Best restaurants in Mérida

The emerging talent of new Mexican cuisine is present here. Chef Erick Bautista Chacón, winner of San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy 2022, fuses the knowledge of Oaxacan and Yucatecan cuisines and gives them his contemporary touch at Nol. You'll find regional classics like longaniza from Valladolid, chilmole or sikil pak, but with a creative twist. Don't leave without trying the house dessert, Ya'ax: quelites sponge cake, hierba santa ice cream, dehydrated cilantro meringue, and mint and kefir oil.

The menu in this restaurant and patio is a tribute to corn in each and every one of its forms is the proposal of this charming spot. from the esquites bar, with cochinita, shimps or endemic baked pibil style corn to tetelas or tostadas. Local flavours are present, for example in the guacamole with castacán (local pork belly) or in the salbut with pickled cabbage salad and sour orange. Don't miss it. 

Calle 64, 472. Mérida, Yucatán. Tues-Thurs 1pm-12am, Fri-Sat 1pm-1am, Sun 12pm-7pm. 

What is surprising about Íntimo is how welcoming it is. And despite being on Paseo de Montejo, you don't feel like you're excluded. Its menu achieves a fusion of international cuisine with a local touch, but it will leave you satisfied both in expectations and hunger. You'll find everything from a creamy and light risotto to an extraordinary cocktail bar. The restaurant's "intimate" atmosphere is perfect for a special moment with a loved one. It has live music and a dog-friendly policy, which add to the legend that Íntimo is not just a meal; it's a space to create connections.

Paseo de Montejo 475C, Zona Paseo Montejo. Mon-sun 8am-4pm. 

What we love about Pancho Maíz is that it celebrates the rich heritage of corn in Yucatán. Not only does it seek to innovate with a menu that pays tribute to Mexican cuisine, it also plays a role in supporting local farmers by using 100% native criollo corn. Its menu is consistent with its social ideas, and it takes us on a culinary adventure that pays homage to the pre-hispanic grain, connecting diners with the land and cultural heritage. Pro Tip: Don't forget to try the handmade tlacoyos.

Street 59 437a, Parque de la Mejorada. Mon-sat 8am-3pm. 

A place that is part of the list 50 Best Discovery. From the beginning, the creators Eduardo Rukos and Pedro Evia sought to create a space that combined the traditional with the vanguard. The tasting menu includes, among other nine, papadzul fritter, sea tostada and dulce de papaya. Their plating is something that should be mentioned separately, we love it.

Romulo Rozo 488, Itzimna. Tue-fri 1:30-10pm, sat 1:30-4pm. @kuukrestaurant. 

Chef Roberto Solís' kitchen is designed to create an intimate experience between diners and the dishes presented. In a cozy space (only admits 16 diners).

Start with a cucumber consommé, after the Bocol (typical in Yucatán) with citrus gel, almond milk, herb oil and chile oil.

The dessert called Tetela, with caramelized pineapple slices, rice with guanabana and basil sorbet, is a must-try. Don't forget the panuchos and a dish with fresh fruit from the region.

Right on the busiest avenue in the city is Yerba Santa. The place is beautiful and quite intimate, as soon as you arrive it feels like a dinner at the  of your wealthiest friend. You’ll find contemporary Mexican food with authentic flavors, the proposal is in charge of Chef Nidia Sánchez. If you attend on the weekend, don't miss the opportunity to see the projects in the bazaar, located in the patio of the house “El Minaret”.

Paseo de Montejo 473, Zona Paseo Montejo. Mon-wed 2-11pm, thu-sat 2pm-12am, sun 2-10pm. @yerbasantamerida.

A concept that refreshes the palate and the diners from the moment you are greeted with their menu. You can start with the thick and hot epazote esquite to give way to the habanero crudo with their respective toasted tortillas, an unmissable sikil pak or the beef picaña.

If you want a refreshing drink, the house signature is the Tamayo cocktail with sun-dried tomato vodka, coconut foam, ginger and citrus syrup. Our all-time favorite is the castacan and octopus served with aguachile and kimchi.