The Best Meals in Mexico / Huniik, the spirit of modern Yucatecan cuisine.
Huniik, which translates to "unique spirit" in Maya, is an intimate venue designed to accommodate only 16 diners as it blurs the lines between the kitchen and the table.
By Anna Lagos / Photos courtesy of Huniik
Located in the heart of Mérida, this restaurant is a window into the soul of Yucatecan gastronomy, inspired by Chef Roberto Solís, known for Néctar, his precursor restaurant, but now more modern and very personal.
If you consider yourself a culinary enthusiast, follow chefs' careers, or seek international cooking experiences... Huniik is likely for you. The tasting menu consists of 12 dishes, made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The cuisine is based on the interpretation of Maya gastronomy, using tradition as a tool, where working with producers from the Yucatán Peninsula is common.
The architecture and interior design, led by Cuban artist Jorge Pardo, establish a dialogue with the culinary proposal. The restaurant's characteristic golden walls convey a sense of ancient opulence. The connection to local culture is present in every corner: the crockery, lighting, linens, and decorations that give the sensation of being close to cenotes. Not to forget the menu, a fabric book with handmade embroideries that allude to the main ingredient of the dishes: a mango, a fish, a corn cob, a pig, and the melipona, the sacred Maya bee.
The use of regional products, supplied by small producers under a fair trade scheme, not only emphasizes sustainability and support for the local community but also allows Solís to explore the richness of flavors and raw materials offered by Yucatán. Each dish tells a story, a vision of the chef nourished by his experiences in some of the world's best restaurants, such as Noma, in Copenhagen, and Per Se, in New York.
Roberto Solís is the leading exponent of what is known today as new Yucatecan cuisine and has just earned the 58th place on the 50 Best Latin America list. If you're passing through Mérida, give yourself the chance to book.
Food Police Advise
Huniik is very close to the center of Mérida, so it can fit into your route for exploring the city's historic center.
- Address: Calle 60 No.415-B between Calle 45 and Calle 47, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
- Phone: 999 912 6244
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: Enthusiasts of Yucatecan gastronomy who wish to experience a contemporary reinterpretation of its traditional dishes.
- Type of food: Contemporary and personal Yucatecan cuisine
- Payment: Credit cards, debit cards, cash
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access.
- Parking: Private parking available.
- Reservations: Only possible with prior reservation.
