The Food Capital of Yucatan
Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatán, is a paradise for food lovers wanting to try the best food the region has to offer. Whether you’re craving traditional Yucatecan cuisine, good ambience or cafés with a local twist, this city has it all. After staying in Mérida for a couple of weeks during my Workaway volunteering, I’ve made my not so official top 5 best restaurants in the city. In this list, I’ll take you through the places that stood out for their flavour, atmosphere, and overall experience. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a bougie foodie looking for something special, these spots are worth a visit!
5. Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy 🏛️🍽️
📍 Location: Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy C. 62 466-x 55-y 57, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
💵 Price: $$ MXN 200–400
Although I did not have a full meal at this restaurant, I’m putting this on this list because of its very impressive museum of Yucateca food/cooking processes. You can spend an hour, walking through the museum and when we went, we were able to try their Cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork). It was so good, I highly recommend!
4. Eladio’s Bar Progreso 🍻🌊
📍 Location: Eladio’s Bar Progreso Calle 80 & 19 Colonia Centro, Centro, 97320 Progreso, Yuc., Mexico
💵 Price: $$ MXN 200–400
“You haven’t been to Mexico if you haven’t been to Eladio’s” – a random reddit post I found in Mexico. While technically not in Mérida but in Progreso, if you have the time, I recommend making a day trip to the vibrant beach town of Progreso! I think this is the only franchise on my list, and even if you are shaking your fist in anger against the big corporate chains, I still recommend trying this Eladio’s! In Mexico some bars will offer you “botana” which are usually small snacks that are complimentary when you buy a drink. However, Eladio’s botanas might as well be full meals, like…damn.
3. Galerón Club de café ☕🎶
📍 Location: Galerón Club de café C. 53 587, entre 76 y 78, Barrio de Santiago, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
💵 Price: $$ MXN 200–300
Galerón Club de Café is a lowkey stylish café. If you’re into good coffee and chill vibes, this place is a must visit. The place has a cool mix of rustic and modern, making it feel cozy but not overdone. The coffee? Smooth, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Well thats what my friend tells me as I don’t drink coffee 🤓. They’ve got a solid selection of specialty beans and brewing methods, and the staff actually know their stuff. Super friendly too! The food is great, and during Día de Muertos I was able to try their freshly baked Pan de Muerto. So good!
2. Taqueria La Lupita 🌮🔥
📍 Location: Taqueria La Lupita located inside the inner market at: Calle 57 Mercado de Santiago (Interior, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
💵 Price: $ MXN 100–200
Taquería La Lupita is no joke. The tacos are packed with flavour, the meat’s juicy and well-seasoned, and the tortillas taste fresh— homemade btw! It’s a small, no-fuss spot with a proper street food vibe, and the prices are very cheap. If you’re craving a legit taqueria, this place won’t let you down. I had the tortas and the cucumber water and it was easily the best value meal I’ve had in Mérida.
1. Pancho Maiz 🌽🥑
📍 Location: Pancho Maiz C. 59 437a, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
💵 Price: $$ MXN 200–300
Easily my number one restaurant in Mérida. Pancho Maiz has it all—from delicious dishes and an expansive menu to ultra-friendly staff. Plus, their ethically sourced corn supports the local community. It’s the full package! I tried so many dishes here, and none disappointed. I recommend trying their coconut lemonade.
