Don't miss trying some of the delicious local Mayan dishes, such as Cochinita Pibil (suckling pig baked in banana leaves with a rich annatto sauce), Papadzules (tortillas stuffed with boiled eggs in a pumplin seed sauce), or Panuchos (open tortillas topped with fried black beans, chicken and pickled onions). The local beer is Montejo, a hearty brew made in Mérida.

Rick Bayless has a show on Public Broadcasting titled "Mexico, One Plate at a Time." In the episode "Eat, Drink and be Mérida" Rick is passionate about Merida.  He articulately describes the city, its history and cuisine. 

Video is 24 minutes & requires a broadband connection. Information: Rick Bayless Information: Public Broadcasting

Our Favorite Places
 

Alberto’s Continental – Excellent Yucatecan, Italian and Lebanese dishes here—and its two blocks from Casa La Barenda!  Alberto’s place has a terrific history dating to about 1727.  Tropical courtyard dining and bar surrounded by antiques and mature plants that envelop the interior patio structure. Located at the corner of Calle 57 and Calle 66.  Rick Bayliss also filmed a segment of his ‘Eat, Drink and be Merida’ here at the bar.  (See Dining Video)

Villa Maria— The owner and chef graciously allowed us to bring in a whole fish (think really big) we caught just an hour earlier with fishermen in Progresso.  We just wanted dinner and to give the rest to the restaurant.  The whole restaurant began to party on this idea and the chef masterfully provided memorable experience for everyone that night.  The beautifully restored Spanish colonial architecture with an elegant interior court yard setting complete with retractable roof make for a fabulous dining experience under the stars and cover during brief tropical rains.
 The best part is that it’s a block away from the Casa located on the corner of Calle 59 and 68; A variety of delicious Yucatecan, and continental dishes are served.

*C'est la vie... Sadly, Villa Maria is now closed. We will always have our memories though...
 

Hacienda Xcanatun—Located at Km 12 on the Merida-Progresso highway on the right side of the road about 15 minutes outside of Merida.  Dine on the terrace and try the fresh Ceviche for lunch.  Friday and Saturday nights enjoy live music.  The Hacienda is beautifully restored with manicured grounds.  Pick up a taxi on the south side of Santiago Park just one block from the casa.

Check the Blog for more restaurant ideas... …we’ll be adding more places as we get time. Email your suggestions to us! 

Information Below Courtesy of Yucatan Today and Yucatan Living

"Lunch the Yucatecan Way" - For Yucatecans, lunch is the main meal. 

A comprehensive listing.
http://www.yucatantoday.com/eng-restaurants.htm

Botanas, Cocina Economica, Cooking School, Tequila
 

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