50 Best Restaurants in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)
Updated: June 22, 2025
Discover Mérida / Best Restaurants
Author: Tobias
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Restaurants in Mérida
2025 Guide
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
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Mérida’s Best Restaurants at a Glance
Mérida offers more than 900 restaurants, ranging from upscale Yucatecan dining to modern fusion spots and casual cafés. Expect authentic local flavors, quality coffee, and options for every taste and budget.
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Top Dining Areas: Calle 47 is known as Mérida’s “Gastronomic Corridor.” Calle 60 blends local eateries with tourist favorites, while Paseo de Montejo features colonial architecture and tree-lined views. Many upscale restaurants are located in northern Mérida.
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Best Restaurants: Micaela Mar & Leña offers upscale Yucatecan cuisine in the city center. Rancho Da Picanha is known for Brazilian-style steak, while Miyabi El Árbol serves high-quality sushi in a modern setting outside the center.
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Local Specialties: Yucatecan cuisine is known for rich regional flavors. Typical dishes include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), sopa de lima (lime chicken soup), panuchos (fried tortillas with beans), and queso relleno (stuffed cheese with pork).
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Top Cantinas and Bars: La Negrita is Mérida’s oldest cantina, known for live music and a relaxed atmosphere. However, cantinas often close early; for late-night drinks, bars like Pipiripau remain open daily until 2:30 am.
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Dining Tips: The main meal in Mexico is usually between 2 and 4 pm, with dinner around 8 pm. Tipping is 10–15%, though some bills include service. Reservations are advised for top restaurants, especially on weekends. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Interactive Mérida Restaurant Guide
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Restaurants on the Map
📍 Calle 47 is Mérida’s Restaurant Row. This four-block strip is packed with trendy spots, cafés, and bars.
📍 You’ll find tons of places to eat along Calle 60, especially near Parque Santa Lucía. Mercado 60 gives you a dozen great food spots all in one place.
📍 Right around Plaza Grande, there are plenty of classic restaurants and cantinas with a local vibe.
📍 Head north to areas like The Harbor or La Isla for modern restaurants, global food, and open-air seating.
“Dining in Mérida is one of my favorite parts of being here – from casual tacos on a plaza bench to candlelit dinners in restored colonial homes.
Some nights I’m in a traditional cantina with live trova, other times in a sleek rooftop bar or a cozy café. That mix of everyday and extraordinary keeps me coming back.”
My Top Places To Eat
Mérida is packed with great places to eat. Naming the best restaurants is, of course, totally subjective – but with my following tips, you really can’t go wrong.
🥇 If you're in the mood for local flavors, I’d go with Micaela Mar & Leña. It’s a great mix of classic Mexican dishes, seafood, and grilled meats – all served in a gorgeous 19th-century colonial house just off Calle 47.
🥈 I’ll go with our kids on this one – if you’re into steak and barbecue, you’ve got to try Churrascaria Rancho Da Picanha. It’s all-you-can-eat, and trust me, it’s not just about the salad bar.
🥉 We’re all big sushi fans – and when it comes to atmosphere, Miyabi El Arbol beats every other place hands down. The name says it all: “El Árbol” means “The Tree,” and yes, there’s literally one growing right through the roof.
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Micaela Mar & Leña
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Churrascaria Rancho Da Picanha
The Restaurant Row (Calle 47)
Calle 47, also known as the Restaurant Row or “Corredor Gastronómico,” is one of Mérida’s coolest places to eat. Renovated in 2023, this four-block stretch is packed with top restaurants and hip cafés.
Highlights include Oliva Enoteca, 130 Grados Steakhouse, Catrín, Micaela Mar & Leña and Sandunga Cocina Tradicional Oaxaqueña – plus cafes like Cafetería Impala, Baretto Espresso Bar, Marmalade 47 and Latte Quatro Sette and the cantina El Lucero del Alba.
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Corredor Gastronómico
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El Lucero del Alba
Dining and Nightlife on Calle 60 and Mercado 60
A few blocks away, Calle 60 is another go-to spot, running through the city center from Calle 61 to Calle 45. It’s home to several great restaurants and shops.
