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Restaurants

Part of the fascination of a different culture, is trying some of the local food. The Yucatan is somewhat different from the rest of Mexico, as geographically it was separated from the rest of the country until 25 years or so ago when the highways were finally built. As a result, alot of the influence of food comes from Europe and the Carribean, as well as the rich Mayan heritage. Dishes one usually associates with Mexico are not necessarily found here, but rather an interesting combination of Europe, the Middle east, and the Carribean.

 

Merida:

As the largest city in the state, it goes without saying that the largest selection of cuisine is also available. The choice of venues is also as varied; dine under the stars, in air conditioned restaurants, in old venerable mansions, or under an umbrella outside a cafe. Choose from Yucatan, American, French, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Cuban, Mexican and Spanish cuisine.

One aspect of Yucatan food, is the fact it is not spicy hot, rather the spices are served on the side in little dishes. This way, the degree of "picante" is a personal choice.

Our Favourite Restaurants

Sol y Mar
El Malacon
Progreso Beach
Yucatan

Excellent sea food, including shrimp shish-ka-bob. Lots of free appetizers if you order a beer or soft drink. This is a great opportunity to try some dishes special to the Yucatan.

Ixtoc
Calle 25 no 189C x 12
Colonia Garcia Gineres
Merida
tel: (99) 25-41-61

Specialty is ceviche (fish cooked in lime juice) and other sea food

Due Torri, Ristorante Italiano
Calle 27 no. 349A x 12
Colonia San Estaban
Merida
tel: (99) 27-76-92

Owned by a Mexican and an Italian, great food, good wine list

El Principe Tutul-Xiu
Calle 26 no 525G x25 y 27
Mani, Yucatan

About an hour’s drive south of Merida, but worth the drive - the specialty is a regional dish called Poc-Chuc (barbequed pork scallopini) the place is owned by one of the last straight descendants (or so he claims) of the Mayan kings

Restaurant Kantun
Calle 45 no. 525G x 64 y 66
Colonia Centro
Merida
tel: (99) 24-72-18

Great seafood, on Fridays, a singing troubadour named Victor will melt your heart with his beautiful voice. The waiters get a kick out of the crazy Canucks who frequent the place, drink lots of wine, bring many guests, dance with them and blubber like babies (have had some great parties here)

La Casona
Calle 60 no 434 x 49 y 47
Colonia Centro
Merida
tel: (99) 23-83-48

Food is ok, the place is a converted mansion with wonderful old architecture

Virrez de Mendoza
Calle 60 opposite The Hyatt Hotel
Colonia Centro
Merida
tel (99) 25-30-82

Specialty is regional Yucatan dishes, and dishes of Mexico. Both presentation and food are excellent, wine list reasonable

Shopping

Merida:

The capitol city of the state of the Yucatan, and the largest urban centre. Here,the very old co-exists with the very new, from the narrow twisting and turning corridors of the Mercado to the gleaming spacious marble foyers of modern shopping centres, Merida has it all.

The Mercado:

Each city, town and village has its own market and Merida is no exception. Opened in 1909, the mercado covers four square city blocks, south of Calle 65, behind, and on either side of the Palacio Federal on Calle 56. Here, most anything you would like to find, with a bit of luck and perserverance, you can. Fresh fruits and vegetables of all description, plus an astonishing variety of exotic herbs and spices can be found at very reasonable prices. Hardware store goods, cast iron frying pans, bird cages and gold jewellery are just some of the many things one can find. The meat and fish sections are clean and always bustling with people. Located on the second storey of the mercado, is the artisans' market, where one can find crafts, flowers, regional clothing, t-shirts, blankets, hammocks and much more.

We have given special mention to the market, however, there are literally hundreds of shops and stores where your particular treasure can be found.

Also worthy of mention is the Casa des Artisans located on Calle 63 between 64 and 66. Here one can find handicrafts and folk art from most of Mexico. Prices are reasonable and the shop keepers friendly and helpful.

A number of modern shopping centres have been built in and around the city, we list some of them below:

One can also find places to shop along the highway to UXMAL in fact the tour bus stops at another Casa des Artisans shop on Route 261 where you can find additional folk art as well as similar articles sold at the shop in downtown Merida. The prices are the same and the shop is worth exploring.

Additionally, further along Route 261, just outside of MUNA (still on the way to Uxmal) there is a section of huts which offer all manner of t-shirts and typical Yucatan style clothing. You can bargin for your treasures. Toward the back of this area, you will find wood carvings for sale which are worth seeing.

The town of IZAMAL also offers interesting places to find folk art and handicrafts.