The Baja Wine Country Michelin Guide: Exploring New Ratings and Surprising Omissions.
In a historic moment for Mexico's culinary scene, the Michelin Guide debuted in the country on May 14, 2024, covering six cities, including Baja California, our area of expertise, which received 6 Michelin stars, 8 Bib Gourmand distinctions, and 22 recommended restaurants. This marks the first time Mexico has been awarded Michelin stars since their inception in 1926. While the MICHELIN Guide is globally renowned for its rigorous star system, questions arise about the authenticity and fairness of the mentions and ratings. Have the inspectors truly captured Mexico's culinary excellence, or have some top establishments been unjustly overlooked? Let's explore the debut and examine the controversy.
Photo credit @aneltini at Deckman’s
Amidst the excitement of the Michelin guide featuring The Baja Wine Country, opinions within the culinary community are divided. Some locals and food critics embrace the recognition with enthusiasm, while others express dissent, highlighting the varied perspectives that shape our culinary landscape. Despite these differing viewpoints, one thing remains clear: the chefs who have tirelessly worked to elevate our region's culinary scene deserve recognition. Whether formally acknowledged by the Michelin Guide or not, their contributions have undoubtedly captured the attention of inspectors, spotlighting our vibrant food culture on a global stage.
Michelin Red Star Rating
Each star awarded represents a distinct level of culinary achievement. And the three restaurants in Baja’s Wine Country awarded a Michelin red star for denoting outstanding cooking, are certainly worth a stop. Wine Eat Travel has reviewed such restaurants and our thoughts on each establishment will be shared, culminating in our sincere opinion about the ratings.
Valle de Guadalupe One Star Restaurants
In the realm of one-star rated restaurants in Valle, we extend our deepest congratulations to Animalon, Damiana, and Conchas de Piedra. However, it's worth noting that our assessment is tinged with a sense of omission. Fauna, recognized as the best restaurant in Mexico in 2023 and ranked fifth in Latin America by the World's 50 Best Restaurants, certainly merits inclusion in this esteemed list.
Photo credit @animalon
Animalon a Taste of Elegance: Dining Under an ancient Oak in Valle de Guadalupe
Our multiple visits to this enchanting restaurant have consistently delivered exceptional culinary experiences, each one unique with fresh flavors and expertly curated pairings by the respected sommelier Lauren Placencia, also awarded by the Michelin Guide. The intimate setting beneath an ancient oak tree, combined with rustic chic decor and impeccable service, creates a dining atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated.
Under the culinary direction of Chef Oscar Torres and owned by the renowned Chef Javier Placencia, this restaurant offers a set menu ranging from six to eight courses, priced between $175 and $250 USD. Each dish is a carefully crafted journey through diverse flavors, guided personally by the chef. While this structured menu may not cater to casual dining, it is perfect for intimate, special occasions where the focus is on an extraordinary gastronomic adventure rather than a la carte flexibility.
Photo credit @Conchas de Piedra
As avid shellfish enthusiasts, we relish the exquisite freshness of the ingredients at Chef Drew Deckman’s renowned Conchas de Piedra restaurant, which has proudly earned both a Michelin Red Star for its high-quality cuisine and a Green Star for its robust commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Here, the flavors are delicately balanced, allowing the refined essence and texture of the shellfish to shine without being overpowered by condiments.
Nestled next to the winery of pioneering winemaker Hugo de Acosta, this establishment offers a unique pairing of sparkling wine and shellfish, perfect for a refreshing summer experience. It's worth noting that this gem is best suited for a delightful lunch stop. The portions are modest, focusing on the essence of shellfish, making it less ideal for a hearty dinner. Additionally, the menu is dynamic, changing daily based on the freshest available ingredients. This thoughtful approach ensures each visit offers something new and memorable, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Photo of @Edgar Lima at Natal Comunidad with chef Esteban Lluis
Damiana, awarded one red star, is currently helmed by Chef Esteban at Viñedos de La Reina. Over the past three years, we've been avid followers of Esteban's culinary journey, which has taken us to various locations, each showcasing his unique approach to cuisine. Damiana's first location was next to Casa Frida in Valle de Guadalupe, where Esteban maintained an organic orchard. There, his father warmly welcomed guests, and the cuisine was consistently delightful, reflecting Esteban's dedication and personal touch in the kitchen. After Casa Frida, Esteban moved to Lechuza, offering a simpler yet equally impressive menu, perfect for a lunch bite.
