All about La Chaya Maya Restaurant in Mérida (2025)
Updated:
May 30, 2025
1087 views
1 image
Author: Tobias
La Chaya Maya is a well–established restaurant in Mérida serving traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil, papadzules, and panuchos. With two central locations, it attracts both tourists and locals seeking authentic regional cuisine. Average meal prices range between 150 and 300 MXN (US-$8 – 16).
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.
Learn more: Our story
Disclosure: This article contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (#Disclosure Policy)
.png){kind=small}
Quick Facts: Address & Details
📍 Address:
C. 57 x 62-x 62, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
☎️ Phone:
↔️ Distance:
⏳ Travel Time:
🎟️ Admission:
💵 Price Level:
📆 Since:
⭐ Rating:
🕒 Open:
+52 999 928 4780
1.7 km from Casa Loltún
Within the city
No entry fee
Mid-Priced
1997
• Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Powered by ©Google
Route
Streetview
Website
Best Restaurants
xx of yy
Your Dream Stay in Mérida’s Historic Center
Your Mérida Getaway – Private, Central, and Full of Charm
Stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century colonial home just minutes from Paseo de Montejo. With 7 air-conditioned bedrooms – each with en-suite bath – plus a pool, full kitchen, sun terrace, and high-speed Wi-Fi, it comfortably accommodates up to 14 guests.
Enjoy the rare mix of historic charm and modern design while staying close to cafés, markets, galleries, parks, and Mérida’s vibrant cultural life – all just a short walk away.
⭐ Awarded “Guest Favorite” on Airbnb – nearly all 5-star reviews.
Choose your ideal setup on Airbnb
First-Hand Insights on La Chaya Maya
Hardly any recommendation list would be complete without La Chaya Maya, which is quite centrally located near Parque de Santa Lucia and Plaza Grande and serves traditional Yucatecan food.
Just a block away in the direction of Santa Ana, there is a second branch, La Chaya Maya Casona. The atmosphere in the restaurant is rustic and authentic, with traditional Mayan art and decorations that reflect the culture and history of the region.
Authentic Mayan Cuisine
La Chaya Maya puts a lot of effort on authentic Mayan cuisine. They use traditional recipes and ingredients to ensure that the dishes reflect the flavor and culture of the region.
For example, the use of limes, habanero chilies, achiote spice and corn flour are characteristic of Mayan cuisine and give the dishes a unique flavor.
You can choose a table either indoors or outdoors. It's a great place to experience the flavors and culture of Yucatán.
Food Recommendations
There is a wide variety of dishes to choose from. You can enjoy panuchos, handmade corn tortillas stuffed with beans, or pollo pibil, half a chicken marinated in achiote, sweet chili, tomato, and onions, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked.
One of the most well-known dishes is certainly sopa de lima, a refreshing lime soup with tortilla strips, onions, tomatoes, sweet chili, and shredded turkey.
A must-try is poc chuc, a traditional Yucatecan pork dish served with fried onions, chili tomatoes, avocado, and beans, or tikin xic, a flavorful seafood dish featuring fish fillet, shrimp, squid, and mussels marinated in achiote, wrapped in banana leaves.
Traditional Mexican Drinks
To complement your meal, you’ll find a great selection of traditional Mexican drinks, including agua de horchata, agua de jamaica, and a variety of margaritas.
Agua de horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar, served cold (our kids really like that).
Agua de jamaica is a refreshing hibiscus tea, slightly tart and sweet, made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in water and adding sugar.
La Chaya Maya Online
In addition to its website, you'll find
Share!
Cooking Classes & Food Tours
If you would like to explore the Yucatan Peninsula and Mérida with a guided tour, there are wonderful experiences from Viator. We have selected the best tours for you.
You save time and nerves, get all the insider tips you need from an expert tour guide and can join up with others if you wish. And it's also safer to travel in a group.
1. My Top Recommendation
2. Another very special experience
3. Not either/or, but also!
General Tips for Getting Around
💡 Here are my quick dining tips:
Comida (big meal) is around 2 and 4 pm.
Dinner starts late – usually after 8 pm.
Tip 10–15% – that’s the usual standard.
Book popular restaurants in advance.
Don’t rush – slow meals are normal.
Street food stalls are usually cash-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Where is La Chaya Maya located?
La Chaya Maya is located in Mérida’s city center at Calle 57 between Calle 60 and 62. It sits just a few blocks from Plaza Grande and is within walking distance of major historic sites.
🧭 How far is La Chaya Maya from Casa Loltún?
La Chaya Maya is approximately 1.7 kilometers from Casa Loltún in Colonia García Ginerés. The route takes about 6 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot through central Mérida.
💰 Are prices at La Chaya Maya reasonable?
Yes – prices at La Chaya Maya are fair considering the quality and portion sizes. Main dishes usually range from Mex$ 130 to Mex$ 250, making it accessible for most travelers and locals.
🎯 What kind of food does La Chaya Maya serve?
The restaurant specializes in traditional Yucatecan cuisine. Dishes include cochinita pibil, papadzules, panuchos, sopa de lima, and handmade tortillas made with regional ingredients.
👍 Is La Chaya Maya worth visiting?
Yes – La Chaya Maya is worth visiting for its authentic regional food, central location, and consistent quality. It’s one of the top-rated restaurants in Mérida for Yucatán cuisine.
☕ What is the atmosphere like at La Chaya Maya?
La Chaya Maya offers a traditional setting with colorful décor, rustic furniture, and a lively atmosphere. Many guests enjoy the courtyard dining area and attentive service.
📆 When was La Chaya Maya established?
La Chaya Maya was founded in 1997. Since then, it has become a beloved institution in Mérida, often recommended by locals and featured in travel guides.
Photo Gallery
Explore More of Mérida and the Yucatán Region
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Viator Travel Promotions
Our partner and market leader, Viator, offers a wide range of exciting Thing to do in Mérida and on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Enjoy maximum flexibility with free cancelations. The most popular tours are booked up quickly, so don't miss out.
