All about Rancho Da Picanha Churrascaria in Mérida

I can’t really say why people travel all the way to Yucatán only to eat Asian, Italian, or Brazilian food – but then again, why not? I’ve been there more than once myself.

Rancho Da Picanha is not quite centrally located in the city center, but we don't want to be too precise with this fine address for a great Brazilian barbecue.

A churrascaria is a traditional restaurant from southern Brazil, where the main dish is grilled meat (= churrasco). The grilled meat (steak, sausage, ribs, etc.) is served from the spit directly at the table.

The service staff will cut the desired amount from the spit directly at your table. Salad and all side dishes are provided as an open buffet.

There is also outdoor seating in the garden, but whether you actually want to sit there is another question because it’s not particularly nice.

What You Get for US-$ 25

You pay a flat rate of around 25 US dollars per person and can eat as much as you like.

One thing to keep in mind is that in Mexico, no one will rush you to finish your meal or bring the bill unless you ask for it. For what is included, the price is pretty reasonable, and the whole experience is a lot of fun.

The salad buffet is massive, and you can help yourself to whatever you like. Besides a huge variety of salads, you will find mussels, shrimp, sushi, beef and fish carpaccio, various hot side dishes, fresh vegetables, and even a giant wheel of Parmesan cheese.

What to Expect Inside

Rancho isn’t about fancy interiors or a refined atmosphere. The dark brown tables and chairs blend into the equally dark brown floor, while a few scattered pictures attempt to break up the monotony of the walls.

It is not a quiet place either. The mix of humming air conditioners, whirring fans, and booming speakers, combined with the lively chatter of guests, creates a chaotic but energetic environment.

The Experience That Sets It Apart

What really makes Rancho special is the team of waiters who enthusiastically roam the space, carrying huge skewers of sizzling meat, including beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and sausages, right to your table.

They will not stop offering until you finally surrender. Birthday serenades from the waitstaff are a full production, complete with bells and rattles. If you're looking for a restaurant for your birthday, that’s an extra bonus.

SIM or NAO?

You get a small chip that you place on the table in front of you. One side says "Sim," meaning "I want more," while the other side says "Nao," signaling that you've had enough.

That’s the theory. In reality, the meat keeps coming until there’s no plate left in front of you, no matter how your chip is positioned.

And unlike in some other countries, where the server might automatically bring the bill after your meal, that won’t happen in Mexico. You can sit and relax as long as you like, unless you ask for the check yourself.

Rancho on Social Media

Rancho Da Picanha is active on:

• Rancho Da Picanha on Facebook

• Rancho Da Picanha on Instagram

• Rancho Da Picanha on TikTok