Baja California Mexico Excels at the Michelin Awards

All credit goes to the region of Baja California as some of its restaurants managed to win the coveted Michelin star. Among them, Animalón in Valle de Guadalupe not only won a star but was also honored with the Sommelier Award for its extraordinary cellar, showcasing the regional mastery of winemaking.

In El Porvenir, Valle de Guadalupe, the project of chef Esteban Lluis, a cook known for his focus on local seasonal ingredients that provide freshness and quality in every dish, was awarded its first Michelin star as well.

Photo: Food and Travel

A collaboration between Casa de Piedra winery and Deckman's kitchen, Conchas de Piedra in Ensenada also earned a Michelin star. This restaurant combines enological offerings with regional seafood to create a unique enogastronomy experience.

Among the special recognitions, Restaurante Amores in Tecate was awarded the Service Award, a distinction for excellence in customer care. This distinction is the driving force needed to provide an overall exceptional gastronómico mexicano experience.

Michelin Green Stars for Commitment to Sustainability

Alongside the popular Michelin stars, the guide has introduced Green Stars to those institutions with an exceptional commitment to sustainability and a particular focus on the environment. In this launch, some restaurants in Baja California had the honor. Conchas de Piedra, Deckman's en el Mogor, and Lunario in Valle de Guadalupe, were recognized for their sustainability.

1. Conchas de Piedra - Valle de Guadalupe

This rustic-chic endeavor blossomed from the partnership between Deckman's restaurant and Casa de Piedra, a prominent winery nestled among the valley's vineyards. Deckman's showcases its expertise in seafood cuisine, while Casa de Piedra shines with its selection of sparkling wines. The outdoor space exudes warmth and charm, with communal tables illuminated by strings of lights overhead, accompanied by a delightful soundtrack of instrumental music.

Photo: Conchas de piedra

2. Deckman's en el Mogor - Valle de Guadalupe

This restaurant, recognized as an icon, is located on the grounds of Cavas del Mogor, a short distance from the main road. As is common in the area, its dining area is outdoors and consists of a platform with tables shaded by trees and hanging lights above them.

Photo: Deckman´s 

3. Lunario - Valle de Guadalupe

Visit during the appropriate season and stroll along the gently winding path that meanders through the Lomita winery estate. You'll come upon a structure resembling a greenhouse. When you walk in, Lunario looks modern with a cool Brooklyn style and seats near the bar.
It's a great place to watch the chefs cook in the open kitchen. Here, Chef Sheyla Alvarado crafts a tasting menu comprising four or six courses (including a vegetarian option) that evolves with each new lunar cycle.

Photo: Lunario

Green Stars are awarded to restaurants that make an effort to be environmentally friendly in their operations. This includes how they source ingredients, manage waste, and use resources efficiently. The restaurants that receive Green Stars work hard to be eco-friendly. They focus on sustainable practices in sourcing ingredients and managing waste.
They also strive to use resources efficiently in their daily operations. This is a recognition of gastronomic quality but also an investment in the future of more sustainable gastronomy.

Wealth and Quality in Baja California Restaurants

The wealth and quality of Baja California restaurants included in the Michelin Guide 2024 recommendation list are simply astonishing.
Among these establishments are the celebrated:

- Tijuana's Restaurants:

Mision 19

The name pays homage to the 18 Catholic missions that once dotted Baja California, although the mission of celebrating local cuisine here may not carry the same spiritual weight. Situated on the second floor of Vía Corporativo, Mexico's second self-sustaining building, the restaurant advocates for sustainability by sourcing ingredients that travel no more than 200 km.

 

Oryx 

Chef Ruffo Ibarra oversees this legendary Tijuana establishment. The dining area boasts an industrial ambiance with its dark earth tones, red brick walls, wooden and tiled floors, metal beams, and cozy lighting. While the cuisine remains firmly rooted in Mexican tradition, it also incorporates contemporary elements.

 

Tacos El Franc

This vibrant taqueria is housed in what resembles a shed, adorned with vibrant blue awnings. Inside, you'll find numerous tables, some bolted to the floor while others are freestanding, all encircling the counter. Take a seat at a table and place your order with one of the welcoming ladies in aprons who roam the premises.

 

- Ensenada's Restaurants:

Ophelia

Ophelia Ensenada stands out among the seafood-centric restaurants in Sauzal de Rodríguez. Unlike its counterparts, this establishment boasts light-colored walls, a wooden ceiling, and dark tiled floors. The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes. These include salads, pastas, pizzas, and tasty starters such as roasted octopus, fish in mole, roasted quail, and lamb shank.

Photo: Ophelia

Punta Morro

This hotel restaurant is perfectly situated overlooking the ocean. If you time it just right, you can experience an unforgettable dinner with breathtaking sunset views in its cozy dining area surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Photo: Punta morro

Madre

Madre, an exceptionally comfortable and inviting spot, is the brainchild of chefs Miguel Bahena and Carolina Verdugo. The dining space, nestled within a charming white stucco house adorned with clay tiles, is divided into two cozy rooms and a welcoming bar area, all complemented by an open kitchen in the rear.

Photo: Madre

In the realm of star Michelin in México, the inclusion of these star restaurants showcases the region's culinary excellence. Moreover, the Michelin Guide also features Bib Gourmand selections, emphasizing affordable yet high-quality dining options. Cocina de autor Los Cabos and other unique dining experiences in Baja California contribute to the region's gastronomic prestige.

Restaurants in Baja California offer delicious food made with local, fresh ingredients. They focus on creativity and new cooking methods, showcasing the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions. These places in the Michelin Guide are of good quality.

This shows that the food culture in the region is changing and growing. Michelin star restaurants in Mexico, particularly those in Baja California, exemplify this shift, making the region a notable destination for gastronomic excellence.
To ensure the reliability and fairness of these awards, the Michelin Guide performs checks on reviews. For more information on their evaluation process, you can read our transparency report.