All about Restaurante Picheta in Mérida, Mexico (2026)

Let me tell you – it’s not easy to find a more central location in Mérida, especially one that also offers such an impressive view. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve been here before, the combination of setting and scenery is hard to beat.

Restaurante Picheta in Mérida sits right on Plaza Grande, housed in a 350-year-old historic building next to the Palacio de Gobierno (the government building).

One of its highlights is the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy dinner with a glass of wine while watching the sunset over the city. Inside, the restaurant has a colonial charm, with high ceilings and antique furniture creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.

Opened in 1977, Picheta has built a long-standing reputation in Mérida’s culinary scene.

The restaurant aims to bridge pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern influences through its cuisine. The menu is thoughtfully curated, and there’s also an extensive selection of Mexican and international wines.

My Food Recommendations

Food recommendations can be tricky, but I give you an idea of what’s on the menu.

• One standout is the lobster bisque, a hearty appetizer featuring chunks of fresh lobster in a flavorful broth topped with tree-spinach-and-garlic croutons.

• For meat lovers, the cocoa-and-green-peppercorn-crusted beef steak is a must-try, nicely grilled and accompanied by sweet potato purée and charbroiled squash.

• If you're vegetarian, you might like the vegetarian lasagna, layered with local mushrooms, peppers, squash, and tree spinach, all brought together with a rich bechamel sauce and Edam cheese.

And don't miss the chocolate crémeux for dessert, which combines chocolate breadcrumbs, local honey jelly, berries, plantain purée, and lime tuile for a delightful finish.

One Shot, One Dinner

Most visitors stay in the city for three to four days, at least in my experience. That doesn’t leave much time to try out different restaurants, so if you’re planning a nice evening out, it’s best to get it right the first time.

I’d definitely recommend Picheta. If you want the perfect experience, reserve a table at the edge of the terrace about one to two weeks in advance. Then all you have to do is keep your fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain.

Awards and Rankings

Picheta is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Mérida and has earned a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Award. With nearly 900 restaurants listed in the city, it consistently ranks in the top 10.

Prices & Reservations

Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality and setting, and reservations are highly recommended, especially in the evening when it gets busy.

Picheta Online

In addition to its own website, you'll find

• Restaurante Picheta on Facebook

• Restaurante Picheta on Instagram

Online reservations for Restaurante Picheta are also possible.