Merida, Yucatan, has consolidated itself as a cosmopolitan gastronomic hub with an offering of over 20 global cuisines. From traditional Lebanese and Japanese food in the Historic Center to Peruvian, Thai, and Asian-Mexican fusion concepts in the north side, the Yucatecan capital offers a diverse culinary route. In this guide, you will discover a selection of the best international restaurants in Merida, their signature dishes, approximate prices, and locations.
A Trip Around the World, One Mérida Restaurant at a Time
Who could have imagined, just a few years ago, that Yucatecos would one day be able to sample dishes from all over the world without leaving the state? We’ve gone from a handful of Lebanese restaurants and a few Asian options to a seemingly endless array of eateries representing at least 20 countries from around the globe—most of them in or around Mérida.
And while many of us can’t claim to have an authentic point of comparison, or judge just how closely each dish sticks to its roots—or how much it has been adapted to local tastes—we can all enjoy these flavors as a way to break out of our routine and daydream about traveling to try the real thing. Here are a few of our favorites.
Colombia: Parceros
If you’ve been keeping up with your social media, chances are you’ve already noticed: it seems like everyone has been to Colombia over the past couple of years. A friend, an acquaintance, a coworker… there’s always someone who has just gotten back from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena. If you haven’t made the trip yet—or you’re already missing those flavors—you’re in luck: Parceros brings Colombian food to Mérida, so you don’t have to keep craving it.
Its menu is practically a trip around Colombia, with dishes inspired by different regions of the country. To start, there are the arepas recocheras ($180 pesos), perfect if you want to try several versions of this Colombian classic. What exactly is an arepa? Think of it as something like a fluffy sope, topped here with things like ground beef, melted cheese, and chicharrón (pork rinds).
If you’re hungry (and there are several of you), the bandeja paisa is a full meal all on its own. Available as an individual serving ($250 pesos) or to share ($600 pesos), it brings together beans, chorizo, chicharrón, avocado, rice, arepa, egg, and more in one seriously loaded plate. But if there’s one dish that steals the show, it’s the Castacón. Designed to be shared around the table, it comes with handmade tortillas, patacones, plantain chips, guacamole, and ají. And if that’s already making you hungry, there’s still plenty more to explore on the menu.
From top to bottom, Parceros is all about Colombian spirit: cheerful, lively, and the kind of place where you always feel like staying just a little longer. On weekends, live music (perfect for dancing) accompanies the meal, so there’s a good chance after-lunch (or dinner) conversation will stretch on for a while. And honestly, what better excuse is there to stay? —S.A.
Calle 62 #443, Parque Santa Lucía, Centro
Tel. 999 251 8262
Mon. - Sat. 1– 11 pm
Sunday, 12 –10 pm
IG: parceros_cafe
FB: Parceros Restaurante Colombiano
Greece: Lagos Taverna Griega
Although so-called “Greek salads” have been appearing on Yucatecan menus for years, the truth is that Greek food options are still few and far between around here. At one point there was a food cart, then a food truck, and since 2022, there’s been a Greek taverna: Lagos.
Here you’ll find classics like chicken or octopus souvlaki, chicken or lamb gyros, plus lamb in several other preparations, including pastitsio and, my personal favorite, moussaka. They also serve wood-fired pizzas and even a Greek burger, along with several Mediterranean-inspired desserts. The galaktoboureko (a sort of cheesecake wrapped in phyllo pastry) is, in my opinion, a standout.
And if you’re coming with kids, their meal is free when you purchase yours (one kids’ meal per adult meal). —A.N.
Lagos Taverna Griega
The Harbor: Av. Prolongación Paseo de Montejo x Periférico, Mérida, Yucatán
Tel. 999 912 6049
WA. 999 504 2202
Wed. - Mon. 12 pm - 10 pm
Japan: Okini
After several years of absence, Japanese food returned to Yucatán around 2000 and quickly found a permanent place in local hearts. Today, sushi is as ubiquitous as pizza, burgers, and Buffalo sauce, although it has definitely been adapted to local tastes, with everything from chiles toreados (serranos in soy sauce) to breaded rolls filled with cheese and arrachera.
