BajaNomad

Our Preferred Ensenada Restaurants

bajabound2005 - 1-24-2011 at 07:50 PM

Some of our favorite Ensenada restaurants – you can Google almost any of these and find great reviews. You can find all of these restaurants on Facebook. PROVECHO!

from north to south

Boules in San Miguel, Open Thurs-Mon starting at 1:00 pm. Casual, seafood and meat. Owner is Javier Martinez (speaks English). Local wines. Sundays are probably the busiest. Waterfront. Just after passing through the toll booth to Ensenada, take the right just in front of the "Extra" store. It's a little cobblestone street. Follow that straight ahead about half a block. The road curves to the right and just on the left is a gated parking lot with a security guard. Tell them you are going to Boules and he will let you in. Park in that lot. The first large white building you see is a "salon". Boules is the smaller place just past it. Cash only. Phone 646 175 9769. Good choice for a group but make arrangements ahead of time with Javi. Sundays and Mondays they have petanque tournaments.

Continue south on the hiway. Next up is Belio at KM 104 on the bayside. Look for a tall white condo building (EntreMar and it looks completely out of place so it’s a good landmark.) A “block” or so past EntreMar is the entrance to Belio. The place is BEAUTIFUL and the most upscale of all mentioned here. Mediterranean style food. I'm not sure of their hours but they open for breakfast at 7:30 on Saturdays. They are also open for lunch and dinner and I would guess they open at 1:00 (except Saturday and Sunday, they open earlier) Also English speaking. If nothing else, stop in for a drink and check out the place. 646 175 8810 info@beliorestaurant.com Excellent location for a large group, but again, I’d give them advance notice.

At KM 104 just a very short distance (maybe ½ a block) past Belio is Viento (the location was to be a condo complex but it never got off the ground), which houses 2 restaurants. You can recognize the "building" by the crazy fence built around it....just sticks nailed together in an random pattern. Food and atmosphere are great at both places. Both are relatively small but can accommodate up to 20 or so. For either, definitely make advance arrangement if you are bringing a group.

The two restaurants are Gazuza and El Sarmiento. both waterfront. El Sarmiento opens at 2:00 and describes itself as an "enogastrobar". Chef/owner is Guillermo Barreto (also speaks English). Great pizzas and breads made in their wood fired oven. Tapas or full menu available. Closed Mon-Wed.

Gazuza is right next to El Sarmiento. I love their ceviche. They put mango in it! Price Range: $$ 10-30
Tues - Wed: 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Thurs - Fri: 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Sat: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm;
Sun: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Just as you enter Ensenada at the intersection where there is the Pemex on your left and the "lighthouse" on your right – take the hard right (sign says Migracion) that is almost a u-turn to “Puerto Recinto” – don’t take the exit off the transpeninsular that says Puerto Recinto! About 4 blocks down on your right, you’ll come across Manzanilla. Owned by award winning and notorious chef, Benito Molina and his lovely wife, Solange. Very “funky” inside (pink chandeliers), full bar. Closed Sun-Mon. They open at 1:00. www.rmanzanilla.com

From Manzanilla, make a u-turn and go back to Blvd Costero. JUST BEFORE Blvd Costero, make another hard right/almost u-turn into the parking lot where the lighthouse marks the entrance. It's a pay lot but both restaurants here will validate. From the middle of the parking lot, (the fish market will be on your left) walk straight out to the malecon. There you will find Muelle 3. This one ranks in our top 3.

Also owned by Chef Benito Molina, Muelle 3 is more casual but the food is excellent and the staff charming. Beer and wine. If you don’t see what you want, ASK! Manager is David Martinez (his brother, Javi, owns Boules) and he also speaks English (and is also an accomplished pianist!) The place is small, but we got 22 people in there once! All fish and seafood as fresh as can be. Definitely make advance arrangements with David. muelletres@gmail.com

Go back to the parking lot and walk to the opposite side of it. There is a walkway to goes out to the street and you’ll find La Cocedora de Langosta. The Platillo del Dia is always a good bet. Try their ceviche, it’s also different. In addition to the restaurant they have a small pescaderia and wine boutique. Open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. lacocedoradelangosta@gmail.com 646 178 3742

Let’s head toward downtown. I don’t want to try to give directions from Blvd Costero so you’re on your own here!

At the corner of 6th and Moctezuma you’ll find La Contra (formerly known as Del Parque). It’s a very modern looking building (white). Easy parking. Great outside dining. They do most of the cooking outside. Excellent wine boutique representing most if not all of the local wines. Sample menu: http://www.lacontravinos.com/blog/?page_id=11 (646) 178-82-13 vinoslacontra@gmail.com

Around the corner from La Contra, on Moctezuma, between 4th and 5th, is Casa del Arte. Live music most days, and on the menu there is something for everyone. Last summer their wine list was someone limited, but you can always run over to La Contra and buy wine there. Great indoor and outdoor areas. http://www.lacasadelarte.com.mx Menu, map and contact info on the webpage.

