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Amazing experience from start to finish. When you go to a Michelin star restaurant you have certain lofty expectations and Animalon met them all. The ambiance is so creative and fun like eating in a romantic tree house. The service was timely, staff friendly and knowledgeable. Mario helped us navigate food preferences on the menu, the kitchen accommodating us with a slightly modified offering. Food was surprising and delicious. It was presented beautifully and tasted great. Plates Paired with local Baja wines made it a memorable night.
This place gave my mom and I an amazing experience. Since we walked in we were treated with so much care. The server was so kind and detail oriented. None of them allowed my drink to go completely empty before refilling it again. And the food was really good, my mom doesn't like oysters but these are some of the one she raves about. The portions may seem small but there are plenty of courses to feel full. The place itself is so beautiful, when the weather is nice they seat their guests under this beautiful tree. They strung lanterns that light up as the sunsets. It's very beautiful. Can't wait to go back. The dessert was also really good. The servers were so kind to us that they gave us more. Truly great overall.
Animalon. Not our first visit and will not be our last. The food, service and ambiance leave nothing to chance and all of those involved should be commended for their individual attention to detail while bringing the team to the fore. A special mention to Mario who has greeted us and looked after us so well. See you all soon! Continued success If you wonder why I have not given detailed notes on the food, well, you need to just go dip your toe in what they do! It's fantastic.
Truly one of the most memorable meals I've ever had!!! Such a beautifully curated dining experience under a 300 y/o oak tree! If you have the opportunity to go, please do yourself a favor and book this TREAT! I think about this meal regularly and will probably never delete the 50+ videos I have. You can feel all the love & intention that goes into the menu. Staff is well trained, so accommodating (English & Spanish), and really knowledgeable. While expensive, every penny is WORTH IT. My meal 6/24/23 that I never ever want to forget: Snack 1: Potato puff w caviar Snack 2: Sea snail, machaca/dashi broth Course 1: Kampachi ceviche Course 2: Black cod in dashi Course 3: Scallop w tamarind butter Snack 3: Cube croissant Course 4: Crab tallarin Course 5: Beef barbacoa taco Snack 4: Shaved ice w tajin over fruit/chamoy w a mango lemon syrup (omg perfect palate cleanser) Course 6: Cacao tasting - sorbet, tamal, cacao cremeux Extra dessert: Strawberry shortcake crumble w olive oil / chamomile mousse Snack 5: Bonbons, wafers
This was our first tasting menu experience and wow just wow. Every meal was so fresh and delicious and surprisingly the quantity was more than enough. We left over filled! lol every meal was so unique too and the waiter explicitly described each meal and even provided us with two additional snacks making the 6 course tasting menu basically 8 course. One star off for the price. Quite overpriced we paid $330 for two people. This is one Michelin star and I just don't think it warrants that kind of price albeit food quality and ambiance (huge tree seating under it) being great. Side note I love how Mexico restaurants has these cute purse holders.cute touch :)
What an experience! Beautiful and trendy scenery. Fast paced top notch service. Exquisite and refined fare. Definitely a bucket list experience. My friend and I came with high hopes and were not let down. We split a tasting menu and were blown away. Each course was masterfully prepared to tell a story with every bite. It was truly unlike any experience I've had before. Just sheer perfection. We also shared an order of the arroz chicali and it was amazing - probably my favorite part of the meal! If I had an animalon near my home I'd be in trouble because I can see myself ordering that as takeout every weekend. . It was that good. The wine list is on point and the stout old fashioned I tried was OMG amazing. I also like that they have a wine shop on the premises where you can buy to-go wine without the restaurant markup. My onlyyyyyy comment is that I'd like to see more female staff. As progressive as this place seemed culinarily and trend-wise, i was surprised to find the vast majority of the staff to be male, and the few women I saw on staff were in lesser supporting roles. One of my favorite things about the valle is the progressive environment that allows women winemakers to be celebrated and I'd love to see that happening more in the culinary scene as well. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to head back for the summer experience.
Animalon was an amazing culinary experience. This restaurant is nestled under the most beautiful tree and creates such a nice vibe. Our server went above and beyond and made great recommendations. The multi course meal was amazing and just the perfect amount of food. I will always be back when I visit the valle as this is truly a can't miss spot. Tip- dress warm and make sure you have a reservation.
