It seems to me lately that I can’t eat fast enough to keep up with all the new restaurants in Mérida. Here are four of my new favorites.
OOP Live Bistro
Here’s a new place that emphasizes Pacific seafood combined with Yucatecan ingredients and wines from the Guadalupe Valley. I visited OOP during Restaurant Week and I am so glad I did. A trendy-looking restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, they have unique cocktails and at 6 o’clock it was two-for-one margaritas. Their talented mixologist brought me an Avocado Mezcalita, a concoction of mezcal, avocado, a touch of pineapple macerate, and maguey worm salt. The menu isn’t huge, but what they offer is delicious and presented beautifully. We had crispy tuna wontons with a spicy dipping sauce. I had three tacos de carnitas and the meat was well seasoned with a nice crunch to it (120 pesos). Pasta Alfredo was cheesy and creamy and came with well-seasoned slices of bread (130 pesos). Take out or eat in.
Calle 32, 52 Local 19A, Victory Platz, Fracc. Montebello; 999-325-7199; Wednesday – Monday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Oop.mx
Comida Thai Merida
I am always interested in new Thai food so this was bound to be a place I would order from. A little house up past San Ramón Norte is where you will find two tables inside if you choose to eat there. However, I chose takeout for my first order. I had Chicken Pad Thai (150 pesos) and green curry chicken with rice (150 pesos). The owner was cooking as I walked in. The aroma made me want to pull up a chair. The dishes came with a bag of crushed peanuts, fish sauce, and hot dried chilis. Both dishes were seasoned well. The curry had a nice spicy kick to it. The menu changes daily and is published on their Facebook page. I hope they do well and their business grows.
Calle 19, No. 234, Fracc. Montecarlo; 999-133-7448; Thursday – Monday, 1 – 8:30 p.m.
Cimonni’s Bakery & Café
If you are up north and need a quick morning bite with coffee, Cimonni’s is a good place to stop for chocolate chip cookies, a slice of lemon cake, or a quick grilled-cheese sandwich. Their tasty breakfast sandwich comes with bacon, egg, and cheese (95 pesos), or get a sandwich with cheese and mushrooms, which is quite tasty as well (95 pesos). The croissants are buttery and served plain or with cheese or Nutella (55 pesos). A quick cup of coffee, espresso, or tea will top off your order and start your day well.
Avenida Yucatán 21-Local 5, Jardines del Norte.; Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. -10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Instagram @cimonnisbakery or order online here.
Green Station Juice Bar & Salads
Of the healthy and refreshing juice options at Green Station, my favorite is watermelon, or Agua de Sandía, (30 pesos), and the Monkey Berry Smoothie with strawberry, banana, and oranges (45 pesos). For something to chew on, Green Station offers hotcakes with two toppings (85 pesos), chilaquiles (99 pesos), or your choice of eggs with a side salad and beans (85 pesos). A delicious fruit salad with a lettuce base, green apples, strawberries, spinach, and almonds comes with a light vinaigrette dressing (105 pesos). If you need something more substantial, they offer a selection of sandwiches with the vegetarian being my favorite. It is served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot, alfalfa sprouts, and fresh sliced avocado (55 pesos).
Calle 1H 139-local 5, near Calle 14, México Norte; Monday -Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Facebook @greenstationmid
