We love Mérida’s beautiful new restaurant: Bibiani Cocina at the Casa Gemela Art Center in Itzimná. Whether you’re a brunch-lover, tasting-menu foodie, or someone who just wants to sip a perfect cup of coffee in a stunning setting, Bibiani is here to impress—and yes, we’re officially obsessed.
Let’s start with the vibe: The dining room is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Picture a curved space surrounded by glass, nestled into a garden so lush it practically whispers “you’re on vacation.” The architecture feels like you’ve stepped inside a grand piano—airy, elegant, and totally unique. 🎹🌿
Meet the Chef: Miguel Palomo
👨🍳 At the helm is Chef Miguel Palomo, who brings together Oaxacan and Yucatecan flavors in the morning menu inspired by his two grandmas—both restaurateurs. In the evening he brings a more international cuisine vibes that totally works. Many of the ingredients come straight from their organic farm (it’s a real farm-to-table experience). 🌱🐓
✨ Our take? We’re obsessed.
Most of the ingredients—yes, even the eggs, chicken, and lamb—come straight from Bibiani’s own organic farm. 🌱🐓
Breakfast Like Never Before
We’ve already been twice for breakfast and honestly? We’d go again tomorrow. Most dishes are under $200 pesos, and the flavors are chef’s kiss. Here are a few of our morning favorites:
- 🥚 Shakshuka Vallisolentana – Organic and quail eggs in rich tomato sauce, topped with longaniza de Valladolid
- 🐟 Smoked Salmon Toast – Fresh, light, and beautifully plated
- 🌮 Quesabirria – A blue corn tortilla stuffed with slow-stewed lamb (a Jalisco fave!)
- 🫓 Clayuda – Crispy tortilla with beans, tinga, and melty Oaxaca cheese
- 🥐 Pastries to die for – Croissants with cream & berries, chocolate rolls, and sourdough conchas you’ll dream about
☕ Don’t miss the signature drinks:
- Café Brûlée – Americano with crème brûlée foam (yep, it’s a thing)
- Cold Brew Tropical – With a splash of orange zest
- Tejate – An ancestral cacao drink from Oaxaca that’s pure earthy magic
🔥 MID City Insider Tip: Get a free house-made pastry or bread with your breakfast when you show your Insider digital card!
Dinner? Your Choice of Off the Menu or Go All In with the 6-Course Tasting Menu
Some highlights from our a la carte dinner:
🥗 House Salad
Seasonal greens, fruit, sesame palanqueta, creamy cheese & a passion fruit vinaigrette. Light and refreshing.
🍛 Tikki Masala Chicken 🇮🇳
Spiced, marinated chicken in a creamy curry sauce with pita—so comforting and bold in flavor.
🦞 Black Lobster Tortellini
Squid ink pasta stuffed with lobster, ricotta & scallions, in a black truffle cream sauce. Indulgent and on point.
🍫 Dessert of the Day?
We had a chocolate mousse Easter egg with amaranth brittle. Pure bliss.
🍸 Insider Tip: Don’t skip the cocktails. We loved the Maracuyá Sour and the Mezcal Penicillin—two seriously good sips to start your evening right.
We had the chance to try Bibiani’s brand-new 6-course tasting dinner, and let’s just say—this is the kind of meal that makes you pause and savor.
Here’s what we feasted on:
1️⃣ Shrimp Huancaína Style 🍤
With a creamy, spicy Peruvian sauce
➕ Pairing: Passion Fruit Sour
2️⃣ Esquites 🌽
Mexican street corn, elevated
➕ Pairing: Gin with Chili Syrup
3️⃣ Mole & Gorgonzola Tamale 🌯🧀
Unexpected. Deep. Delicious.
➕ Pairing: In-house Stout Beer
4️⃣ Papillote in Hoja Santa 🍃
Steamed in sacred Mexican herb leaves
➕ Pairing: Mexican Sake
5️⃣ Duck Magret in Red Pipian 🦆🍛
Rich, nutty sauce made from ground seeds
➕ Pairing: House Red Wine
6️⃣ Hoja Santa Ice Cream 🍨
Herbaceous and creamy finish
➕ Pairing: Citrus Ferment Mimosa
It’s creative without being pretentious, deeply rooted in tradition but full of modern flair. And best of all? It’s available every night.
Find Them Here
📍 Bibiani – Casa Gemela, Itzimná
🕗 Open Wednesday to Monday, 8 AM – 11 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
📞 Reservations: 999 688 9580
🎉 MID City Insider Perk: FREE pastry or bread with breakfast
👉 Join the club: midcitybeat.com/artandculture/insider-membership
Final Verdict
Bibiani isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re brunching with friends, planning a romantic dinner, or looking for a truly immersive food and art outing (remember, you’re literally dining inside a cultural center!), this is one of the hottest new spots in Mérida.
So… who’s coming with us next time?