The history of La Casona de Valladolid Restaurant in Yucatán.

The most emblematic Yucatecan food restaurant in Valladolid!

Everything you should know about its Yucatecan typical food and how you can visit it

Let me tell you about one of Yucatán's most beautiful and representative places. Not only is it one of the best restaurants I have ever visited, but it also has a history that really impressed me and it’ll surely impress you too. 

La Casona de Valladolid, as its name suggests, is located in the Magical Town of Valladolid, also considered the second most important city in Yucatán and the third most populated in the state.

This house is an architectural example of the colonial era in Mexico and has played an important role in the region. Throughout its history, La Casona de Valladolid has had several uses. One of the most notable was its function as a convent for the Poor Clare nuns. It’s also been used as a lodging house and a private residence.

It was even a famous meeting point for the wealthiest families of this Magical Town and the site of popular parties organized by José María Iturralde, governor of Yucatán between 1924 and 1926.

In addition to its historical importance, it is a popular tourist destination in the city, where you can explore its colonial architecture, visit its patios, and learn more about its rich history.

Nowadays it’s a place where you can eat the most delicious Yucatecan gastronomy, becoming a must-stop on your visit to Yucatán.

Location

You can find it in the center of Valladolid, close to the San Servacio church and the main square.

Location in Google Maps

What can I eat at La Casona de Valladolid Yucatecan Restaurant?

This is the right place to try typical food from the southeast of the country. The cuisine is characterized by a mixture of pre-Hispanic, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, which makes it exceptional in terms of flavors and culinary techniques. 

Yucatecan food is known for its combination of intense flavors, ranging between spicy, sweet, and sour. It is a unique culinary experience that reflects the rich history and culture of the region.

La Casona has more than 75 dishes available in buffet service. 

Discover its most representative dishes:

• Cochinita pibil: This is perhaps the most iconic dish of Yucatecan cuisine. It consists of pork marinated in a mixture of achiote, sour orange, and other spices. I’s later wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked in an earth oven called "pib". It is usually served with corn tortillas and pickled red onion.
  
  
• Relleno negro: A thick, dark stew made with burnt chiles and spices. It’s usually prepared with turkey meat, although it can also be prepared with chicken. It is commonly served with tortillas or white rice.
  
  
• Sopa de lima: This soup is prepared with chicken broth, lime juice, shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and avocado. The citrus touch of lime gives it a refreshing flavor.
  
  
• Pavo en escabeche negro: It’s similar to relleno negro, but turkey is used instead of beef or chicken. It is characterized by its sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. 
  
  
• Panuchos and salbutes: Both are popular appetizers in Yucatán. Panuchos are tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with meat, lettuce, avocado, and salsa. Salbutes are similar but have a thicker tortilla base.
  
  
• Sikil p'ak: A thick sauce of roasted pumpkin and ground pumpkin seeds, often served with tortilla chips or as a side dish. Grouper ceviche: Since Yucatán has a Caribbean coastline, fish ceviche is a typical delicacy. Grouper is a favorite local fish for this preparation.
  
  
• Sweets and desserts: Yucatecan pastries are famous for being prepared with fruits such as papaya, coconut, and pumpkin. Another one that you can't miss out on is the marquesita and the ball-cheese cake.
  
  
• Drinks: Xtabentún is a traditional alcoholic beverage from Yucatán made with fermented bee honey and aniseed. You can also find horchata, a refreshing drink made with rice, almonds, and cinnamon.  
  
  
• Vegetarian food: The restaurant also has a section with various vegetarian dishes if you prefer this option. 
  
  

In short, these are all delicacies that you must try at La Casona’s buffet. Make sure you have a bite of its must-try items, discover them here: 

 More than a restaurant...

Something that makes me fall in love with this place is that not only can you connect with its history through typical dishes, but you can also admire the beauty of the place in other things.

Altar to the Virgin of Candelaria

One of the most representative things of La Casona is undoubtedly the fountain altar dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria.

It was made by Mexican artisans, who created this virgin dressed in a typical Yucatecan huipil.  

This altar is so beautiful that it has become one of the most photographed spot by visitors, becoming one of the most shared posts on Instagram in 2019.

The heart of Zoila Rosa

Inside the restaurant you will also find this beautiful store with typical Yucatecan handicrafts.  

• Traditional clothing: Embroidered guayaberas, blouses, and dresses with regional motifs. 
  
  
• Ceramics: Plates, bowls, vases, and other ceramic objects decorated with bright colors and traditional motifs.
  
  
• Wooden handicrafts: Carvings and sculptures representing local fauna and flora, as well as religious divs.
  
  
• Embroidery: Hand-embroidered clothing and textiles with colorful patterns and traditional designs.

How can I visit La Casona de Valladolid Restaurant?

My favorite way to visit it is through the Xichén Deluxe tour, as it’s one of the stops after you visit Chichén Itzá. 

However, if you are on your own in Valladolid and want to visit it, you can do so since it is open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A Day in Xichén Deluxe

A  visit to La Casona de Valladolid will not only be a walk through history and colonial architecture but also an immersion into the rich Yucatecan culture. 

With its traditional charm, this restored mansion offers visitors an authentic and unique experience, from the exquisite local crafts that adorn its spaces to the opportunity to immerse oneself in regional culinary traditions in its restaurant.  La Casona is a treasure that celebrates the identity and beauty of Yucatán.

If I were you, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to visit this incredible place that I'm sure you'll want to return to more than once.

You already have a new destination to add to your list of places to visit. ✅
See you in the next blog!