Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Mexico / Lunario, sustainable and locally sourced cuisine with superb wines from Valle de Guadalupe
It began as a countryside grill in 2014 and quickly evolved into a fine dining restaurant that uses only local and nearby ingredients, with a menu that changes with the lunar phases.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
The awarding of Michelin Stars began, as we mentioned, in France in 1900. Today, the franchise has expanded to other countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We’ve already established that Mexico’s very first edition of the guide was published in 2024 — it’s still quite young. Not every country in the world has these precious little stars, and not every great chef dreams of receiving one. It’s like Spider-Man says: “With great power comes great responsibility.” In other words, reaching the Michelin stratosphere is a massive challenge. Of course, we know that being the best always requires tremendous effort, discipline, and consistency.
Today, we’re talking about another restaurant in Baja California (we’ve already featured Olivea). I have to say I loved something that Sheyla Alvarado, Lunario’s chef, said: “At first, I wanted to be a psychologist… but I saw in cooking another way to make people happy.” And wow — she really does make us happy!
From Country Grill to Fine Dining
Lunario began as a “country-style grill” under the curious name Traslomita, located in Valle de Guadalupe, right next to a ranch called Carrodilla (odd name, isn’t it?). Then came the infamous pandemic, and, following the well-known distancing protocols, the restaurant evolved — or rather, leapt — into a fine dining establishment, thanks to Sheyla’s drive and creativity.
Lunario is fascinating in that its menu changes with the lunar cycles (roughly every month). The restaurant embraces a “sustainable cuisine” model: all vegetables are grown at La Carrodilla, and the fish and seafood come from the nearby Pacific coast — where you can find abalone, bluefin tuna, oysters, clams, sea urchins, and lobsters. They also produce their own dairy products.
The Recognitions
In 2023, Lunario made it onto the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list; in 2024, it received the Michelin Green Star for its environmental commitment; and in 2025, it was finally awarded its coveted Michelin Star. It’s also worth noting that wine plays a leading role in this story. They serve their own wines (from La Carrodilla and Valle de Guadalupe), with a suggested pairing for every dish.
Seven-Course Tasting Menu
Although, as mentioned, the menu changes with the full moon, here’s a look at the current seven-course lineup:
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Scallop with melon and fava bean aguachile
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Smoked lamb tartare
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Mussel, shrimp, and honey
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Pumpkin and ricotta tamal wrapped in grape leaf
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Catch of the day with peas, lemon, and capers
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Duck carnitas taco
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Orange leaf with kumquat umeboshi (a Japanese-style preserve, salty and sour, made here with kumquats)
And for dessert: beetroot with burnt vanilla.
Let me insist — there’s no reason to postpone that trip to Ensenada any longer.
- What we love and you must try: everything.
- What we didn’t love as much: I’m not a fan of mussels… but that’s just me.
- Address: Valle de Guadalupe, Ejido del Porvenir, Baja California.
- Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: dinner with friends or a romantic evening.
- Payment: cash and cards accepted.
- Public transport nearby: none.
- Accessibility: yes.
- Reservations: yes — reservacioneslunario@gmail.com
- Phone: +52 646 156 8469
- Pet friendly: yes.
- Good for kids: yes.
- Vegan options: yes.
