Where to eat in the Magical Towns of Yucatán

Where to eat in the Magical Towns of Yucatán, Delicious Dining in a Magical Town of Yucatán

There’s no doubt that when it comes to visiting a destination (whether for the first or hundredth time), food plays a big role for many of us. And when we talk about the towns of Yucatán, especially those designated as Magical Towns, locals always have a few go-to spots that we can’t help but love. Today, though, we’re excited to share some hidden gems that may be a bit off the usual path but are true local favorites. We’re pretty sure that once you give them a try, they’ll become your favorites too. Come along as we explore them.

El Rinconcito del Vate - The Magical Town of Izamal, Yucatán

This restaurant review must start with a bit of history. Ricardo López Méndez was a writer, journalist, and poet born in Izamal. Although his name may not ring a bell, it’s hard to summarize the impact he had on 20th-century México. Suffice it to say that if you’ve heard the phrase “México, creo en ti (I believe in you)”, or the song that goes “amor, amor, amor; nació de ti, nació de mí, de la esperanza (love, love, love; was born of you, was born of me, from hope)”, you’ve encountered his work.

In downtown Izamal, just a few feet from the convent of San Antonio de Padua, there’s a monument dedicated to him, under a huge ceiba tree. Next to it is “El Rinconcito del Vate,” a restaurant that has quickly become one of the favorites of the locals. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, “El Rinconcito del Vate” offers a wide variety of dishes at excellent prices; at breakfast time, let me highlight their waffle sandwich and marquesita toast (with Nutella, Edam cheese, and slices of strawberry and kiwi). I’ve also tried their chilaquiles and the house omelette, which are equally impressive. As for their drinks, the presentation of both their coffees and mocktails will surely surprise you.

For lunch and dinner, at “El Rinconcito del Vate,” you’ll find some staples of Yucatecan cuisine (panuchos, salbutes, empanadas, and sopa de lima), but the highlight of their main dishes is their wide variety of burgers, baguettes, and pasta, along with salads, wings, and more. Craving a drink? Whether you’re looking for aguas frescas, bottled soft drinks, beer, wine, or cocktails, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here. —A.N.

El Rinconcito del Vate
Calle 33 x 28 y 30, Centro, Izamal
www.linktr.ee/RinconciodelVate
IG: rinconcitodelvate

Dianelsy Restaurant - Magical Town of Sisal, Yucatán

The restaurant scene along Yucatán’s beaches is quite vast, and Sisal is no exception. If you’re someone who loves to explore beyond the coast and taste the authentic flavors of a fishing town, Restaurante Dianelsy might be the perfect option for you. Located at the end of Calle 18 in the Magical Town of Sisal, this place practically borders the mangroves, giving it a peaceful and refreshing vibe. Some of its turquoise tables are even nestled under the shade of the mangroves, making for a truly picturesque setting. If you choose to sit there, make sure to bring mosquito repellent to avoid becoming a meal for the bugs during the rainy season, but don’t worry; they also have tables inside and outside the restaurant. No matter where you sit, the service will be prompt and attentive—a guarantee of the place.

And the food? Get ready! As soon as you order your drinks (a cold beer or a michelada, of course!), a wide array of snacks will arrive at your table, from classic Yucatecan favorites like refried beans with tortilla chips, cheese chayitas with tomato salsa, and crispy codzitos to delightful fish and seafood treats like ceviches. Remember: pace yourself because there’s still the main course to enjoy! 

It’s time to order the hearty main dishes. Their menu isn’t too extensive, but don’t be fooled—there are options for everyone. From shrimp, fish, ceviches, octopus, and lobster prepared in various ways to pan de cazón and stroganoff (a Russian dish made of strips of meat with mushrooms in a creamy sauce). My favorites are the ceviches and the breaded fish, showcasing the best that a fishing village can offer: fresh fish and seafood! Still, don’t miss out on the fried fish, a classic from the Yucatecan coasts to share, accompanied by onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and tortillas for the ultimate fisherman's taco experience.

But wait, there’s more! Soak in the charm of the place by enjoying a leisurely sobremesa—letting your food settle while you take in the view of the mangroves (some diners claim to have spotted flamingos around) or snap a photo at one of their beautifully decorated spots. Note: there’s no parking, so it’s best to find a spot on the nearby streets. Also, they only accept cash. —M.R.

Restaurante Dianelsy
Calle 18, Sisal
Every day, 11 am - 7 pm
Tel. 999 998 6190 / 999 442 6444

Venzze Neapolitan Pizza Workshop - Magical Town of Maní, Yucatán

Maní, a charming Yucatecan town, is renowned for its rich cuisine, where a wide variety of dishes stand out in the local culinary scene. Among them, poc chuc stands tall as a symbol of the region's food traditions, and if you visit one of the restaurants in Maní that serves it, you’ll understand why. However, once the sun sets, the atmosphere of this Magical Town transforms, revealing a unique and delicious culinary proposal that deserves the attention of all visitors.

