We visited Merlina last night to celebrate my birthday and overall had an incredible experience! First of all, the decor and everything inside the restaurant is absolutely breathtaking. They start you off right away with chips and a variety of salsa from mild to super spicy.
The food was absolutely spectacular! I highly recommend the fettuccine that is finished table side in fire. The presentation was amazing and taste was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. The arrachera steak was absolutely delicious, cooked absolutely perfectly.
My only complaint is that our waiter didn’t seem to be very knowledgeable about the menu, was slow to bring drinks, including putting one of the drink orders in incorrectly. Also, he was forgetful on some of the requests that we made. I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt because it was apparent that he was new and he made up for it in kindness.
I really hope to be able to return soon and update my review to 5 stars. I really want to, but based on the experience with the service we received, it is not merited.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Merlina Restaurante offers an elegant and relaxing dining atmosphere, perfectly complemented by its dim lighting and sophisticated decor, making it a great choice for those seeking a fancy night out. The cocktail selection met our expectations, with each drink crafted to enhance the dining experience.
The service at Merlina was impeccable, deserving a full 5-star rating. The staff was attentive and professional, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish. This level of service, combined with the restaurant's ambiance, sets a high standard.
While the dessert offerings and the presentation of each dish were highlights of the meal, showcasing the kitchen's attention to detail and creativity, the main courses had mixed results. The New York prime, unfortunately, did not live up to expectations; it lacked the distinctive flavors one anticipates in a dish of its caliber, leaving something to be desired. However, the Fettuccine a la Rueda stood out as superb, demonstrating the kitchen's potential for excellence.
It's worth noting that, consistent with the upscale nature of Merlina, the prices are on the higher side. Additionally, the service tip is suggested at either 15% or 18%, which is something to keep in mind when budgeting for the meal.
In conclusion, Merlina Restaurante shines in its service and atmosphere, offering a visually stunning and comfortable environment for diners. While the culinary experience offers room for improvement, particularly with certain main courses, the overall experience is very good. I look forward to returning to see how this promising restaurant continues to evolve.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1,000+
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Husband had the wagyu beef. It was amazingly good. Must try, i must warn it's pricey! For my daughter, we had rhe Mac & cheese and tried one of the salads, super good. My only complaint is the salmon. It was too dry and not as great as the rest of the experience and food. I'm glad I had several hot sauces they offer to start off, to make it taste better.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$800–900
A top notch high quality restaurant, amongst the best in Tijuana. Overall excellent. The only drawback is the portion for king crab legs is small for the price. They play relaxing dinner music. Enjoyable atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1,000+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
My partner and I had am amazing time! The presentation detail and attention to service was above and beyond my expectations. MERLINA offers a great variety of hand-made cocktails and a nice collection of white, red, rosé and bubbly wines. The food tasted delicious; the New York Prime rib was juicy and tasty (ordered medium-rare). The music is a little loud for my liking at a fine-restaurant but was enjoyable. We will be back! Thank you!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1,000+
This Restaurant is a must if you are in Tijuana or planning to visit it. They always greet you when you arrive and give you outstanding customer service. All personal is well educated and courteous but the drink and the food are even better! I have been there twice already and I Love it! All of their alcohol mixed drinks and cocktails are highly recommended. Off course you have to order the Hocus-Pocus frozen drink. That have good variety of wine selection as well. Food wise I have to keep coming back since everything that I have order is to taste full and well done ! Mac and cheese one of my favorite so far. All of their steak Cuts always a great option but the entries are awesome as well. They also have a burger that is perfect if you are craving something less complicated . Ambient in this place is more immersive and sets a new high bar for other high end restaurants to fallow ! I highly recommend to get there around 8 pm since they have live music and shows and a cool light flare tradition ! Great for a romantic dinner with your love one and an excellent option for a larger group of family and friends ! Thank you for the experience you have provided to me during my visits I will keep coming back! P.s. Don’t miss out on dessert!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$900–1,000
Recommended dishes
Rib Eye 24k
A good option for dinner or drinks, trendy atmosphere but could do with more music variety to capture older crowds.
Food is great, while the Gold option on steakes are just for show, but it does give it a good touch if you're into that kinda thing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1,000+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
I was there Sunday 12/17 for lunch and I was very disappointed with the service of this restaurant. The food is okay, its not great. There are definitely much better resturants in Tijuana than this one.
My experience was ok, we were a group of 8 people and the restaurant was not crowded at all and we were there for 4 hours. The waiters were nice, but not efficient. It took one hour and half for them to bring us the appetizers, then when we placed our orders for our main entrees, they didn't tell us that they had ran out of New York Steak and burgers, but told us after we had already ordered Overall, the food is okay but the management of the restaurant is poorly, and for the price the experience needs to be better.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$600–700
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Picaña Gold 24k
This is a one of kind experience! The staff went out of there way to make the experience great by explaining menu items, being nice and patient, and providing a charging pack for a friend! The food tasted amazing! Highly recommend the cauliflower, pasta and tres leches cake!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$900–1,000
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Amazing service and food!!!! Do expect to pay $1800 at least per person. Will come back. Great service from the hostess to the waiters. Thank you Said and Manuel. Way better treatment and experience overall than Fuego Santo
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
The Magician Who Lost the Rabbit
