Places to Eat

During your visit to Mérida, we invite you to discover one of México’s greatest cultural treasures: its gastronomy. Yucatecan cuisine combines Mayan heritage with Spanish, Caribbean and Middle Eastern influences, giving life to dishes full of color, aromas and unique flavors. From the traditional panuchos and salbutes to the unmistakable cochinita pibil or the fresh tikin xik fish, each bite is an experience that connects with centuries of history and tradition.

In this edition of the congress, ISPAH has decided not to offer food during the lunch hour. This decision has been made in an attempt to keep registrations as low as possible and to encourage delegates to enjoy and engage with local restaurants, along with the freedom to choose their meals according to their personal tastes, needs and budgets.

The organizing committee has carefully selected the following list of restaurants recommended for delegates. We invite you to take advantage of your lunch time to explore the culinary diversity that Yucatán has to offer, enjoy its hospitality and let yourself be conquered by the art of good food.

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Convenient Lunch Sports Near the Venue

This category includes places that are especially practical for congress attendees who want something easy, nearby, and suitable for a lunch break between sessions. These are the kinds of places you would likely choose when convenience matters most, and you do not want to spend much time commuting. These restaurants are either within walking distance of the venue or close enough to work well as efficient midday options.

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Yucatecan and Regional Cuisine

This category is for delegates who want to try food that feels more local and representative of Mérida and the Yucatán region. These are the kinds of places where you would expect regional flavours, traditional ingredients, or contemporary interpretations of local cuisine. Altogether, these places would suit someone looking for a more distinctly local culinary experience rather than a generic restaurant meal.

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Breakfast, Brunch, and Café-Style Places

This category includes restaurants that are best for breakfast, brunch, coffee, or a lighter and more relaxed daytime meal. These are the sorts of places where you might meet colleagues in the morning, grab something informal before the programme starts, or have an easy daytime meal in a casual setting. Several of these also work well for coffee or a slower, less formal meal rather than a full dinner outing.

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Casual Mexican and Comfort-Food Options

This category is for places that feel approachable, versatile, and easy to recommend to a wide range of attendees. These are the kinds of restaurants where you would expect familiar Mexican dishes, straightforward menus, and a comfortable setting for lunch or an unfussy meal with colleagues. This group works especially well for people who want something reliable, friendly, and not overly formal.

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Special Dinner or More Upscale Experiences

This category is for places that feel more suitable for a nicer dinner, a networking meal, or a more memorable dining experience. These are the kinds of places where the atmosphere, presentation, or overall experience seems a bit more elevated. These would make sense for attendees who want something beyond a quick lunch and are looking for a more polished or evening-oriented option.

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International or Non-Local Flavours

This category is useful for delegates who may want a break from local or Mexican food and would prefer something different. These are the kinds of places where you would find Italian, Asian, Cuban, or mixed international menus, making them good options for variety during a multi-day congress. Together, these places offer a change of pace for anyone who does not want to eat regional food every day.

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Bar, Cantinas, and Social Evening Spots

This category includes restaurants that seem especially suitable for evening plans, group outings, drinks, or a more social atmosphere after congress activities. These are the kinds of places where you might go for a more lively dinner, cocktails, or a longer post-session gathering. This group would be especially useful if you are trying to identify venues for informal networking or dinner with a more energetic ambience.