cooking while on vacation? No worries, the Merida tours featured below make for great things to do in Merida as well.
Best Merida Cooking Classes
Best Merida Cooking Class, Market Tour & Lunch
⭐️ Ratings: 4.96 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Time: 4 hours | 👩🍳 Book your spot now!
Visit a small market, where chefs from many Merida Yucatan restaurants shop, to learn about local ingredients — like zapote, mamey, axiote and chaya.
Then, head back to the kitchen at a renovated Colonial hacienda to cook a three-course meal you’ll eat afterwards in the courtyard.
🌱 Note: This tour can accommodate vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs — all while still staying true to cooking traditional Yucatecan dishes.
BEST MERIDA FOOD TOURS
Best Merida Street Food Walking Tour
⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Time: 3 hours | 👩🍳 Book your spot now!
Discover the best Yucatan food in Merida with a local as your guide to explain all the unique flavors of Yucatecan gastronomy.
Start this three-hour walking tour in a central location at Hidalgo Park, and make your way to the main Merida market, sampling and learning as you walk.
You’ll enjoy fresh fruit juices and the best local dishes, including cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), panuchos (tortillas stuffed with refried black beans), empanadas, tamales and tacos.
At the tour concludes, you make one final stop to try a gelato from a local ice cream shop.
Best Restaurants in Merida Map
For your convenience, all 31 places on this list of best restaurants in Merida, “The White City,” have been pinned to a handy Merida Mexico map.
Should you find yourself wondering, What are the best Merida restaurants near me? — this map will help direct you right to them.
⚠️ Note: This list (and the entire website) is intended as a resource for those traveling to Merida.
As such, the majority of the best restaurants in Merida Yucatan Mexico featured are in the three main areas visitors frequent: Centro Historico, Paseo Montejo and North Merida. There are, of course, great restaurants all over town.
Best Restaurants in Merida Guide & FAQ
What is Yucatan food?
Traditional Mexican food is regional, and in the Yucatan Region of Southern Mexico, you enjoy foods like cochinita pibil and panuchos that use local ingredients like naranja agria (sour oranges) and achiote paste (AKA axiote, or annatto) — two staples of Yucatec cuisine.
While most think of tacos and burritos as the only Mexican foods — these only play a supporting role in Yucatan local cuisine.
This food is different because the Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, so many fruits and veggies that grow in Merida don’t grow in other parts of Mexico.
Keep reading to see a list of 10 unique foods from Yucatán Mexico that you must try when you visit Merida. For a more complete guide to Yucatecan Cuisine, visit 50+ Best Yucatan Foods & Mayan Dishes in Mexico.
10 Traditional Yucatan Foods You Must Try
1. Cochinita pibil: The most famous and beloved of all dishes in Yucatec cuisine, and a must try in Merida! Cochinita pibil is a suckling pig marinated in axiote and sour orange juice, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.
2. Sopa de Lima: Flavorful and light lime soup with chicken or turkey.
3. Poc chuc: Marinated, grilled pork filet — one of the top Yucatan specialties.
4. Queso relleno: A stuffed ball of cheese, called queso de bola or Edam cheese, that’s stuffed with meat and then cooked until the cheese melts a bit.
5. Salbutes: Fried, puffy tortillas used for tacos.
6. Panuchos: Tortillas stuffed with refried beans paste, and used for tacos.
7. Papadzules: One of the few vegetarian Yucatan dishes, papadzules are egg enchiladas in pepita (pumpkin seeds) sauce and tomato sauce.
8. Relleno negro: Turkey and black chili stew.
9. Kibis: A Yucatan fast food bulgar wheat snack you can get from street vendors.
10. Marquesitas: The famous crepes in Yucatan, which you can get from street vendors when the sun goes down.
Now that you know a bit about the local food in Yucatan, don’t miss these Top 3 best Merida Mexico restaurants for Yucatan food. You can sample it all over town, but these three places are visitor favorites.
If three aren’t enough, add La Prospe del Xtup and Los Almendros to your list.
Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico
We’ve reached the end of the list! While always difficult to make a “Best Of” list, you’ve now seen a list are places with both great reviews and a great reputation, which most people would vouch for.
Though Mexican food is well-known and beloved all over the world, the unique cuisine of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is just now coming into the spotlight.
Merida, known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatan, and the capital city of Yucatán State, is one of the cities leading this charge.
With several famous chefs from Mexico, like Roberto Solis of Nectar and Huniik, and Pedro Evia of Ku’uk, Merida is starting to gain press for the Mayan cuisine that’s been around for centuries.
From the fine dining options mentioned above, to delicious street food tacos, you’re going to love eating in Merida Mexico.
Merida Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
Can you drink the water in Merida?
No — You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
Will my phone work in Merida?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?
For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb! (Read more)
What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.
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