Yucatán’s Best Places to Eat and Drink: What Our Readers Say
We asked our readers to vote on their favorite places to eat and drink in Yucatán. We learned a lot as over 4,000 readers chose the Top 2 or 3 in each of over 20 categories. Some votes were soooooo close, and some were a total surprise. But here we go.
Special thanks to Tracey Hughes for her outreach to many of the winners.
Breakfast & Brunch

La Libertad
An old casona on the Gastronomic Corridor is now a worthy participant in the Calle 47 brunch war. They have a huge menu, but we recommend anything with poblano chiles. See our Food on 47 Guide starting on page 18 for more details.
Marmalade 47
El Remate Café
Tacos

Wayan’e
This is where the blue-collar workers go, the ones who need sustenance to lay the bricks, bury the pipes and pour the cement. Go before 2 p.m. because these guys eat fast, and Wayan’e doesn’t believe in cooking second batches.
FB: @WayaneChenku

La Lupita
IG: @taquerialalupitacom
Los Trompos
Panuchos

La Susana Internacional
Their most famous location in Kanasín was a pandemic casualty, but Altabrisa and Francisco de Montejo locations keep the legend alive. They are the runaway favorite for panuchos, sopa de lima and other traditional Yucatecan dishes.
999-193-3122, or on Rappi / UberEats
Taquería El Amanecer
La Casa Del Panucho
Coffee Shop

Márago Coffee
On Paseo de Montejo and Calle 60, this café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from a broad menu. Great for socializing or burying yourself in your laptop. Customers do both.
IG: @maragocoffee.mx
Arista Barista
Manifesto Coffee
Hamburgers

Flamante Burgers
Over 45% of voters picked this friendly, independently owned restaurant whose secret beef mix has garnered rave reviews since it opened over five years ago. Flamante Burgers introduced fried chicken sandwiches this year and expanded its fresh salad menu. Side note: When we had a launch party for a recent issue, the vegan quinoa burger went as quickly as the one with meat.
Mitica
Bryan’s Burger Bar
Fine Dining

Oliva Enoteca
The first to plant its flag in what was to be Calle 47’s “restaurant row,” Oliva Enoteca hasn’t lost its edge. Not just for pasta or pizza (see below) but for the overall experience.
Micaela Mar & Leña
Yerba Santa
Pizza

Pizzeria Oliva
Our survey was released only five months after Oliva’s second pizzeria opened just steps from Enoteca. They are known for a wide and creative selection of toppings and an artisan dough made with “00” flour imported from Italy and fermented for 48 hours. Pizza Neo, in second place, is also relatively new, selling by the slice, Coney Island boardwalk style, on the Remate.
Pizza Neo
Tie: Pizza E Core / Eskondida Pizza / Pizzeria Raffaello
IG: @pizzaecoremeridayucatan / @eskondidapizza / @pizzeriaraffaello
Bar / Pub

La Negrita
A self-described “dive bar” that seems to have redefined the Mérida cantina. It’s trendy, youthful, and filled with good vibes.
Hennessy’s Irish Pub
FB: @hirishpub
Bird
Fish & Chips

Hennessy’s Irish Pub
Battered cod and steak fries with slaw? Yes, please. For expats, the ultimate taste of home is authentic pub food, and that means a trip to Mérida’s homiest pub, our readers say.
FB: @hirishpub
Silver Fish
IG: @silverfishmx
Taste at Lou’s
Vegetarian / Vegan Eats

El Apapacho
The menu isn’t totally vegetarian, but its plant-based Mexican cuisine pleases its customers — and they are loyal. The place is known for its laid-back vibe and cool library in front.
FB: @elapapacho
Organico Bar de Café & Cocina
IG: @organicomerida
Jajajana
IG: @jajajanacafe
Comfort Food

Boston’s
Four locations and a wide choice of sports bar noshes made this Canadian chain restaurant part of the quick-casual scene.
Hennessy’s Irish Pub
FB: @hirishpub
Zinc Comfort Food
Chinese Food
Win-Fa
This three-branch Comida China chain, with its steam table and takeout service, beat out several gourmet Asian restaurants. We are obviously nostalgic for the shopping mall food court.
Various locations
Meishi Mao
IG: @meishi.mao
Oriental City
Thai Food

La Casa de los Lotos
Readers find the trip to Baca worth it for the fresh rice and curry dishes and to visit the magnificent network of koi ponds.
Bangkok Casa Thai
Thai-Thai
IG: @thaithaimid
Panadería

Pan & Kof.feé
It’s stunning to watch the day’s croissants, rolls, and sweet breads in production in the sealed workroom loft protected from Mérida’s humidity. The extra step obviously pays off.
IG: @panandkoffee
Soco
Escargot
IG: @escargotpanaderiaartesanal
Pastelería
Tere Cazola
Teresa Cazola is a real person with an inspiring story. In the 1980s, Tere was a school teacher with a sideline, selling baked goods from her kitchen. Now, her cakes are sold across Mexico.
Pistache
El Globo
Craft Brewery
Patito
We have watched this small local brand go big, and now they’re served in numerous locations around Mérida. Consider that not that long ago, the craft beer scene here was virtually nil.
FB: @CervezaPatito
Cerveza Ceiba
Bacab
Steakhouse

Texas Roadhouse
Who would have thought a chain from Indiana (not Texas) would sweep the more upscale competition here? Readers love the price points and the festive, friendly atmosphere.
130° Steakhouse
Sanbravo
Buffet

Café Montejo
An upset! Fiesta Americana’s vast buffet beat Hyatt’s Peregrina Bistro across the street by 15 points. Ouch!
Peregrina Bistro
Roast Chicken
Pollo Brujo
The “Wizard Chicken” looks like a home-grown enterprise, but it’s bigger than it seems. It has 10 locations as far away as Costa Rica. But it’s a family tradition in Yucatán.
Pollo Feliz
Outdoor Dining (with a view)

Picheta / Plaza Grande and the Cathedral
A lot of restaurants with a view like this would rest on their haunches, but not Picheta. Diners agree.
La Terraza / El Remate and the Paseo de Montejo
elrematedemontejo.mx/laterraza
Apoala / Parque Sta. Lucia
Food Stall / Truck

La Lupita / Mercado Santiago
As seen on Netflix and other media, La Lupita has expanded and is considered a legend for authentic flavors today. Plus, cochinita and lechon just taste better in an open-air market.
Negro Gil / Mercado Santa Ana
+52 999-181-5232
Taquería Don Beto / Parque de Las Amerícas
FB: @TortasParquedelasAmericas
Ice Cream or Gelato

Sorbetería El Colón
A Yucatán tradition since 1907. Families and couples fill the sidewalk tables for frozen treats from sapote, mamey, and tamarind. Be sure to tip the musician.
Korean Grill & Ice Cream
Pola Gelato Shop

Next up, our readers’ favorite spas, doctors, and salons.

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