VDG is definitely the culinary food scene and is worthy of a visit (or many visits). We are determined to try all the incredible chefs tasting menu. There are many, so this trip we landed on Animalon because we are fans of Javier Placencia. We did chefs tasting menu of 12 course which was about $4100 ($215ish USD) pesos each, plus $1800 ($95 USD) for wine pairing. IMO a great deal especially that you get a lot more food than a chefs tasting in the US. It's expensive for Mexican standards but just know what you're getting into when you chose something like this. Tasting menus are meant to taste their best items. We certainly got full towards the end. I hate to say it but it was too much. Lol. I think go with the 8 course. We enjoyed their cocktails, my tamarind martini was meh but their Paloma sour was bomb. We got amuse bouche to start off. Tasting items included oysters, tuna tartare, poached seabass, grill catch of the day with curry, sweet corn in croute, crab tallarin, foie gras, smoked chicken breast, braised short ribs, lamb barbacoa, palate cleanser, dessert pavlova, coconut dessert and chocolate soufflé. Ended with some truffles. It was a lot of food, 3 desserts! Our favorites were the grill catch with curry, smoked chicken, sweet corn in croute and the lamb barbacoa. They were delightful. The desserts were great too. Overall, we enjoyed the tasting menu. It was great but we still thought Fauna was better. Worth a visit for foodies!
This is where I spent my actual birthday this year! Hubby made reservations and we arrived early because we didn't want to take any chances crossing the border, etc. There was a cute little waiting area with a swing seat, so we decided to start off with some drinks before dinner! He ordered a cocktail and I had the mocktail version of it. The drinks were pretty and refreshing! They also gave us complimentary shots, so we each took one. I liked that it came with sliced oranges, salt, and a some kind of taijin. When it was time to head to our table, someone came to escort us in. Only outdoor seating is available, so I chose the table underneath the tree. We both did the 12 course Chef's Table, but he also added the wine pairing. Each dish was carefully crafted, beautiful, and so delicious. We had the tiradito de atun, bacalao negro pochado, lobina zarandeada, veloute en croute, tallarin de cangrejo, foie-gras, pichon, anejado, wagyu, barbacoa de borrego! I was so full!! For desserts, we had 3! the Flore de sauco and frambuesa, coco and mamey, and the souffle de chocolate. All were different and very unique. Since it was my birthday, they even brought out a special one with a candle on top. I had the best time here. The service was friendly and fast. Animalon was the perfect spot to celebrate my birthday and I couldn't have asked for more.
This was the most amazing coursed experience that I've had in a very long time. From the moment we entered the restaurant I knew this was going to be a special occasion. The menu was innovative, every course was delicious and they accepted all of our dietary restrictions with open arms. The ambiance was great - the staff top notch- the decor with the perfectly curated , the garden, the pets - dogs and burros !! The beautiful garden. A few highlights The wine - the tequila - the ice cube The plates , the glassware Consommé amuse bouche Tempura Kampachi Grilled fish The tiny pasta with purée Potato perfectly steamed ? The square croissants The shaved ice palette cleanser - ammmmazing! The seeded menu, I'll leave that as a surprise Only one issue is that it was freezing so dress warm if you dine here. The staff gave us blankets and started a fire so that helped to warm us up. I can't wait to return during summer months.
