Fodor's Expert Review Taberna de los Frailes

$$$ Valladolid Mexican Fodor's Choice

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

The "Tavern of the Monks" sits above Cenote Sis Ha and overlooks the ancient stonework of San Bernardino convent and church. The restaurant is known for its extraordinary Maya cuisine and Yucatecan flavors, with dishes llike pescado tikin xic (fish marinated with adobo de achiote and sour oranges), pavo en relleno negro (turkey medallions stuffed with pork and hard-boiled egg in Maya pepper sauce), and pechuga en pipián (roasted chicken in pumpkin-seed sauce). For something light, try the grilled watermelon salad or sikil pak, a dip made from roasted pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, and Maya spices. The three separate dining areas—garden lounge, stone cocktail bar, and palapa dining room—give the place an elegant, modern feel while still adhering to traditional Mayan architecture.

Mexican Romantic Sophisticated Lunch Dinner $$$ Fodor's Choice

Quick Facts

Calle 49, No. 235
Valladolid, Yucatán  97780, Mexico

985-856–0689

Known For:
  • Modern dining in a historic setting
  • Pumpkin-seed dip
  • Grilled watermelon salad
Restaurant Details:
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

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