Restaurants and Bars

People from Merida respect and keep their traditions, including the gastronomical ones. As a heritage from ancient natives, chicha (alcoholic drink made from fermented maize) is still the traditional drink, as well as the bread made of that same grain. From Spaniards, stew and soup still remain a highlight of the region's cuisine, where "pisca andina", a tasty dish based on potato from the paramo (the moors), stands out. You can try it at any local cuisine restaurant. Don't forget to try the stuffed trout, garlic trout, or any other style, then finish the meal with smoked goat cheese or some "dulces abrillantados" (glazed candies), inherited from those hard working nuns of the order of Saint Clare during the colonial times. You will also find that fruit wines, such as those made from blackberries, are not to be missed!

Since Merida is a a tourist town, its cuisine covers local, national, and international dishes, and you can undoubtedly find one to satisfy your palate any time. Check out this tasty route:

FROM THE SOUTH BORDER (LA PARROQUIA-ALTO CHAMA) AND SUCRE VIADUCT, TO MIRANDA VIADUCT (CALLE 38)

At the city's south entrance, by Andres Bello Avenue, there are several well-known restaurants such as the Italian Restaurant EntrepuebloS and the pizzeria-restaurant Fuente de Soda Alto Chama, both located in La Parroquia. Nearby, in Urbanización Alto Chama, is the cafe-deli On The Run and, inside the neighborhood's shopping mall, is Azafrán Cafe. If you keep going along the same avenue, you get to Centro Comercial Las Tapias (a mall), in which Trevi Snack Bar and Sierra Cream Gelatería are located. All these establishments are frequently visited, since they are located in a densely populated area.

Near the airport, the density decreases although good places are not scarce, such as Date con Rolando and the beautiful Restaurant La Gruta inside Hotel Caribay with its international and regional menu as well as Restaurante Los Pinos, located behind the hotel. On the opposite bank of Albarregas river on Avenida Los Próceres, also known as Panamericana, is the restaurant of Hotel La Pedregosa, which serves international food that is particularly good.

BETWEEN MIRANDA (CALLE 38) AND CAMPO ELÍAS (CALLE 26) VIADUCTS

You will enjoy Restaurant Gran Balcón, in Paseo de la Feria, as well as a variety of establishments located along Avenidas 2, 3, and 4 such as Pizzería El Sabor de los Quesos, Gerardo Hamburguesas, Rincón de la Cachapa, Pollo en Brasas, Panadería El Llano, y the famous Heladería Coromoto whose Guinness record has made it a tourist attraction. Opposite the viaducts, you will be tempted by exquisite Tía Nícota and the many-sided Javi's Music Town, which brings together fastfood, soda fountain, restaurant, disco, and a video bar.

FROM CAMPO ELÍAS VIADUCT (CALLE 26) TO THE NORTH END OF THE TRADITIONAL CITY (CALLE 13)

Restaurante Club Venitalia, located between Calles 25 and 26, has an Italian and international menu for both locals and visitors. On the nearby streets and avenues you'll find Atico I Cafe and Caffe Plaza Garibaldi, the restaurants that belong to Hotel Altamira and Posada La Montaña, as well as the international Restaurante Bimbo on Calle 23. Near the Plaza Bolívar culinary highlights include Cafe Internet La Abadia, and Cafe Rodos, from where the plaza can be seen. On the east side of the plaza and next to Teleferico, several eateries like Cheo's Pizzería await you. Going to the north boundary of the traditional zone, the restaurants inside La Casona de Margot and Los Bucares de Merida inns are open to the public.

AVENIDA UNIVERSIDAD AND AVENIDA CHORROS DE MILLA

This area has ample spaces; for that reason restaurants are somewhat more scattered than those downtown. Nevertheless, you will be pleased to find timely venues such as Paseo Sierra Nevada and Kawy II Cafe.