Very romantic location and you are literally eating underneath/inside the canopy of a big oak tree. Prepare to "fight" for their portable heaters because it was super cold. The staff hands out some think blankets for people to stay warm. The dogs guarding the vineyard also come join you for your meal and will keep you company while sleeping at your feet near the heaters. Service was very attentive. Water and drinks were constantly flowing. You will not go thirsty here. We chose the 9 course set menu which comes with everything on the menu as well as some extra dishes/tapas so in reality you are getting closer to 12 dishes. So much more worth it compared to the 6. Presentation of every dish was stunning and very noteworthy. The ceviche was refreshing and a perfect blend between the citrus flavors and the coconut crème. The blue corn tostada was no ordinary tostada either. The texture of it was like that of a puffed rice cake. The Bacalao was nice and flaky and when paired with the smoked dashi and tomato broth, it added a nice flavor profile with the acidity of the tomato and smokiness making you feel like the fish was cooked over an open fire. The Callo Margarita was nice and firm but I couldn't taste the hazelnut or even the tamarind flavor from the butter sauce. It was a decadent butter sauce but I felt like there was a bit too much salt. The Tallarín was good but didn't taste anything special. Was hoping the sherry they used had a bit more of a profile to it but it didn't add or subtract from the dish. The Foie-gras course was definitely one of the most unique. The croissant cube filled with foie gras ganache was soo good it should be sold internationally. If you're a lover of foie gras then this will be perfect for you. In the ganache form it was actually even more rich to the point it feels like you are drowning (in a good way) in foie gras. Even though then ganache is piped into the middle of the croissant square the croissant did not lose its flakiness and still maintained its laminations. Strawberry and rhubarb chutney was more like a fresh made peanut butter and strawberry jelly which helped cut the richness of the foie gras and added a nice crunch component to the dish. The alternate to the foie gras dish is a croissant cube made with I believe a black sesame infused dough. This is paired with a pork fat and and salt. The Perdue Madre & Hijo was perfectly cooked and the presentation was just as stunning. Squab leg and thigh was soo delicious it left you wanting more. The quail egg was elevated into a Scottish egg. The duck was cooked perfectly and the radish was in an apple tepache glaze which made it look like a golden strawberry. The Barbacoa was very juicy and flavorful. Wrapped in banana leaves and sealed in clay. This dish was a work of loved. This dish was prepared table side as they break open the clay present with an actual rock. They then put the ingredients together in front of each diner as they put together the taco for each diner. The cheese dish was a fresh cannoli filled with ricotta and lemon topped with chopped pistachios and a lemon jelly glaze. The Kakigori intermission, they use a clear large ice brick and shave it tableside and top it with some tajin-like seasoning and tamarind water. All this is on a bed of spheres cucumbers, jicama, and tamarind jelly. One of the most uniquely presented palette cleansers. Strawberry shortcake was unlike any I've ever had before. Freeze dries strawberries ground into a powder topped a very smooth and airy chamomile vanilla mousse. And finally the Degustacion de Cacao. How server explained this dish was "a journey of chocolate". The chocolate tamale was decadent and just the right amount of sweetness and bitterness from the added cacao nibs. The sorbet was made from the flowers of the cacao tree. And cacao cremeux is like a cold hot chocolate but made from the shell of the cacao fruit.
Hands down best restaurant we ate at during our trip! Definitely pricey we came not knowing only prix-fix of approximately $130 USD a person for lunch, so make sure ahead of time. During warmer months it's outdoor dining under the tree and during cooler months it's indoor. Best Passionfruit cocktail we had was here. Food was so amazing - literally one of the best restaurants I ever ate in my life!
8 years ago
I am a huge fan of the Valle cuisine and When I first heard about Animalon I knew I had to try it. This is a seasonal restaurant under a tree from the chef Javier Placencia. The place is just amazing, you won't believe how cool and fresh it is. They have a menu with 7 tiempos and 4 tiempos ( which means 7 or 4 plates ) they also have a vegetarian menu and a la carta menu. The price is not what you can call affordable, but no good restaurant is anyway. They also have special menu for a party of 4 which is a good deal and a lot food. The wine and the cocktails are really good too. The food is delicious, amazing presentation, excellent service and a breath taking location. If you are going I really recommend you get a reservation after 5 ( if you can ) so you can enjoy both the day and night atmosphere Be aware that this is al fresco restaurant which means that you will have to deal with flies- I know- but it's totally worth it, I guarantee. read more
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Animalón P.
