Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Merida

At the end of the Paramo or Moorlands Route you will come upon the town of Apartaderos, and this restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine; a complement hard to beat after a long hike across the Paramo. And the prices are hard to beat as well. Pisca at Bs 700, vegetables or cereal soups at an average Bs 1000, local cultivated trout and roast meats in savory sauces at less than Bs 3000 are as comforting as the hot beverages at Bs 500 and sweet desserts of the Andes at less than Bs 1000. All await you here.

Opened in 1985, this establishment has two ambiances. University students and tropical music lovers fill the modern upstairs disco, where they dance to the beat of maranga, salsa, rap, vallenato, and similar rhythms. Pulsar laser, a smoke machine and dancing lights help create the proper atmosphere. For some refueling, the downstairs country-style lounge offers delicious meat and seafood snacks at prices ranging from BS1500 to BS3500, and different beverages. A bottle of national beer goes for BS750, while the imported one costs BS1500; soft drinks at BS450, and mixed drinks average BS2500. Enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Free admission.

At present, Ejido has become a suburban area of Merida. This allows this establishment to promote itself as a favorite among Meridean youth and family groups. It occupies an unpretentious but ample space consisting of an interior dining room, and outside tables covered by canopies. The generous menu at this cafe-restaurant-pizzeria includes antipastos, salads, soups, pasta, chicken, fish and 18 varieties of pizza. It will not be easy for you to go there and not find something of your liking to order.

This is one of the most unusual cybercafes in Merida. The original occupants of this 19-century house were monks. They could hardly have imagined that one day 17 computers and a flock of cyber addicts of all ages would be the guests of its thick walls, underground corridors and secluded gardens. Here you do not surf the net but, instead, go on a pilgrim's journey, while savouring a cup of coffee or a meat or vegetable sandwich. The house is ideal, too, for a memorable celebration of a wedding, birthday, graduation, or similar event. Live music is offered Wednesday through Sunday.

This is a high-class restaurant, where the elegance and gastronomic quality justify the prices. In an ample sized dining room, with much wood, fine lamps and even a concert piano, you will be able to select first courses such as squid cocktail at Bs 4,200, or antipastos at Bs 3,800; the specialty of the house known as Chez Peppino Lasagna at Bs 3,500; meat dishes such as Tenderloin of Steak in Three-Pepper Sauce at Bs 6,000; fish dishes, including the outstanding Shrimps in Champagne Cream Sauce at Bs 5,900; and a varied offer of fine desserts. Several salads and a select wine list complete this exclusive gastronomical treat.

To reach this excellent restaurant, keep an eye on the left side of the road as you walk up Avenida Los Chorros de Milla. The establishment is located within an extensive property surrounded by a huge wall. Missing it means missing out on one of the most succulent regional menus around, as well as the specialty of the house: the Argentinian barbecue. Actually this is the hook that draws in no less than one hundred patrons on even a slow day. Its rustic atmosphere is the perfect complement for your delicious meal.