VANA — Restaurant in Mérida

Discovering Vana: A Hidden Gem in Mérida I love to travel, but what truly elevates an experience is the kindness and care of the people we encounter along the way. When someone goes above and beyond to make a moment special, I believe in recognizing and celebrating that—because kindness is free, it’s good business, and, most importantly, the world needs more of it. Visiting the Yucatán Peninsula had been a dream of mine for as long as I could remember, mainly because of the breathtaking “pyramids”—Chichén Itzá. So, when the opportunity to go presented itself, I jumped at the chance. Our journey led us to the heart of Mérida, walking around the city and getting lost in the moment. On our second night, while exploring the local music scene, we stumbled upon Vana—a cozy, picturesque bar that felt like a secret waiting to be discovered. The ambiance was an artful mix of rustic exposed walls, warm lighting, and effortless bohemian charm. It was well past the eleventh hour when we walked in, yet we were greeted not just with a smile but with genuine enthusiasm by Daniel, whose warmth and expertise set the tone for the evening.

We had visited a few other spots earlier that night, but Vana stood out because of Daniel. My partner has a refined taste in spirits, and Dave not only met every inquiry with confidence but also introduced us to flavors and recommendations that added a distinctly local touch to our experience. His passion made our visit unforgettable.

On our last day in Mérida, we took a whirlwind tour of several cities, but there was no question about where we would end our night—we returned to Vana for a nightcap. The moment we walked in, Daniel welcomed us with the same kindness and enthusiasm, happy to see us again. This time, we also had the pleasure of meeting Cris, the bar manager. She was equally attentive, knowledgeable, and professional, reinforcing why this place had captured our hearts.

If you’re ever in Mérida, Vana is an absolute must. It’s not just about the drinks or the atmosphere—it’s about the people who make the experience unforgettable. Cheers to great travels and even better company!

P.S. They have a...

Vana is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Merida. You walk in to a dark, mysterious foyer only to be greeted by an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The staff will welcome you as if you are their family. In short, the food here is phenomenal -- the pizzas are great as are the starter spreads. I highly recommend trying the croquettes, cheese & veggie starter (the garlic dip is to die for), and all of the pizzas. The wine list is impressive but make sure you try a cocktail at the bar before or after dinner as well. The Pineapple Hot is easily their best drink and I come back for it every time.

The ambiance is rustic and intimate but still open-air. Go down and check out their well! Word has it they're also opening up a speakeasy upstairs.

All that said, the aspect that makes this restaurant one of the best in Merida is the SERVICE. The manager Denny H. will recognize repeat customers and treats everyone like family. The service team is phenomenal as well and Fabrizio might be the best server I've ever had. He moved our entire table because it was wobbly, he brought us fresh plates and silverware after each component of our meal, he topped off our drinks, and he constantly checked in to make sure everything was smooth. He is the best, period.

Come here for a date, a family meal, or just stop in to grab a quick drink. Either way, you won't be...

The decor is absolutely stunning in this restaurant. 5 out of 5 stars for ambience... with its captivating rustic look. It's a photograph just waiting to happen, throughout the restaurant! Attentive service. We only had a small appetite so we consequently didn't try much of the food on the menu. What we did have was good. We tried the hummus starter and shared a pizza (pesto y tomate). We ended up waiting quite a while for our pizza, so the manager very kindly topped us up with a free glass of wine, since we had purchased a bottle. That was very kind of him. He also gave us a tour of the rest of the place, they are soon to open up a private room to accommodate 10 people dining in a cenote-like setting in the basement. Very cool. Also they will have a speakeasy upstairs. Just a note for anybody who might be slightly claustrophobic. We were seated at tables in the back hallway toward the washrooms. The tables are very tiny, extremely tight, and it was a high traffic area for staff coming in and out of the restaurant kitchen. Again, this restaurant must be checked out for some of the best decor in...