10 of the best restaurants in Merida Mexico

Sarah Merle

Sarah is one of the creative minds behind the Le Petit Chef blog. With her authentic and approachable style, she enjoys sharing all kinds of experience-based activities.

Merida, the city in Mexico full of contrasts. Between old houses and modern restaurants, music, bright colors, and various smells of traditional dishes are the norm.

With this blog, we want to suggest the best restaurants in Merida, so that nothing stands in the way of your culinary journey!

Tip #1: Manjar Blanco

What better way to start this blog than with a classic Mexican restaurant? Manjar Blanco is considered one of the best in Mérida! The focus is on Yucatecan cuisine, allowing the chefs to present and preserve the culinary traditions.

This restaurant has earned its excellent reputation for quality, ambiance, and service, and stands fully behind it.

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Tip #2: Kuuk

The next tip also sticks to Mexican cuisine but interprets it a bit more modernly. Kuuk offers you a new menu for the different seasons, which definitely reflects the diversity of Mexico.

The wine list is also impressive, as you will find top-quality wines – both local and international. Thus, this restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Merida – fine dining in a Mexican way.

Tip #3: Oliva Enoteca

For those who now need a break from Mexican cuisine, our next tip is just right. Oliva Enoteca is one of the best restaurants and destinations in Merida when it comes to Italian cuisine.

Here, you can fully choose and enjoy pizza, pasta, Italian desserts, and classic drinks. Especially notable are the fresh seafood and the use of other local ingredients, which always incorporate a touch of Mexico.

The open kitchen area is inviting, and the beautiful atmosphere thus rounds off the entire concept.

Tip #4: Apoala

Creativity is highly valued at Apoala. Traditional recipes with regional ingredients are prepared here in an innovative way and presented creatively. Colors and flavors abound. Besides the excellent food, the view is also breathtaking.

Right at Parque de Santa Lucia, you can listen to and watch music, dance, and poetry from the restaurant. Two-in-one, so to speak!

Tip #5: Anima y El Viento

Have you ever eaten at a farm-to-table restaurant? Ánima in Merida places great emphasis on sustainability and works closely with local producers. This way, everything served to you is fresh and seasonal.

The Mexican cuisine is interpreted in a modern way, with a focus on meat dishes. Lamb chops, pork belly, and grilled vegetables – all from the grill and incredibly flavorful and delicious.

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Tip #6: Dzalbay Cantina

The next tip takes you straight to the heart of Merida and is a special place, as jazz finds a home here! Daily live performances create a unique atmosphere and good vibes at Dzalbay – just typically Mexican.

Excellent cocktails and the cozy ambiance warmly invite you to also enjoy a dinner. You can choose from small bar snacks or creative Mexican dishes and enjoy them during the show.

Tip #7: SALÓN GALLOS

Do you know a restaurant where art, culture, and gastronomy come together? In Mérida, the best spot for that is Salón Gallos.

In a converted factory building, you experience Yucatecan and Lebanese cuisine on another level, because you can go to the cinema, explore the gallery, or admire the industrial aesthetic.

It is an experience for both the eyes and the palate.

Tip #8: Huniik

The fine dining restaurant Huniik in Merida will amaze you and make your stay unforgettable. The name alone translates to “unique spirit”, which points to the unique creations that appear on the menu.

The culture and ingredients of Mexico are served here on your plate. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Mérida, as it was included in the Top 50 Latin America’s Best Restaurants 2024 for good reason.

Tip #9: Restaurante Picheta

The next recommendation is also a fine-dining restaurant, but with a different concept and ambiance. At Picheta, you have the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent dinner on the terrace.

Located directly across from the Plaza Principal, it offers a stunning view. Visiting is especially worthwhile at sunset. The cuisine is both traditional and innovative, with the regional dishes interpreted in a modern way.

Tip #10: Hermana República

Our next tip takes you straight to a trendy restaurant where delicious food is paired with craft-brewed beer. A lively atmosphere is standard in Mexico and at Hermana República.

Indoor and outdoor seating allow you to enjoy any weather in Mérida, and the events with live music from DJs on the weekends are especially popular. So become a part of typical Mexican culture!

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!