Ariadna Mérida — Restaurant in Mérida

Excellent place to enjoy a meal and have some drinks. From the moment you make a reservation to the time you leave, the experience is outstanding. The service is impeccable, and the staff makes you feel welcome at all times.

Food Experience

Let’s begin with the food, which, in my opinion, is quite good. The menu offers a variety of options that cater to different tastes, from fresh seafood to hearty meat dishes. We started with the beet dish and the fish crudo, both of which were beautifully presented and full of flavor. The beet had a nice earthy sweetness that balanced well with the other ingredients, while the fish crudo was fresh and light, with a perfect touch of acidity that enhanced its taste.

For the main course, we chose the shrimp tacos, the pepper-steak, and the fish. The shrimp tacos were flavorful, with a great mix of textures and a delicious sauce that complemented the shrimp perfectly. The pepper-crusted steak was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, with just the right amount of spice from the pepper. The fish dish was also a highlight—flaky, well-seasoned, and paired with a delicious side.

Throughout our meal, our waiter, Miguel, was extremely helpful, providing recommendations and ensuring that we had the best possible experience. His knowledge of the menu and attention to detail made a big difference.

Drinks and Beverages

To accompany our meal, we ordered frozen Virgin mojitos, which were absolutely delicious. They were refreshing, well-balanced, and had the perfect amount of mint and lime. We also tried the orangeade and the house water, all of which were great non-alcoholic options to complement the food. The drinks menu offers a good variety, whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, or something more classic like wine or beer.

Service and Atmosphere

One of the standout aspects of this place is the service. From the moment we called to make a reservation, the staff was friendly and professional. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted and quickly seated. Throughout our meal, the attention was consistent but never intrusive. At no point did we feel unattended, which is something that truly enhances the dining experience.

Seating Areas and Recommendations

The restaurant has three different seating areas: two terraces (front and back) and an air-conditioned indoor section. Each area offers a unique ambiance, catering to different preferences. • The front terrace is a great option for those who want to enjoy the outdoor setting. It has a well-designed atmosphere and is perfect for casual drinks or appetizers. • The back terrace is also a nice option, though the ambiance isn’t as refined as the front terrace. • The indoor air-conditioned area is the best choice for those ordering main courses or larger meals, as the terrace areas tend to have more flies, which can be a bit distracting when dining.

If you’re just stopping by for a drink or light snacks, the terrace is an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. However, for a full meal, I’d recommend opting for the indoor section to have a more comfortable experience without any disturbances.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a fantastic place to dine, especially on the weekends when you want to step out of the routine and enjoy a great meal in a welcoming setting. The combination of excellent food, refreshing drinks, attentive service, and a pleasant atmosphere makes it a highly recommended spot. Whether you’re coming for a casual meal, a special occasion, or just a relaxing evening with friends, this restaurant delivers a high-quality experience.

Without a doubt, a must-visit if you’re looking for great food and a well-rounded...

Updated star rating due to response received, noting they had recently opened and was likely a very busy night for them.

For a 150 usd per person New Years meal in Merida, you would expect great food and service. Unfortunately, neither was there. Think everything that could go wrong in a dining experience, then quadruple it – that was what we endured last night.

The food was served cold and raw, and then completely charred and terribly presented (photo example attached). There was a one hour gap at one point between starters and main course. The second course simply did not show up. Some of us ordered certain plates but were served something completely different. It was, to put it simply, chaotic.

The service was just as scrambled and dystopic. Dirty plates and empty glasses were left at the table for 20+ minutes, and would have remained there if we had not asked for their removal. Music was lowered then sharply increased at unnerving intervals. Food was served and left at the table with not cutlery. At least they apologized profusely after each serving.

A place that thinks it can charge these prices must walk the talk, and, at least tonight, a Maruchan dinner would have tasted better. In short, I felt like I was robbed. I will never return here and recommend that you...

Ariadna Mérida bills itself as a high-end destination in one of Mexico’s most storied cities, but the experience is more misstep than masterpiece. For the premium prices, you might expect a polished, thoughtful dining experience. Instead, what you get feels like a textbook in mediocrity: disinterested, untrained staff who regard customers as if we’d interrupted their day; tepid, carelessly plated dishes that arrive as cold as the reception; and flavors so bland they’d struggle to inspire even the hungriest traveler.

Yes, the space itself is beautiful—airy, elegant, and promising. But a pretty room only goes so far when the food and service fail so completely to deliver. In its current state, Ariadna Mérida is little more than a glossy facade for a restaurant that needs serious work—starting with the fundamentals of training staff, cooking food properly, and understanding the very basics of hospitality. This establishment doesn't respect its patrons, young or old. For now, this isn’t a destination; it’s a disappointment and we will not...