That said, there are also several places where you can enjoy dishes that have undergone less local adaptation. One of my current personal favorites is Okini (next to Santa Ana Church), simply because its menu features several authentic Japanese street-food dishes, including okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and takoyaki. While these dishes may be less familiar than sushi and ramen, they offer a different way to travel to the Far East—even if it’s only with your taste buds. —A.N.
Calle 45 x 58 y 60, Centro (next to the Santa Ana church)
Tel. 999 115 4746
IG: okini_mid
FB: Okini mid
Tue. - Sat. 1 - 7:30 pm
Lebanon: Siqueff
For me, going to the Lebanese restaurant Siqueff is a special experience—and my favorite place to go with my dad. What always brings us back are their famous breakfasts, like Arab eggs with kafta or Turkish eggs with labneh and manakish. But the real star of the show comes at lunchtime, when we’re always greeted by the warm smile of the waiter who already knows exactly what we’re going to order: the essential trio of Arab dips—labneh, chickpea (hummus), and eggplant (baba ganoush)—followed by fried kibbeh and raw kibbeh, all served with the requisite kaak and flatbread.
Just thinking about these flavors makes my mouth water and has me wanting to go back this very week. And if you love Lebanese food but someone in your family doesn’t, Siqueff’s extensive international menu has plenty of options for everyone, both young and old. I encourage you to visit this special corner and discover why Siqueff proudly lives by the motto, “Made famous by its customers.” —S. M.
Calle 60 #350 x 35 y 37, Centro
Tel. 999 925 5027
Every day 8 am - 6 pm
Perú: Cariñito Cevichería Peruana
Peruvian cuisine is widely celebrated as some of the best in the world, and there’s now a new spot where you can experience it right here in Mérida. Cariñito Cevichería Peruana offers an atmosphere that is both polished and relaxed, to keep you comfortable while you enjoy their outstanding menu. It showcases signature Peruvian flavors like ají (a family of native peppers that add rich depth rather than just heat), leche de tigre (the bright, citrusy marinade at the heart of Peruvian ceviche), and, of course, an outstanding selection of fresh seafood.
The feast starts before you’ve even placed your order, so don't skip the appetizers. The fried yuca—crisp and golden on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside—is perfect for sharing. You can also snack on their chifles, thinly sliced, crunchy plantain chips served with a sweet-and-sour ají dipping sauce.
When it comes to the main courses, my personal favorite—and the dish that had me ready to book a direct flight to Perú—was the Ceviche Nikkei. It pairs fresh tuna with Asian-inspired sauces, tamarind, and leche de tigre, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to step outside the familiar style of ceviche we know in Yucatán.
To round out the experience, a Pisco Sour is almost mandatory. Peru's iconic cocktail is expertly mixed with pisco, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. If you prefer something unique, their signature cocktail list features options like the Sol de Barranco, a vibrant mix of tequila, strawberry, grapefruit, and Campari.
Finally, make sure to save room for dessert. I tried the Pera en Chicha Morada, and it was a total flavor revelation: the sweet poached pear contrasts beautifully with refreshing lavender ice cream and a chocolate crumble finish. It’s the perfect ending to a meal that feels less like a night out at a restaurant and more like a culinary getaway to Perú. —S.C.
Av. Líbano #54 x 7 y 9, Col, México Norte
999 576 9278
FB: Cariñito Cevichería Peruana
Every day 12:30 - 6 pm
Thailand: La Casa de los Lotos
I must admit, I originally chose to visit La Casa de los Lotos because I was drawn in by the stunning photos of the place itself, but I ended up even more blown away by the flavors. Located in Baca, just 40 minutes from Mérida, this restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine set against a lush, natural backdrop.
My absolute favorites were the spring rolls—crispy on the outside and packed with vegetables and noodles. I also tried the Pad Thai, made with rice noodles, a sweet-and-savory sauce, and crushed peanuts (ideal if you enjoy sweeter-profile dishes), as well as the Khao Pad Kung, a shrimp and vegetable fried rice that's perfect if you prefer more savory flavors. Main courses range between $120 and $280 pesos, and the portion sizes are very generous.
