Kuro Uma

Calle 61 numero 140 por 26 y 28, Montes de Amé, Mérida

Hours

Open Tuesday - Saturday 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Closed Monday

+52 999 931 2811

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About

International cuisine thrives in Merida amidst rich Mexican traditions. This is truly evident at Kuro Uma, renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant's name translates to "black horse" and lends a hint of mystery and elegance to the overall dining experience.

Originally from Japan, Chef Hiroaki Sato's enigmatic path included a period as a professional soccer player in the Americas. His playing style transformed him into a type of "black horse" whose surprise play could change the course of a game. In the same way, Kuro Uma captures the essence of surprise by creating new recipes and unique flavors balanced with traditional Japanese elements.

Kuro Uma is part of an emergence within Merida known as "liltokiomid," or Little Tokyo Merida. With such a cosmopolitan vibe, dining at Kuro Uma is befitting after a visit to the nearby Mayan World Museum of Merida. It's an entire international journey for your eyes and taste buds.

Vibe

When guests enter Kuro Uma, the inviting and sophisticated atmosphere welcomes them. Located in one of Merida's fastest-growing areas, Kuro Uma attracts a diverse crowd of Meridians and visitors, complementing the overall global vibe. Kuro Uma highlights its informal yet refined dining experience with the Japanese terms omakaze and izakaya, essential to its ambiance.

Omakase emphasizes the chef as a guide into a traditional Japanese culinary experience, with skillfully refined dishes. Izakaya balances this refinement with a more casual tapas-style bar, while both distinct styles fuel Chef Sato's passion.

The seating arrangements at Kuro Uma cater to a variety of preferences. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. The expansive bar provides several spots for izakaya-style seating. Long tables within the elegant interior invite conversation. What a great place to retell adventures after a visit to the port city of Progreso.

Kuro Uma is a balance of tastes and cultures, making it a popular culinary experience in Merida.

Kuro Uma: Menu & Drinks

The menu at Kuro Uma showcases an exquisite array of Japanese dishes, each crafted with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

Start with a visually stunning and palate-pleasing blue shrimp carpaccio. The lightly parboiled shrimp is topped with pure white sesame oil, rice vinegar, purple onion, and cilantro. Another standout dish is the O toro Nigiri, which features a melt-in-your-mouth tuna belly. Each dish at Kuro Uma is an experience, such as tuna marrow, made famous through their interactive 7-course Ronqueo Nights.

The beverage selection at Kuro Uma does not disappoint. A variety of traditional sakes and Japanese beers enhances the authentic dining experience; the Sake dassai 23 is a pure delight. In addition, their Japanese whiskeys offer a unique sensory experience to pair with any dish. For non-alcoholic beverages, Kuro Uma offers a variety of mocktails, including the popular Kari red, blending fresh flavors of cranberry, lychee, peppermint, and hibiscus with tonic. Inspired by local flavors, the Margarita Yucateca also brings a touch of Merida to the table.

When your palate craves Japanese-inspired cuisine on your vacation, visit Kuro Uma for a remarkable dining experience.

Local Tips

The best time to visit is during weekday evenings to avoid the crowds.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend nights.
Keep an eye out for special sushi nights and sake-tasting events.
For a truly fantastic experience, ask about their Blue Tuna Ronqueo Nights, featuring 7-courses.

Location

Calle 61 numero 140 por 26 y 28, Montes de Amé, Mérida

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good way to spend a day in Merida, Mexico?

Start the day off with authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya in the center of Mérida. Wake your senses with their huevos con chaya dish, highlighting the endemic chaya plant of the Yucatan. Try the cochinita pibil, salbutes or panuchos for a true culinary experience. Be sure to get an early start to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The impressive archaeological site is one of the most important and most visited in Mexico. This will immerse you in the history of the Mayan civilization. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

After exploring Chichén Itzá, visit a nearby restaurant such as La Tía Polóc to further your culinary journey with handmade tortillas and traditional pork poc chuc. After lunch, visit a nearby cenote to cool off and relax. Cenotes, strewn about the Yucatan Peninsula, are natural underground water reservoirs, each offering an absolutely magical experience. There are severl cenotes in the area, so choose one that suits your preferences, whether for swimming, snorkeling or simply to enjoy the natural beauty.

Once you’ve explored pyramids and cenotes, return to Mérida to spend the afternoon exploring the city. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, or wander along the Paseo de Montejo and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the Plaza Grande, offering a fascinating view of the city’s history! Top the evening off by treating yourself to the signature cuisine at Kuuk. The renowned fusion restaurant offers tasting menus that change regularly to highlight the best of the season.

What are the biggest main events in Merida, Mexico?

Fiesta is a way of life in Mexico, and Mérida is no exception! Festive celebrations in Mérida highlight Mayan Culture, the musical genre of Yucateca trova, as well as traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), folk art fairs, and colorful Carnival parades, y más! Each night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande is a fiesta of its own, as music and dance fill the iconic square to the delight of vacationers and residents.

Among the many celebrations in and around Mérida, each Fall provides the opportunity to delight in culture and art at the International Festival of Mayan Culture (FICMaya). This festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, theater, conferences, exhibitions and more, all focused on the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. Fall is also marked by Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd), celebrated in Mérida with parades of catrinas, impressive altars, musical performances, and a series of cultural activities.

Paying further homage to the rhythmic vibe and sounds of the Yucatan, the Festival de la Trova Yucateca in December showcases this traditional musical genre of the region. Concerts, contests, workshops, and more all focus on music and troubadour poetry. Visitors in November and December will also be amazed at the X’matkuil Fair on the outskirts of Mérida. In the spirit of any fair, there are mechanical rides, food exhibits, a variety of handicrafts, and rich gastronomy.

In February, the Carnival of Mérida is one of the largest and most colorful in Mexico! It includes parades, live music, dances, costume contests, and a festive atmosphere that attracts people from everywhere!

Whenever your vacation getaway brings you to Mérida, there’s always something to celebrate with a fiesta!