Barra Azul (also in our top 3). It’s located on 11th between Espinoza and the Puente going over the arroyo. They open at 1:30 and are closed on Tuesdays. Owner is Alain Genchi and the chef is Luis Garcia. The must-haves here are the tempura oysters and the oyster shooters (preferably the ones with green apple!) We don’t order off the menu; we just ask Luis to prepare how many courses we want (4-5). For dessert, the crepe cake. Local wines and full bar. alaingenchi@hotmail.com http://www.barrazul.com

Looking for comfort food like burgers and wings? Check out Icarus Wings. It’s on Ambar near 29 de Noviembre. From the Reforma, go left on Ambar and ¾ mile. Icarus is on the right (on the left is Licores Los Amigos and a Veterinario). Excellent burgers, fries and wings! They make their own burger buns fresh daily. Other meat and fish items available (like fish and chips). Their pizza is “non-traditional” such as with clams and Spanish chorizo. All the food is excellent. Beer and soft drinks. BYO wine, no corkage fee. Owner’s name is Jorge (who lives in San Diego) and his Dad is also Jorge and Dad is sually at the restaurant. Open Tues-Thurs 1:00-9:00; Fri-Sat 1:00 – 11:00; Sun 1:00 – 7:00. Phone 646 178 6055 Link to map: http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&pc=FACEBK&...
www.icarus-go.com is their website.

Not in Ensenada but in the Valle de Guadalupe is our all time favorite, Laja. Casual but upscale food with a fixed price menu. They grow their own herbs and vegetables and almost everything else is acquired locally. Full bar and great list of local wines. Andres Blanco is the manager and “maitre d”. He is also an extraordinary winemaker. Owner and chef is Jair Tellez. You can do the 4 course meal, but splurge and do the 8 courses. They are small so you leave satisfied but not overly stuffed. Last time we were there the 8 course was $720 pesos and the 4 course around $540. Visa/MC accepted. Closed Sun-Tues. Open at 1:30 Wed-Saturday. They close at 3:30 on Wed but are open until 8:30 the other days. (closing time means last people in the door by that time). Located at KM 83 on the Carr Tecate-Ensenada (Ruta de Vinicola). 646 155 2556

tripledigitken - 1-24-2011 at 07:57 PM

Good job on the list. Thank you!!

Udo - 1-24-2011 at 08:37 PM

Superb Reviews, Kath!

Millones Gracias!

You would do well working for FOOD AND WINE magazine.
We'll be down south for the Valentine's weekend and we'll try to come by your place.
This will be about the ONLY normal event that will happen to us since our New Year's tragedy
We are currently living in the RV at Orangeland RV park, about 6 blocks from Anaheim stadium. Nice place!
It's a new feeling to have to start from "ZERO" at just about retirement age.
Best thing about our tragedy is that we won't have to have a retirement yard sale every Labor Day weekend for the next few years. The insurance bought everything!

Mexicorn - 1-24-2011 at 08:49 PM

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this.
This is a great post Bravo!!!!!

DENNIS - 1-24-2011 at 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
You would do well working for FOOD AND WINE magazine.


This compilation will be the subject of "Cut 'n Paste Creativity" soon enough. There's been a lot of calories under the bridge in putting this list together.
Excellent job.

lizard lips - 1-24-2011 at 09:57 PM

Fish and Chips and a "GOOD" Burger in Ensenada? I'm there. Thanks!

bajabound2005 - 1-24-2011 at 10:03 PM

we promise to keep the list up to date!

bigmike - 1-25-2011 at 12:37 AM

I agree with Kathleen's assement of these Restaurants.
I have been to all of them except Boules.
My top 2 are Muelle Tres and Bara Azul!!:yes:

BajaNomad - 1-25-2011 at 07:03 AM

Thank you!

makana.gabriel - 1-28-2011 at 08:28 PM

Thank you SO much! I am going to save this for the next trip down!!

Sallysouth - 1-28-2011 at 11:16 PM

I was hoping for a review on Sanos.Am promised a pre-wedding feast of Prime rib there. Great writing and review.

Sano's review

bajaguy - 1-29-2011 at 06:30 AM

Outstanding food, great beef products. Nice courtyard dining in season, attentive staff. Upscale, fair prices.

The prime rib will be excellent!!!!!!

One of our favorite "special" places in Ensenada.

