I found this restaurant on Yelp and so glad we gave it a try! It was a very warm night, so we opted to sit inside the very pretty restaurant. A friendly waiter greeted us right away and offered us drinks. While vacationing in Mexico I discovered that Mezcal is one of the best drinks ever, but I didn't want to drink it straight with our dinner, so I asked the waiter what his favorite Mezcal based cocktail was and he pointed out a cocktail with pineapple and other tasty ingredients. For my main dish I ordered the fish of the day, which is prepared with a corn based crust and served atop green gnocci, with tartar sauce on the side and avocado on top. Before our meals arrive we were given large tostada-like chips and two incredibly tasty salsas. Our drinks were beyond good and I had to resist the temptation to down the entire thing and order a second! Our meal was also amazing: the sea bass was cooked to perfection and the avocado and gnocci paired very well with it. For dessert the four of us shared the chocolate genache cake, it was really more like a brownie and it was rich and decadent. The brownie cake was served with guava ice cream that was also delicious. We ended our meal with a Mezcal each and we enjoyed the way the waiter poured it for us and another service told us the proper way to enjoy a Mezcal; I had already learned this earlier in our vaca, but still enjoyed hearing it again. If you're hungry in Mérida, I recommend eating here! read more

In short: boring for vegetarians, and not as special as it sounds. I have a lot of respect for Apoala's ingredient-conscious efforts to modernize some Mexican and Yucatanean classics. Unfortunately, the examples we tasted make it appear that their approach is mostly to burn the classics. We found their salsa roja, with caramelized onions and roasted tomato, very burnt-tasting. For our meal we got the only 3 veg options: squash blossoms with cheesey filling on a mole amarillo base, a green salad with green beans and feta, and the quinoa/amaranth tacos with mole. The squash blossoms were tasty enough, though basically an Italian take on jalapeno poppers. The green salad was nice. The entree, though, was annoying. Tacos full of seeds feel like a bread sandwich to me; they lacked the texture and moisture that veggies could have lent them. They also were in the blackest mole I have ever had. The scorched mole flavors and the grainy, nutty tacos together made the dish heavy and bitter without liveliness. Our cocktails were nice, but a bit obvious. I had a mezcal cocktail with cucumber, similar to those on offer at other bars. My partner had a mezcal cocktail with rosemary which, in true one-trick-Apoany style, arrived with the rosemary smoldering like incense. read more

The front of house staff were super unhelpful. On the first time, we waited for a while, then got told there was a huge wait (despite an empty table or two, perhaps they were reserved). The second time we arrived before opening, told to wait till 7pm when they opened which we did, then got told they were fully booked. Did eventually try something there, not horrible but definitely not worth the hassle of getting in. read more

Great new dishes to try from the Mexican/Mayan culture. The drinks were delish and the food didn't stand a chance from my belly :-) The waiter knew English as good as anyone and often joked with us. He was extremely helpful with the menu and drink selections. Cost...come on, this is Mexico. You're never over paying if you're from the USA. read more

Service was excellent. Expanded my mezcal knowledge and experience thanks to the fantastic bartender. I doubt there's anything less than amazing on the menu but I can say first hand that the short rib appetizer, the enmoladas, and the ensalada verde were fantastic. read more

An outstanding Mexican fusion kitchen. Creative combinations of ingredients make this place a don't miss during your time in Merida

We came to Apoala on our final night in Mexico. We could not have selected a better spot. Located in the Santa Lucia Square, we were surrounded by diners, a local dance group working out some routines, and more. The food was phenomenal. We ordered two ceviches, the smoked salmon, and a cookie crumble dessert along with a delectable mexcal cocktail. The food exploded in our mouths - so complex and wonderful. We would've returned again before our departure if it had been possible. Highly recommended. We ate at Maya Chaya as well and would skip it all together next time. We heard later that the quality is deteriorating. Come here instead! read more

We are frequent dinners at Apoala in Parque Santa Lucía, and I would like to mention again, and again, that the service and the consistency of the food quality is at 100% every time. We very much appreciate the consistency of the service and the quality, in my humble opinion as a retired restauranteur, it is the best restaurant in town. read more

Great discovery in the very heart of Merida. Our dinner was lovely: we were sitting outside, drinking margaritas & testing local dishes. The meat was amazing. Dessert was good as well. But the big big plus was service: our waiter was awesome, he gave us tons of tips on the area which helped us a lot during our holidays! Would totally recommend the restaurants, especially to non-locals :) read more

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Had an INCREDIBLE birthday dinner here in Jan '17, with pre-dinner drinks in their attached speakeasy cocktail lounge Malahat. Simply put, the food and drinks here were nothing shot of extraordinary. We are planning a return trip to Mérida just to return to Apoala, it left that much of an impression on two hardcore Portland foodies. In particular, we loved the Arrachera (skirt steak) and had the best ceviche on our entire Yucatán trip. Highly recommended!! read more

