We will be in Merida for the holidays and I understand it may be difficult to find a place to eat on Nochebuena. I'd love to make a reservation somewhere in town, preferably Yucatecan cuisine, but perhaps also with some more International menu items for my daughter, who may have grown weary of local food by then. Not afraid to spend up (whatever that means in Merida) but it should be worth it.

Our hotel suggested Hacienda Xcantun (I am a little hesitant to drive home in the dark) or Villa Maria. They both look very chi-chi. No prices listed on the websites. The latter seems to be a safe, if predictable, bet. Anyone second the hotel's suggestions or have a better idea?

And, come to think of it, we'll need a place to eat Christmas night as well. Will anything be open then?

I have been to Merida twice for Christmas, but have always spent it with my wife's family, however I am pretty sure a number restaurants will be open as that is a popular time to visit, I am guessing most of the local people will be with family, but tourist dollars are always welcome.
As for your daughter , (not knowing her age) if you are in centro, there is a burger king on the corner of calle 59 and 60, along with some pizzarias, and other ones near the general area that serve yucatacan, Cafe La Habana is reasonably priced, and a good variety of sandwiches and some local cusine.
Dont know if this your first time in Merida, but some of my favorite yucatacan foods are panuchos, sopa de lima, cochinita pibil, tacos al pastor, also if you like fresh tropical fruit salads and fresh orange or grapefruit juice, check out Jugos California, there are two locations in centro, and I have never experianced stomach problems from their salads or fruit juice.

There is a lovely restaurant called Alberto's Continental Patio (built in 1727), with great food specializing in Middle Eastern. I'm sure you can do a search to find out if they are open Nochebuena.

Carole
www.casatropical.com

Thank you Carole and Bill.

Bill, a pizza place may well come in handy. Don't know about Burger King. I am usually pretty adamant about not eating fast food both at home and abroad. But, it's good to know about! She's 13. I'm not sure yet whether we're at the limit for travelling with her for a while. This trip is kind of an experiment!

I saw a recommendation for Jugos California in one of the guide books. Ah...a salad! Good to know about that too. It's hard to imagine six days with no salad!

Carole, I find it fascinating that there is a Lebanese population in Merida. We love Middle Eastern food and will certainly turn in that direction for comfort food. I'll see if I can contact them about holiday dining.

ttt before heading out...