Arcano — Restaurant in Mérida

TL; DR come for drinks in the beautiful garden but skip the food.

Update: I came back for dinner and once again small portions, very expensive and good but not great for the price. I was also extremely annoyed because two men were smoking in the garden despite all the signs that say no smoking and the law forbidding smoking and I asked the staff to talk to the men and they did nothing but told us we could move further away. Extremely rude.

Original

I will preface by saying we only came here for drinks and apps. I had reward reviews saying the mains were lackluster and over priced.

The setting is absolutely beautiful. They did Such an amazing job restoring this old house and did so in a way that shows off the modern updates with the old house. The garden is stunning. This place is very romantic for a date or great to hang out with friends under big trees in the garden.

The cocktails we had were decent. The margarita was good (we always get that to test a place). The zodiaco was okay. It tasted like strawberry concentrate. It was too thick and covered up any flavor of Champagne. I’m kinda convinced there wasn’t alcohol in that drink.

We ordered the cauliflower appetizer and the eggplant. For the portion size both we’re very expensive. The cauliflower was a very lovely dish. Good flavor. Loved the sauce and the fried onions on top. The eggplant was disappointing. It is 6 eggplant chips. Deep fried like a potato chip. And then they give you a whole cup of lebne with it. There aren’t even close to enough eggplant chips to eat all the lebne. This dish was disappointing for many reasons but one being that it didn’t even taste like eggplant because the chips were so thin and fried.

They do give you a complementary appetizer of pita and an eggplant dip and that was much better. I very much enjoyed that combination and their salsa and pickled onions to accompany it were good.

We had two drinks and two apps and it was $800 pesos which is pretty steep all things considered. Too bad cuz I would love to love this place. It’s so beautiful!! Hopefully they take feedback from the reviews and...

Arcano in Mérida is a true gem—a perfect blend of refined cuisine, stunning decor, and warm, attentive service. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we knew we were somewhere special.

Ambiance: Elegant and Atmospheric

The restaurant’s decor is absolutely beautiful, with a romantic, intimate vibe throughout. We dined in the garden, which was nothing short of magical—lush, peaceful, and tastefully lit. The entrance, with its striking candle display, immediately set the tone for a special evening. It felt like stepping into a serene, luxurious hideaway in the heart of the city.

Service: Warm and Thoughtful

The service was flawless from start to finish. The team not only took excellent care of us but also surprised us with a special gesture to celebrate our engagement anniversary. It was completely unexpected and incredibly thoughtful—one of those small but powerful touches that make a night unforgettable.

Food and Drink: Outstanding

The quality of the food was superb. The steak was one of the best we’ve had—tender, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavour. We also loved the beautifully balanced cocktails and the great wine list. And dessert? Absolutely delicious. Every course was memorable.

Conclusion: A Mérida Must

Arcano is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. With its extraordinary setting, impeccable service, and exceptional food, it’s the kind of place that makes a lasting impression. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just want a top-tier dining experience in Mérida, this is the...

We were very sceptical about dining here last Friday evening due to recent negative reviews online regarding both food and service.

We had a 7:15 reservation (all I could get) for the terrace that is even though I booked a week in advance.

We were pleasantly greeted at the front door and immediately felt welcomed. We stopped to have a peak at the very beautiful bar and were escorted to our table on the terrace. We were the only 3 out there for sometime but we enjoyed cocktails and the beautiful atmosphere. It’s my opinion that this is the most beautiful restaurant in Merida.

Sarah was our server and I must say she was absolutely outstanding🙌Very attentive, her recommendations of what we should order were spot on. As someone who has worked in restaurants a big part of my life I highly encourage you to do whatever you have to in order to keep her on your staff. She should be designated to train any new wait staff you hire yes, she’s that good!

The food was delicious but could have been a bit warmer as it tasted room temperature but was prepared well. Some greens or garnish on the short ribs would make for a better presentation even just some herbs.

We enjoyed the music and all of us had a wonderful time! ...