Friends, who knows about the Valle de Guadalupe? This is the premier wine region in Mexico which blends many of our favorite things. Elevated farm-to-table food, incredible wine, desert chic vibes, warm hospitality and funky architecture. Another huge perk is the Valle is located 1 hour and 15 minutes from the San Diego / Tijuana border. For ocean lovers, you will be just 30 minutes from amazing Rosarito beaches. Bring on the decadent and adventurous roadtrip weekends for anyone in the so-cal area.
*Did you know we have an AirBnB 30 minutes from the Valle on the coast of Rosarito, Mexico? Click here to stay at Casa Malaga during your wine-country adventure!
Baja Med Cuisine
This wine region has become our obsession since our first trip in 2020 during covid. We have enjoyed watching it grow and the food world catch on to how glorious Baja Med cuisine scene is. ‘Baja Med’ refers to a culinary movement that originated in Baja California, Mexico around 2017. Particularly in the cities of Tijuana and Ensenada. The term Baja Med is a combination of ‘Baja’ representing the Baja California peninsula, and ‘Med’, short for Mediterranean. Some common elements of Baja Med cuisine are grilled meats and seafood, olive oil, herbs, citrus fruits and a variety of garden-grown vegetables.
This movement is associated with a group of chefs who sought to break away from traditional Mexican cuisine. They have created a new and distinctive culinary identity for the Baja California region. The result is a fresh and modern take on Mexican gastronomy blending Mexican, Med and Asian flavors. I know the traditional staples of tacos, tamales and enchiladas hold a special place in all our hearts. However, imagine those same bold earthy flavors alchemized into tasting menus, light bites, veg forward dishes and share plates. We are hooked!
50-Best Article
In the recent 2023 50-Best article highlighting the top 100 restaurants in all of Latin America, the Valle de Guadalupe had 4 places make the list. The top Mexican restaurant was the Valle’s own Fauna at #5. Can you believe this restaurant ranked before the Mexico City heavy hitters of Pujol and Quintonil? We are ecstatic for the region, and of course this list influenced our recent foodie trip south. We were lucky enough to dine at 3 of the 4 hot spots that made the 50-Best article. Come along on this sumptuous journey!
Villa Torél
Coming in at #19 on this list is Villa Torél! Like many of the dining establishments in Valle de Guadalupe, they offer a rustic and charming outdoor dining experience. We learned about this lovely spot when they made the 2022, 50-Best of Latin America list. We love learning about highly rated places in the region that we have not tried. As you enter the property, you will pass by their modern Santo Tomas wine tasting room and make your way down to the perfectly landscaped gardens of Villa Torél. The expansive view of the valley, friendly staff, shabby chic decor and outdoor kitchen will have you feeling welcomed and relaxed in no time.
*As the Valle is a desert and offers a lot of al fresco dining and wine tasting, be sure to bundle up if you are visiting in the cooler months.
About the Food
Well, let’s talk about the food! The ceviche dishes pack a real citrus punch, which we love. They are paired with light, crumbly flour tortillas that feel like they are hot off the press from Nana. Our favorite plates thus far are the limpet coctel with fried crispy potato tacos, the deconstructed spin on baba ganoush, and the chunky potato salad with hand picked kale direct from the garden. Guaranteed you have never seen kale this fresh and vibrant green.
We had to congratulate the talented chef, Alfredo Villanueva on his recent ranking and he was just the sweetest most down-to-earth guy. He is passionate about his team and the experience they provide, and how about those glasses? Even more reason to return and try new menu items. The food and service are consistent crowd pleasers and we highly recommend you add Villa Torél to your next Valle trip. A visit here will make all your buddies go, WOW. This is also the perfect place for group dining or to host a special event.
Animalón
You cannot leave the Valle de Guadalupe without a proper tasting menu for dinner. Look no further than Animalón ranked #53 on the 100-Best in Latin America list in 2023. Chef Javier Placencia was the first chef we fell in love with in the region. The food at his sister restaurant Finco Altozano made us begin to digest what was going on with this emerging style of Mexican food. Getting a sneak peek into his colorful life on IG with his love for the ocean, family and entertaining has been a treat as well. Now, about the food at Animalón.
