LA CASONA DE IZAMAL — Restaurant in Izamal

We tried the restaurant for the first time in order to be able to recommend it.

It was a bit difficult to find the place, it's hidden behind a craft shop where henequen items are made.

The first impression was very eclectic but not unpleasant. We opted for an outdoor table which was adjusted to the height of the chairs. Not all tables have this advantage.

However, we then had to sit on cord chairs, which became uncomfortable after the first 5 minutes.

The menu is only available electronically, for people like me who don't walk around with a cell phone all day long

But I was loaned a small screen. However, it was not easy to read the menu, you had to keep scrolling to find something, the font was very small and not easy to read due to the dark background. So the ordering process took quite a while and I finally decided on Arracheras, one of the most expensive dishes as far as I could see on the small screen. Finding drinks wasn't easy again, but the waiter came straight up and called up the drinks menu for me. So I was able to finish my order after about 15 minutes. A printed card would have made this much easier and would no longer have banned it for Covid reasons.

We got some tortilla chips with 3 different sauces which were good except for the Mexican salsa. The salsa mexicana was not freshly made, looked glassy and must have been in the fridge for a long time because it was cold (at least).

After what felt like 30 minutes, the order came. We were the only guests in the restaurant.

Unfortunately, only the plates with the dishes came, but no cutlery. We had to order it separately and after a few more minutes it was delivered.

Unfortunately, what we immediately noticed was that everything was only lukewarm. Meat, side dishes and tortillas. The potatoes that were delivered to the Arracheras were obviously already pre-fried and probably only briefly reheated. Not a crispy and wrinkled soft surface. In addition, they were mixed with raw red cabbage and grated cheese, which had to be sorted out first because it made no sense.

The meat was okay in terms of the degree of cooking and firmness, but it lacked taste. Aracherras are usually marinated, but I couldn't tell. I then asked for salt and pepper which was not at the table and about 5 minutes later I received 2 bowls with the desired one. Apparently there is a lack of shakers so I had to scoop out the salt and pepper with my fingers. Also, my wife's dish was so-so. The guacamole was not freshly made and tasted watery.

Overall a rather below average rating for the food.

The service was rather unobtrusive, it always took a while until someone showed up, although there were 7 employees for only 2 guests.

We then gave up the next drink that I might have ordered with the meal and asked for the bill. The chairs did their part because it was a bit painful to sit on them for more than 1 hour. When we left the restaurant we could catch a glimpse of the kitchen…. Well far away from a professional kitchen facility. We were still the only guests when we left but the staff was kind of busy with other things. Too bad there is a lack of good restaurants in Izamal and this one could use its chance with more professionalism. The opening hours until 10:00 p.m. (for Izamal) are positive. That's why it deserves better performance and more...

I had high hopes for this placed based on reviews and photos, but it seems like those are the result of some very astute marketing more than merit. The front of the resto is a gift shop (you get your bill in one if their products... Tag still on so you are reminded you gem an buy it.) in the seated courtyard there was very loud smooth jazz playing thr whole time despite the early hour - we should have left then. My friend ordered a coffee with milk and sugar and the breakfast combo. I asked for tea but they dint have any caffeinated options so I asked for a juice (the menu alludes to many) but they only had lemonade. I then asked for a recommendation for an egg dish that had no meat and went with that option. I made it very clear I was a vegetarian and at no meat. We waited quite a while for our food, even the fruit plate that went with the breakfast combo. I was starving when mine came and took a big bite of... Ham. Under my eggs was a whole bunch of chopped up ham I waved to the server and asked him what it was thinking maybe it could be strange tortilla and he told me ham, then realized the problem. He then offered to take the plate back and have the kitchen remove the ham which I declined. Meanwhile my friend realized the sugar they gave him was actually artificial sweetener FLAVOURED with stevia (just a absolutely absurd product) and his coffee was undrinkable. They had also omitted the milk. I wish they put less work into making 3D virtual tours of their business and handing out flyers all over town and more into the actual...

This is a new and welcome addition to the culinary options in Izamal. The owners have high hopes for a liquor license so they can use the lovely bar they made inside the restaurant. Meanwhile they have a few non-alcoholic drinks that are tasty and satisfying.The menu serves up many of the usual Yucatecan items along with several tempting items like steaks, arrechera and other dishes you'd expect in a top notch venue. The meat items are not yet available consistently but there's plenty of other delicious offerings. The staff is friendly and attentive. Fresh air moves easily through the mostly open restaurant area, with fans to ensure that you eat your meal in a pleasant environment even on these hot days in July. Outside the dining area you will see a grill where they make tortillas and a small active taller (workshop) where locals make henequen lamp shades, tapetes, and other items for the home. The restaurant is situated within a larger commercial complex that sell hand made lamp shades, baskets, coasters, table mats and many other objects from henequen. One of the things that the locals like is that La Casona opens at 8:00 a.m. and doesn't close until 10:00 p.m. Quite a change for this small pueblo! Please try La Casona, IzamaI needs this breath...