I love heading to Mercado 60 – right on Calle 60 – because this open-air food court brings together around 20 food stalls, grills, and bars. Things get really lively around 9 p.m., with music, dancing, and a buzzing crowd.
👉 In Mérida, dinner often blends right into the nightlife, many spots turn up the music and vibe after 9 pm. So don’t rush home after your meal. I usually just stay put after eating – it’s the perfect way to ease into the evening.
Mercado 60
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The perfect way to toast the night
What to Eat: Must-Try Yucatecan Dishes
Traditional Yucatecan dishes are still made the way the Maya prepared them centuries ago.
🧄 The best-known dish is Cochinita Pibil – pork marinated in sour orange, garlic, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked underground for hours. It gets its color and flavor from achiote, a spice with deep pre-Hispanic roots – you’ve got to try it!
🍋 Another favorite of mine is Sopa de Lima, especially on hot days – it’s light and citrusy. I also like is Poc Chuc – tangy, grilled pork with loads of flavor. Huevos Motuleños? Honestly, not my thing – but the locals love them, so they’re definitely worth a try.
🌮 I’m more of a taco guy anyway, especially the ones at La Chaya Maya with grilled steak (see below) – for me, they’ve got to come with sour cream and freshly made guacamole.
Making Tacos
Ready to eat
Top Restaurants with Yucatec Cuisine
Our architect for Casa Loltún actually recommended it – turns out, he designed the place too: Micaela Mar & Leña. It’s classic Mexican cuisine with seafood and grilled meats, all served in a beautifully restored 19th-century colonial home near Calle 47.
The Harbor is Mérida’s newest mall, up north along the Periférico. I randomly found Porfirio's there on my first visit – turns out it’s ranked in the top 5 on Tripadvisor and claims to serve the best Mexican food in town. Should’ve noticed it sooner!
Micaela Mar & Leña
What I remember most about the iconic Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca is how we had to flee our lovely courtyard table under the big tree during a sudden downpour. Still, I really like the restaurant – great food and a unique setting.
If the weather’s on your side and you book early, you’ll get one of the best seats in town – on Restaurante Picheta’s rooftop, with views of Plaza Grande and the cathedral. It’s a stunning spot, and if you time it for sunset, the whole scene turns magical – definitely the cherry on top.
Sure, it’s all subjective – but I’m not the only one who loves La Chaya Maya. You’ll hardly find a top list without it, and this popular spot in the heart of the city also serves up classic Yucatecan dishes.
Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca
Restaurants with Breakfast and Brunch
For breakfast or lunch in a bohemian chill courtyard, go to El Apapacho. Also Rosas & Xocolate at Paseo de Montejo is a nice spot for a great brunch.
Catrín (Calle 47) claims to be reinventing Mexican cuisine and indeed there are some interesting creations to discover. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and I love that you can choose to sit indoors or out.
Best Upscale Restaurants
The kids have moved out and you’ve got some room in your budget? Then I definitely recommend K'u'uk. It is located in front of the Monumento a la Patria and is one of the best upscale restaurants in the city. Our last visit stretched over three hours.
Restaurant K'u'uk
Another top restaurant serving upscale cuisine (and close by) is Yerba Santa Mérida in the Casa del Minarete on Paseo de Montejo. Not even counting the delicious food, that’s already three pretty solid reasons to go.
Restaurant Yerba Santa Mérida
Top Restaurants with International Cuisine
Steakhouse and Barbecue
I didn’t claw my way to the top of the food chain to live on plants. If you feel the same, 130 Grados steakhouse is your kind of place – the name of this little spot pretty much says it all.
And if you prefer to measure your meat in kilos rather than grams, you’ve got to check out Churrascaria Rancho Da Picanha – a top spot for Brazilian barbecue. It’s all-you-can-eat here, and that goes way beyond just the salad bar.
Churrascaria Rancho Da Picanha
Italian Food
Oliva Enoteca, located right on restaurant row (Calle 47), serves up exquisite Italian cuisine and is one of the classier dining spots in Mérida’s city center. If you’re craving Italian while staying downtown, this is where I’d start.
