Valle de Guadalupe World’s 50 Best Rankings
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine country, has emerged as the nation's culinary epicenter, boasting numerous Michelin-awarded restaurants and establishments ranked in the World's 50 Best. This region, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, has become a must-visit destination for food and wine enthusiasts alike. In this blog, I'll delve into my experiences at restaurants ranked in the World's 50 Best, spanning Valle de Guadalupe, Guadalajara, and Milan, with a focus on the dynamic offerings in Valle de Guadalupe—a burgeoning wine region that has captivated the palates of discerning travelers.
Photo credit @wineeatandtravel at Fauna Restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe
A Brief Introduction to the World's 50 Best Rankings
In the ever-evolving culinary world, the esteemed World's 50 Best Restaurants ranking has become a symbol of excellence. Initiated in 2002 by the British magazine *Restaurant*, this ranking swiftly gained global recognition among discerning food enthusiasts. Acknowledging the diverse and exceptional culinary talent worldwide, the organization expanded its list in 2019 to feature the top 100 restaurants. This expansion aimed to honor a wider array of extraordinary dining experiences, allowing more chefs and their restaurants to gain the recognition they truly deserve.
The selection process is thorough and unbiased, involving a panel of over 1,000 culinary experts, including food writers, critics, chefs, and restaurateurs from around the globe. These experts cast their votes based on personal dining experiences, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic representation of global culinary trends and innovations.
Photo credit @Wine Eat and Travel at Fauna Valle de Guadalupe
Fauna Valle de Guadalupe World 50 best Rankings
No. 100 Worlds 50 Best Restaurants in 2024
No. 5 Latin America 50 Best Restaurants in 2023
No. 1 México‘s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023
Maribel Aldaco Best Pastry Chef in Latin America 2023
*One to watch by the World 50 Best 2018 *An accolade reserved for establishments with promising potential and exceptional talent.
Fauna holds a special place our heart as one of Valle de Guadalupe's culinary gems, having opened its doors in 2017 and consistently delivering exceptional cuisine throughout the years. The restaurant stands out for its impeccable service, striking architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. Led by Chef David Castro and pastry chef Maribel Aldaco from Ensenada, Fauna has continuously impressed diners with its innovative dishes and warm hospitality.
Among Fauna standout dishes are the Rockot Ceviche, Scallops, and Snail Ceviche, which showcase Chef Castro's affinity for bold flavors and inventive combinations. For the full Fauna experience, I recommend indulging in their curated menu, allowing the chef to guide your culinary journey with a selection of shared plates and seasonal delights.
Overall, Fauna exemplifies the essence of Valle de Guadalupe's culinary renaissance—a testament to creativity, passion, and the rich tapestry of flavors derived from fresh and locally sourced ingredients in Mexico's wine country
The average price per person at Fauna is approximately $150 USD for their experimental menu, with variations depending on the season and wine pairing. For à la carte orders, expect to spend around $50 - $75 USD per person. Please note that à la carte orders are typically available for groups of fewer than 7 people.
Photo credit @Wine Eat and Travel at Villa Torél Valle de Guadalupe
Villa Torél Valle de Guadalupe
No. 19 in Latin America World 50 Best 2023.
Villa Torél offers a magical outdoor setting, perfect for enjoying breathtaking sunsets in the Valley. Their Liernes event on Mondays is a highlight, featuring a surprising set menu and live music vibes, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the enchantment. While their cuisine tends to be more flavorful for some tastes, the overall atmosphere makes it a memorable experience. Alfredo Villanueva and his wife Denisse lead the culinary experience at Villa Torel.
Don't miss their Roasted Carrot with Duck Jus and Brown Butter—a simple yet delicious dish that has been our favorite for years. The average price is $50 - $70 USD per person.
Photo credit @Animalon
Animalón Valle de Guadalupe
No.53 Latin America World 50 best 2023
As previously featured in our blog regarding their recent Michelin star, Animalón is owned by renowned chef Javier Plascencia, with Javier Torres as the head chef and Lauren Plascencia as the awarded sommelier by the Michelin guide in 2024. This restaurant offers a fine dining experience with an outstanding wine list under an ancient oak tree with a lovely outdoor setup, making it perfect for special occasions. Please note that Animalon does not offer à la carte options and tends to have elevated prices. Average price 200 USD per person.
Other places we've visited that are ranked under the World's 50 Best outside of Valle de Guadalupe
Photo Credit @Wine Eat and Travel, Guadalajara México
Alcalde Guadalajara
No. 67 The World 50 best Restaurants 2024
Led by chef Paco Ruano, offers a contrasting blend of flavors and culinary skills. While we enjoyed the pairing menu with international wines and raicilla, we found the portions to be small for their high price, average 200 USD per person leaving us hungry after the 7-course meal. If visiting again, we may opt for the à la carte menu.
La Langosteria Milan, Italy
50 Best Discovery
50 Best Discovery offers over 3,200 venues across 600 cities worldwide, highlighting lesser-known spots and emerging talent.
My inaugural visit to Milan in January 2024 left an indelible mark on my culinary journey. Amidst the city's bustling gastronomic scene, I had the opportunity of discovering La Langosteria, an intimate restaurant exuding sophistication with its dimmed lights and elegant ambiance. Specializing in seafood, La Langosteria offered a delightful six-course menu, which I had the pleasure of experiencing. Each course showcased the freshness of their ingredients, leaving a lasting impression on my palate. Accompanied by a bottle of Ribolla Gialla from the north of Italy, known for its great minerality and punch of acidity, with a dry and fresh aftertaste, perfectly complementing the seafood dishes, the dining experience at La Langosteria was truly memorable.
