When the idea for this article came up, I was surprised to discover that there are many people who would never consider going to a hotel restaurant for a meal. Of course, there are different categories of hotels, and, within them, different categories of restaurants, but quite a few of them have really excelled at offering food options that are truly world-class.
Now that the hotel offer in Mérida has grown exponentially, choosing only five hotel restaurants was really hard. Some of them have more options than I included, and I certainly couldn't include all the ones I would have liked, but this will give you an idea of what awaits inside the hotels you have no plans of staying at.
For delicious food with a spectacular atmosphere, Cuna at Wayam Mundo Imperial
Generally speaking, the Wayam Mundo Imperial hotel is a curiosity: despite being on one of the busiest avenues in Mérida (Avenida Colón), it is an oasis of peace and relaxation. Its restaurant, Cuna, goes one step further, as it faces Colón, and still offers extraordinary food in a cool, super quiet atmosphere among the treetops.
If you go for breakfast, I can't choose between suggesting you try their Club Sandwich or their French Toast. Better go with someone who can't decide either, ask for both, and share.
IG: Cuna Mérida
FB: Cuna Mérida
For a buffet brunch, Peregrina Bistro at Hyatt Regency Mérida
One of the things that my family missed the most during the pandemic was the brunch buffet at Peregrina Bistro. You’ll hardly find yourself out of options: pastries and cake, all kinds of fruit, juices, eggs your way, cold cuts, dishes ranging from chilaquiles to roasted pork loin...In short, everything you need to have an early breakfast and be satisfied all day.
The Peregrina Bistro brunch buffet is a great choice so that both those who want to try a little bit of everything (like me) and the big eaters (like my husband) feel that they got the most out of their day. Plus, since the buffet price is fixed, splitting the check is always a (delicious) piece of cake.
IG: Hyatt Regency Mérida
FB: Hyatt Regency Mérida
For authentic Japanese food, Asai at Villa Mercedes Merida, Curio Collection by Hilton
You might be tempted to think that a restaurant as visually stunning as Asai Japanese Cuisine is all show and no substance, but you'd be wrong. This restaurant’s mission is to serve authentic Japanese cuisine with the best quality ingredients, and makes it clear with the first bite. They have tropicalized options (including soy sauce with lime and fried rice), but if you want something authentic, don't miss out on their Nigiri selection.
Asai is also one of the few restaurants in Mérida that has a Teppan: a hot plate where an expert cook prepares the food in front of diners. Asai offers two set teppanyaki menus, which include everything from appetizers to dessert and coffee.
IG: @asai.merida
FB: ASAI Japanese Cuisine
For Yucatecan food with an international twist, Rosas & Xocolate
Rosas & Xocolate is an exceptional restaurant for locals and visitors alike. In addition to its legendary rosewater margaritas, its menu offers both Yucatecan classics in exceptional preparations and innovative dishes with typical local ingredients.
Outstanding dishes include, in my humble opinion, their duck panuchos, or the Mayan octopus crisp, but if you are fond of desserts, do not, for any reason in the world, miss the opportunity to try their dark chocolate Soufflé with crystallized rose petals. You could get it to share with someone else, but, once you try it, you’ll regret not getting the whole thing for yourself.
IG: @rosayxocolate
FB: Rosas & Xocolate (Mérida, Yucatán, México)
For coffee, pastries, and dessert, Café Kuun by Nespresso at Fiesta Americana Mérida
The Fiesta Americana hotel is another one that has more than one option that is worth visiting. However, unlike the Café Montejo restaurant (which also offers spectacular buffets), the Yucatecan gastronomy of the recently reopened Los Almendros, and the La Hach bar, I discovered that there are many people who do not know that the hotel also has a coffee shop: Café Kuun by Nespresso, where they also serve juices, pastries, desserts, and sandwiches that are well worth discovering.
During my visit, I was left wanting to try the Croque Monsieur, but that was because I ordered a La Vie en Rose: a French toast with strawberries, grapes, and sweet cream that I would definitely order again, and more than once.
IG: @kuunbynespressofamd
FB: Kuun by Nespresso FAMD
Photography by Cuna, Hotel Hyatt Regency Mérida, Alicia Navarrete, Hotel Rosas & Xocolate, and Hotel Fiesta Americana for its use in Yucatán Today.
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