Eyeing a trip to Mérida to take in its colonial charm and relaxed vibe? Undoubtedly you’ll also want to feast on local cuisine. You’re in luck as there are ample choices in the centro histórico to whet your appetite—without busting your budget.
Wayan’e Tacos
Multiple locations, corner of Calle 46 and Calle 59 in centro histórico area
This taco hot spot was on our list to try all week, but unfortunately they were closed for vacation the week we were in Mérida. However they opened back up the morning we left, so we got to try some of the amazingly delicious breakfast tacos they had to offer. The menu is extensive with dozens of potential combinations so don’t be afraid to branch out. At about $1 a taco, you can’t go wrong.
Wayan’e breakfast tacos
El Barrio Comfort Food
Corner of Calle 45 and Calle 58
The label of “organic comfort food” definitely piqued our interest, and we weren’t disappointed by the delicious and elegantly-prepared breakfast dishes we ordered. A latte and horchata completed the pairing and made a great start to the day.
El Barrio Comfort Food
Breakfast at El Barrio Comfort Food
Apoala Mexican Cuisine
Corner of Calle 55 and Calle 60
Located in Santa Lucia square, this is the most expensive location on our list, so consider it a splurge. But if you’re looking for upscale takes on Mexican classics, this is a good bet. Sip on a Mezcal Negroni while watching the live music performance in the square offered for free on Thursday nights. To eat, the Pozole Langostina is a good bet.
Apoala Mexican Cuisine
Apoala Mexican Cuisine
Pola Gelato Shop
Corner of Calle 55 and Calle 62
Beat the heat at Pola for cheap and tasty treats. Our favorite flavor by far was chocolate con chile, a refreshing and tantalizing mix of sweet and spicy.
Pola Gelato
Pola Gelato
Mercado 60
Calle 60 between Calle 51 and Calle 53
In a group and having a difficult time deciding where to eat? Head over to Mercado 60 and let everyone make their own decision. An open-air food court, Mercado 60 has more than a dozen stalls offering just about every kind of international cuisine. Our fav was the al pastor-stuffed pineapple from a stand way in the back. This is also a great spot to grab a few beers and enjoy Yucatan summer evenings.
Mercado 60
Mercado 60
Mercado 60
Cafeteria Impala
Corner of Paseo de Montejo and Calle 47
There are plenty of food options along the Paseo de Montejo but this spot offered a nice happy hour stop at a good price. If you’re looking for a late afternoon snack and a little sidewalk cafe culture duck in for some salbutes and a margarita.
Cafeteria Impala
Cafeteria Impala
Pita Mediterranean Cuisine
Calle 55 between Calle 58 and Calle 60
It’s almost unthinkable to skip a meal eating all the delicious Mayan and Mexican options Mérida has to offer, but if you need a break, check out this delicious spot offering Israeli and Mediterranean food. The pitas are gut-busters and the hummus tastes as fresh and delicious as if you were in Tel Aviv.
Pita Mediterranean
Pita Mediterranean
La Negrita Cantina
Corner of Calle 62 and Calle 49
This hotspot is easy to almost miss, but the noise of the party crowd inside draws you in to find an extensive cantina offering up a number of libations. This is a local hot spot, so come to mingle and dance to live music.
La Negrita
La Negrita
La Chaya Maya
Calle 55 between Calle 60 and 62
Savor authentic Mayan flavors at this local favorite near Santa Lucia square. An extensive menu with a multitude of flavorful sauces to choose from will make a decision hard, which is why I opted for the sampler with a little of everything. This is also an excellent spot for breakfast, and we had to force ourselves to only visit here twice during our stay in Mérida. Can’t write a good restaurant guide if you keep going to the same spot over and over!
La Chaya Maya
La Chaya Maya
Los Trompos
Multiple locations, corner of Calle 59 and Calle 60 in centro histórico area.
Los Trompos can be found across Mexico, offering visitors a reliable (and cheap) quick fixing of a variety of tacos. If you need your al pastor fix, get it here.
Los Trompos
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