Apoala - Arrachera skirt steak (top plate) and steamed seabass below. The Arrachera is to die for, the ajillo mushrooms are incredible! - Mexican Near Me - Merida, YUC

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One of the highlights from my trip to Merida. We walked in and were immediately greeted by friendly faces. Our dinner was phenomenal from start to finish. I haven't had an experience like this one in a while. Appetizers - We ordered the shrimp ceviche. My mouth watered reading the description, but after seeing the real thing I couldn't contain myself. I felt a little barbaric the way I ate it but I couldn't help myself. It was absolutely stupendous. Drinks - I had a Moxito and the wife had another mixed drink both had mezcal. The drinks were reasonably priced, strong, and Deeelicious. Entrees - I mean come on. It was supremely difficult to choose what to eat. I don't think you can choose wrongly at this place. If you live in Merida I am jealous because you can try everything more than once. This restaurant was romantic, dressy, and gorgeous. They had trees inside the building, the bar area had old doors hangin on the wall and the bathroom! Omg the bathroom. It was magical, attractive ,and playful (I'm a bathroom person) I am grateful to have been able to experience Apoala. If you're in Merida make the trip. It's worth it. read more

Pros: -Thin blue corn tostada to eat with a red and green sauce/salsa before the meal. I love thin chips and this was the best one I've tasted in Merida. Also the salsas were really good. -good quality ingredients and creative dishes -beautiful food presentation -friendly waiters and they speak English Cons: -my husband and I ordered the sea bass and lobster pozole and both were bland! The lobster in the pozole was not flavorful like lobster usually is, so I'm not sure how they managed that. The sea bass was steamed, so that's probably the reason why it was bland. But that's the way it comes, so maybe they should change the way it's prepared to grilled. -service was slow I came here based on the glowing Yelp reviews but was disappointed. However since the quality was good, I'd come back and try something easy like tacos. read more

We came here for a Sunday lunch and had a really spectacular meal. We split three apps between two people (a ceviche, the short rib, and the fried squash flower) and had a cocktail each, coming in under $40 USD and going out with full and happy stomachs. The food was gorgeously presented and really well-balanced in its flavors--I particularly loved the coconut in the ceviche. That extra bit of fat really rounded everything out. And the food was all cooked really, really well. Tender, buttery seafood in the ceviche, short ribs that fall apart on the fork, etc. Gorgeous meal, and our server Guillermo was a delight--explained the menu to us and chatted with us about life in Merida. A lovely experience on a hot afternoon. Thanks so much! read more

Delicious food, friendly staff and a beautiful out door setting on the Parque de Santa Lucia. A must dine for any one visiting Merida.

I don't even know where to start describing my experience at Apoala. I've been to many Mexican restaurants but I think it is more than fair to say that Apoala is now the leader of the list. Simply amazing from beginning to end, and extremely affordable prices for the quality. The drinks are phenomenal and the food is to die for. I regret not coming as soon as I arrived in Mérida. By far best restaurant in Mérida and maybe even all the Mexican cities I've visited (Tulum included). read more

Delicious Mexican fusion food, with a high cuisine presentation and beautiful ambience, right in Mérida's Downtown. read more

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Service was slow. Food was expensive. Noisy location. My daughter liked her crab tacos. My son liked his steak and grasshoppers. The green pozole with langostino (pozole is usually one of my favorites) tasted like lawn clippings. The gnocchi was over cooked and tasteless. This was the most expensive and the worst meal we had on the whole trip. read more

Best dinner in awhile! The flavors in the dishes we had were phenomenal and the mezcal cocktails out of this world! We also loved the atmosphere of the Santa Lucia plaza - highly recommended. read more

Was terrific. Had a lovely lunch. Killer tequilas and a beautiful salad. Staff was great.

OMG some more of the best dishes I had in my life...Fantastic Service and for a very reasonable price. It was so good we went back the following night. I jokingly told my wife that I would fly back to Merida just to eat there but it wasn't really a joke :) read more

Delicious restaurant and by far the best one in Merida. Service, ambiance, drinks and food all deserve 10 stars. You must try the squash blossoms appetizer!! We ate here on our final night and I'm so glad we did. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

Great place for any tourist to visit. The ceviche is amazing and gñgood was good. We ordered 5 plates and they were all good. The server was having a bad day because if they were as pleasant as others mentioned in the review I would have given them 5 stars. read more

Had a very bad experience at this place. We are a big group consisting of 8 adults and 6 kids. The host ( a guy with a beard) refused to seat us because "it was going to rain" so we went to the restaurant next door. A few mins after that we noticed the bearded guy seated 4 tables at Apoala. So after our meal, we asked the bearded guy why he didn't seat us and he gave us evasive answers, but basically he rejected us because we had kids in our group. THIS IS NOT A KID FRIENDLY PLACE and we will not come back again thanks to that bearded guy. read more

This place is incredible for regional Yucatán food. Fish of the day was prepared beautifully and the portion was huge. My wife had one of their salads and it was loaded with local ingredients. Apoala was one of three dinners in Mérida and I highly recommend it. Excellent, attentive service as well. BTW, it was recommended to us by some Canadian expats that live in Mérida. Put this place on your list when you visit this great town! read more

Everything here was out of this world. Waitstaff was very friendly and attentive but not overbearing.

