Airbnb Rental in Historical Merida Centro
RESTAURANTS
Notes: most of these places listed below can easily be found online with a map showing
you the location. Google maps is pretty good for accuracy although streets may be closed
due to festivals, holidays or construction. Most of the places listed are in “centro” close to
where we live, unless stated otherwise. A short drive, cab or walk.
tip: Subscribe to yucatantoday.com online. It’s the “what’s on” for Merida and all in
English. Check out even before you go to Merida to get ideas and info on what activities
are on.
When you are in Merida, you can find a print version of Yucatan Today, in touristy spots
including some restaurants and stores. It will describe the week’s events and provides local
maps and information about hours of operation for many of the sites.
Restaurants/Food (note resto reservations can often be made on line for the more
established restaurants through email found on theirwebsites, facebook (messenger), or by
phoning.
Raffaello Pizzeria - +52 999 924 9943 Calle 60 between 49 and 47 Centro.
Haven’t been here but has been recommended. Authentic Neapolitan pizza
baked in a wood-fired oven. Can get take out and bring home.
Hotel Casa San Angel – Love the calm atmosphere here, the location, the
décor, the service and the AIR CONDITIONING on a hot day. Particularly
good food for breakfast but also other snacks and meals throughout the
day. If you like fried plantain order it here. We go here often during our
stays in Merida for breakfast.
Le Pistache: a small French café with crepes and croissants made on site.
Good cappuccino. Nice to people-watch outside on Paseo Montejo.
Mercado 60 – Unique venue heart of downtown! It is a food hall in a large open
courtyard with live music on some nights. The food options are eclectic but appear to be
changing fairly often.
Everything from tacos, to crepes, to wings to vegetarian, to gourmet pizza and much
more. It is bringing young people from the suburbs to downtown and is fun. Communal
tables where people actually socialize. Check their Facebook page for events and live
music . Go later in the evening and weekends for the best vibe.
Located just down the road from Parque Santa Lucia.
https://www.facebook.com/mercado60/
Oliva Enoteca– Highly rated Italian restaurant. Pricier than others.. Calle
47 at the corner of 54. Only take reservations for parties of 8.
Also owned by same family:
Oliva Kitchen and Bar calle 49 Y 56 Tiny place, loud, but delicious and
fun. Don’t take reservations but if you arrive just before opening, good
chance of getting table.
Chaya Maya – Right downtown. fun, authentic Yucatecan food. Local
Mexicans recommend it even though it may have a touristy feel. Specialty
is pumpkin seed based items and the chaya (like kale) dishes. Creamy, rich
chaya soup is delicious. Make sure you get a seat in the courtyard inside
where the atmosphere is nice. Good margaritas too. There are two
locations. The one we like with the nice courtyard is at Calle 55 x 60 y 62
http://www.lachayamaya.com/ubicacion2.html. Ask to sit inside in the
courtyard. You can make reservations.
Bistro Cultural – unique – French – events there sometimes – casual,
friendly.
Hacienda Xcanatun – Lovely and elegant Hacienda with great meals just
outside of Merida, about a 20 minute drive. Require car. Nice for a “special”
meal. (Breakfast is as good as is dinner.) Combine with an outing to
Progresso or to Uxmal or to the Gran Mundo Maya museum on the way there
or back. Breakfast I believe ends at 11:00. Good to check first. Also has a
spa and a hotel. The have live concerts in their restaurant on Thursday
nights.
Hermanas Republicas - Great courtyard seating. Live music in a back open air space
several nights a week.– there is one downtown in Merida. courtyard in back is lovely.
Great Mexican/Lebanese fusion. Local brewery beer from Patito. And the desserts are
really good!! Location is Calle 64 between 55 X 57.
Micaela mar Y Lena restaurant 458 Calle 47 and 52 Love this place.
Relaxing, pretty and delicious.
Latte quattro sette – Calle 47 between 56 X 54 Open until 4;00 p.m.
excellent breakfast including yogourt bowl, avocado toast and other
goodies. European style. Clean and lovely.An oasis from the heat. Great
coffee and pastries too….sigh.
La Pigua (www.lapiguamerida .com)
Hacienda Teya (www.haciendateya.com) for beautiful preparations of Yucatecan
staples like queso relleno (meat-stuffed cheese), and charming surroundings, and
Nectar (www.nectarmerida.mx), for creative, modern takes on local cuisine (the
owner, Roberto Solis, worked at Denmark’s Noma).
La Tratto – Italian, great food, pizzas excellent, pastas great. Several locations but we
love the one in Parque Santa Lucia. Good for outdoor or indoor eating. Love almost
everything here, including the marquaritas. This is our ‘regular’ spot. Chicken dishes and
salads are great. Make a reservation if you are there on a Thursday night for about 7:30
or 8:00. Say you want it away from the street, closer to the stage. Some good local
entertainment.
