
Micaela Mar & Leña
Experience elevated local fare blending fire and sea in a lively, circa 1950s-60s inspired venue with exceptional cocktails and mezcal.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Micaela Mar & Leña

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience elevated local fare blending fire and sea in a lively, circa 1950s-60s inspired venue with exceptional cocktails and mezcal.
"This place was a great vibe, with a circa 1950s-60s feel to it."
Make Reservations
Planning ahead with a reservation is recommended to avoid long waits, as it's well worth it.
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the bone marrow, grilled octopus, duck tacos, and tangy ceviche for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican, Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
+52 999 518 1702
Address
Calle 47 458, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Website
restaurantemicaela.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Seafood & Meats
Savor perfectly cooked dry noodles with shrimp, melt-in-your-mouth bone marrow, and exquisite ceviche. A true culinary delight.

Unique 1950s-60s Vibe
Immerse yourself in a classic atmosphere with circa 1950s-60s decor, complete with black and white films playing at the bar.

Inventive Cocktails & Mezcal
Indulge in expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of mezcal, perfectly complementing the elevated local fare.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Planning ahead with a reservation is recommended to avoid long waits, as it's well worth it.
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the bone marrow, grilled octopus, duck tacos, and tangy ceviche for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or late at night to enjoy the great vibe and drinks with fewer crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Planning ahead with a reservation is recommended to avoid long waits, as it's well worth it.
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the bone marrow, grilled octopus, duck tacos, and tangy ceviche for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or late at night to enjoy the great vibe and drinks with fewer crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Micaela Mar & Leña is lauded for its sophisticated yet approachable cuisine, particularly its seafood and meat dishes, and its unique vintage atmosphere. While many praise the attentive service and overall dining experience, one reviewer noted concerns about potentially discriminatory seating practices, suggesting a less than ideal experience for certain patrons.
"Wow! This food is so amazing! And incredibly beautiful! We started with the duck tacos and bone marrow … melt in your mouth!
The shrimp ceviche was the best ceviche I’ve ever had!
The beet dish is so exquisite… my personal favorite dish ❤️🔥
The passion fruit desert was a perfect ending to a perfect dinner!
Thank you for creating such incredible food!
GO GO GO!"
Taylor Joseph
"We had a delicious dinner in a fabulous neighbourhood with attentive service.
This place was a great vibe, with a circa 1950s-60s feel to it. The classic decor and black white films displayed around the bar gave it a unique touch.
Now to the food - we had the bone marrow, the grilled octopus, duck tacos and tangy ceviche. All of which were mouth watering scrumptious.
I highly recommend if you are in Merida. The restaurant stayed open quite late and there were still arrivals for drinks around 11pm when we were paying our bill."
Simone Lim
"Every detail about this restaurant was amazing. kid friendly. We had the friendliest waitress and the food was AMAZING. I would come back here every time I visit Mérida. Not only was it the best meal we had while we were there, it was also very affordable!"
Kelly Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular recommendations include the bone marrow, grilled octopus, duck tacos, dry noodles with shrimp, and ceviche.
Yes, making a reservation is highly recommended to avoid potentially long wait times, as the experience is considered worth planning for.
The restaurant features a unique and lively vibe with a classic circa 1950s-60s decor, including black and white films playing at the bar.
While the menu focuses on seafood and meat, some dishes can be adapted. It's recommended to inquire with your server about specific dietary needs.
Yes, the restaurant maintains a lively atmosphere late into the night, and you can visit for drinks, especially during off-peak hours.
Yes, one reviewer mentioned it was kid-friendly and the staff was friendly.
They offer an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, and mezcal labels, with many reviewers highlighting their great cocktails.
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Located on Calle 47, which was pedestrianized in 2023 as its status as Mérida's restaurant row became more official, this colorful restaurant specializes in grilled fish and meat dishes, though the cocktail menu of mezcal and tequila favorites is a draw as well. The scene is lively but not excessively so, making this a perfect option for a special-occasion celebration.
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Micaela Mar y Leña offers a truly distinctive experience, masterfully blending the essence of ember and sea while weaving in a rich tapestry of history and contemporary innovation. This culinary haven not only showcases its culinary prowess but also embraces a captivating architectural and interior design that transports guests to a classic yet authentically timeless setting. The menu at Micaela Mar y Leña is an exploration of flavors, featuring an array of delectable dishes such as molotes, duck tamales, mulato rice, and their signature wood-fired octopus, a true embodiment of the establishment’s essence.
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La pasión de los propietarios, como del equipo que trabaja en este lugar, aunado al acogedor e interesante ambiente de este restaurante, los ha posicionado como uno de los restaurantes de mariscos en Mérida preferido por muchos. Una publicación compartida de Micaela Mar y Leña (@micaelamarylena) el 19 Abr, 2019 a las 12:37 PDT. Si decides visitarlos, disfrutarás del cálido recibimiento desde la puerta, pasando por los aromas que se desprenden de la cocina; las carcajadas que se escapan de las mesas de quienes con júbilo celebran una ocasión especial o solo el simple gusto de estar reunidos.