Outside the city center, most great restaurants are found on Mérida’s north side. My tip? Head to Gran Pizzeria La Tratto Montejo – a beautifully designed place by the same architect who created our home. The pizza comes straight out of a wood-fired oven, and it’s seriously good.
Gran Pizzeria La Tratto Montejo
Japanese Food
If you prefer sushi or ramen instead, visit Miyabi El Arbol or Tokyo 07 Izakaya in northeast Mérida. They both offer authentic Japanese food in a pleasant ambience.
Both places serve sushi of the same great quality, but Miyabi definitely wins when it comes to atmosphere. The highlight? A large tree growing right through the roof (see photo).
Miyabi El Arbol
Best Haciendas for Dining Near Mérida
You’re in Yucatán – so of course, haciendas are part of the experience. Many haciendas have been restored and converted into luxury hotels and restaurants. On the outskirts of the city you will find Hacienda Santa Cruz, Hacienda Teya, and Hacienda Xcanatún.
📍 Hacienda Santa Cruz
Especially the restaurant Valentina at Hacienda Santa Cruz is, in my opinion, one of the best in Mérida because the atmosphere and the great food come together in perfect harmony.
📍 Hacienda Teya
Hacienda Teya, built in 1683 on the eastern outskirts, also has an excellent award-winning restaurant serving exquisite Yucatecan food. It took 20 years of renovation to begin a new life as a venue (for weddings, for example) and restaurant.
📍 Hacienda Xcanatún
Hacienda Xcanatún on Mérida’s northern edge dates back to the 18th century. Its restaurant, Casa de Piedra, blends Yucatecan and Caribbean flavors with French cuisine.
Hacienda Santa Cruz
Cafés, Ice Cream & More
Top Coffee Spots in Mérida
Did you know that the first chocolate was made in Mexico? Cocoa beans were already cultivated by the Mayas and Aztecs and were used to make chocolate and the drink cacao. Cocoa was the drink of the Mexican gods – its beans were once used as currency.
Got a craving now? Stop by Stop by Ki'Xocolatl at Parque de Santa Lucia – it’s a cozy café and chocolate shop in one. Enjoy chocolates, a coffee, cappuccino or a chocolaty drink.
Waiting for my favorite café in Mérida? That would be Pan & Køf.feé – I just love the vibe in their two-story space. It's located at Santa Ana. Or check out Latte Quatro Sette, a small cute Italian cafe on the restaurant row in Mérida (Calle 47), three blocks from our Casa Loltún.
Pan & Køf.feé
One place that’s especially popular with expats is Marago Coffee It is located directly at Paseo de Montejo (with another location at Parque des Santa Lucia). It’s great for getting work done and the Wi-Fi is always reliable.
Also Mérida`s institution since 1958, Cafetería Impala is located at Paseo de Montejo. If you're just looking for a very good coffee and don't need a huge breakfast menu, Manifesto near Parque de Santiago or the Baretto Espresso Bar (again Calle 47) might be the place for you.
Voltacafé Santa Lucía is one of the cafes that are unimpressive from the outside but really come into their own on the inside. Or eat where the locals eat: In the long-standing establishment Cafeteria Pop.
And no matter where you're from, if you're homesick, of course you will find several Starbucks in Mérida. Of course, you’ll also find the classic souvenir coffee mugs with a Mérida design here (we’ve got a whole collection at home).
Cafés in Art & Design Spaces
There are nice boutiques and art galleries that also have a small cafe.
A special feel-good ambience is offered in the Art Gallery Caracol Púrpura, and in the boutiques and Art Gallery Casa T´HŌ Concept House – they all have a small cafe in the courtyard of the building.
Best Ice Cream in Mérida
I have to say, I’m a total ice cream lover. In the mood for something cool as well? Maybe a scoop of ice cream, a refreshing sorbet – or a good old milkshake?
The best two addresses are Pola Gelato Shop (ice cream, sorbets and waffles are all homemade) and the iconic Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon with a total of five locations in Mérida.
Oops, almost forgot about Helados Santa Clara – even though it’s actually my favorite. It’s a bit pricey… but totally worth it.
Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon
Food Markets in Mérida
Authentic (and cheap) food can also be found at the numerous markets, The iconic Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is the main market of Mérida. It covers about 45,000 sqm with more than 2,000 vendors. Mercado de San Benito is the second most important market in Mérida.
Mercado Santa Ana is a market hall that is very centrally located in the city center. There are also many covered outdoor food stalls directly opposite the Parque de Santa Ana, offering a wide range of delicious traditional Yucatecan cuisine.
Mercado Domingo is something quite different. The market is held every Sunday on the main square (Plaza Grande) and there are also some food booths around the park.
👉 You’ll find a huge variety of fruit and veggies at the markets in Mérida – usually fresh from the fields and super affordable. Check out all the markets in Mérida!
Mercado Santa Ana
Bars and Cantinas in Mérida
Traditional Cantinas
In Mérida, traditional cantinas are a big part of the culture. A cantina is a type of bar common in Latin America and Spain. Often you get so-called botanas, which are small snacks served free of charge with drinks. La Negrita Cantina is probably the oldest cantina in Mérida.
Some cantinas are known for being places where people gather to play table games or for their good live music. Traditionally, cantinas were visited only by men – and I have to say, a couple of them in Mérida still don’t allow women.
I’m a big fan of Dzalbay Cantina – you can catch live jazz and blues there every day, which makes it extra special. Cantina El Lucero del Alba also offers a cozy vibe, tasty botanas and daily live music performances.
Classic Bars
If you are looking for a classic bar that is open longer, you can check out Pipiripau (open daily until 2:30 am). The charming bar is located near Parque de Santa Lucia.
You can sit inside or in the beautiful courtyard. There is a dance area and on certain days live bands play Salsa or a DJ is on site.
An Extra Tip Outside Mérida
Here's an extra tip (but outside of Mérida): Ixi'im restaurant is a 45 min drive southwest of Mérida (at hotel Chablé Yucatán in Chocholá) and offers one of the world's largest tequila collections with more than 3,700 bottles.
👉 Good to know: cantinas in Mérida tend to close early, so they’re more of a late afternoon or early evening thing. If you’re up for a longer night, classic bars stay open much later.
General Dining Tips
Here are my dining tips:
▸ Comida (big meal) is around 2-4 pm
▸ Dinner starts late – usually after 8 pm
▸ Tipping: 10–15% is standard
▸ Some casual spots are cash-only
▸ Popular restaurants? Reserve ahead!
▸ Don’t rush – slow meals are normal
👉 If you haven’t checked them out yet, make sure to browse our 40+ Travel Tips for Mérida and beyond – packed with everything you’ll want to know before exploring the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕗 What time do people eat out?
Lunch (comida) is usually from 2 to 4 pm, and dinner often starts around 8 pm or even later. Early dinners are rare, so plan accordingly – especially at local spots.
💳 Can I pay with a credit card?
Most sit-down restaurants accept cards, but many taco places, diners, and cafés are cash only. It’s smart to carry small bills just in case.
💰 How much should I tip?
The standard is 10–15%. Some restaurants add it to the bill (servicio incluido), so double-check. Cash tips are appreciated even if you pay by card.
🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish?
In tourist-friendly places, English usually works. In more local spots, a few basic phrases – or pointing at the menu – will do the trick.
🌮 Is street food a good idea?
Yes – especially at busy stands with high turnover. Stick to hot, freshly cooked food like tacos or salbutes, and you’ll be fine.
📅 Do I need to reserve a table?
For popular restaurants or rooftops, especially on weekends – yes. For casual spots or lunch during the week, walk-ins are usually fine.
🌞 Can I sit outside at restaurants?
Yes – Mérida has great patios and rooftops. Just avoid midday heat if you're sensitive, and aim for shade or evening hours.
👨👩👧👦 Is dining with kids easy?
Yes – most places are family-friendly and welcoming. Even nicer restaurants often have relaxed vibes and kid-sized portions.
📍 Where are the best food spots in Mérida?
Centro and Paseo de Montejo have classics and charm, Calle 47 – "the restaurant row" – is trendy, and the north of the city offers upscale dining and international cuisine.