Favorite restaurant in Merida. Loved our waiter and the host. Wanted to live in Merida just to be friends with them. Excellent Mezcal selection. read more

The reviews are stellar and it may have been an off night but we were disappointed by the tepid, flavorless dishes. The short rib was room temperature and it's plumpness created by the slab of corn tamale beneath it. The lobster dish came as a green soup w corn kernels and tough chunks of flavorless crustacean. The service was good and attentive. It's clear that this restaurant can deliver it just needs to pay more attention. read more

The food is amazing. Don't even hesitate and go there. The only thing to fix is the male hostess at the door. Too much attitude instead of welcoming. Many people went to other next door restaurants as they were taking too long to assign a table. Also don't leave tables outside if you don't want people to sit . It is confusing but take care of these two details and this restaurant is worth every cent. read more

Great spot for lunch or dinner! Loved the Tuna Tartar and great service. Lots of good wine options.

Highly recommend the short rib appetizer, as well as the octopus/white fish ceviche. Mezcal cocktails excellent. Our main dishes were pozole soup, white fish, camarones de la plata. Great service! Rubén was especially helpful. They don't rush you; make sure you have a reservation. We saw them turning people away last night, on a Sunday. We'll be back! read more

The food was exquisite. The server was attentive and so nice. The vibe is so nice at night, with amazing string lights. There was even live music playing! I felt very comfortable and well taken care of eating alone (and not speaking the language). Can't wait to come back when I visit Merida in the future. read more

This is gourmet Mexican cuisine by one of Mexico's top chefs--she's from Oaxaca but studied in D.F. It's like you're in Sonoma or Manhattan, but better, you're on the Yucatan peninsula! The handmade pasta is to die for and order the ensalada verde for a symphony of flavors. I was treated like a queen by the host and wait staff and even got to meet the unassuming, very kind chef. Treat yourself to this dining experience! read more

I found the food bland and uninteresting, and it was very seriously overpriced. I had some quite ordinary guacamole along with two chiles rellenos sparsely stuffed with very low quality crab meat--the minced brown stuff one might get in a cheap can at the grocery store. For that plus a couple of aguas frescas I was charged nearly 600 pesos (including a 15% gratuity that was added to the bill). read more

If you only eat at one restaurant in Merida, make it this one. We ate there four times during our week over New Year's and still want to go back. Everything about this restaurant is spot on: great service from friendly, professional servers; fabulous drinks; and the FOOD -- wow! The pescado ceviche with coconut milk was to die for. The tempura-fried squash blossoms stuffed with cheese and herbs - yes! The tiraditos -- all of it so delicious. Just go! read more

I cannot say enough about how perfect this experience was. The manager greeted us right away and recommended excellent mezcal cocktails that were extremely well crafted by Arni and crew. The food was delicious and I had the best preparation of soft shell crab ever. We went to bar after meal and tasted house mezcal. Wow! Strongly recommend. read more

I had a great dinner at this restaurant!! Everything was fresh and tasty! We ordered the guacamole and we had the tuna tartar witch was so fresh:) we also order the short rib tacos they were good, and they serve a very large portion!! So if you want to share you can!! read more

We had our last, and best meal in Mexico at Apoala. Excellent food- beautifully cooked and presented, excellent drinks, and excellent service, with great advise re food and drinks. Highly recommended. read more

Very disappointed. Our lime and ginger soup had undercooked garbanzos. And our chocolate fondant dessert which was described as a lava cake was completely dry,no molten chocolate. The prices were high and the service was subpar. Will not be returning and do not recomend this restaurant. read more

Oaxacan fusion fare at its finest. Horacio, Nahuel, their girl friend and I came here for dinner. We had the Flores en amarillo for appetizer; I then moved to the very light and delicate Ceviche de pulpo y callo de hacha; and we happily ended our feast with the perfect chocolate dessert. I will come back to this place definitely! read more

If you are looking for fresh spins on the traditional dishes of the area, this is the place! The dishes we tried were all full of flavor and lighter on the oil than many other restaurants. Highly recommemnd the aguachiles, enmoleadas, and tacos picante. The dessert was pretty strange and seemed to have ritz crackers in it-no one in my group really liked it. I would bump the rating to 4.5 for the dessert because I am a dessert person. On thursdays there is a traditional show in the santa lucia square and we were seated right by the stage! read more