From Chicago, first time at Oliva today. Here are my thoughts: -We had a bigger party of 8 people and made reservations ahead of time. They gave us a perfect private room! -We ordered the bruschetta for an appetizer, and it was excellent! The tomatoes were really, really good. -I got the cacio y pepe for my entree and it was easily the best I've ever had outside of Italy : ) Very tender pasta, in a peppery white sauce. -I tried the ravioli and it was delicious, nice spices and sauce. -Service was excellent! This place is on the fancier side. We got in with shorts, but more formal waiters, etc. -If I could only go back to one restaurant in Merida, this would be it. Highly recommended! read more

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GREAT PLACE, RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED - We've been here three times, twice inside and once outside. Inside it is very nice, attentive staff, and charming. Outside it was still pleasant but you sit on plastic chairs and most the diners outside, like us, waited about 30 minutes at our tables until our order was taken. Definitely the walk ons who eat outside seem to have less attention granted to them, but to sit inside you need a reservation when it is busy, so reservations are recommended. All that said once we placed our order the food was promptly served on all occassions. It was always rich and delicious, with all ingredients tasting super fresh. The flavors were bold but not overpowering, and the portion sizes were modest but fair. The prices were a bit high relative to other places you could find around here but generally speaking you pay for quality at this place. It's an excellent option for some homemade pasta and fantastic salads, but that also makes it super popular, so just be patient as you may need to wait at times. Still the wait is worth it, give it a chance you won't be disappointed. Happy eating! -John Seeto read more

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This place is always busy and so I recommend making a reservation. I came alone and so I sat at the bar but the service was great. The bar tender was really attentive and it also felt like a luxe experience, not a causal taco place for sure. I enjoyed their warm bread and when I got my pasta dish, I thought it was so fresh and delicious. I'm excited to come back and try more. read more

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We ate a ton of Yucatán-style food. This Italian restaurant in the heart of historic centro in Merida, Mexico was a nice surprise and change of pace. Loved the pappardelle with short ribs! A generous serving of short rib and homemade pasta. Ate there twice in our 2 week vacation. Try their sister restaurant, Pizza Olivia, 1/2 block away too. read more

Overall good but not exceptional. Food: Homemade pasta was above average. But everything was hyper-salted. Meat was mediocre Service: Decent for Merida Overall cleanliness: above average Bathroom cleanliness: above average Ambiance: upscale and great for a group or a date read more

Called around 4pm to get a reservation since booking online there was no openings. We were allowed a reservation for the same evening at 7:30pm. We arrived by foot and waited about 5 minutes for a table. We were a bit worried since we sat for 10 minutes before anyone came to greet us and ask for drinks. We ordered beer and water. Food: Ordered gnocchi, agnello, and osso bucco and asked for all the food to be delivered at the same time instead of waves. It took 50 minutes for our order to be ready. But we were offered breadsticks, bread, and more breadsticks as we waited. The bread was bland and dry. The breadsticks were crusty and had a nice rosemary taste. The gnocchi texture was of fluffy pillows in a nice pesto genovese sauce. It was a bit salty. The star of the show was the agnello. Oh the pasta was out of this world! It has wonderful texture and chew that reminds me of homemade pasta in Japan. The sauce of lamb ragu with big chunks of meat was very rich and delicious was just a perfect dish. It was a bit salty. The osso bucco was fall off the bone served in a creamy risotto that I think had cheese but not sure but it was luxurious. The meat was very tender and the risotto was a perfect compliment with just the right about of texture. The meat closer to the bone had a strong taste, but the meat further from the bone was delicious. While many of the dishes were a bit too salty for my taste, everything tasted delicious and I would come again. Service: decent, we had 4 different servers working our table. read more

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Food & Service: Came here with my family who is visiting to see what all the hype has been about this restaurant. The service was so so. It took forever for our main entrees to arrive. The other tables around us were already eating and had arrived way after us. By the time our food arrived I wasn't hungry and asked to have my meal boxed up. I have since reheated my food to eat lunch and what do I find?? A hair in my pasta! Ewww, gag. Ambience: decor and dark setting set the mood especially if you're on a date night. However, given the hair in my pasta (see photo) and sos so slow service I likely won't come back. read more

Oliva Enoteca - A piece of HAIR! - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

Cute location and a lot of menu options, tried the steak and shrimp Diablo pasta, both were ok and the service was a little less genuine than we would have preferred but would go back a second time to see if it would become a 5 star experience read more

