The Only Food in Mérida List You’ll Need

Culinary History

Before I dive into the list of 12 incredible food spots in Mérida you need to try, first a bit of history so you know a little bit about what you’re eating and where it comes from.

Mérida is located in the Yucatán Peninsula which is where the ancient Mayans are from. The Mayan civilization shaped the cuisine of the Yucatán region, with staple such as corn, beans, and chilies. Another notable aspect is the prevalence of slow-cooking techniques, with dishes like cochinita pibil and poc chuc prepared using traditional methods that infuse the meats with rich flavors and tender textures.

In the 1600’s the Spanish conquerors arrived and thus brought Spanish influence to the culinary scene such as pork as a main ingredient. So as you’re trying all of these amazing foods, you’ll notice a mix of both Spanish and Mayan influences.

Taquerias

Taquería Los Cheles

Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM, closed Sundays
Price: $

At the top of my to do list when I visit anywhere in Mexico is to find the best tacos in town, and usually the best spots are found on the side of the road or at the back of someone’s house. Taquería Los Cheles proves this theory right as this unassuming little taco joint is attached to a local family’s casa. No frills, no signage, just you, some plastic stools, and tacos that will blow you away.

They have all sorts of varieties of tacos and tortas on the menu such as pastor, arrachera, asado, pollo and it will change daily depending on availability. Make sue you try the hot sauce and go easy to start and test the heat!

Taquería La Lupita

Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 1:30 PM
Price: $

Follow the locals and you’ll probably end up in Mercado Santiago which is a traditional market that’s been around since the 19th century. Inside you’ll find there are stalls offering everything from fresh meat and produce, to local handcrafts, kitchen wares, electronics, and of course local Yucatecan food.

There are plenty of great places to eat inside and you may be overwhelmed with choice which is why I highly recommend starting with La Lupita. There’s a reason this place is busy at all hours – locals love it and tourists lucky enough to stumble in usually go back for round two.

They have plenty to choose from on the menu such as salbutes, tortas, tacos, and empanadas. I went with the classic tacos al pastor and tried an empanada stuffed with queso de bola which were both excellent!

Taquería de la Unión

Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 10:30 PM, Closed Wednesday
Price: $

Come here for one thing: the cheese pull on the queso fundido. Ok, also the tacos, which are excellent, but seriously – whatever magic they’re doing with the cheese here should be illegal. It’s low-key, no nonsense, and dangerously close to being habit-forming.

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Markets

Mercado Domingo (Plaza Grande)

Hours: Sundays only, 8 AM – Late
Price: $

If you’re looking to experience the real Mérida and try some authentic Yucatecan bites in one go, this is it!

This open-air market pops up every Sunday in Plaza Grande and not only has tons of food stalls but also local artists and vendors selling their crafts and wares. For the food side of things, expect tamales, panuchos, salbutes, churros, and more. The market is a great place for souvenir shopping as well. Just make sure you bring cash!

Mercado de Santiago

Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 1:30 PM
Price: $

Mercado de Santiago is a beloved local market nestled in the heart of Mérida’s historic Barrio de Santiago, just a short walk from the city center. Officially known as Mercado Municipal No. 2 Santos Degollado, this market has been a cornerstone of the community since the 19th century. La Lupita which I mentioned above is located in this market. You should also try La Virgen Morena which is the perfect spot to try traditional Yucatecan breakfast of Huevos Motuleños

Cafes/Breakfast/Brunch

La 70

Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM
Price: $$

Breakfast is where La 70 shines. Their pancakes are next-level fluffy and the service is super friendly. It’s also a quieter, more local spot if you’re trying to avoid the morning tour group mobs.

In addition to the pancakes, they also have traditional Yucatecan breakfast food such as Huevos Motuleños which is a classic featuring crispy tortillas topped with refried beans, fried eggs, and a tomato-based sauce. It often includes peas, ham, or plantains. 

Add a side of fresh juice and one of their pan dulce options, and you’re in business.

Caffe del Centro

Hours: Daily, 3 – 11 PM
Price: $$

They’ve got excellent ice cream, perfect for an afternoon break when the heat has made you question all your life choices.

Cucu Bistro Centro

Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 4 PM
Price: $$

I came in here to grab a simple iced coffee and they did just that (and well)!

Gato Gordo Café

Hours: Daily, Sat, 8 AM – 8 PM
Price: $$

Run by a mother-daughter duo, Gato Gordo is the kind of café that makes you want to stay a while. Their coffee is solid, the baked goods are homemade, and the energy is warm and unpretentious. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual tourist traps, and a great spot to fuel up before a long day of wandering. You definitely have to try one of their wonderful Frappuccino’s if you want a cold sweet treat.

Restaurants and Bars

El Trapiche

Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$

You can’t talk about food in Mérida without mentioning cochinita pibil, and El Trapiche does it justice. This spot is located just off the main plaza and very easy to find. Their slow-roasted pork is rich, citrusy, and exactly what you want piled into a tortilla. It comes with a side of black beans and fresh pico de gallo. Go early or late afternoon to avoid the lunch rush. It’s casual, fast, and delicious.

El Restaurant La Chaya Maya en Mérida

Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$$

This place is touristy but that’s because their menu has every traditional Yucatecan dish you could possibly want, which makes it convenient to try everything and see what you like. Museo de la Gaatronomica Yucateca across the street is exactly the same so you could do either.

La Recova Santa Lucía

Hours: Daily, 4 PM – 2 AM
Price: $$$

Let’s be honest: the food here is mid, but it’s the perfect spot for watching the Traditional Dance Show in Parque de Santa Lucía which is every Thursday at 9 PM. Grab a table on the plaza, order a cocktail (or three), and enjoy the show and people watching. You’re paying for the view and the vibe, and that’s totally OK sometimes.

Oliva Enoteca

Hours: Daily, 1 PM – 11 PM (12 AM on Friday and Saturday)
Price: $$$

If you need a taco break, Oliva Enoteca has you covered with a tight menu of upscale Italian. Think fresh pasta, well-balanced sauces, and a wine list that doesn’t mess around. It’s pricier than most spots on this list, but it’s perfect for a night when you want to sit down, take your time, and eat something a bit different.

Malahat

Hours: Unknown

If you love a good cocktail and a speakeasy atmosphere, well, this is your place. Located just around the corner from Parque de Santa Lucía, you’ll find it tucked away behind a parking lot. It’s pricey but it’s good.

Convenience Stores

Oxxo

Hours: Daily, Open 24 hrs

Ok this isn’t unique to Mérida at all, but it’s the popular convenience store throughout all of Mexico and the perfect spot to stalk up on local Mexican snack such as these salsa verde flavoured tortilla chips became obsessed with.

Book a Food Tour

You could definitely do your own food tour with all of the suggestions I’ve mentioned above, but sometimes it’s fun to let a local pro do it for you. It’s a great way to meet other travellers and try some local dishes you might not otherwise discover yourself. Options include:

Final Thoughts on the food in Mérida

So there you have it, 15 food spots in Mérida that are worth every bite. Whether you’re chasing the perfect taco or seeking a sweet escape from the usual tourist traps, this list has you covered.

And if you want to make your life easier – because who doesn’t – I’ve dropped all these gems and a few others into a Google Map you can download straight to your phone. And be sure to check out my full Mérida Travel Guide if you want all of my recommendations for where to stay and things to do.