Such is the case with Venzze. Venzze, the Neapolitan pizza workshop, is a delightful restaurant located across from the main square on Calle 26. Here, Italian flavors intertwine with the freshness of organic ingredients and the chef’s baking mastery, promising an unparalleled delight for even the most discerning palate.

The ambiance at Venzze contrasts with the mystique that adorns Yucatecan nights and the colorful decorations that embellish Maní’s main square, creating a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy exquisite pizzas at rustic tables and chairs outdoors.

One option worth trying at Venzze is the Néctar pizza, topped with bacon, honey, mozzarella, and Grana Padano cheeses. This, paired with a refreshing Italian soda, is sure to enchant even the most demanding diners. Very important: don’t forget to leave space for dessert, which is a true delight and masterfully concludes the experience.

Visit Venzze Pizza from Thursday to Monday, 7 to 11 pm. If, like us, you are a lover of good food, you won’t regret enjoying a memorable evening in a cozy and festive setting in the heart of this charming Magical Town.

El Mirador Restaurant - Magical Town of Motul, Yucatán

It’s only natural to want to take advantage of a visit to Motul by enjoying some huevos motuleños in their place of origin (although, as we’ve shared before, their invention is attributed to Don Jorge Siqueff, whose family continues to prepare them at the Siqueff restaurants in Mérida). Undoubtedly, one of the most popular spots to enjoy them is Doña Evelia’s stand in the 20 de noviembre market, but if you think this is your only option while in this Magical Town, you’re definitely mistaken.

For example, there’s El Mirador Restaurant. Also located on the second floor of the Mercado 20 de noviembre, it’s another classic spot, with 20 years of service, where you can find the traditional huevos motuleños. To accompany them, they serve warm, crispy pan francés, along with a refreshing agua fresca or, if you prefer, a bottled soda. Besides the eggs, you’ll also find other Yucatecan delights like mondongo kabik, salbutes, poc chuc, and more. They even have special dishes for each day of the week, such as Monday’s frijol con puerco, Tuesday’s puchero, Wednesday’s pezuñas rebosadas, Thursday’s relleno blanco, and on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) relleno negro.

Another great feature of the place is that it has tables next to the market’s railings, so in addition to enjoying the fresh air, you’ll have enviable views of Motul’s main park and its various monuments.

Whether for breakfast or lunch, El Mirador is an excellent option to recharge your energy in this Magical Town; you can enjoy breakfast here for just $90 pesos.

Calle 27 x 26-A y 28, Centro, altos del Mercado 20 de noviembre, Motul
Tel. 991 107 9710
IG: mirador.restaurante
FB: Restaurante “El Mirador” Motul

Three restaurants in the Magical Town of Valladolid, Yucatán

As we’ve mentioned on more than one occasion, Valladolid is a city where the food is incredibly good. The culinary offerings are wide and varied, and it’s worth emphasizing, delicious. It’s truly difficult to choose just one option in this Magical Town, so here’s a look at three.

Ix cat ik

Why do I start this selection with a traditional restaurant? Because IX CAT IK is a traditional eatery where you’ll find dishes that are so authentic and homemade that they’re quite uncommon in other restaurants: these are the dishes that Yucatecos used to prepare (when people still had time to cook) at home. One dish that I think everyone should try is caldo de chaya (which, by the way, is an authentically vegan dish from its origins): you’ll be surprised at how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a fascinating flavor.

Calle 39 x 20 y 22, Colonia Militar, Valladolid
Tel. 985 104 1605
www.ixcatik.mx

Sköl Restaurant 

If you’re a fan of fantasy, especially if you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast, this restaurant-bar is for you. Both its extensive food menu (mainly focusing on American cuisine like pizzas, pasta, and burgers) and its drinks menu are presented in a “magical” way, featuring “potions” that include the Ginny Tonic, Unicorn Blood, or the ominous Avada Kedavra. Sköl serves as a loving tribute to the saga that has defined more than one generation, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to take unforgettable photos in front of the majestic former convent of San Bernardino de Siena in the Sisal barrio.

54-A #217-B x 45 y 49, Barrio de Sisal, Valladolid
Tel. 985 126 3457
FB: Sköl Valladolid Restaurante

Gabby & Charlie’s 

Just because Valladolid isn’t on the Yucatecan coast doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious fresh seafood in this Magical Town. At Gabby and Charlie’s, the seafood is sourced from the coasts of San Felipe and Río Lagartos to prepare a wide variety of options; their shrimp fajitas served on a hot plate are a standout for me. Thanks to its flavor, tradition, and reasonable prices, Gabby and Charlie’s is a very family-friendly restaurant that’s quite popular among the locals. If you’re going on the weekend, make sure to arrive early to avoid waiting too long for a table. —A.N.

Calle 41 x 28 y 30, Centro, Valladolid
Tel. 998 159 7959
FB: Gabby & Charlie’s

By Carlos Guzmán, Alicia Navarrete and Magali Ramírez.

Photography by Alicia Navarrete, Carlos Guzmán, Magali Ramírez, Sara Alba and Venzze Pizza, for its use in Yucatán Today.

First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 443, in November 2024, by the name of "Delicious Dining in a Magical Town of Yucatán".