Mérida Restaurants:

As the cultural capital of the Yucatan, Merida is a gourmet's delight. It mixes native Mayan cuisine with continental dining.

With a strong influence from the Mayan Culture, as ancient as contemporary, and the contributions from the many european immigrations, the originality of the Yucatecan food is also due to the isolation this region has experienced throughout Mexican history.

It is interesting to note that a significant migration of Lebanese and Syrian people around the turn of the century has left its mark on the city's dining scene.

The result is an eclectic and surprising mixture of smells, flavors and colors; explosive when it comes to one of its basic ingredients: the habanero pepper, and complex when it comes to dishes like the Stuffed Cheese.

Given the variety of sources and elements, it is not strange that in Merida, the state capital, you can find any kind of restaurants with unbeatable quality:
from Italian food at La Tratto to Cantonese food at Hong Kong.

Merida has been for centuries the social, cultural and political center to the vast Yucatan peninsula.

A stroll by one of its streets, cultural centers and plazas offers you an unforgettable and fulfilling experience that will not be complete without the flavors of the Yucatecan tradition.

For the crave hour you can try out the deliciously famous Papadzules (tortillas stuffed with boiled eggs in a pumpkin seed sauce) or an endless list of regional snacks such as salbutes and panuchos.

For lunch or dinner you can not miss the opportunity to take a seat in the classic Lo Almendros restaurant or delight in the sipping of an excellent local beer at popular Eladio’s eatery.

In both cases you’ll find strongly recommended menu selections such as Cochinita Pibil (suckling pig baked in banana leaves with a rich annatto sauce), Sopa de Lima and one of the latest creations of this versatile kitchen: Poc-Chuc. Here are a few favorites:

» Alberto's Continental: lovely 18th century mansion setting; Mayan, Lebanese, and Mexican dishes. AAA Rating

» Los Almendros: wide range of traditional Yucatecan dishes. AAA Rating

» El Guacamayo Food Type Regional Yucatecan favorite among the locals for its excellent cuisine and service.

» Hacienda Teya Address Km 12½ Carretera Merida - Chichen-Itza Food Type Regional Yucatecan, Beautiful setting in a restored Colonial plantation.

» La Pigua Food Type Campeche Style Seafood, Excellent seafood restaurant with recipes "imported" from the original restaurant in Campeche.

» La Prosperidad Food Type Yucatan Regional, favorite with locals and travelers from all over Mexico.

» Cafe Peón Contreras Food Type Sandwiches Dress Casual Comment Snacks and light meals.

» El Borrego Acurrucado: simple setting with delicious food and good service.

» La Cantina: fun atmosphere, delicious tacos, and live music.

» Cedro del Libano: authentic Lebanese cuisine.

» El Due Torre: delicious Italian dishes (a local's favorite).

» Kon Tiki: Cantonese food in a comfortable setting.

» La Bella Epoca: elegant setting with international and vegetarian cuisine.

» Cafe Habana: popular Cuban-style coffee house.

» Casa del Pasco: new Paseo de Montejo restaurant with international menu and upscale dining.

» Maria del Carmen: spotlights Yucatecan dishes in an international menu.

» Muelle 8: local favorite for seafood and atmosphere.

» El Mural: fine Mexican and Yucatecan food. Fiesta Americana hotel.

» Pancho's: fun, party atmosphere featuring Mexican cuisine.

» La Parilla: steak, seafood, and delicious tacos. A local favorite.

» Peregrina Bistro: nouvelle cuisine with a Mexican flair. Hyatt Regency hotel.

» Planta Alta Cafe: international menu and yuppie crowd. On Paseo de Montejo.

» Portico del Peregrino: chapel-like setting featuring seafood, meat and Yucatecan dishes.

» Siqueff: international menu served in Moorish Casablanca setting.

» La Trattoria: Italian cuisine in an attractive setting, along Paseo de Montejo.

» Virrey de Mendoza: international cuisine in elegant colonial setting.