Micaela Mar & Leña

5 Julius Lussenburg - 8 months ago

In the simplest terms: a very well engineered restaurant experience. Expect photogenic dishes, fast service and cocktails.

Make no mistake though: it’s not just show food that’s only suitable to brighten up your socials. The food is actually quite tasty and the cocktails are wonderful. I went for the bone marrow starter, the grilled octopus entree and all three deserts (don’t judge - choices are hard). Loved the bone marrow (seasoned to perfection); thought the “cacao” desert was good but intense. Very intense. On the whole, these dishes - paired with two cocktails - made for a great night.

Overall, I’m impressed by what a well-oiled machine this restaurant is. On that note: don’t forget to order ‘a round of beers’ for the kitchen staff!

5 Leighton Carter - 5 months ago

Stunning atmosphere, beautiful decor. Bilingual service. Food was outstanding. The shrimp and bacon risotto was to die for. All foods flavorful and reasonably priced. Innovative little touches with an amuse bouche and lovely little coconut bites at the end of the evening. Would highly recommend to anyone!

5 Jack R - 3 months ago

Have just got back from a perfect meal at Michaela u0026 Leña. Everything from the food, the ambience to the staff is so well crafted and of a very high quality. A bit of a shaky start (despite reserving a table, the front of house were struggling to decide where to put us, they chose a not so pleasant table at the front near the front door but at a request I was able to move to a better table after pointing one out with no problems) - Once we had settled we had the friendliest guy serving our table, a special mention to Brian who took the time to recommend and explain dishes, making us feel welcome and was genuinely engaging, he is a real asset to the restaurant. As for the food, it exceeded our expectations, was absolutely delicious, along with the cocktails and dessert we ordered.
I would go as far to say that this was one of the best meals we had during our travels through Mexico. Hope to return someday!

5 Anna Dechering - 8 months ago

Micaela Mar u0026 Leña is a whole experience. They have their branding spot-on. The service is friendly and top-notch, the dishes are tasty (and beautifully presented) and the drinks are well-made. I loved how even the non-alcoholic cocktail had HALF of the rim coated in salt, so you can choose whether you like that extra flavour.

This is the kind of details they get just right. The style, presentation and service is impeccable. Just order a 'round of beers for the kitchen guys' and you won't be disappointed!

Personally, I'd have a couple remarks maybe on the desserts: the weakest point of the maize-flan was the flan, being a rather dry. The cacao dessert is really heavy; I'd love it if the orange puree was more tangy and refreshing/if there was a more natural or plain element to the dish to even it out a bit.

All with all, they do a hell of a good job with providing you the best dining experience. I have to say that the mezcal gummies were downright excellent. The dishes are straightforward: (unfortunately) no surprises (if you get what I mean), just what you ordered: well executed. No tricks with the bill, no service listed, just amazing service and humility. Well done!

5 Sylvain Francois - 3 months ago

Highly recommended. The food was great: creative (especially the desserts), perfectly seasoned, with good products, Great cocktails too, much more interesting than the average (here, they put some alcohol). Very lively place, with an open kitchen. Great service, friendly and attentive. The best restaurant we have done in this range of price in Merida.

5 Diana Strauss - a month ago

Outstanding! Beautiful decorated place, absolute friendly and helpful waiters and waitresses. Super delicious food! It feels like Mexican cuisine with a little modern twist. First time having mole and it was amazing!

5 Nadia Echchihab - 6 months ago

Absolutely gorgeous dinner! We had the tasty shrimp tacos, delicious gratined oysters (eaten in 3 seconds) and tangy aguachile for starters and we then shared the shrimp and bacon risotto. What a feast! Highly recommend this place and the staff is super friendly and attentive.