Jardín Balbuena Centro — Restaurant in Mérida

I was feeling overwhelmed with all the dining options in Mérida, but the reviews for Jardín Balbuena spoke for themselves, so I gave it a try.

To my surprise, it wasn’t busy—only a few tables were occupied—but do not let that fool you. The food and service here are off the charts!

Come hungry, because the portions are huge. The menu is build-your-own, allowing you to choose your protein and veggies for a variety of dishes.

I had the pulled chicken tacos with avocado, while my husband had the pulled chicken torta loaded with avocado, mushrooms, and red pepper. We started with chips and guacamole, and to cool down from all the spicy salsas we love (the red one was our fave!), we paired everything with horchata - honestly the best horchata we've had our entire trip!

The photos online don’t do this place justice. What looks like simple shredded chicken and lettuce on a plate is actually a mix of string cheese, fresh greens, and crispy, rolled corn tortillas packed with mouthwatering flavors and textures.

Every bite was incredible, and there were plenty of happy, satisfied noises coming from our table.

The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, making it the perfect hidden gem. If you want exceptional food, generous portions, and a truly satisfying meal, this is the spot.

Español:

Me sentía abrumado con todas las opciones para comer en Mérida, pero las reseñas de Jardín Balbuena hablaban por sí solas, así que decidí probarlo.

Para mi sorpresa, no estaba lleno, solo unas pocas mesas ocupadas, pero no se dejen engañar. La comida y el servicio aquí son extraordinarios!

Vengan con hambre, porque las porciones son enormes. El menú es personalizable, permitiéndote elegir tu proteína y vegetales para una variedad de platillos. Yo pedí los tacos de pollo deshebrado con aguacate, mientras que mi esposo pidió la torta de pollo deshebrado con aguacate, champiñones y pimiento rojo.

Comenzamos con totopos y guacamole, y para refrescarnos después de todas las salsas picantes que nos encantan, pedimos horchata.

Las fotos en línea no le hacen justicia a este lugar. Lo que parece pollo deshebrado y lechuga es en realidad una mezcla de queso de hebra, vegetales frescos y tortillas de maíz crujientes y enrolladas, llenas de sabores y texturas deliciosas. Cada bocado fue increíble, y en nuestra mesa no faltaron los sonidos de satisfacción.

El ambiente es tranquilo y relajado, lo que lo convierte en una joya escondida. Si buscas comida excepcional, porciones generosas y una experiencia realmente satisfactoria, este es el...

The Tacos Durados are delicious and inexpensive, and the atmosphere is cool and relaxed. The wait staff is friendly and patient, even with my poor Spanish. Some of the side sauces were very spicy, but I stuck with mildest. I would definitely...

Oscar is so attentive and helps us feel happy. LOVE the Jamaica here, one of the best of places we’ve been. Also the sopes have the best cheese and best ingredients, we keep coming back 😊. It’s also super pretty with all the...