All about Catrín in Mérida, Mexico

From their perspective, the restaurant Catrín reinvents Mexican cuisine. And to be fair, the menu does push beyond the usual expectations. The dishes combine traditional flavors with creative twists, blending local ingredients in unexpected ways.

Catrín has a lively atmosphere and stylish decor. The walls are adorned with paintings, which are also available for purchase, and the courtyard features a light installation by contemporary artist Jacobo Roa. You can choose to sit inside or outside.

You’ll find dishes like

• pork tacos with pickled Xcatik chile and mint sprouts,

• taco in a marinade of dried chiles and Pale Ale beer,

• watermelon salad with pickled strawberries, chili, and raspberry dressing,

• or milk-braised chicken served with rice, coconut, and mashed banana.

These are not your typical flavors, and that’s exactly what makes the menu so exciting. If you’re up for something different, there’s plenty here to discover. By the way, the chef Yiannis Rojas recommends his Tacos de Vegetales al Ajillo (Tacos with Vegetables in Ajillo Sauce).

The presentation is just as impressive as the flavors, with beautifully plated dishes that make the experience feel a bit more special. If you enjoy modern takes on classic recipes, this is definitely a spot worth checking out.

Where does the name come from?

I always find it quite interesting where a name comes from or what background a name has. According to legend, the origin of Catrina (or Catrín) can be traced back to the Aztec figure Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of death. Is that trustworthy for a restaurant? No idea!

Online ressources

When restaurants have a website and are active on social media, I always appreciate it. It's so much easier to get a good first impression and see what to expect before visiting. In addition to their own website (see the overview above), you will find

• Catrín on Facebook

• as well as Catrín on Instagram.

Corredor Gastronómico

Catrín is just a few meters from 130 Grados Steakhouse, right in the heart of the so-called Restaurant Row (Corredor Gastronómico) on Calle 47.

The street runs about four blocks east from the southern roundabout of Paseo de Montejo and is home to some of the best restaurants and trendiest cafés in Mérida.

Apart from the restaurant Catrín, you will find for example the restaurants Olivia Enoteca, 130 Grados Steakhouse, and Micaela Mar & Leña, the cafés Cafetería Impala, Baretto Espresso Bar, Marmalade 47 and Latte Quatro Sette and the cantina El Lucero del Alba.

The entire street was renovated in 2023, and many buildings were freshly painted, some even by the city. If you are looking for a place with plenty of dining options, this is definitely an area worth exploring.