Wilberth was our very patient and attentive server, despite being deep enough in the weeds with his tables. Worth mentioning, as with any great eatery, nobody is above running food at Oliva. The host even brought a couple dishes. So everything was served hot and well timed. But back to Gilberth... My mother doesn't speak Spanish so I appreciated him doing his best with English to make her feel welcome without needing me to translate. You can read other reviews to get the scoop on food quality. Ask for Gilberth for the whole package. read more

Great Restaurant Highly recommended stopping here when ur in Mérida... Reservations recommended but we were able to get a table on a Friday nite around 8pm .. Started off with Fritto Missto for appetizers & Carbonara pasta & Diablo Pasta dishes some photos attached read more

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One of the best meals on my 2 week Yucatan Peninsula tour. My friend and I first came here with no reservations and unfortunately due to covid restrictions we had to come back the next day with reservations. However, I'm glad we came back as Oliva Enoteca did not disappoint. First of all, the prices are a STEAL for hand-made pasta compared to what you would pay for the in the US. On average each dish was around $15. FOOD: - Caesar Salad: Fresh and crunchy. - Carpaccio di manzo: Melt in your mouth. - Mora al mare: Favorite pasta of the night, the squid ink pasta was so delicious, and the shape held the sauce very well. - Funghi: Least favorite of the night because I think the mushroom would of paired better with a different type of pasta instead of a more thinner one. However, the mushroom was still delicious. DRANKS: - Unfortunately due to election laws as we went on the day of an election, they were also not able to serve alcohol. OVERALL: - Highly recommend Oliva Enoteca and will be on my return list if/when I get back to Merida. read more

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The food is wonderful. The freshly made pasta was phenomenal. The wait staff was very attentive and the service was great. We had such a relaxing evening. It was very helpful that the staff also spoke English so we could understand better. I will definitely go back here the next time I am in Merida. This was the best food we had during our visit. Five stars to all of them!! read more

Great atmosphere and ambiance. Service was friendly. Drinks were absolutely delicious. Food was rich and tasteful. Great spot for a date night. Prepare to spend *a little bit more* but worth it. Yum! Pablo was our waiter. I was trying to practice my Spanish but they also speak English. read more

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This absolutely the best Italian food I have had in years. It started with flavorful fresh vegetables, continued with expertly cooked pork, goat and pasta made from scratch. The grand finale was a tiramisu to die for. Tempranillo was delicious and served in beautiful glassware. Lighting, decor, and service were all top notch. We will definitely be back here on our next visit to Merida. Address is Calle 47 458-464C. read more

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Great drinks and yummy food. Nice staff. Very attentive. Enjoyed very much. Even tried their other restaurant. Yum

I made reservations for 6:00PM but was asked to finish my meal before 8:30PM as they had a conflicting reservation. Okay, 2-1/2 hours is enough. The wine list was extensive and we requested a bottle of Guidalberto (Tenuta San Guido) that was out of stock. We were presented with two Super Tuscans as alternatives: a 2016 La Massa. (Fattoria La Massa) or a 2016 Solengo (Argiano). We checked wine search and opted for the 91 point Solango. The nose was fruity - no surprise - with dark cherry and plum. We noted a palate close to a Brunello (Sangiovese) with faint hints of Merlot. Crazy complexity for a Tuscan IGT. My partner opened with BURRATA POMODORI: Burrata, Roasted Tomatoes, Pesto Genovese, Balsamic Reduction, Sea Salt. The burrata was fresh and dense, the tomatoes lighted seared for a smokey release of sweetness. The serving was immense and we were unable to finish and save room to the Secondi. I had read many reviews and opted for the POLPO: Grilled Octopus, Gremolata, Romesco Sauce, Cambray Potatoes, Roasted Chaya. The octopus was cooked PERFECTLY - tender and without any rubbery texture. I was brought an extra plate of chaya for added saltiness, if necessary. Yum!!! The table was cleared and after a short wait our mains arrived... My dinner date is vegetarian and chose the CACCIO E PEPE: Homemade Tonarelli. Pecorino Romano, Black Pepper, Garlic. The pasta was perfect al dente. The pecorino was truly interesting - buttery - meaty. Per appellation, the dish was very peppery. Again the plate was too large to complete. I judge all Italian restaurants by their veal and chose OSSOBUCO: Boneless Shank Braised in Onion Dashi, Risotto alla Milanese. The risotto was creamy and delicious, the shank tender and with anchovy hints. Deliciouso. We closed the meal with a "shared" TARTINO: Dark Cocoa Chocolate Tart, Berry Sorbet, Candied Pistachios, Chocolate Tule. For digestivo, I selected both a sambuca (with coffee beans) and an Amaro. Highly recommended. read more

