Favorite Restaurants in Merida
There is definitely no shortage of restaurants in Merida. You can find a place to eat on almost every block throughout Merida. You will notice a plethora of Cocinas Economica (Cheap Kitchens) and hotdog/hamburger carts. Most are perfectly safe to grab grub, but if your gut tells you, “something ain’t quite right”, listen to your gut as your gut will be affected if you dine somewhere you shouldn’t!
While you will see commercial entities known to you back home, you are truly better off experiencing local cuisine and fine dining at some of Merida’s best restaurants. Some of my favorite picks are listed below.
Apoala
This place hits home with locals, tourists and my wife and me! It’s a blend of Mexican, Oaxacan, and Yucatecan ingredients and recipes, that create some of the tastiest meals you will experience here. The plated perfection will have you taking pictures for Instagram or Facebook!
They do not always have availability so if they’re booked try another day or make a reservation for a few days later. It’s worth the trip.
Parque Santa Lucía Calle 55 x 60, Centro
La Tratto
This place is the place for great comfort food. I’m talking pizza and Italian! They have a flatbread that’s served to you with every meal that just melts in your mouth. I’m getting hungry typing this! Service is good and they go out of their way to please you.
Calle 60 No.471 x 53 y 55, Local 10, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
Oliva
If you’re looking for a true NYC Chic Italian experience that includes ambiance, second to none service and truly delicious food, this is the place you want to treat your pallet to for simple culinary delight! They have two locations with a third on the way.
Their original locale boasts only 4 tables. If you ask the waiters which they prefer, they will tell you the original! Rose and I have eaten at both locations and it’s our top pic for Italian. The menus change according to the season, but that’s OK because no matter what you order, it’s going to be great!
Oliva Kitchen & Bar – Calle 49 Y 56, Mérida 97000, México
Oliva Enoteca – Calle 47 # 466 | Corner Calle 54, Merida 97000, México
Younghee’s Kitchen
For something completely different, Younghee’s Kitchen serves the best in Korean cuisine. I am not very adventurous in the food department, but we met a friend there for lunch one Saturday. I enjoy the vegetarian dish I ordered. The owners are great and very personal. I hugged and kissed Younghee goodbye. They’re only open on Saturdays!
Calle 33ᴰ 496, Reparto Dolores Patrón, 97070 Mérida, Yuc.
Rosas & Xocolate Hotel Restaurant
If boutique hotels are your thing, and why shouldn’t they be, the beauty and service here are upscale and elegant. The food is great and if you want to try a drink that tastes like heaven, ask for a Chocolate Martini Blanco. Tell the bartenders Howard sent you!
Often you will find top-notch jazz musicians performing in the rooftop bar area. This is a favorite place to relax and enjoy music and drink.
Paseo de Montejo 480, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC
Los Trompos
A pizza chain that offers more than pizza. They have a heavy Yucatanian influence. Very informal and you can find them all over the city. Order the pastore and tell me what you think!
Many locations – just Google them on your phone!
500 Noches
If you’re in the mood for sandwiches, 500 Noches is the place. They’re really a bit more than sandwiches and it really doesn’t matter what you order because, at this café bar, everything is good.
Calle 60 469-479, Centro, 97000 Ejido del Centro, Yuc
Hennessy’s Irish Pub
You remember Cheers where everyone knows your name? Well, this is the Merida version. The food is great, the owners are great and of course, the drinks are great! Who would have thought an Irish pub in the heart of Merida would be or could be so popular! This is a favorite hang of the expats, though it is frequented by locals alike.
There’s live music quite often and mostly British/American selections. This is one of the places where English seems to dominate the lingo spoken here.
Avenida Paseo Montejo. C 56-A No. 486A x 41 y 43, Zona Paseo Montejo, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.