DENNIS - 1-29-2011 at 08:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
The prime rib will be excellent!!!!!!



Will it be done any time soon? :lol:

woody with a view - 1-29-2011 at 08:10 AM

the first place is in san miguel? who knew.

Doug, you should create a corner of this site with threads like this, the list, best ofs, etc... that eventually get lost in the folds...

or i could just bookmark it.:?:

DENNIS - 1-29-2011 at 08:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
Fish and Chips and a "GOOD" Burger in Ensenada? I'm there. Thanks!


Hey Dan....do you remember Cha Cha Burgers on the Costero where the Navy Base is now? It was around 25 years ago.
She had by today's standards a really lousy Burger, but it was the best in town. After doing a shift at Casita De Palo, a couple of those gut-bombs really tasted good....one to eat and one to spill on the floor.
Thems was the days. :biggrin:

prime Rib

bajaguy - 1-29-2011 at 08:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
The prime rib will be excellent!!!!!!



Will it be done any time soon? :lol:





Dennis....as soon as we get settled, I'll do a Prime Rib on the BBQ, just for you!!!

David K - 1-29-2011 at 08:15 AM

Good Job... !:bounce:

bajabound2005 - 1-29-2011 at 03:07 PM

Sano's didn't make my list as I've never eaten there....It's on the TO DO list!

elgatoloco - 1-29-2011 at 03:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Outstanding food, great beef products. Nice courtyard dining in season, attentive staff. Upscale, fair prices.

The prime rib will be excellent!!!!!!

One of our favorite "special" places in Ensenada.


Ditto's!

Bob H - 1-29-2011 at 05:00 PM

Wow... great post! Now I gotta go down there soon!!!!! My mouth is watering.
:o:O

Sallysouth - 1-29-2011 at 05:41 PM

Thanks Bajaguy and nomads!!Now I am really excited for this dining affair!!:bounce:

Bajahowodd - 1-29-2011 at 05:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
Fish and Chips and a "GOOD" Burger in Ensenada? I'm there. Thanks!


Hey Dan....do you remember Cha Cha Burgers on the Costero where the Navy Base is now? It was around 25 years ago.
She had by today's standards a really lousy Burger, but it was the best in town. After doing a shift at Casita De Palo, a couple of those gut-bombs really tasted good....one to eat and one to spill on the floor.
Thems was the days. :biggrin:


Wasn't that just about the only paved road? Or am I thinking back even earlier to the 70's?

DENNIS - 1-30-2011 at 09:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Wasn't that just about the only paved road? Or am I thinking back even earlier to the 70's?


No....you had to get quite a ways out of town to find a dirt road then although the Costero Blvd. did end right there and took a left up to HWY 1. Now it goes along the beach for another mile or two. Eventually, after they relocate the military bases, it will go as far as Estero Beach.

BajaGringo - 1-31-2011 at 07:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Wasn't that just about the only paved road? Or am I thinking back even earlier to the 70's?


No....you had to get quite a ways out of town to find a dirt road then although the Costero Blvd. did end right there and took a left up to HWY 1. Now it goes along the beach for another mile or two. Eventually, after they relocate the military bases, it will go as far as Estero Beach.


Folks I know (in the know) keep telling me there is a map showing that road to Estero Beach, then making a slight jaunt inland and then continuing further down along the coastline...

lizard lips - 2-12-2011 at 07:39 PM

Went to Icarus tonight and it was GREAT!

Will continue to go back, often.

Thanks

lizard lips - 2-12-2011 at 07:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
Fish and Chips and a "GOOD" Burger in Ensenada? I'm there. Thanks!


Hey Dan....do you remember Cha Cha Burgers on the Costero where the Navy Base is now? It was around 25 years ago.
She had by today's standards a really lousy Burger, but it was the best in town. After doing a shift at Casita De Palo, a couple of those gut-bombs really tasted good....one to eat and one to spill on the floor.
Thems was the days. :biggrin:



I do remember Cha Cha and your right, it was the only place around for a burger. Many moons ago...

[Edited on 10/11/2010 by lizard lips]

mcfez - 2-22-2011 at 08:41 AM

bajabound.....great review and directions...best reading here in the foodie section. Wow......you need to do a website with reviews such as the one above....

Barbarosa - 2-25-2011 at 03:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Some of our favorite Ensenada restaurants –


Also owned by Chef Benito Molina, Muelle 3 is more casual but the food is excellent and the staff charming. Beer and wine. If you don’t see what you want, ASK! Manager is David Martinez (his brother, Javi, owns Boules) and he also speaks English (and is also an accomplished pianist!) The place is small, but we got 22 people in there once! All fish and seafood as fresh as can be. Definitely make advance arrangements with David. muelletres@gmail.com


You were soooo right! Thank you thank you thank you so much for helping with the arrangements. As others had pointed out, we filled the place. How nice of them to stay open for our private party. Absolutely outstanding food, great setting, excellent service!

