All about Kuuk Restaurant in Mérida, Mexico (2025)

K'u'uk (or simply Kuuk), established in 2012, is located on Paseo de Montejo in front of the Monumento a la Patria and is one of the best upscale restaurants in the city.

The restaurant has several rooms with a dignified - some might say old-fashioned - club atmosphere. The Travellers' Award from TripAdvisor is just one of the many accolades Kuuk has received (see below).

The correct spelling (K'u'uk) means sprout in mayan language.

The Culinary Style

Chef Pedro Evia defines Kuuk’s culinary style as "vanguardia Yucateca", a fusion of traditional Yucatecan flavors and ingredients with contemporary cooking methods.

The dining experience is elevated with molecular gastronomy techniques, such as spherification, the use of food stabilizers, and liquid nitrogen preparations, creating innovative textures and presentations.

Signature dishes include

• Yucatán lime soup,

• tabbouleh with labneh and star apple,

• and a Creole suckling pig paired with lentil stew.

The menu evolves seasonally, reflecting the region's agricultural offerings.

The Tasting Menu

You have the option to order individual dishes from the à la carte menu or immerse yourself in a 14-course tasting experience, carefully crafted to present the region’s flavors in a fresh and innovative way.

For the tasting menu, you should set aside plenty of time, as it takes around three hours and includes a variety of small portions across multiple courses.

Of course, it is less suitable for families with younger children and the prices are high. Given its popularity and acclaim, reservations are highly recommended, especially for the tasting menu.

Wine Selection

Tucked away beneath Kuuk, a hidden speakeasy and wine cellar provides an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. This secluded space is perfect for those who appreciate a curated selection of fine wines and premium spirits, all enjoyed in a distinctive and sophisticated setting.

The wine selection is spectacular. Kuuk boasts an extensive wine list, featuring both Mexican vintages and international selections. The wine pairings are thoughtfully curated to complement the tasting menu.

Mexican wines have been gaining recognition in the international wine scene for their unique qualities, especially due to the country's diverse climates and terroirs.

My Wine Recommendations

The Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is the most well-known wine region, but regions in the north, like Coahuila, also produce excellent wines.

If you're exploring Mexican wine, I highly recommend trying a Nebbiolo, such as the "Finca La Carrodilla Nebbiolo," a rich, full-bodied red.

For something lighter, the "Casa Madero Chardonnay" offers a crisp, refreshing white with subtle fruit notes. Also, don't miss the "Monte Xanic Gran Reserva," a blend that perfectly showcases Mexico's ability to produce complex, age-worthy wines.

Advanced Culinary Laboratory

Kuuk is home to a state-of-the-art culinary lab, where indigenous and nearly forgotten ingredients are carefully studied, reinterpreted, and reintroduced into modern cuisine. It is recognized as one of the most comprehensive restaurant labs in the Americas.

The team focuses on in-depth research of local edible plants and explores innovative methods to bring nearly forgotten traditional vegetables back into contemporary gastronomy.

National and International Awards

Kuuk has won several national and international awards:

• Food & Wine Magazine’s

  • 100 Restaurants in the world worth a pilgrimage

• Mexico Travel & Leisure Gourmet Award

  • No. 1 new restaurant in 2013

  • Nominated for best tasting menu in 2014

• Interior of Mexico

  • Winner of Mexico Food & Travel’s Best Restaurant in 2019

The Visionary Head of Kuuk

Pedro Evia Puente is a leading chef who helped redefine Yucatecan cuisine by blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. His innovative style has brought new attention to the region’s culinary scene.

In the early 2000s, he teamed up with other chefs to push Mexican fine dining forward, launching standout restaurants like Casa de los Murmullos in Valladolid, Tierra y Fuego, and Trento Lounge & Spirits.

His passion for innovation ultimately led him to co-found Ku’uk. The restaurant stands as a testament to his commitment to culinary evolution.

Beyond Mexico, Pedro Evia has made a mark on the international culinary scene, participating in renowned food festivals such as Sabor de Oaxaca, Chefs’ Festival in Puerto Vallarta, Qatar International Food Festival, and Houston Taste of the Americas.

His contributions to gastronomy have also been recognized in the Mexico Gastronomic Guide, solidifying his influence in both national and international culinary circles.

Kuuk Online

In addition to the website of Kuuk, you can also find

• Kuuk on Facebook

• Kuuk on Instagram