Animalón

The Best Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico | Eater San Diego

"Chef Javier Plascencia has created a gastronomic wonderland of restaurants at his sizable property but the best seat is at a couple of dozen tables under a 200-year-old oak tree down the hill. Led by executive chef Oscar Torres, Animalon portrays a modern vision of Mexican wine country that celebrates the smoky flavors of the campestre with clay-baked lamb barbacoa and seared sea bass with sea urchin cream. The Mexican foie gras coulant is a decadent pleasure, and mussels served in false shells made from charred potatoes evoke a Baja seaside snack through a modernist lens. Plascencia celebrates the extreme pleasures of drinking wine, eating food cooked with fire, and indulging in opulent yet accessible products." - Bill Esparza

Olivea and Lunario Earn Michelin Stars in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe | Eater San Diego

"Retained its one Michelin star from the previous year." - Bill Esparza

"Many restaurants claim to be transporting, but how many deliver on the promise? Animalón certainly does. In season, this spot shines with an al fresco dining space under a centuries-old oak tree (during colder months, they move to a pop-up space). It's the very definition of tranquility, yet with owner Javier Plascencia at the helm, it's equally thrilling.The contemporary Mexican cuisine pulls influences from all over the country. The kitchen's vision is apparent in dishes like beer-braised barbacoa wrapped in a banana leaf, steamed and smoked in a pig's bladder, then served tableside for a dramatic presentation. Meanwhile, a tableside pour of tomato broth infused with chocolate clams is equal parts sweet, savory, and gently spicy." - Michelin Inspector

How to Visit Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's 'Napa Valley'

"Tucked in the shadow of a 200-year-old oak tree, Animalón by chef Javier Plascencia has quickly skyrocketed to the top of best in Mexico lists. The restaurant serves a seasonal tasting menu in six- or nine-course setups, drawing on inspiration from Valle de Guadalupe and the Baja region." - Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger left New York City for a life on the road. She has spent the majority of her career traveling and living in Mexico, and is passionate about seeing destinations in a slow-

The Michelin Guide Has Finally Arrived in Mexico—These Are the Starred Restaurants

"A Baja California restaurant known for its French-influenced Mexican cuisine."