A Happy Accident
As some of you know, I don't do hurricanes. I flee them. So in October 2020 when a southbound hurricane threatened to slam Mexico's Playa del Carmen, I decided to flee inland, which is how I first discovered the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid. Seemed like a safe bet.
It wasn't. The hurricane changed course and followed me inland anyway. Oops. At that point I didn't have much choice other than to ride out the storm in a lovely hotel room together with the brave staff, good food, and quite a few bottles of wine. Thankfully everything was ok.
Despite the failed attempt to flee the storm, the outcome was positive. Once the storm was over, I started exploring the town. I liked it so much that I extended my stay from 2 days to a full week. And I have been back several times since.
Valladolid is a charming city is known for its rich culinary scene, specializing in traditional Yucatán dishes. So, if you're planning a trip to Valladolid, here are my top must-visit restaurants:
1. Colonte Hotel Origen
I'm going to start off with the restaurant at the first hotel I stayed at that fateful hurricane trip: Colonte Hotel Origen. Because I stayed there multiple days, I dug deep into their menu, and everything I tried was outstanding. The ingredients are very fresh and the menu items were healthy. It's also quite reasonably priced for the quality.
2. El Atrio del Mayab
El Atrio del Mayab is another top choice that I return to over and over. The restaurant specializes in combining traditional Mayan cuisine flavors with modern techniques, resulting in a flavorful dining experience set in a relaxing and eclectically designed courtyard. Their cochinita pibil is a must-try, and the cocktails are fantastic!
3. Yerbabuena
I stumbled upon Yerba Buena the day after the hurricane rains subsided, and I was so pleased I did! The chairs are brightly colored and the staff is super friendly, and perhaps most importantly: I enjoyed some of the best mole I have ever tried. Yerbabuena's mole is the perfect viscosity with just the right amount of spicy and packed with flavor. Try their fresh juices and their chile poblano as well.
4. Taberna de los Frailes
Located in a former convent, Taberna de los Frailes offers rustic charm and a warm atmosphere under a traditional Mayan palapa. The fusion of regional Mayan and contemporary flavors throughout the menu makes selecting just one dish difficult. If you're with a group, try ordering several smaller dishes to share.
5. El Meson del Marques
Looking for a restaurant with a view? Look no further than El Meson del Marques. The lush green landscaping surrounds a beautiful stone water fountain setting a romantic backdrop for your dining experience. Their steak and lobster are simply divine!
So there you have it, my favorite restaurants in Valladolid, Mexico. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a memorable dining experience, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. Buen provecho!