Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Mexico / Animalón, contemporary Mexican cuisine beneath a 200-year-old oak tree
It started eight years ago as a pop-up; now, this award-winning restaurant offers a tasting menu of contemporary Mexican cuisine.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
In recent days, I’ve been discussing Michelin-starred restaurants in Mexico and other unusual locations, such as Sushi Yoshitake in Tokyo—a tiny spot in an apartment with no sign, seating only seven diners. It proudly holds three Michelin stars! (I would die to go to Tokyo just to eat sushi.)
Mexican Cuisine in Valle de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, is Mexico’s most important wine region. This restaurant has a peculiar name: Animalón. Javier Plascencia, the owner, says he named it in honor of nature and animals (although I’m not entirely convinced). This place, under a magnificent oak tree (only during warm seasons; when it’s cold, you dine indoors, but it’s still enjoyable), started in 2017 as a pop-up or temporary restaurant. (These venues are present only for a limited time, often in flexible spaces, require advance reservations, and usually feature fixed tasting menus.) By 2018, it became a permanent location. It defines itself as a restaurant of “contemporary haute Mexican cuisine… with a fine-dining proposal of 5 to 8 courses.” (I wonder what they mean by ‘fine-dining’—do you need gloves and a pipe?)
Sustainable Cuisine
Animalón “works closely with local producers (oysters, duck, lamb), growers, and winemakers, promoting regional products with fairness and environmental awareness.”
As for the food, quickly: beef barbacoa cooked in beer, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a pig’s bladder, presented spectacularly at the table; theatrical broths, like tomato with chocolate and clam, served directly at the table; and kampachi ceviche, a heavenly delight. The dishes show Mediterranean, Franco-African, Indian, and Southeast Asian influences.
Oh, and did I mention they received their Michelin Star in 2024?
- What We Love and You Should Try: Beef barbacoa
- Address: Carretera Tecate - Ensenada Km 83, Ejido Francisco Zarco, Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Baja California
- Hours: Monday & Tuesday, closed; Wednesday & Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Best For: Late lunch, early dinner
- Payment: Cash and cards
- Accessibility: Yes
- Reservations: Not required
- Phone: +52 664 375 2658
- Pet Friendly: Outdoors
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Vegan Options: Yes