Bryan’s Burger - next door to La Tratto and owned by the same company. Really good
burgers. Including salmon, turkey if you don’t want beef. Locals tip: usually you can get
food from both restaurants at either restaurant that you sit at.
Apoala – rated one of the best in Merida. Oaxacan food served with a flair. Cocktails
fantastic and the desserts too. Reservation recommended.
Pita – A Middle Eastern restaurant . Fabulous homemade pita, falafel and babaganoush,
Owned by an Israeli and just like Jerusalem. He will also cater to your home. We have
ordered food from him delivered to our house several times for large groups and have
never been disappointed. Recommend you stop by and get take out order and bring
home. The falafel, eggplant, home made pita, and other dishes are great. Restaurant does
not have great vibe.
Dulceria y Sorbeteria: The classic historic spot has two locations: In the
main square downtown and on Paseo Montejo.. Coconut is my favourite.
https://dulceriaysorbeteriacolon.wordpress.com
Pola – great gelato place. The flavours are incredible and creative. ( Pork
and beans anyone?) Great neighbourhood to stroll in.
Calle 55 467D. We could go here every night....!
La Michoacana popsicles: A chain of shops called La Michoacana that
have fresh fruit popsicles in every flavour imaginable. (shop is called a
paleteria in Spanish) Really tasty. Very Mexican. There is one on Calle 61
PIPI CUCU Home made ice cream with vegan options:– this place is Great! !
Fun environment. Just go and you will see why.
Calle 47, NO 464D between 54 Y52.
La Negrita – Cuban bar The bands are fabulous. - very cool. Cuban music live –most
nights. Sit at a communal table to chat with the young locals. Arrive before music starts to
get a seat. About 4:00 or so is good. NO cover charge. Usually music starts at 5:00 and
ends 9 ish. NO cover. Can get food and great drinks and it is very lively! Much of it is in a
back courtyard which you can’t see from the street so don’t be afraid to push right
through to the back. Get there early if you want to get in! Mostly tapas. Food not great
but…mojito cocktail(s) are fine! I was there once and a band was playing that had just
played Massey Hall in Toronto and at Lula Lounge!
Address is calle 49, #415 between 62 and 60. You will hear the music as you approach!!
Café Punta del Cielo - Good spot for coffee and pastry to sit indoors with a glass door
with a view to the activities in the square. Good grilled sandwiches too.
Manifesto Café – Peaceful modern café in a great part of downtown. They process their
own coffee beans. Slow service but worth the wait. Lovely atmosphere. Can buy coffee to
take home Calle 59 #538 x 66 y 68
Parque de Santiago - every Tuesday night in Merida
Brings together many people from the neighborhood and tourists from Mexico and the
world, to remember the melodies of days gone by to the rhythm of “danzón”, mamba, and
cha cha cha. 8.30 pm, Calle 70-A x 59, Centro. Free entry. There are also vendors selling
great wares and food kiosks.
Lucas de Galvez market - This is the real thing. Authentic massive Mexican market filled with everything you could possibly imagine including food. Love this place. Not for the weak of heart.
Hacienda San Jose Pachul –This is one of the top rated experiences of our guests in
Merida, according to those we have sent or brought to this hacienda. Enjoy Private
lunch/dinner. Love this excursion out of the city. Need to have a car or hire driver. We
tend to hire a driver as it is generally dark when you depart with limited lights on some
country roads - and it eliminates concerns about drinking and driving. We like to make
this a surprise outing when we are with guests at our house. Just tell your group to
prepare for an afternoon/evening at a unique restaurant outside of the city ( about an
hour drive) and leave it at that.
Must book in advance. Prix fix meal hosted by Jose and Richard, a Mexican/Vancouver
couple, who treat you like royalty. The surprise aspect always goes over well.
Gorgeous hacienda and grounds painstakingly restored by them. Food is delicious,
atmosphere superb and best cocktail service ever! You can now bring your own wine if
you wish, but I still recommend purchasing their signature cocktail to start your visit. If
you go, tell them Gail and Bill from Toronto sent you.
http://www.haciendasanjosepachul.com
Catrin - A newish favourite! Calle 47 #463B between 54 and 52.
Great vibe for a fun first night out in Merida. Outdoor patio is a must. Reserve that! Fun
décor on the patio. Mexican food with flair!
Manjar Blanco – Santa Ana area – on 64 at 47
La Gala – LOVE this new place lovely art gallery and resto on 56 between 49 and 47 –
great for breakfast and lunch.
Flamonte burgers - ( vegan options and salads too!) Corner of 64 at 47.Nice vibe.
Casual and “hip”.
Casta Divina - A good place for classic Yucatecan food – comfortable, clean, air
conditioned, good service and location. In the heart of centro – Calle 62 near 59.
Estacion 72 – Best for breakfast. Good omelettes , pastries and coffee and fruity/veggie
drinks with a nice modern artist shop.
Picheta – HT Calle 61 #230 between 60 and 62. It overlooks the main square downtown ( Plaza Grande) It is a rooftop