Apoala — Restaurant in Mérida

Went twice to Apoala, because it is just so good. From what I've heard it is a fusion of Yucatecan- with Oaxaca-cuisine. Whatever it is, it works!

The location at the St Lucia Parque: lovely. The food: outspoken and delicious. The drinks: unique and well build. Staff: friendly and accommodating. Absolutely loved the dishes here: they are bursting with flavour. NB: If you cannot take any heat (chilis, peppers) or you cannot stand acidity (lemons, lime), maybe reconsider your plans here. Some dishes have chilis or habanero oil in them or really have a punching acidity. If you ask me, that is what makes them work to tantalise your palate on every front, but I am aware not everyone can handle it.

I highly recommend the Aguachile blanco de pescado y coco: soft, sour, complemented with sweet coconut, fresh crunchy greenery, some heat...amazing.

Furthermore, the ensalada del la Casa blew me away. I've never had a tuna salad taste this good. Heat from the habanero vinaigrette, soft buttery tuna and delicious vegetables!

The desserts are alright, not as breathtaking as the other dishes, but I've definitely had worse.

For cocktails I truly enjoyed the Chicatana and the Oax 75, great variations! Spoiler alert: with the Chicatana you get the little bugs- I wasn't brave enough to taste them. Second time I visited, the waiter noticed I wasn't drinking and poured me a non-alcoholic cocktail, so do know you can ask for these!

If there is one thing that Apoala needs to work on.... it's the ice-cold air conditioning in the bathroom: pls turn it...

The dinner here was absolutely amazing! However, one of the waiters really ruined the mood. I usualy never write a review, but this was really a terrible experience. Me and my boyfriend went to this restaurant 2 days ago, loved the dinner and everything was good. At the end we paid and left a tip of 12-14% which we thought was normal (also the food was amazing but the service just normal). Then the waiter started counting the money and calculated the tip in front of us, so weird and unprofessional. Two days later we went back for the food and drinks and the waiter recognised us. He didn’t even say hello and after that he started to talk spanish to us very fast, obviously on purpose. He was really arrogant and had an terible attitude, totally different than the first time we went there, before we paid. We were not pleased at all so before ordering this time we told him we’d leave. And he said “ah perfect”. Im really sorry if you have him as your waiter, or you have to tip a lot, maybe then he can act professional and as a different person. He is a waist for this...

Where to start. Each trip to Merida bring me automatically to that restaurant. Was there last evening and had the Octopus and Scallops ceviche then the grilled shrimps. What I love about this place is the professionalism of the staff, you feel they are on a mission to make every moment memorable of your visit. Wanted to get a dessert and the bartender, love to seat by myself at th ed bar, went to get another server with perfect english, I followed his suggestion and let me tell you, the best fondant chocolat ever. But he also told me that today july 16th they are changing the menu, I will be back tonite, on my stool and watch them working with proud and passion. All my regards to the Lady Chef, the staff speak highly of you, sorry if i did not mention any names but all know how much I enjoyed watching you working, smiling and be respectful to each others. Thank you for all, like we say in France "Chapeau bas", means...