Ya’axche Restaurante - Centro Etnogastronomico

Some of the best food we’ve had in the Yucatán. It may be out of the way but it’s worth the trip.

Que bueno que existen estos lugares para turistas o gente de dinero que pueden aprender más o menos de como se come en pueblos. Aunque no es muy real, es una representación, un show, pero ya es algo. Tenía muchas expectativas y salimos decepcionados. La comida estuvo sin sabor ninguno. Pedí un caldo de gallina (no pollo!) y me trajeron un agua caliente color amarillo con una pechugota seca de pollo crío. Le estaba poniendo todo lo posible para que haya algo de sabor y nada... Los totopos eran las tortillas secas del otro día, las que sobraron. Vimos como desenterraron un platillo, ese se veía con más sabor, pero ni modo, ya no iba a pedir un segundo plato solo para salvar mi experiencia, que ya de por si estuvo cara. Los camareros se ve que son los estudiantes del dueño y que no saben nada y que van con miedo. La vibra entre ellos estuvo muy tensa. Se ve que los regañan y exigen un comportamiento "refinado" pero nada natural y por lo tanto super incómodo. Yo mil veces prefiero ir a una taquería medio sucia donde te saludan y atienden con una sonrisa y de manera amable, que a un lugar pretencioso que trata de ser "fino" y termina siendo simplemente incómodo. Creo que esto es el problema principal, la intención es la comida y la cultura muy local pero el dueño se cree un poco demasiado y la experiencia ya no es local, es un híbrido de ingredientes y tecnicas yucatecas con trato "europeo" male ejecutado. El lugar en general es muy bonito. Pero no volveré ahí ni se lo recomendaré a mis amigos. Pero espero que se siga desarrollando y se quite esa onda de ser "finos"

This is probably one of the best culinary experience we have ever had. Chef Wilson Alonzo is creating amazing dishes, all sourced locally. The cookware, plates, cups are all made from pottery and are also all sourced locally. He is a trained chef but more importantly he is one of the kindest and most humble human beings you will ever meet. All of his staff is from the nearby village and he is helping them to learn a profession in the culinary arts. The location is truly off the beaten track and to call the setting as simple is an understatement. But it all works. The whole experience is truly unique and the food can easily compete with many 5 star restaurants.

One of the most incredible food experiences, not only i had exceptional traditional Yucatecan dishes with mayan heritage, i also got to learn more of the traditional ways of cooking.

Wonderful experience! It's more than a restaurant meal. It is very authentic, with superb craftsmanship. The chef was nominated as best chef in 2024. The atmosphere and service exceed all expectations.

This is my favorite restaurant in Merida. Food is so good and the atmosphere is amazing. Totally recommend it!

This was easily my favorite restaurant experience I had while in the Merida area. The presentation of the food was like a fine dining restaurant, but it came out of this humble open air kitchen under a palapa. For desert I had these fruits that were prepared over three days and then served with SMOKE. It was wild. The service was impeccable. Hard to find and had to ask for directions. If it’s recently rained, don’t wear your nice shoes.

This is by far one of the best gastronomical experiences I’ve had. Chef Wilson Alonzo and his team delighted us with amazing dishes and let us experience how traditional food from Yucatan is made. Whenever you come to Merida or the Yucatan Peninsula, make sure to pay them a visit. This is one of their best hidden secrets.