Barbarosa - 3-2-2011 at 11:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
walk straight out to the malecon. There you will find Muelle 3. This one ranks in our top 3.

Also owned by Chef Benito Molina, Muelle 3 is more casual but the food is excellent and the staff charming. Beer and wine.


As previously noted, it certainly was excellent. Thanks again for the recommendation and for the assistance with the arrangements.

I would make one comment tho about the wine. For my tastes, all the decent wines are dry, and I could not find a dry wine in the lot. Seems like they need to expand their wine list.

Questions from Chowhound

Gypsy Jan - 3-21-2011 at 03:34 PM

" Hmmm, lots of places here i've not heard of. I do know and love barra azul and manzanilla, havent been able to try muelle tres cause they are always closed when i try. I've heard of viento but havent been. I will be going to laja on one of my upcoming trips. So...for a real foodie and chef, which of these places should i really try to get to of the following...(Boules, Belio, Viento, Gazuza, El sarmiento, La casa del Arte)"

[Edited on 3-21-2011 by Gypsy Jan]

bajabound2005 - 3-21-2011 at 05:34 PM

Jan --- Muelle Tres is open Wed-Sun, 12:00 - 6:00. In the summer they are open until 8:00.

Viento is not a restaurant...but a location. The 2 restaurants there are Gazuza and El Sarmiento.

I would skip eating at Belio, maybe have a drink on their patio and watch the sunset, but the food is inconsistent. But the place is beautiful.

Boules has great atmosphere and the food is excellent. I would put that on the "must try" list for a foodie, along with El Sarmiento, and Laja -- that goes without saying.

[Edited on 3-22-2011 by bajabound2005]

bigboy - 3-21-2011 at 05:43 PM

I would definitely try Boules first. My wife and I went there last week and had a fantastic meal.

bajabound2005 - 3-21-2011 at 07:10 PM

and, bigboy, who steered you there????

DENNIS - 3-21-2011 at 07:16 PM

I did. I gave them a map and GPS points. Homed them in with a two-way radio.
A job well done.

bigboy - 3-21-2011 at 09:19 PM

Mrs. bigboy took me to Boules. Of course, you introduced Boules to the Ladies Who Lunch gang and as luck would have it, Mrs bigboy went along with the ladies!

I love your recommendations and have never been disappointed with any of your picks. Keep on looking for new restaurants.......yes!

bigboy - 3-21-2011 at 09:21 PM

Dennis has turned me on to a few great bars but as for restaurants..?

DENNIS - 3-21-2011 at 10:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigboy
Dennis has turned me on to a few great bars but as for restaurants..?


If they're within five hundred blocks of each other, I get credit. :biggrin:

Belio y La Villa del Valle

bajadock - 4-2-2011 at 11:10 AM

My monastic lifestyle was recently interrupted by visitors seeking adventure in Ensenada.

I enjoy the food and service at Belio. On a recent visit, I asked Oscar, our host, to surprise us with several small dishes. We enjoyed a scallop/shrimp/jalapeno dish that approximated ceviche, duck enchiladas, tuna carpaccio and linguini Neptune. The linguini Neptune was more "show" than "go" for a frutti del mar dish, but the others were special. Belio Several dishes in the 120-180 pesos range and the setting on the water is beautiful. Try a weekday visit to minimize crowds and get an ideal table in or out for sunset.

Sano's provides a nice, romantic atmosphere and great tasting steaks. I eat red meat once in a while, but, for my money, I prefer more eccentric flavors. A steak, no matter how good, just doesn't thrill me.

I have yet to try Bronco's Steak House for same reason.

In the Valle de Guadalupe, check out La Villa del Valle. When space is available and you provide 24+ hour email notice to info@lavilladelvalle.com, Phil and Eileen Gregory(British) provide a memorable dining experience to non-overnight guests. Their Vena Cava wines are exceptional and are also offered in a relaxing wine tasting session. I'm a fan of their Big Blend and Cabernet.

My 85 years young mother enjoyed a recent VdV dinner including local bread and cheese, caviar, sea bass appetizer, broccoli and truffle oil soup(photo abvoe), ostrich medallions and sorbet. At $45, it's not your average taco stand, but, the service, setting, gardens and views of the valley provide good value for me. Salud.

[Edited on 4-2-2011 by bajadock]

bajaguy - 4-2-2011 at 01:51 PM

Sano's over Bronco's anyday!!!!!