Beyond the fantastic food, you can stroll through their gardens and tranquil ponds filled with Koi fish—which you can even feed yourself! —S.C.
Calle Trigésima #10 x 17, Cipche, Baca
991 959 4015
IG: lacasadeloslotos
FB: La Casa de los Lotos Comida Tailandesa
Tue. - Sun. 9 am - 4 pm
Fusion options
France: Merci
In the past, I’ve written about how much I like Merci and how each of their offerings guarantees outstanding quality, but today let’s focus on the roots of their cuisine. Merci describes itself as a Yuca-French restaurant (with a dash of American comfort food thrown in for good measure), so it isn’t strictly confined to any one culinary style. While you can usually find quintessential French classics like bœuf bourguignon or Croque Monsieur sandwiches on the menu, Merci takes the most pride in presenting dishes you could only try here—like their pumpkin seed croissant or their Temozón smoked meat croquettes. Whether you visit their Centro location or San Angelo, Merci offers a top-tier experience that is always guaranteed to deliver. —A.N.
Paseo 60: Calle 60 x 35 #346 Centro, Mérida
Tue. - Sun. 8 am - 10 pm
Plaza San Angelo: Avenida 23 x 14 y 16 #201 Montes de Amé, Mérida
Tue. - Sun. 8 am - 10 pm
IG: mercimid
FB: Merci
Japan: Kōfuku
Kōfuku is a small (yet multi-award-winning) grab-and-go spot in Montes de Amé (near Colegio Piaget) where you’ll find inventive dishes blending Japanese and Latin American fusion, all set against a retro, distinctly Japanese backdrop. My go-to order is always a sushi taco, and my usual dilemma is choosing between the Ching*n and the Karibe. If you love Kōfuku’s vibe, you can also check out their coffee shop, Shotto F*cking Latte (with locations in Montes de Amé and Alemán), and their new spot specializing in Japanese curry, Katsu Curry, in Colonia México Norte. —A.N.
Calle 32 #321 x 39 y 91, Sodzil Norte
IG: kofuku.merida
Thu. - Tue. 1:30 – 10 pm
Sun. 2 - 9 pm
Taiwan: Wah Bao
Wah Bao is one of those rare spots that manages to win you over from the very first bite with a unique concept that takes your palate on a global journey in a single meal. Located just a stone's throw from La Gran Plaza, this place serves Asian-inspired dishes infused with a distinctly Mexican soul.
At Wah Bao, fusion is the name of the game. Their flagship offerings, like baos and ramen, come with a delicious twist: they blend classic recipes with authentic Mexican ingredients and flavors from around the world—think birria, crispy breaded shrimp, pork belly, octopus, brisket, duck, and so much more.
The story doesn't end there, though. Their menu also features fried rice, fresh salads, ceviches, pastas, desserts, and even vegan options, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. If you love food experiences, international cuisine, and above all, creative cross-cultural blends, Wah Bao is an absolute must on your Mérida food tour. —C.G.
Wah Bao
Calle 36 #254A x 73 y 75, Montes de Amé
IG: wah_bao
FB: Wah Bao
International restaurants in Mérida listing
Germany: Backer, Meyer’s
Argentina: La Cabaña del Pibe, La Trankera
Belize: The Fry Jack House
Canada: Verdina Cerveza Artesanal, Abricotier
South Korea: Korean BBQ, Kim’s House, Nyam Nyam, Korean Chicken House, Korean Grill, Choga Seoul, Snowdrop Café
Cuba: Atope, Cubitas, La Cubanita, El Cuarto de Tula
Spain: Nai
United States: Texas Roadhouse, El Tejano BBQ, Hey Joe!
France: Jerome Steak Bistro, Merci
India: Mora
Ireland: Hennessy’s
Israel: Pita Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar
Italy: Villa Italia, Dal Baffo, Bella Roma, MadreMia, Antica Roma, Barrio Napoli
Lebanon: Baharat, Biblos
United Kingdom: Ty Café
Thailand: Casa Thai
Turkey: Sofra
By Sara Alba Prim, Sharon Cetina, Carlos Guzmán, Sofía Mukul, Alicia Navarrete Alonso
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 467, in November 2026.
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