Contrary to popular belief, it’s not impossible or even difficult to be a vegetarian in Mexico (especially if you follow these tips and tricks). I’ve been living in Mexico and traveling throughout the country for three years now, and living two decades as a vegetarian, so I wasn’t too worried about finding food on my trip to Merida with three girlfriends.
Still, it can sometimes be a bit tricky to balance different dietary needs and culinary desires on a group trip, especially as the solo vegetarian. I always try to do research in advance to come up with a variety of vegetarian-friendly yet omnivore-approved restaurants whenever I’m not traveling solo, and couldn’t find much on the web about Merida’s vegetarian offerings.
Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Merida offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants throughout the city at a range of price points and styles. Aside from one or two flops, most restaurants and stalls could whip up a tasty vegetarian meal, no problem, though some were more delicious than others.
These top 10 (plus one cantina!) are just my absolute favorites for vegetarian food in Merida: let me know what you think! They’re all vegetarian AND omnivore-approved.
Provecho, my vegetarian friends, and the omnivores who love us <3 !
1. Pancho’s
Stylish Merida restaurant with tasty dishes and top-shelf drinks
Location: Calle 59 entre 60 y 62
Hours: 1:00pm to 2:00am
My favorite restaurant of the trip; I even had the huitlacoche tacos twice. Don’t miss 2 for 1 drinks from 5-9pm (only at the bar, where you can also eat).
2. Pita
Merida-inspired Israeli food
Location: Calle 55 496
Hours: 8am to 10pm most days (open until 4pm on Mondays and Sundays)
This cute spot has a chef from Israel and an extensive menu of Israeli, Mexican, and Mex/Israeli options. The shakshuka was awesome and they’ve got the best pita I’ve had outside of Israel. It seems like the ONLY place open this early for breakfast around Centro.
3. Los Platos Rotos de Frida
Traditional Merida food in a quirky and colorful location
Location: Calle 61 526A
Hours: 8am-10pm (Closed Sunday)
Lots of options and quite inexpensive. If you plan on sitting in the garden, be sure to wear bug spray.
4. Organico
Merida coffee bar with inexpensive food
Location: 53 No. 502D x 60 y 62
Hours: 8am-8pm
The veggie-filled eggs were perfect for breakfast, and I appreciated the free cold water, really cute atmosphere, and strong wifi. The latte I ordered was perfect: great coffee and a variety of milk alternatives (I went with the house-made almond). They’ve got a ton of vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch options, and run a set-menu lunch special for 60 pesos.
Note: Organico Cafe is NOT the same as Cafe Organico.
5. Hotel Mansion Merida
Fancy restaurant in Merida’s most beautiful mansion hotel
Location: Calle 58-a 60
Hours: Uncertain
Hotel Mansion Merida is THE place to put on your Sunday best and enjoy a fancy schmancy brunch. For whatever reason, the indoor courtyard was empty when we had breakfast, so we also had our own little impromptu photo shoot.
6. Chaya Maya
Merida’s classic Yucatan fare fan favorite
Location: Calle 62 x 57
Hours: 7am-11pm
Yes, Chaya Maya is a bit touristy and put-on (like the dressed-up waitresses), but it’s a tourist favorite for a reason: there’s a huge menu (including tons of vegetarian options) and each dish is reliably delicious. Get the signature Chaya drink!
7. Wayan’e
Cheap and cheerful as can be, homestyle Merida restaurant with a few locations
Location: Several throughout the city including Felipe Carrillo Puerto 11A No. 57C, at Calle 4 AND Calle 59 x 46
Hours: Supposedly Tuesday through Saturday, from open until 2:30pm
Tacos start at just 13 pesos each! The ingredients are fresh and filling, and there are quite a few vegetarian options.
8. Casa de Mi Tia
Friendly service in Merida with incredible views of Plaza Grande
Location: Second floor overlooking the park at Plaza Grande
Hours: 7:30am-11pm
There are a couple Casa de Mi Tias in Merida. The one I recommend doesn’t have a website (currently). It’s a cute place with second-story viewing for the perfect perspective of the main square.
9. Peruano
Peruvian food in Merida
Location: Calle 55 #502 entre calle 60 y 62
Hours: 1pm – midnight (closes earlier on Sundays)
A variety of ceviche choices, including vegetarian. Be sure to double check which of the appetizers are vegetarian even if you order a vegetarian entree (don’t just say vegetarian: ask if there is “pescado” or “marisco” in it).
10. Lo Que Hay
Vegan restaurant in Merida
Location: Hotel MedioMundo, Calle 55 #533 entre 64 y 66
Hours: Uncertain
Fresh and flavorful food that even non-vegans will love!
Bonus Vegetarian-Friendly Cantina:
11. El Cardenal Cantina
Old-school Merida cantina
Location: Calle 63 No.527 Por Calle 70 y Calle 72
Hours: 1pm-10pm
Very inexpensive with regular 2 for 1 deals (when we were there it was 2 for 1 margaritas). The musical acts tend to be SO LOUD, so try to get a table away from the stage or, better yet, in the courtyard (but slather on that bug spray). Avoid the burgers and stick with Mexican fare – the veggie burger takes the cake as the worst meal of my life.
Other options recommended by friends:
La Prospe de Xtup
Rosa + Xocolate
Colon (oldest ice cream in town)
Rosa Sur 32
Amaro
Ave de Paraiso
Pin it for Later: 10 Best Restaurants for Vegetarians in Merida, Mexico
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
