Yucatán received its first major Michelin recognition in the 2026 Mexico guide, with three restaurants earning stars in Mérida and Chocholá. The announcement also brought separate recognition for Ixi’im and Pancho Maíz, adding Yucatán to Mexico’s expanding Michelin map. The results put attention on chefs Roberto Solís, Luis Ronzón, and Xóchitl Valdés, while giving Mérida a larger place in the country’s national restaurant conversation.
Yucatán receives three Michelin stars in 2026 guide
Three restaurants in Yucatán received Michelin stars in the 2026 Mexico guide, marking a new step for the state in the international restaurant rankings.
The restaurants are Ixi’im, Huniik, and La Barra de Huniik. Huniik and La Barra de Huniik are in Mérida’s Santa Ana area and are led by chef Roberto Solís. Ixi’im is in Chocholá and is led by chef Luis Ronzón.
The awards were announced Wednesday night during the Michelin Guide Mexico ceremony. The 2026 edition included Yucatán among the states added to the guide.
Ixi’im also receives a Green Star
Ixi’im received a Michelin Green Star in addition to its regular star. Michelin uses the Green Star to recognize restaurants with stronger attention to responsible gastronomy and sustainability practices.
The recognition gives Ixi’im two distinctions in the same guide. It also places Chocholá, a municipality west of Mérida, within Mexico’s Michelin restaurant map.
Pancho Maíz receives separate recognition
Pancho Maíz, located in Mérida’s La Mejorada area, also received recognition in the 2026 guide.
The restaurant was listed with a Bib Gourmand distinction. Chef and owner Xóchitl Valdés also received the Michelin Young Chef Award.
The awards add another Mérida restaurant to the state’s Michelin-related recognition, even though Pancho Maíz did not receive a star.
Michelin expands its Mexico map
The 2026 Mexico guide added Yucatán, Jalisco, and Puebla to its selection. Yucatán’s three-starred restaurants were among seven new one-star additions in the country.
The result gives Yucatán immediate visibility in the guide’s first year covering the state. Mérida accounted for two of the three starred restaurants, plus the special recognition for Pancho Maíz.
