Micaela Mar & Leña

This place is sheer perfection, it was the first restaurant we tried in Mérida and we're going back. Paula and the team have created a fantastic atmosphere along with delicious and beautiful food. It's not easy to create a balance of stellar dishes while still maintaining a welcoming and playful vibe, all the servers were fantastic. We had the duck tacos and the tuna tacos, Poema Oaxacena cocktails and guacamole you dream of. The design aesthetic of the place is remarkable, from the beautiful light fixtures to the surprise and delight of the treats and words of wisdom at the end of the meal. We can't wait to go back this week! Also if you're celiac, they have everything identified clearly on the menu and communicated purposefully what I could and couldn't eat when bringing anything to the table.

Disappointing experience. One member of our party has gluten and dairy allergies, and the waiter was completely unaccommodating. His responses were mostly negative—even when we inquired about simple modifications, like adjusting the mashed potatoes. Instead of offering solutions, he dismissively stated that certain dishes would be “flavorless.” He even pointed out the small print on the menu that states, "we don’t modify plates," which is absurd. Only after we expressed our frustration did he finally suggest a few options. In this day and age, most restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary needs, but Micaela fell short. The food was decent, but the poor service overshadowed the experience.

The best meal that I've had in Merida!! The tuna tacos were incredible, I got some absolutely lovely juice drinks but the main star of the show was the dessert. The mango sorbet cheesecake was 10/10. I want everyone to come here just to experience this dessert it was so good. They have lots of gluten free options, which are clearly marked on the menu. Safe to eat here if you have celiac disease like me. Atmosphere is lovely too: modern with a mix of classic and has a great lively energy. Highly recommend!