Our journey with Esteban began at Natal Bosque, an experimental zero-kilometer kitchen nestled in a secret forest at the entrance of Valle de Guadalupe. Here, Esteban's talent shone as he crafted delicious meals from the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients.
While we don’t doubt the authenticity and flavors of Esteban's cuisine, we wonder if this restaurant is too new to gauge consistency due to its recent opening. We definitely need to visit him at his new location to update our palate.
Michelin Green Star Rating
Introduced by the Michelin Guide in 2020, the Green Star is a distinction awarded to restaurants demonstrating a robust commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Unlike a traditional quality label, the Green Star serves as a guide rather than a certification, directing restaurant-goers to dining experiences where Michelin inspectors have been impressed by the establishment's dedication to sustainability. The green start rated restaurants where Conchas de Piedra (mentioned above) Deckman’s & Lunario.
Photo credit @wineeatandtravel
Drew Deckman’s cuisine has always exemplified consistency, with a focus on high-quality sustainable farming and the freshest proteins, all prepared with seasonal ingredients. The menu varies based on the finest products available, ensuring a dynamic and delightful dining experience. Situated within a ranch and surrounded by the beautiful vineyards of El Mogor Badan winery, the freshness of the ingredients is palpable in every dish, and we wholeheartedly agree with the well-deserved Michelin rating.
Sustainable practices
The restaurant cultivates approximately 80% of its vegetables across three gardens, each hosting at least five beehives. Organic waste is transformed into compost, and shells are creatively repurposed to control erosion, aid in construction, enrich garden soil, or provide calcium for the chickens. Most ingredients travel no more than 35 km from their source to your plate, ensuring peak freshness. Additionally, all seafood is sourced exclusively from Baja California.
Photo credit @wineeatandtravel
Nestled within the Lomita winery, Lunario offers a modern dining experience with an open kitchen led by Chef Sheyla Alvarado. The restaurant features a four or six-course tasting menu that changes with every new moon, showcasing bold and innovative dishes. Awarded the MICHELIN Green Star, Lunario emphasizes sustainability by using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, mainly from their own farm and garden, and supporting local seafood suppliers and regional viticulture. The restaurant's commitment to eco-friendly practices and its creative cuisine make it a standout destination in the Valle de Guadalupe.
Having personally visited their farms and vineyards, we can attest to Lunario's impressive sustainable and organic practices. Their dedication to sustainability is truly exemplary and sets a standard for others to follow.
Photo credit @wineeatandtravel at Villa Torel Ensenada
Since 1955, the guide has also highlighted restaurants offering exceptionally good food at moderate prices, a feature now called Bib Gourmand. The restaurants must offer menu items priced below a maximum determined by local standards. *We took on the task of ranking the Michelin recommendations from our top picks
Baja California Rated Restaurants
Tijuana
La Carmelita - Tijuana *Never been, definitely on our list!
Ensenada
La Concheria
Sabina
Humo y Sal
Casa Marcelo
Valle de Guadalupe
Villa Torel
La Cocina de Doña Esthela
Merak
Photo credit @wineeatandtravel at Bruma Wine Garden
For restaurants in the selection without a star or Bib Gourmand, it signifies a chef's dedication to quality ingredients and skilled cooking, resulting in a satisfying dining experience. It's a testament to above-average food quality, even if it doesn't quite reach the star level.
*We took on the task of ranking the Michelin recommendations from our top picks
Valle de Guadalupe Michelin Recommendations
Bruma Wine Garden
Primitivo
Envero en el Valle
Malva Baja Cocina
Olivea Farm to Table
Kous Kous
Latitud 32
Corazón D'Petra
Taqueria La Principal
Ensenada Michelin Recommendations
Ophelia Baja California
Manzanilla
Tacos Mi Ranchito El Fenix
Restaurante Punta Morro
Tacos Marco Antonio
El Paisa
Madre
Tijuana Michelin Recommendations
Oryx
Mision 19
Tacos el Franc
Tecate
Restaurante Amores
If you're wondering about the two missing names from the list, they are Deckman’s and Lunario, which we mentioned earlier. It's unclear why they have been awarded and recommended twice in the Michelin guide.
Hope you enjoyed our insights. Having lived in the region for over three years, we have diligently explored, dined, and sipped our way through countless spots to offer our clients the best recommendations possible. Nevertheless, we eagerly anticipate hosting you on your next visit to Baja Wine Country.
Warm regards,
Karina Campos
Your Dedicated Travel Designer