Merida

[rockpile]

I just received a request from friends who are in Merida for a few weeks. Even though they know that I have never been to Merida, they know that I am always touting Chowhound as my source for restaurant suggestions. Can you recommend any places that I can pass on to them? I am assuming that they do not want particularly expensive restaurants since they are on a budget. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[beebee]

I stay in Merida for a month every winter. My comments are on quality of food only. Decor, etc. not a priority.
Hacienda Xcanatun is definitely worth the $12 taxi.
Local 3 has very tasty food. COVI wine store next door is best in town.
La Choperia - good grilled meat, salads, beer.
La Pigua is one of my favorite seafood restaurants in the world.
La Tratto has good Italian-style food. Trotters is hit and miss.
Muele 8 good for shrimp in avocado.
Nectar's appetizers can be good at times.
Street food in the central plaza on Sundays is excellent.

[Gypsy Jan]

Hubby just returned from a business trip to Merida and he hasn't stopped raving about the dinner at Hacienda Xcanatun.

Here is a link to the recent Chowhond discussion: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/850242

[DiningDiva]

Are they only in Merida or are they in other cities (such as Valladolid) as well.

Dining in Merida is somewhat hit or miss. I didn't have particularly good luck in the market - i.e. wasn't bad but it wasn't that good either, just kind of average - and many of the restaurants around Centro cater to tourist and the thriving ex-pat community.

The best place we found was the result of picking up Yucatan Today and English language publication that is in wide distribution. They had a review of Local 3 (review posted on this board) so we went. Interesting cocktails, creative food, definitely better than most of what we had been having. Yucatan Today might provide some insight and options geared more towards locals than tourists.

The other really good place we found to eat was Los Frailes in Valladolid.