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Excellent food, service, ambience. The chocolate cake dessert was delectable and their one virgin cocktail featured sprite and some red fruit combo with explosive flavor. Enjoyed the pasta. read more

On of the best meals in Merida. We had a 7:30 reservation and got right in at a table in front of the kitchen. They brought us breadsticks and sauce while we looked at the menu. For an appetizer we got the meatballs and fried sprouts in a delicious red sauce. Great start to meal. I ordered the lamb chops, and others ordered the calamari with risotto and the gnocchi. The lamb chops were grilled perfectly with a lot of flavor. They melted in your mouth. My wife loved her calamari with black squid ink risotto. My son enjoyed his gnocchi. They have a good wine selection by the glass. We finished our meal and split the tiramisu between the three of us. We had excellent service by our waiter and his helper who were on top of everything throughout the meal. read more

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Best Italian food in Yucatan, bar none. The cannolis for dessert are amazing! All the food is good and a lovely atmosphere. read more

Oliva Enoteca - Cannolis! - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

Believe the hype, this place is GOOD! It might've been my favorite meal in Mexico (and I went to Pujol!). We didn't have reservations but came in and got seats at the bar. Literally everything we ordered - AMAZING! The burrata was the creamiest, most decadent (in a really good subtle way), just super nice! The fish capriccio was so light and refreshing. So easy to eat! The two pastas we got were just magnificent! The mora al mare surprised me because I thought it would be too heavy on the seafood but it was so subtle and not overbearing at all and the squid ink pasta was top notch. I would come back to Merida just to experience the food. I wish I could try everything on the menu!! read more

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Absolutely amazing food. Come hungry! We visited this resto twice during our Merida stay. Grilled baby artichokes were excellent as was the rigatoni and pork pasta. Spinach salad and steak tartare -- all yummy. The location is a ten minute walk away from the main square. It is cozy and romantic. Waiters are well-trained and informative. Highly recommended for a special night out. A bit expensive by Merida standards but it does not break the bank. read more

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I went to Oliva for lunch looking for a light and tasty meal. I was alone so sat at the bar. The atmosphere is clean and tasteful. The bartender was comfortable offering advice on menu and wine selection, and her advice proved accurate. I had the burrata then the octopus. Both were delightful, and either would have made for a satusfying lunch. I'd return in a heartbeat! read more

Oliva Enoteca - Grilled octopus with tomatoes and potatoes, and a well-paired glass of tempranillo. - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

Amazing food amazing food great experience well-made Italian food great service. Good selection of wines. Very funny waiters great jokes well worth it. read more

Good Italian food. We tried the bruschetta, the ravioli and the diabola pasta. Everything was delicious and fresh. Would definitely recommend it. read more

Oliva Enoteca - Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

This is the best restaurant. Ever. The best olives I have ever had. Overall great service and great food. read more

Oliva Enoteca - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

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Great service thanks to Pablo!!!! Best things we order carbonara pasta and the lamb rigatoni read more

The food here was amazing!! I highly recommend getting the risotto and the burrata! It is a beautiful restaurant as well! read more

Oliva Enoteca - Risotto - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

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We've been in Merida for five nights so far, and have eaten at Oliva twice already--with more to come. A year or so after our first visits, I'm happy to say that we've observed or tasted no diminution in quality of food or service. In fact, it seems to me that Oliva has gotten better since we last visited. In every way, our food has been superb. While the menu hasn't changed substantially -- a limited number of crudos and hot and cold appetizers; about nine pastas; a risotto; and about a half dozen primis. If anything, the quality is even better than before. On our first visit this year, I ordered a salad with beets, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It consisted of small, steamed beets; a variety of small tomatoes, halved; and small chunks of cucumber, all absolutely fresh, lightly dressed, and plated beautifully. A taste of summer, which is only a dream for us at home as I write this. This lovely salad was followed by cacio e pepe, which would not have been out of place on the table of a restaurant in Rome. Last night my wife and I had salads and shared four appetizers: lightly fried (and delicious) calamari; octopus; a crudo; and polpettone. The food was all well-prepared -- and the polpettone in particular, tender and just lightly kissed with orange -- were wonderful. But what impressed me the most was the pacing: the dishes came up in pairs, not all at once, so we really could focus on enjoying the dishes. Just an example of how someone is paying attention to the food and to the experience of Oliva's guests. Oh--and the panna cotta is still great. Just as I remember it. The mix of guests is nice: some locals, both Mexicans and gingos, and tourists, again both Mexicans and gringos. The staff is excellent, friendly, and accommodating. Hands-down my favorite place in Merida. read more