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La primera parada es un sitio conocido por ser una de las mayores propuestas gastronómicas dentro de Mérida, Yucatán. Se trata de un restaurante cálido, muy hogareño y profundamente apasionado: frases de amor escritas en las paredes, adornos mexicanos por doquier y una historia que contar en cada mesa sobre aquella mujer, Micaela, que contaba sus recetas de mar y de leña a las niñas a quienes cuidaba. Además de platillos bien elaborados que van desde mariscos hasta asados, la coctelería es algo más a destacar en Micaela.
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This stylish restaurant takes its inspiration from the sea, offering a menu that is both contemporary and rooted in the traditions of coastal Yucatán. Guests can start their meal with some oysters or a refreshing ceviche, made with the freshest catch of the day and bursting with citrusy flavors, or indulge in Cayman octopus grilled to perfection. The main courses range from delicate fish fillets to heartier dishes like seafood risotto, all expertly prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the ocean.
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Located in the heart of Merida’s historic center, Micaela Mar Y Leña is a contemporary seafood restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. Focused on serving delicious Mexican cuisine, this establishment has quickly become a popular choice for both locals and tourists. When you dine at Micaela Mar Y Leña, you can expect to enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled prawns, tuna, and their famous grilled octopus.
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At Micaela Mar y Leña you can find a wide variety of dishes such as molotes, duck tamale, mulatto rice or wood-fired octopus, an emblematic dish of the place. “It is not a 100% Yucatecan concept because it is not. It is cuisine based on ingredients from the sea, local and the whole philosophy of the kitchen has always been how to eat at home, which is a family meal, which are usually large portions at the center to share ”.
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When you’re strolling through the Calle 47 Culinary Corridor, you’ll come across a lovely sign that reads “Bésame en esta esquina:” kiss me at this corner. This eye-catching spot marks the entrance to Micaela Mar y Leña. This restaurant is known for its eclectic menu, on which you’ll find seafood, steak, dessert, and an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, and mezcal labels.
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Run by Chef Vidal Elias Murillo and his partner Alberto Nacif Figueroa, it’s a seafood and wood-fired kitchen with a flare of cajun. And it boasts of Merida’s first oyster bar. Michaela is located on what I am now officially calling “Merida’s Culinary Row” (Calle 47 between 56 and 52) because of all the great restaurants on that strip of road.
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Other noteworthy culinary projects include: Micaela Mar y Leña, which recreates authentic Mexican recipes from diverse latitudes; Pancho Maiz, a new, fast-growing humble restaurant that promotes the ethical use of corn; and Cuna, helmed by Venezuelan chef Maycoll Calderón, who crafts seasonal menus with the best-quality produce from the region.
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Located on Merida’s growing restaurant row of Calle 47, you’ll find Micaela Mar y Leña: a beautiful restaurant and bar serving creative Mexican fusion with a focus on seafood. Get the pulpo a la parrilla (grilled octopus) and don’t forget to ask your server for the story behind Micaela. Don’t have time to make it here for dinner?.
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It is also a great restaurant to visit in Merida because of all the delicious food. The restaurant specializes in seafood and dishes cooked over an open flame, which gives the food a unique and tasty flavor. The staff is friendly and made us feel welcome, and the place is nicely decorated, making it a fun spot to eat.
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Born in Mexico in the 1840s, Micaela’s father was a former slave who escaped from a plantation in New Orleans. When she was 13 years old, her mother attempted to marry her off to an older man. She escaped and arrived in a small town in southern Mexico, where she became a nanny and cook for a wealthy family.
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Google map the location | Visit their website | Price range: $$-$$$. Micaela Mar y Leña is a seafood-focused restaurant that is putting creative touches on traditional Mexican seafood dishes. We went here for Valentine’s Day on our first trip to Merida, and we had the most amazing meal.
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A colorful space that welcomes you and offers a delicious menu that includes meat and seafood. The gastronomy is based on the traditions of Mexican cuisine, specially the ones created at home. The idea is to make you feel at home while tasting delicious and homemade dishes.
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Ubicación: Calle 47 458, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.Horario: De Lunes a Domingo de 13 h a 22:30 h. Ahora bien, por parte de la Guía México Gastronómico,. Micaela Mar & Leña es otro restaurante que se destaca por su compromiso con la pesca sustentable.
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Best Restaurants: Micaela Mar & Leña offers upscale Yucatecan cuisine in the city center. Rancho Da Picanha is known for Brazilian-style steak, while Miyabi El Árbol serves high-quality sushi in a modern setting outside the center.
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Diners may forget how extremely rare a raw bar was before Micaela. The place was an immediate hit for its seafood and meats cooked with the smoke of a wood-fired oven. Pulpo (octopus, if you dare) is a particular specialty here.
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Quienes conocen Micaela Mar y Leña adoran el ambiente y su excelente atención al cliente. Incluso durante la pandemia han sabido salir adelante sin dejar mal a sus clientes, nuevos o habituales.
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Micaela Mar & Leña is a favorite for visitors who travel for seafood. According to friends, this famed spot is tied for favorite restaurants in Merida and the octopus comes highly recommended.
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But, I’m happy for the 15-minute stroll to Micaela Mar & Lena. It’s an opportunity to see the streets of Mérida come alive at night and burn a few calories ahead of my next meal.
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