Valladolid
A delightful, casual little cafe just a few doors east of the ADO bus terminal, Squimz offers cakes, pastries and espresso drinks, as well as heartier…
Must-see restaurants in Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Off Hwy 261 at the southern entrance to Santa Elena, Restaurant El Chac-Mool is a friendly, if basic, place but service can be slow. It serves tasty,…
Progreso
This older-style, locals’ joint is on the north side of the plaza in a 100-year-old building. Weak ‘American’ coffee is served quickly, with a warm smile,…
Progreso
This is a bit of an institution around town with its beachfront setting and action to boot. Some say the botanas (complimentary sampler plates that come…
Mérida
This is the original branch of the popular Yucatecan restaurant, offering a near-identical menu (tasty Yucatecan specialties) but slightly different hours…
Río Lagartos
A popular two-story palapa with waterside sunset views, this is a good place to meet other travelers and form groups for boat tours. Lobster, at market…
Río Lagartos
Right on the waterfront, this simple seafood spot is a nice place to wind down after a day of flamingo-viewing. Fresh seafood and fish, some Yucatecan…
Celestún
It's as casual as it comes with plastic chairs and a 'picnic' feel (sandy floor), but it's an excellent breakfast spot at Hotel Gutiérrez. Full breakfasts…
Celestún
Of all the sandy-floored, plastic-table-and-chairs beachfront joints here, this one gets the thumbs-up from the locals. Fresh seafood and ceviche are its…
El Cuyo
Fish paradise under a palapa at this simple, no-fuss place. Grab a beer, some ceviche and prawns and remember what life was like before technology took…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
A popular pizza joint off the main plaza, it also serves inexpensive pasta dishes, sandwiches and burgers, with lovely al fresco tables overlooking the…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Same name, different restaurant: Dolce Vacanza (under new ownership, with a new menu to boot), now offers vegetarian food, pasta, pesto, and soups in a…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Open late, this clean place has sandwiches and pizzas with the usual toppings. ‘Order by number’ options make it easy for non-Spanish speakers to get…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
The friendly stalls here serve inexpensive regional food such as poc-chuc (grilled pork) and queso relleno (stuffed cheese).
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
With the brightest laminated menus this side of the Yucatán, Ricardo's is known for its affordable hearty daily lunch specials.
Progreso
One of the best options in the market for cochito (slow-cooked pork) tacos and tortas – and it's squeaky clean.
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Possibly the village's best for seafood; efficient service and it's right on the malecón.
Mérida
A very old-school restaurant with several traditional-style dining rooms surrounding a small courtyard. It bills itself as an upscale eatery and serves…
Valladolid
A meeting spot for revolutionaries in the early 20th century, this historic building now houses an OK bar-restaurant with Frida Kahlo–themed eclectic…
Mérida
This easygoing spot, at the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, is framed by pretty plants and features an eclectic mix of tables and chairs, more reminiscent…
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Known for its poc-chuc (grilled pork, M$100), the massive, two-story El Principe Tutul-Xiu has several other classic Yucatecan dishes and desserts. The…
Chichén Itzá
For a good, honest, cheap meal hit this humble little place at the end of the strip of simple cafes opposite the church. Since the mid-'90s it's been…
Mérida
Close to the city center, El Trapiche has cheap Mexican eats in a casual environment. It bills itself as the best pizza joint in town, but it's actually…
Mérida
Numero Dos is cheap, good and less crowded than some of the busier markets in town. On the north side of Parque de Santiago, it's packed with juice stalls…
Celestún
Said to be the most consistent restaurant in town. It's OK. Or you could just stick with the afternoon margaritas (M$50) overlooking the beach. Service is…
Valladolid
A collection of market-style eateries that are popular for their big, cheap breakfasts. At lunch and dinner some offer comida corrida (set meals of…
El Cuyo
Try the delicious crispy shrimp served in a coconut (M$130) at this large fan-cooled eatery on the plaza's west side.
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Near the plaza, Super Willy’s is a small supermarket with a big variety of groceries and household items.
Celestún
There's nothing special about this small cafe on the plaza other than the fact that it is the only spot open before 10:30am. Come here for simple Mexican…
