From cardamom to passionfruit, there are enough interesting flavors to try at this small gelato shop. We went with our friend who’s veg and they asked before we entered – they got an immediate “No”. They spend hours marinating suckling pig with achiote paste that makes a sour orange juice. A comforting soup that contains lime-marinated chicken or turkey with tortilla strips and a slice of lime.
But if you've made it this far, you haven't come for the ambience. The bonito sashimi is always outstanding, as is the tender simmered octopus. Mild red vinegar and the perfect amount of salt give punch to the shari rice, which is never too big or too packed together. The kuruma-ebi shrimp is a plump and juicy specimen that we could eat all the time.
You can also sit at the table or at the bar where you can interact with chef Hiroaki Sato while he prepares the dishes. Kuro Uma is open from lunchtime to 11pm, and it is located on the lower floor of the building Bujan next to San Angelo, in north city. This is one of Mexico City’s top restaurants, never mind top Japanese restaurants. With a few branches across the city, Tori Tori Temistocles is definitely the one you want to try and visit if you enjoy architecture as much as you enjoy food.
The cochinita pibil tacos at Manjar Blanco Merida are among the best in the entire city, but there are also other delicious dishes to try, like queso relleno negro and lomitos de valladolid. An exhibit in the Merida Mayan Museum, the largest museum in Merida, and one of the Merida highlights for culture lovers. Not only is Rosas & Xocolate one of the best boutique hotels in Merida, but they’re also one of the best Merida brunch spots. The Monumento a la Patria is beautiful both during the day and at night when lit up with different colored lights. The show is in Spanish, but even if you don’t understand it, you’ll be able to follow along with the pretty images. Spend some extra time exploring Plaza Grande by night, to see the Catedral de San Ildefonso and video mapping show.
The menu is exciting for anyone that loves Italian cuisine and the staff? When you dine at Kuuk, you’re in for an elegant dining experience. From the sophisticated plate designs to the quality of produce for each meal, Kuuk is one of the best restaurants in sushi Mérida Merida for high-end dining. I was there on a Monday - lots of fish options were not on the menu - so there was limited options available unfortunately. Owner Adriana, whose attention to detail shows across the whole concept, is a longtime dumplings lover.
The service is wonderful, and they always have the latest trends in sushi going. 3/5 is actually generous, but I’m being considerate to the fact that fresh salmon would be difficult to obtain in this part of the world and the restaurant itself is beautifully designed. I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan so I might be holding Miyabi to a higher standard than I should given where we are. The sashimi actually had an ok flavour, but it was obviously from frozen. Again, I can forgive this given where we’re located but it’s definitely an adjustment to have salmon lacking the precision and firmness I’m used to.
For the nigiri, he uses red vinegar for stronger-flavored fish and white vinegar for milder ones. We’re almost loath to divulge this gem of a sushi joint, hidden in plain sight on the 12th floor of the Mitsukoshi department store in Ginza. In terms of value for money, the quality here can’t be beat.
Along this 36-mile-long drive, there’s also the Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Labna, some of the best off-the-beaten-path Mexico ruins. Located in the small fishing village of Celestun, about 2.5 hours from Merida, you’ll find the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. To check out some of the other best bars in Merida, head to the Casa Chica on Paseo Montejo, Malahat, La Fundación Mezcaleria, Pipiripau and Mayan Pub. It located on a side of town where you’ll get a glimpse at true local life, away from tourists. If you want to cook while staying in Merida, you can pick up all your organic meats, produce, fresh-baked bread, olive oils, artisan products, and more.
Cafeteria Impala, a favorite among locals that’s located at the intersection of Calle 47 and Paseo Montejo. If you don’t want a full meal, opt for tapas, desserts and drinks at what’s undoubtedly the best rooftop bar in Merida. For the best views of the cathedral, enjoy dinner on the outdoor patio at Picheta. Nowadays, you can watch a reenactment of this ballgame on Saturday nights, from about 8 pm-9 pm, in front of the Cathedral.
Want an added level of security and peace of mind for your Merida trip? Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling. After that, you’ll walk to Cenote Cascabel and Cenote Xoch, the most beautiful of the three, and then ride your bike or take the horse cart back.
Having said that, you can still dine here because it doubles as a restaurant! Although there are three locations in the capital, we think the Roma Norte is the most convenient and central. Here, you can buy anything from the ingredients needed to make sushi, to Japanese snacks. An unassuming name in an unassuming location, Café King can be found in the well-worth a visit neighbourhood of Santa María La Ribera.
The three Santa Barbara cenotes are in the pueblo of Homun, where you’ll find many of the best cenotes near Merida. Walk to the end of the street to see the San Bernardino Convent and Valladolid letters sign. Next, head to Parque Principal , where you’ll find the iconic Iglesia de San Servacio Valladolid church.
The name Kimura is synonymous with aged seafood, and you will likely encounter tastes you've never had before at this laid-back, two-Michelin-starred sushi spot. Same goes for the varieties of fish, which are strictly seasonal. Don't be disappointed if you don't find fatty tuna or sea urchin here. Instead, there may be swordfish, matured for an astounding 50 days, with a surprising texture and depth of flavor.
Chef Masahiro Yoshitake makes the most sublime otsumami small plates at his omakase-only spot. In winter, there's sake-simmered shirako and in spring, hay-smoked bonito. We love the oysters with shiso and oyster-liquor jelly, but the piece de resistance is the tender abalone, served with an umami-rich dipping sauce of abalone liver and uni.