What a surprise to find Carlos the server from last nite in this place. I got it, same owner, both places winning my palate. Lunch was excellent as I remembered 8 months ago, Pablo the bartender was friendly and made me feel at ease, Chef Samuel introduced himself and we practiced our French as he trained near Nice for few years. Meal was exceptional , delicate, tasty and very well combined. read more

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Good food, slow service. The restaurant is nice but always have to make reservations for a seat.

We loved everything about this place. The diavolo has this amazing spicy tomato oil, the mezcal and grapefruit drink was amazing, and we loved the desserts, particularly the pavlova if they have it on special. read more

One of the best meals in 3 trips to Merida - bread sticks that were like Cheese It's, fresh baked bread, Argentinian Merlot wine, pasta diabolo (spicy shrimp) and ravioli were all delicious If you are staying in Centro, defiantly come here for dinner read more

It was nice to go to a nicer, upscale restaurant for lunch date in Merida while on my vacation. The food is delicious and the service and presentation is what is expected of a fancy restaurant. Great for business meetings to date meals, or simply to treat yourself read more

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This is the kind of restaurant where you wish there was more than 5 stars. The drinks, the food and the service are all first class. For starters we had two antipasti - the lasagna frito (fried lasagna pieces with grilled romaine) and a burrata both outstanding. Mains we had caccio e pepe and the donna nona fettuccine again beyond great. Everything we have tried here is great but what makes this place so special the service. We were lucky to get Pablo who took great care of us all night. A true must try in Merida for great Italian. read more

Oliva Enoteca - Burrata Pomodori - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

Simply amazing- the food, the wine, the atmosphere. I highly recommend it. Burrata E Barba Pasta Dela Nonna Nebbiolo Wine read more

Oliva Enoteca - Italian Near Me - Mérida, YUC

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I live here in Merida most of the time and have tried all the good Italian restaurants (there are many here). There are 3 that really stand out for me and Oliva is one of those. The food quality is superb, the staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is both clean and comfortable. I'd recommend the "Olive" appetizer, which is simply a bowl of fresh olives (maybe 20 of them) but the quality is exceptional. I've tried the calamari twice and it's mediocre. The Filete de Manza (fillet mignon) is amazingly delicious and as tender as can be; perfectly cooked. All ingredients are high quality and very fresh, which is apparent to anyone who knows good food. The wine list is good and balanced but they could offer some more choices from a broader selection of countries. I do feel that the glasses of wine are just a tad short on the pour, and the fillet, - although absolutely delicious - is just a bit on the small side. I've been here a few times and will definitely return again in the future. It's always a good experience with delicious food and drink. Convenient location close to everything but just outside all the hustle & bustle. Easy to find parking in the street on most nights. read more

It was all delicious!!! Best homemade fettuccine noodles and sauce I have ever had. And the pork suckling was absolutely amazing.

I spent 10 days in Merida this month and this is one restaurant I want back to twice. The tomato, beet, and cucumber salad I had both times and would have it again. I had the risotto once and the pasta Bianca once. Both were good. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g150811-d7720030-r468665938-Oliva_Enoteca-Merida_Yucatan_Peninsula.html# read more

Food was excellent ! Octopus appetizer was great. Pretty busy dish with many ingredients super presentation and flavor. Salmon Risotto was also excellent . Very fresh and tasty The service at the bar was outstanding . Lovely young lady with a fantastic smile was very helpful. read more

I've been to this fantastic restaurant several times alone and with friends and I think each experience is better than the last. ive been up and down their menu and everything I've tried has been excellent. The wine list is top notch and full of gems. The service though is what is most impressive. I'm in the business and I know how difficult it can be day in and day out to perform at such a high level. The one sign of a truly well run establishment is a team that not only work well together but one that makes it look easy. A team like that of course needs a leader, a maestro and that would be Pablo. I'm looking forward to seeing him in this excellent restaurant next time I visit the great city of Merida. read more