Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Mexico / Pangea: 25 Years of “Haute Cuisine” in Monterrey
Nice and beautiful place is on the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
I’m genuinely pleased that, while researching for these notes, I come across surprises like this: a street stall in Singapore called Hill Street Ta Hwa Pork Noodle earned one of the coveted Michelin Stars — proving that not all Michelin-awarded places are expensive or “sophisticated.” There, at this tiny stall, they serve “the cheapest Michelin-starred dish”: the Soya Sauce Chicken Rice. Two dollars.
However, today we’re talking about a restaurant that does not serve $2 dishes. Quite the opposite. It’s called Pangea, located in San Pedro Garza García, Monterrey (we’ve already mentioned this affluent Mexican municipality). The name Pangea refers to the supercontinent that existed 335 million years ago, before today’s continents formed.
Haute Cuisine
I also want to touch on the meaning of “alta cocina” (haute cuisine), which can sound a bit pompous. It comes from French and essentially means that dishes require complex preparation, use fresh and seasonal ingredients, emphasize visual presentation, have a concept behind each plate, attention to detail, and an aesthetic atmosphere. Most of the time, all this is reflected in the price.
Pangea was founded 25 years ago by chefs Guillermo González Beristaín and Cristina Arechavala, with the goal of creating a haute cuisine space in northeastern Mexico. In 2018, chef Eduardo Morali joined the team.
À la Carte or Tasting Menu?
Indeed, the place is virtuous. The atmosphere delights the eyes, and dining options include both à la carte and tasting menus. Some highlights of Pangea’s cuisine (and my personal favorites) include: Camembert cream and Angus tartare (a perfect starter), and the crown jewel: cabrito, braised in beer. As expected from northern Mexican cuisine, the Angus filet stands out. Desserts are decadently wonderful, like the cheesecake brûlée and, best of all, the raspberry pavlova — sheer guilty pleasure!
Pangea was one of 16 Mexican restaurants awarded their first Michelin Star in 2024.
- What We Love and Recommend: Angus tartare
What We Don’t Love as Much: Well… the octopus. - Address: Av. del Roble 660, Valle del Campestre, San Pedro Garza García, N.L.
- Hours: Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Monday to Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Best for: Lunch and dinner
- Payment: Cash and cards
- Accessibility: Yes
- Reservations: Yes — restaurantepangea.com, opentable.com.mx | Tel. 81 8114 6601
- Pet Friendly: No
- Suitable for children: Yes
- Vegan options: Yes