200 Year Old Oak Tree
With a restaurant of this caliber and reputation, you may expect table after table designed for many guests. That could not be further from the experience awaiting you under a 200 year old oak tree with a dusting of intentionally placed tables. The foyer is adorned with tasteful earthy elements and a captivating outdoor bar which all complement the natural surroundings. As the gracious staff escort you to your table under the tree, enjoy the amber lighting, locally inspired artwork and natural textures. The level of service and distance between tables will have you forgetting you are not the only guests being served. As the sun sets and dinner begins the staff will make sure you are the perfect temperature with blankets and heaters. For the rest of the night the moody lanterns in the oak tree, exquisite cuisine and charming waiters will steal the show.
Choose Your Tasting Menu
First off you will choose from a smaller or larger tasting menu. We went with the smaller as we had a hearty lunch and it was more than enough food. As the amuse-bouche with crunchy and creamy components and the first few courses of dainty citrus delights danced down our throats, we quickly wondered why we chose the smaller menu. One of the standout dishes was the generous portion of lump crab craftily blanketed in squash blossoms flowers. All this sitting in a glorious umami broth with perfectly cooked fava beans that had just the right bite. I don’t know about you, but my obsession with fava beans has not stopped since my first trip Dubai. They are so satiating and a nice switch up from garbanzos.
Croissant Cube
At this point, we were very content and dessert would have been enough. However, the real show stopper was about to emerge under my new favorite tree. The creamy pasta paired with a personal size croissant cube. Now, imagine a cube of flaky, buttery layers, toasted to golden perfection. This croissant cube serves as both an unexpected delight and a dipping vessel. It offers a crispy exterior that gives way to layers of soft, warm goodness on the inside. Just about every textural component was met in one bite and our only wish was for a few more cubes. We were so amused our waiter brought over the mold these crispy delights are baked in.
The party continues as the attentive staff flutters around with precision yet we are not over-served. For us, this is what makes a great meal an outstanding meal. The art of flawless service is a delicate dance and they nailed it.
Rounding out the Feast
Rounding out the feast was the mole taco topped with steamed mushrooms from banana leaves and a pallet cleanser of table-side tart shaved ice. For this unique moment, the staff casually rolled out a beautiful machine imported from Japan that turns ice into velvet. Dare I say Hawaii has some competition? Next, the creamy dessert bites and nostalgic Mexican hot chocolate complete the magic. We sat fat and happy and ready to curl up by the heater for a quick siesta. This experience showcased bold flavors in elegant plates and the chef’s creativity still has us talking. We hope you gather your food loving besties and enjoy this unique experience under the twinkling lanters.
Fauna and Lunario
This article would not be complete without mentioning Fauna and Lunario. Both restaurants making the top 100 in Latin America list for 2023. Fauna at #5 is a strong staple and has hosted the Valle Food and Wine Festival. We have enjoyed our dinners here, especially watching the chefs in the open-air kitchen create minimalist dishes. Our friends who eat meat really cannot get enough of this place. The dimly lit main dining area hosts a 25-foot communal table so be ready to make friends when you sit down. Fauna’s pastry chef Maribel Aldaco Silva was awarded the #1 pastry chef in all of Latin America, what an honor.
Lunario ranking at #54 is still a stylish mystery to us. We have heard rave reviews about this place for a few years and sadly, we have not dined here yet. With the recent press reservations fill up, so make sure to confirm your seats before your visit. We cannot wait to see what the hype is about and taste what chef Sheyla Alvarado is whipping up.
Mexican Foodie Paradise
The Valle de Guadalupe has emerged as a Mexican foodie paradise, seamlessly weaving together elevated farm-to-table dining, exquisite wines, and desert chic vibes. The recognition in the 50-Best article, featuring four top-ranking establishments, solidifies the region’s status as a culinary hot spot. This Mexican wine country beckons food enthusiasts on a captivating journey. Not just divine flavors but a rustic yet luxurious adventure that transcends the ordinary awaits you.
If you are planning your trip we encourage you to book Casa Malaga. Here you can enjoy the beach and wine region in one trip. If you would like one of our trusted drivers to take you around and more itinerary suggestions, please reach out to us here.
Salud a ti,
Rachel
PS~ For our wine lovers out there be sure to check out our Napa suggestions. Let us know how you think the regions compare and differ!