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4 years ago
I have participated in my fair share of fine dining in America, I say this to say that Animalón's atmosphere, design, and overall vibe exceeded the top tier restaurants I've gone to in the states. I went in the evening, the second you walk up the dirt path you feel as if you are entering into a different world. The music was so fitting to the vibe, with the perfect cadence of sound. Not too loud, not too low. You feel as if you've entered into another realm. Even the restrooms had incense burning that added to the coziness and almost Bohemian vibe it gives off although I don't want to subject it to bohemian style because the restaurant has its own style. The presentation of the food was remarkable, beautiful plates and table setting. They even give you warm blankets if it's slightly chilly and the servers almost tuck you in with the blanket which is sweet. The service was great, everyone is very attentive and kind. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the food. The food was good, it was not something i craved and fell in love with. It almost seemed like the chef tries to use different flavors with one another to make the meals unique but it ends up just tasting a little off, never unpleasant, just not super cohesive with the different tastes. Either way, 10/10 recommend to go for the atmosphere, vibe, and service! read more
I came here over thanksgiving break right before they closed for the winter. The setting is absolutely stunning outside under a tree. It was freeeezing outside but they had blankets for you. The food was so good. My gf got the vegetarian 7 course tasting menu and everything was phenomenal. I had the Barbacoa dish that came in a shell thing that i had to crack. It was not only fun, but it was Godly. It was so good my vegetarian gf had a some. I highly recommend coming here. It's a unique experience With fantastic dood and a beautiful setting. read more
2 years ago
Loved this place so much, it was such an enchanting & romantic place. All the food was so exquisite and delicious! Definitely a must visit if traveling to Valle de Guadalupe. Its located under a oak tree thats several years old- when your walking up to this place you won't even notice it until you step under a branch and walk into this magical place. Seriously wonderful, service was good- couldve been a bit better for the price but food was really spectacular & different! read more
7 years ago
The setting is amazing. It's so peaceful under that big beautiful oak tree. The food was not what I was expecting. I'm a fan of Javier. I went here strictly to try his amazing food in this setting. It didn't feel like his food. We did the 6 course tasting menu and everything was good but I guess I came in with a preconceived notion of what it was going to be. It's pricey 8 people= 675.00 (dolares). The service was ok (a little slow) the waiters explain each course but they're not as polished as they should be for a restaurant like this. I've had better food for waaaay less .. The oak tree is amazing though and definitely the star. I could sit and have drinks under that tree all day. read more
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7 years ago
This place is simply amazing! Like a little slice of heaven! You choose from a 4, 6 or 8 course meal. Our party if 4 all opted for the 6 course meal. I went with the vegetarian version. Every course was fresh and flavorful. The ambiance can't be beat! When you approach this place, your first thought is where is the restaurant? It's so unassuming, yet so magical. Definitely the most unique dining experience I've ever had! Simply fantastic. Can't wait to return! read more
7 years ago
Came for our 11th anniversary, and start to finish, it was one of the best meals I've ever had. You eat under a 200 year old oak tree, with lanterns hanging from its branches. It's magical. The service is impeccable. Our waiter was genuinely excited and passionate about every course we tried, his wine recommendation was excellent, and he taught us a bit about the history of some of the dishes in Mexico, as well as teaching us some new words we did not know. (Every person seemed to be at least bilingual, and very helpful in this way. So nice.) And then of course, there's the food! We did the 8 course tasting menu, and it was truly fantastic. We had mussels in an edible shell, foie gras on the butteriest brioche I've tasted, ceviche with a black lime, butter poached lobster with lobster molé, duck with a brown molé (perfect crispy outside), lamb chop on the bone and pan fried, and several stages of light sweet desserts, each of which tasted complex, herbal, and slightly perfumes (in a very good way.) All topped off with an ice cream dish covered in a sugar that is melted by a flambé concoction when served. Amazing! This will be marked as one of the most memorable meals we've had, and we will absolutely be back. read more
5 years ago
What a fantastic space with 3 distinct feels. The airstream bar in the lounge area is beyond cute. The food was innovative, surprising and delicious! Very good service and wine pairings. Would love to go again! read more
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The ambience, service, and artistry put into every course will blow your mind and possibly change your standard when it comes to a fine dining experience. The resturant is inside of a 200 year oak tree with lanterns that hang from the branches. My friends requested the vegetarian menu for me however when we got there we needed to explain that i am a RAW Vegan. Everyone in the kitchen looked over at us because I'm not sure but it could have been one of their first times ever preparing food for a raw vegan. My dinner was 5 courses and they were all equally BEAUTIFUL. Our waiter would come from the kitchen to ask if certain ingredients were ok for me to eat. The chef also came to our table to check on me. The service here was impeccable and I'm so grateful to the wait staff and kitchen crew and most importantly the chef for making my experience here memorable. Thank you AMIMALON!!! Everything was fantastic and i hope more people are able to experience your love for service and food by enjoying a dining experience here. Please be patient when trying to get a reservation our tour guide called for 15days straight to get us a reservation your persistence will be worth it. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
This was one of the most amazing food experiences I've ever had. We had the 6 course tasting menu and every single bite was phenomenal! The staff were amazing and attentive, and there is nothing like dining under the beautiful 200 year old Encino tree....magical!!! I can't wait to go back. read more
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Fantastic tasting & pairing menu, excellent & friendly service, amazing ambiance and puppy friendly read more
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More info about Animalón
Carretera Tecate-Ensenada Km 83
22750 Ensenada, Baja California
Mexico
Directions
646 688 1973
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https://www.animalonbaja.com
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